List of birds of New York
This list of birds of New York covers all 476 species of wild bird ever documented in New York, as approved by the New York State Avian Records Committee (NYSARC). These 476 species represent twenty-two orders and sixty-four families of birds. The following markings are used:
- (B) Breeding - a species that currently breeds or has bred in New York
- (†) Extinct - a species that used to live in what is now New York but has is now extinct
- (E) Extirpated - a species that no longer occurs in New York, but populations exist elsewhere
- (I) Introduced - a population established solely as result of direct or indirect human intervention; synonymous with non-native and non-indigenous
Other markings denote birds that NYSARC requests documentation of in certain conditions:
- (N) - documentation of this bird should be submitted if seen in New York
- (U) - documentation of this bird should be submitted if seen in upstate New York
- (D) - documentation of this bird should be submitted if seen in downstate New York
- (A) - documentation of this bird should be submitted if seen outside the Adirondacks
- (S) - documentation of this bird should be submitted if seen in New York in spring
This list is presented in taxonomic order and follows the American Ornithologists' Union's Check-list of North American Birds (7th edition, 1998). The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account.
Ducks, geese and swans
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, bills which are flattened to a greater or lesser extent, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to special oils. There are 44 New York species.
- Fulvous whistling duck, Dendrocygna bicolor (N)
- Pink-footed goose, Anser brachyrhynchus (N)
- Greater white-fronted goose, Anser albifrons
- Snow goose, Chen caerulescens
- Ross's goose, Chen rossii
- Brant, Branta bernicla
- Barnacle goose, Branta leucopsis (N)
- Cackling goose, Branta hutchinsii
- Canada goose, Branta canadensis (B)
- Mute swan, Cygnus olor (I,B)
- Tundra swan, Cygnus columbianus
- Wood duck, Aix sponsa (B)
- Gadwall, Anas strepera (B)
- Eurasian wigeon, Anas penelope
- American wigeon, Anas americana (B)
- American black duck, Anas rubripes (B)
- Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos (B)
- Blue-winged teal, Anas discors (B)
- Cinnamon teal, Anas cyanoptera (N)
- Northern shoveler, Anas clypeata (B)
- Northern pintail, Anas acuta (B)
- Green-winged teal, Anas crecca (B)
- Canvasback, Aythya valisineria (B)
- Redhead, Aythya americana (B)
- Ring-necked duck, Aythya collaris (B)
- Tufted duck, Aythya fuligula (U)
- Greater scaup, Aythya marila
- Lesser scaup, Aythya affinis (B)
- King eider, Somateria spectabilis
- Common eider, Somateria mollissima (U,B)
- Harlequin duck, Histrionicus histrionicus
- †Labrador duck, Camptorhynchus labradorius
- Surf scoter, Melanitta perspicillata
- White-winged scoter, Melanitta fusca
- Black scoter, Melanitta americana
- Long-tailed duck, Clangula hyemalis
- Bufflehead, Bucephala albeola
- Common goldeneye, Bucephala clangula (B)
- Barrow's goldeneye, Bucephala islandica
- Smew, Mergellus albellus (N)
- Hooded merganser, Lophodytes cucullatus (B)
- Common merganser, Mergus merganser (B)
- Red-breasted merganser, Mergus serrator (B)
- Ruddy duck, Oxyura jamaicensis (B)
New World quail
Order: Galliformes Family: Odontophoridae
The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits. There is 1 New York species.
- Northern bobwhite, Colinus virginianus (B)
Partridges, grouse, turkeys and Old World quail
Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
Phasianidae consists of the pheasants and their allies. These are terrestrial species, variable in size but generally plump with broad relatively short wings. Many species are gamebirds or have been domesticated as a food source for humans. There are 6 New York species.
- Gray partridge, Perdix perdix (I,B)
- Ring-necked pheasant, Phasianus colchicus (I,B)
- Ruffed grouse, Bonasa umbellus (B)
- Spruce grouse, Falcipennis canadensis (A,B)
- Greater prairie chicken, Tympanuchus cupido (E)
- Wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo (B)
Loons
Order: Gaviiformes Family: Gaviidae
Loons are aquatic birds the size of large ducks, which they superficially resemble. Their plumage is largely gray or black, and they have spear-shaped bills. Loons swim well and fly adequately, but, because their legs are placed towards the rear of the body, are not well adapted to locomotion on land. There are 4 New York species.
