Northeast · Atlantic Flyway
Birds in New York
Birds in New York: New York's Jamaica Bay, Adirondacks, and Lake Ontario create an Atlantic Flyway birding powerhouse. This guide lists the common backyard birds, a month-by-month calendar, and the best places to go bird watching in New York.
Popular cities in New York:
Common Birds in New York
The most frequently reported bird species across New York. Click any bird for full profiles, photos, calls, and attraction tips.
Backyard Birds in New York
New York backyard birds that regularly visit feeders and gardens. These are the species you’re most likely to attract with the right food, plants, and habitat setup.
Where to Go Bird Watching in New York
The best places to see birds in New York, from national wildlife refuges to local sanctuaries.
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Queens salt marsh—one of the East Coast's top migration stops.
Braddock Bay
Lake Ontario raptor and owl migration in spring.
Birds in New York by Month
What to expect each month: migration arrivals, departures, and seasonal highlights.
Birds by Habitat in New York
New York spans 4 major habitat types. Explore birds adapted to each environment.
Birds in neighboring states
About birding in New York
New York is located in the Northeast region of the United States and falls along the Atlantic Flyway, one of four major North American migration routes. The state is home to more than 480 bird species across 4 habitat types: coastal, forest, wetland, urban.
Whether you’re a backyard birder in New York City or planning a trip to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, this guide covers the most commonly seen species, seasonal patterns, and practical tips for attracting and identifying birds in New York.