Northeast · Atlantic Flyway
Birds in Rochester, NY
Rochester is located in New York. New York's Jamaica Bay, Adirondacks, and Lake Ontario create an Atlantic Flyway birding powerhouse.
Common Birds in Rochester
The most frequently seen bird species in Rochester, New York. Click any bird for full profiles and location-specific data.
Backyard Birds in Rochester
Birds that regularly visit feeders and gardens in Rochester. These species are your best bet for attracting birds to your yard.
Top Bird Watching Spots in Rochester
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.
Explore nearby cities in New York
About birding in Rochester
Rochester is located in New York and falls within the Northeast region along the Atlantic Flyway. The city's habitats—coastal, forest, wetland, urban—support a diverse bird population of more than 480 species.
Whether you're setting up a backyard feeder in Rochester or planning a birding trip to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, this guide covers the most commonly seen species and practical tips for attracting and identifying birds in Rochester, New York.