- Red-throated loon, Gavia stellata
- Pacific loon, Gavia pacifica (N)
- Common loon, Gavia immer (B)
- Yellow-billed loon, Gavia adamsii (N)
Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large diving birds that breed on fresh water. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. There are 5 New York species.
- Pied-billed grebe, Podilymbus podiceps
- Horned grebe, Podiceps auritus
- Red-necked grebe, Podiceps grisegena
- Eared grebe, Podiceps nigricollis
- Western grebe, Aechmophorus occidentalis (N)
Albatrosses
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Diomedeidae
The albatrosses are among the largest of flying birds, and the great albatrosses from the genus Diomedea have the largest wingspans of any extant birds. One species has appeared in New York.
- Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross, Thalassarche chlororhynchos (A)
Fulmars, petrels, shearwaters
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterized by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary. There are 9 New York species.
- Northern fulmar, Fulmarus glacialis (U)
- Trindade petrel, Pterodroma arminjoniana (N)
- Mottled petrel, Pterodroma inexpectata (N)
- Black-capped petrel, Pterodroma hasitata (N)
- Cory's shearwater, Calonectris diomedea (U)
- Great shearwater, Ardenna gravis (U)
- Sooty shearwater, Ardenna griseus (U)
- Manx shearwater, Puffinus puffinus (U)
- Audubon's shearwater, Puffinus lherminieri (N)
Storm petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
The storm petrels are the smallest seabirds, relatives of the petrels, feeding on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. There are 4 New York species.
- Wilson's storm petrel, Oceanites oceanicus (U)
- White-faced storm petrel, Pelagodroma marina (N)
- Leach's storm petrel, Oceanodroma leucorhoa (N)
- Band-rumped storm petrel, Oceanodroma castro (N)
Tropicbirds
Order: Phaethontiformes Family: Phaethontidae
Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their long wings have black markings, as does the head. There are 2 New York species.
- White-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon lepturus (N)
- Red-billed tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus (N)
Storks
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, heavy, long-legged, long-necked wading birds with long stout bills and wide wingspans. They lack the powder down that other wading birds such as herons, spoonbills and ibises use to clean off fish slime. Storks lack a pharynx and are mute. There is 1 New York species.
- Wood stork, Mycteria americana (N)
Frigatebirds
Order: Suliformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black or black-and-white, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have colored inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week. There is 1 New York species.
- Magnificent frigatebird, Fregata magnificens (N)
Boobies and gannets
Order: Suliformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium-large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish. There are 2 New York species.
- Brown booby, Sula leucogaster (N)
- Northern gannet, Morus bassanus
Cormorants
Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Cormorants are medium to large aquatic birds, usually with mainly dark plumage and areas of colored skin on the face. The bill is long, thin and sharply hooked. Their feet are four-toed and webbed, a distinguishing feature of the Pelecaniformes order. There are 2 New York species.
- Double-crested cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus (B)
- Great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo
Darters
Order: Suliformes Family: Anhingidae
Darters are cormorant-like water birds with very long necks and long, straight beaks. They are fish eaters which often swim with only their neck above the water. There is 1 New York species.
Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga (N)
Pelicans
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are very large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. Like other birds in the order Pelecaniformes, they have four webbed toes. There are 2 New York species.
- American white pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos (D)
- Brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis (U)
Bitterns, herons and night herons
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the herons, egrets and bitterns. Herons and egrets are medium-sized to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter-necked and more secretive. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills. There are 13 New York species.
- American bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus (B)
- Least bittern, Ixobrychus exilis (B)
- Great blue heron, Ardea herodias (B)
- Great egret, Ardea alba (B)
- Western reef heron, Egretta gularis (N)
- Snowy egret, Egretta thula (B)
- Little blue heron, Egretta caerulea (B)
- Tricolored heron, Egretta tricolor (U,B)
- Reddish egret, Egretta rufescens (N)
- Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis (B)
- Green heron, Butorides virescens (B)
- Black-crowned night heron, Nycticorax nycticorax (B)
- Yellow-crowned night heron, Nyctanassa violacea (U,B)
Ibises and spoonbills
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae
The family Threskiornithidae includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings. Their bodies tend to be elongated, the neck more so, with rather long legs. The bill is also long, decurved in the case of the ibises, straight and distinctively flattened in the spoonbills. There are 4 New York species.
- White ibis, Eudocimus albus (N)
- Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus (B)
- White-faced ibis, Plegadis chihi (N)
- Roseate spoonbill, Platalea ajaja (N)
New World vultures
Order: Cathartiformes Family: Cathartidae
The New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but superficially resemble them because of convergent evolution. Like the Old World vultures, they are scavengers, but unlike Old World vultures, which find carcasses by sight, some New World vultures have a good sense of smell with which they find carcasses. There are 2 New York species.
- Black vulture, Coragyps atratus (B)
- Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura (B)
Osprey
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
Pandionidae is a monotypic family of fish-eating birds of prey, possessing a very large, powerful hooked beak for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight. There is one species worldwide, which occurs in North America and New York.
- Osprey, Pandion haliaetus (B)
Kites, eagles, harriers and hawks
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites and harriers. These birds have very large powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight. There are 14 New York species.
- Swallow-tailed kite, Elanoides forficatus (N)
- White-tailed kite, Elanus leucurus (N)
- Mississippi kite, Ictinia mississippiensis (N)
- Bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus (B)
- Northern harrier, Circus cyaneus (B)
- Sharp-shinned hawk, Accipiter striatus (B)
- Cooper's hawk, Accipiter cooperii (B)
- Northern goshawk, Accipiter gentilis (B)
- Red-shouldered hawk, Buteo lineatus (B)
- Broad-winged hawk, Buteo platypterus (B)
- Swainson's hawk, Buteo swainsoni (N)
- Red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis (B)
- Rough-legged hawk, Buteo lagopus
- Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos (B)
Caracaras and falcons
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey, notably the falcons and caracaras. They differ from hawks, eagles and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons. There are 4 New York species.
- American kestrel, Falco sparverius (B)
- Merlin, Falco columbarius (B)
- Gyrfalcon, Falco rusticolus (N)
- Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus (B)
Rails, gallinules, moorhens and coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. The most typical family members occupy dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers. There are 11 New York species.
- Yellow rail, Coturnicops noveboracensis (N)
- Black rail, Laterallus jamaicensis (U,B)
- Corn crake, Crex crex (N)
- Clapper rail, Rallus crepitans (U,B)
- King rail, Rallus elegans (N,B)
- Virginia rail, Rallus limicola (B)
- Sora, Porzana carolina (B)
- Purple gallinule, Porphyrio martinica (N)
- Azure gallinule, Porphyrio flavirostris (N)
- Common gallinule, Gallinula galeata (B)
- American coot, Fulica americana (B)
Cranes
Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae
Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". There is 1 New York species.
- Sandhill crane, Grus canadensis (B)
Lapwings and plovers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water. There are 9 New York species.
- Northern lapwing, Vanellus vanellus (N)
- Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
- American golden plover, Pluvialis dominica
- Pacific golden plover, Pluvialis fulva (N)
- Wilson's plover, Charadrius wilsonia (N)
- Common ringed plover, Charadrius hiaticula (N)
- Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus
- Piping plover, Charadrius melodus (U,B)
- Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus (B)
Oystercatchers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae
The oystercatchers are large, obvious, noisy plover-like birds with strong bills used for smashing or prying open molluscs. There is 1 New York species.
- American oystercatcher, Haematopus palliatus (B)
Stilts and avocets
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are 2 New York species.
- Black-necked stilt, Himantopus mexicanus (N)
- American avocet, Recurvirostra americana
Sandpipers, curlews, stints, godwits, snipes and phalaropes
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae is a large, diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds, including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. Most species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Different lengths of legs and bills enable multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 42 New York species.
- Spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularius (B)
- Solitary sandpiper, Tringa solitaria
- Spotted redshank, Tringa erythropus (N)
- Greater yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca
- Willet, Tringa semipalmata (B)
- Lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes
- Wood sandpiper, Tringa glateola (N)
- Upland sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda (B)
- Eskimo curlew, Numenius borealis (E)
- Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
- Eurasian curlew, Numenius arquata (N)
- Long-billed curlew, Numenius americanus (N)
- Black-tailed godwit, Limosa limosa (N)
- Hudsonian godwit, Limosa haemastica
- Bar-tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica (N)
- Marbled godwit, Limosa fedoa (U)
- Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
- Red knot, Calidris canutus
- Sanderling, Calidris alba
- Semipalmated sandpiper, Calidris pusilla
- Western sandpiper, Calidris mauri (S,U)
- Red-necked stint, Calidris ruficollis (N)
- Little stint, Calidris minuta (N)
- Least sandpiper, Calidris minutilla
- White-rumped sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis
- Baird's sandpiper, Calidris bairdii (S)
- Pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos
- Sharp-tailed sandpiper, Calidris acuminata (N)
- Purple sandpiper, Calidris maritima
- Dunlin, Calidris alpina
- Curlew sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea (N)
- Stilt sandpiper, Calidris himantopus
- Broad-billed sandpiper, Limicola falcinellus (N)
- Buff-breasted sandpiper, Tryngites subruficollis
- Ruff, Philomachus pugnax (N)
- Short-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus griseus
- Long-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus scolopaceus
- Wilson's snipe, Gallinago delicata (B)
- American woodcock, Scolopax minor (B)
- Wilson's phalarope, Phalaropus tricolor (B)
- Red-necked phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus
- Red phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius
Gulls, terns and skimmers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds and includes jaegers, skuas, gulls, terns, kittiwakes and skimmers. They are typically gray or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. There are 35 New York species.
- Black-legged kittiwake, Rissa tridactyla
- Ivory gull, Pagophila eburnea (N)
- Sabine's gull, Xema sabini (S)
- Bonaparte's gull, Chroicocephalus philadelphia
- Black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus
- Little gull, Hydrocoloeus minutus
- Ross's gull, Rhodostethia rosea (N)
- Laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla (B)
- Franklin's gull, Leucophaeus pipixcan
- Black-tailed gull, Larus crassirostris (N)
- Mew gull, Larus canus (N)
- Ring-billed gull, Larus delawarensis (B)
- Western gull, Larus occidentalis (N)
- California gull, Larus californicus (N)
- Herring gull, Larus smithsonianus (B)
- Thayer's gull, Larus thayeri (N)
- Iceland gull, Larus glaucoides
- Lesser black-backed gull, Larus fuscus
- Slaty-backed gull, Larus schistisagus (N)
- Glaucous gull, Larus hyperboreus
- Great black-backed gull, Larus marinus (B)
- Sooty tern, Onychoprion fuscatus (N)
- Bridled tern, Onychoprion anaethetus (N)
- Least tern, Sternula antillarum (B)
- Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica (U,B)
- Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia (B)
- Black tern, Chlidonias niger (B)
- White-winged tern, Chlidonias leucopterus (N,B)
- Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii (B)
- Common tern, Sterna hirundo (B)
- Arctic tern, Sterna paradisaea (N)
- Forster's tern, Sterna forsteri (B)
- Royal tern, Thalasseus maximus (U)
- Sandwich tern, Thalasseus sandvicensis (N)
- Black skimmer, Rynchops niger (U,B)
Skuas and jaegers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
Skuas and jaegers are long-distant migrants, breeding on the high arctic tundra but flying as far as Antarctica. During the breeding season, they hunt small mammals and birds, but at other times of the year, they will scavenge and steal food from other birds. There are 5 New York species.
- Great skua, Stercorarius skua (N)
- South polar skua, Stercorarius maccormicki (N)
- Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus
- Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus
- Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus (N)
Auks, murres and puffins
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Alcidae
Alcids are superficially similar to penguins in their black-and-white colors, their upright posture and some of their habits. However they are only distantly related to the penguins and are able to fly. Auks live on the open sea, deliberately coming ashore only to nest. There are 8 species which have occurred in New York.
- Dovekie, Alle alle (U)
- Common murre, Uria aalge (N)
- Thick-billed murre, Uria lomvia (N)
- Razorbill, Alca torda (U)
- Black guillemot, Cepphus grylle (U)
- Long-billed murrelet, Brachyramphus perdix (N)
- Ancient murrelet, Synthliboramphus antiques (N)
- Atlantic puffin, Fratercula arctica (N)
Pigeons and doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. There are 6 New York species.
- Rock dove, Columba livia (I,B)
- Band-tailed pigeon, Patagioenas fasciata (N)
- Eurasian collared dove, Streptopelia decaocto (N)
- White-winged dove, Zenaida asiatica (N)
- Mourning dove, Zenaida macroura (B)
- †Passenger pigeon, Ectopistes migratorius (B)
Lories and lorikeets, parakeets, macaws and parrots
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae
Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and they have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two to the back. There is one introduced New York species.
- Monk parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus (I,B)
Cuckoos, roadrunners and anis
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. There are 2 New York species.
- Yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus
- Black-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus
Barn owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There is one New York species.
- Barn owl, Tyto alba (B)
Typical owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
Typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. There are 11 New York species.
- Eastern screech owl, Megascops asio (B)
- Great horned owl, Bubo virginianus (B)
- Snowy owl, Bubo scandiacus
- Northern hawk-owl, Surnia ulula (N)
- Burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia (N)
- Barred owl, Strix varia (B)
- Great gray owl, Strix nebulosa (N)
- Long-eared owl, Asio otus (B)
- Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus (B)
- Boreal owl, Aegolius funereus (N)
- Northern saw-whet owl, Aegolius acadicus (B)
Nightjars
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is cryptically colored to resemble bark or leaves. There are 3 New York species.
- Common nighthawk, Chordeiles minor (B)
- Chuck-will's-widow, Antrostomus carolinensis (U,B)
- Eastern whip-poor-will, Antrostomus vociferus (B)
Swifts
Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae
The swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang. There is one New York species.
- Chimney swift, Chaetura pelagica (B)
Hummingbirds
Order: Apodiformes Family: Trochilidae
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Hummingbirds are small birds capable of hovering in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backwards. There are 5 New York species.
- Broad-billed hummingbird, Colibri thalassinus (N)
- Ruby-throated hummingbird, Archilochus colubris (B)
- Anna's hummingbird, Calypte anna (N)
- Calliope hummingbird, Selasphorus calliope (N)
- Rufous hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus (N)
Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails. There is one New York species.
- Belted kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon
Woodpeckers, sapsuckers and flickers
Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. There are 11 New York species.
- Lewis's woodpecker, Melanerpes lewis (N)
- Red-headed woodpecker, Melanerpes erythrocephalus (B)
- Red-bellied woodpecker, Melanerpes carolinus (B)
- Williamson's sapsucker, Sphyrapicus thyroideus (N)
- Yellow-bellied sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius (B)
- Downy woodpecker, Picoides pubescens (B)
- Hairy woodpecker, Picoides villosus (B)
- American three-toed woodpecker, Picoides dorsalis (A,B)
- Black-backed woodpecker, Picoides arcticus (A,B)
- Northern flicker, Colaptes auratus (B)
- Pileated woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus (B)
Tyrant flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tyrannidae
Tyrant flycatchers are passerines which are found throughout the Americas. They bear a superficially resemblance to the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust and have stronger bills. They lack the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most are insectivoress. Twenty species of tyrant flycatcher have been found to live in New York:
- Olive-sided flycatcher, Contopus cooperi (B)
- Eastern wood pewee, Contopus virens (B)
- Yellow-bellied flycatcher, Empidonax flaviventris (B)
- Acadian flycatcher, Empidonax virescens (B)
- Alder flycatcher, Empidonax alnorum (B)
- Willow flycatcher, Empidonax traillii (B)
- Least flycatcher, Empidonax minimus (B)
- Hammond's flycatcher, Empidonax hammondii
- Pacific-slope/Cordilleran flycatcher, Empidonax difficilis/occidentails (N)
- Eastern phoebe, Sayornis phoebe (B)
- Say's phoebe, Sayornis saya (N)
- Vermilion flycatcher, Pyrocephalus rubinus (N)
- Ash-throated flycatcher, Myiarchus cinerascens (N)
- Great crested flycatcher, Myiarchus crinitus (B)
- Cassin's kingbird, Tyrannus vociferans (N)
- Western kingbird, Tyrannus verticalis (U)
- Eastern kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus (B)
- Gray kingbird, Tyrannus dominicensis (N)
- Scissor-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus forficatus (N)
- Fork-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus savana (N)
Shrikes
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Order: Passeriformes Family: Laniidae
Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey. There are 2 New York species.
- Loggerhead shrike, Lanius ludovicianus (N,B)
- Northern shrike, Lanius excubitor
Vireos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
The vireos are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World. They are typically greenish in color and resemble wood warblers apart from their heavier bills. There are 8 New York species.
- White-eyed vireo, Vireo griseus (B)
- Bell's vireo, Vireo bellii (N)
- Yellow-throated vireo, Vireo flavifrons (B)
- Cassin's vireo, Vireo cassinii (N)
- Blue-headed vireo, Vireo solitarius (B)
- Warbling vireo, Vireo gilvus (B)
- Philadelphia vireo, Vireo philadelphicus (B)
- Red-eyed vireo, Vireo olivaceus (B)
Jays, crows, magpies and ravens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence. There are 6 New York species.
- Gray jay, Perisoreus canadensis (A,B)
- Blue jay, Cyanocitta cristata (B)
- Black-billed magpie, Pica hudsonia (N)
- American crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos (B)
- Fish crow, Corvus ossifragus (B)
- Common raven, Corvus corax (B)
Larks
Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. There are 2 New York species.
- Sky lark, Alauda arvensis (I,E,B)
- Horned lark, Eremophila alpestris (B)
Swallows and martins
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 7 New York species.
- Purple martin, Progne subis (B)
- Tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor (B)
- Northern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx serripennis (B)
- Bank swallow, Riparia riparia (B)
- Cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota (B)
- Cave swallow, Petrochelidon fulva (N)
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica (B)
Chickadees and titmice
Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae
The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects. There are 3 New York species.
- Black-capped chickadee, Poecile atricapillus (B)
- Boreal chickadee, Poecile hudsonica (B)
- Tufted titmouse, Baeolophus bicolor (B)
Nuthatches
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sittidae
Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other birds which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails and powerful bills and feet. There are 3 New York species.
- Red-breasted nuthatch, Sitta canadensis (B)
- White-breasted nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis (B)
- Brown-headed nuthatch, Sitta pusilla (N)
Treecreepers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Certhiidae
Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees. There is 1 New York species.
- Brown creeper, Certhia americana (B)
Wrens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae
Wrens are small and inconspicuous birds, except for their loud songs. They have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. There are 7 New York species.
- Rock wren, Salpinctes obsoletus (N)
- Carolina wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus (B)
- Bewick's wren, Thryomanes bewickii (N,B)
- House wren, Troglodytes aedon (B)
- Winter wren, Troglodytes hiemalis (B)
- Sedge wren, Cistothorus platensis (B)
- Marsh wren, Cistothorus palustris (B)
Gnatcatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Polioptilidae
- Blue-gray gnatcatcher, Polioptila caerulea (B)
Kinglets
Order: Passeriformes Family: Regulidae
The kinglets are a small family of birds which resemble the titmice. They are very small insectivorous birds in the genus Regulus. The adults have colored crowns, giving rise to their name. There are 2 New York species.
- Golden-crowned kinglet, Regulus satrapa (B)
- Ruby-crowned kinglet, Regulus calendula (B)
Old World flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae
- Northern wheatear, Oenanthe oenanthe (N)
Thrushes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly but not exclusively in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. There are 13 New York species.
- Eastern bluebird, Sialia sialis (B)
- Mountain bluebird, Sialia currucoides (N)
- Townsend's solitaire, Myadestes townsendi (N)
- Veery, Catharus fuscescens (B)
- Gray-cheeked thrush, Catharus minimus (B)
- Bicknell's thrush, Catharus bicknelli (N,B)
- Swainson's thrush, Catharus ustulatus (B)
- Hermit thrush, Catharus guttatus (B)
- Wood thrush, Hylocichla mustelina (B)
- Fieldfare, Turdus pilaris (N)
- Redwing, Turdus iliacus (N)
- American robin, Turdus migratorius (B)
- Varied thrush, Ixoreus naevius (N)
Mockingbirds and thrashers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Mimidae
The Mimics are a family of passerine birds which includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalizations, especially their remarkable ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. The species tend towards dull grays and browns in their appearance. There are 4 New York species.
- Gray catbird, Dumetella carolinensis (B)
- Northern mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos (B)
- Sage thrasher, Oreoscoptes montanus (N)
- Brown thrasher, Toxostoma rufum (B)
Starlings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized Old World passerine birds with strong feet. Their flight is strong and direct and most are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country, and they eat insects and fruit. The plumage of several species is dark with a metallic sheen. There is one species that has been introduced to North America and New York.
- European starling, Sturnus vulgaris (I,B)
Wagtails and pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. There are 2 New York species.
- "Yellow" wagtail, Motacilla tschutschensis/flava (N)
- American pipit, Anthus rubescens
Waxwings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Bombycillidae
The waxwings are a group of passerine birds with soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and cedar waxwings, these tips look like sealing wax and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter. There are 2 New York species.
- Bohemian waxwing, Bombycilla garrulus
- Cedar waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum (B)
Longspurs and snow buntings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Calcariidae
The Calcariidae are a group of passerine birds that have been traditionally grouped with the Emberizeridae (New World sparrows), but differ in a number of respects. They are usually found in open grassy areas. There are 4 New York species.
- Lapland longspur, Calcarius lapponicus
- Chestnut-collared longspur, Calcarius ornatus (N)
- Smith's longspur, Calcarius pictus (N)
- Snow bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis
New World warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Parulidae
The wood warblers are a group of small often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some are more terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores. There are 41 New York species.
- Blue-winged warbler, Vermivora cyanoptera (B)
- Golden-winged warbler, Vermivora chrysoptera (B)
- Tennessee warbler, Oreothlypis peregrina (B)
- Orange-crowned warbler, Oreothlypis celata (B)
- Nashville warbler, Oreothlypis ruficapilla (B)
- Northern parula, Setophaga americana (B)
- Yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia (B)
- Chestnut-sided warbler, Setophaga pensylvanica (B)
- Magnolia warbler, Setophaga magnolia (B)
- Cape May warbler, Setophaga tigrina (B)
- Black-throated blue warbler, Setophaga caerulescens (B)
- Yellow-rumped warbler, Setophaga coronata (B)
- Black-throated gray warbler, Setophaga nigrescens (N)
- Black-throated green warbler, Setophaga virens (B)
- Townsend's warbler, Setophaga townsendi (N)
- Blackburnian warbler, Setophaga fusca (B)
- Yellow-throated warbler, Setophaga dominica (B)
- Pine warbler, Setophaga pinus (B)
- Prairie warbler, Setophaga discolor (B)
- Palm warbler, Setophaga palmarum (B)
- Bay-breasted warbler, Setophaga castanea (B)
- Blackpoll warbler, Setophaga striata (B)
- Cerulean warbler, Setophaga cerulea (B)
- Hooded warbler, Setophaga citrina (B)
- American redstart, Setophaga ruticilla (B)
- Black-and-white warbler, Mniotilta varia (B)
- Prothonotary warbler, Protonotaria citrea (B)
- Worm-eating warbler, Helmitheros vermivorum (B)
- Swainson's warbler, Limnothlypis swainsonii (N)
- Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapilla (B)
- Northern waterthrush, Parkesia noveboracensis (B)
- Louisiana waterthrush, Parkesia motacilla (B)
- Connecticut warbler, Oporornis agilis
- Kentucky warbler, Geothlypis formosa (B)
- Mourning warbler, Geothlypis philadelphia (B)
- MacGillivray's warbler, Geothlypis tolmiei (N)
- Common yellowthroat, Geothlypis trichas (B)
- Wilson's warbler, Cardellina pusilla (B)
- Canada warbler, Cardellina canadensis (B)
- Painted redstart, Myioborus pictus (N)
- Yellow-breasted chat, Icteria virens (B)
American sparrows, towhees and juncos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae
Emberizidae is a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with distinctively shaped bills. In Europe, most species are called buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns. There are 29 New York species.
- Green-tailed towhee, Pipilo chlorurus (N)
- Spotted towhee, Pipilo maculatus (N)
- Eastern towhee, Pipilo erythrophthalmus (B)
- Cassin's sparrow, Peucaea cassinii (N)
- Bachman's sparrow, Peucaea aestivalis (N)
- American tree sparrow, Spizelloides arborea
- Chipping sparrow, Spizella passerina (B)
- Clay-colored sparrow, Spizella pallida (B)
- Field sparrow, Spizella pusilla (B)
- Vesper sparrow, Pooecetes gramineus (B)
- Lark sparrow, Chondestes grammacus (U)
- Lark bunting, Calamospiza melanocorys (N)
- Savannah sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis (B)
- Grasshopper sparrow, Ammodramus savannarum (B)
- Baird's sparrow, Ammodramus bairdii (N)
- Henslow's sparrow, Ammodramus henslowii (B)
- Le Conte's sparrow, Ammodramus leconteii (M)
- Nelson's sparrow, Ammodramus nelsoni
- Saltmarsh sparrow,Ammodramus caudacutus (U,B)
- Seaside sparrow, Ammodramus maritimus (U,B)
- Fox sparrow, Passerella iliaca
- Song sparrow, Melospiza melodia (B)
- Lincoln's sparrow, Melospiza lincolnii (B)
- Swamp sparrow, Melospiza georgiana (B)
- White-throated sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis (B)
- Harris's sparrow, Zonotrichia querula (N)
- White-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys
- Golden-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia atricapilla (N)
- Dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis (B)
Tanagers, cardinals, saltators and grosbeaks
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cardinalidae
The cardinals are a family of robust, seed-eating birds with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages. There are 11 New York species.
- Summer tanager, Piranga rubra (U,B)
- Scarlet tanager, Piranga olivacea (B)
- Western tanager, Piranga ludoviciana (N)
- Northern cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis (B)
- Rose-breasted grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus (B)
- Black-headed grosbeak, Pheucticus melanocephalus (N)
- Blue grosbeak, Passerina caerulea (U,B)
- Lazuli bunting, Passerina caerulea (N)
- Indigo bunting, Passerina cyanea (B)
- Painted bunting, Passerina ciris (N)
- Dickcissel, Spiza americana (B)
Blackbirds, meadowlarks, cowbirds, grackles and New World orioles
Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteridae
The icterids are a group of small to medium-sized, often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the grackles, New World blackbirds and New World orioles. Most species have black as a predominant plumage color, often enlivened by yellow, orange or red. There are 14 New York species.
- Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus (B)
- Red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus (B)
- Eastern meadowlark, Sturnella magna (B)
- Western meadowlark, Sturnella neglecta (N,B)
- Yellow-headed blackbird, Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus (N)
- Rusty blackbird, Euphagus carolinus (B)
- Brewer's blackbird, Euphagus cyanocephalus (N)
- Common grackle, Quiscalus quiscula (B)
- Boat-tailed grackle, Quiscalus major (U,B)
- Brown-headed cowbird, Molothrus ater (B)
- Orchard oriole, Icterus spurius (B)
- Bullock's oriole, Icterus bullockii (N)
- Baltimore oriole, Icterus galbula (B)
- Scott's oriole, Icterus parisorum (N)
Finches
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. There are 12 New York species.
- Brambling, Fringilla montifringilla (N)
- Pine grosbeak, Pinicola enucleator
- Purple finch, Haemorhous purpureus (B)
- House finch, Haemorhous mexicanus (I,B)
- Red crossbill, Loxia curvirostra (B)
- White-winged crossbill, Loxia leucoptera (B)
- Common redpoll, Acanthis flammea
- Hoary redpoll, Acanthis hornemanni (D)
- Pine siskin, Spinus pinus (B)
- American goldfinch, Spinus tristis (B)
- European goldfinch, Carduelis carduelis (I,E,B)
- Evening grosbeak, Hesperiphona vespertina (B)
Old World sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Old World sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small plump brownish or grayish birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects. There is 1 New York species.
- House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I,B)
See also
References
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- The A.O.U. Check-list of North American Birds, American Ornithologists' Union, 7th edition (a recognized source on the taxonomy of birds found in North and Middle America).
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