The sight of bluebirds in New York is a breathtaking experience. These iconic bluebirds are a symbol of the Big Apple, and they have been a part of the city’s culture since the early 1800s.
Although bluebirds can be found throughout the United States, they have a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers. From their bright blue feathers to their sweet songs, these birds are a beloved part of the city’s natural landscape.
Whether you’re a native New Yorker or a visitor to the city, you’ll be sure to appreciate the beauty of these birds.
1. Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird is a small, migratory bird native to North America. It can be found in open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards.
The male Eastern Bluebird is easily recognizable by its bright-blue breeding plumage, which can be easily seen when it is perched on a wire or a tree branch.
This striking coloration, combined with the bird’s easy visibility, has made the Eastern Bluebird a favorite of birders, or birdwatchers. The Eastern Bluebird is a relatively small bird, measuring between 6.25 and 8.25 inches in length, and having a wingspan of around 10 inches.
Its plumage is primarily greyish-brown on its back and a pale blue-grey color on its underside. The male of the species has a distinct bright blue head, back, and wings, whereas the female is a duller blue-grey all over.
The Eastern Bluebird is a migratory species, traveling south during the winter months and returning to its breeding grounds in the spring. It is omnivorous, primarily feeding on insects, fruits, and berries.
In summer, it will often feed on earthworms and caterpillars, and in winter, it will eat fruits and berries from shrubs and trees. In addition to being a favorite of birders, the Eastern Bluebird has a long history of being a symbol of happiness and good luck.
It has been featured in popular culture, such as in the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and its bright-blue plumage has been used to create decorative artwork.
Overall, the Eastern Bluebird is a small, migratory bird native to North America, easily identified by its bright-blue breeding plumage. It is popular among birders, but it is also a symbolic species, often used to represent happiness and good luck.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. sialis |
2. Blue Jay
The blue jay is a type of bird in the family Corvidae, native to North America. It is found throughout the eastern and central United States, but there may be some populations that migrate.
It is also found in Newfoundland, Canada, and there are breeding populations across southern Canada. Blue jays are known for their bright blue feathers, white underparts, and black neck and crown. They are quite vocal and can be heard making a variety of harsh calls and chirps.
Blue jays are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of foods such as nuts, insects, eggs, and small animals. They also enjoy gathering in flocks and searching for food together.
Blue jays are a common sight in the backyard and will often be seen perched in a tree or foraging on the ground.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. cristata |
3. Tree Swallow
The tree swallow is a species of migratory bird belonging to the family of Hirundinidae. It is found in the Americas and was first described in 1807 by Louis Vieillot, a French ornithologist.
It was initially classified as Hirundo bicolor, but since then it has been placed in its current genus Tachycineta.
Its placement within this genus is still being debated by experts, as there are differing opinions on its phylogenetic placement. The tree swallow is a small bird, usually measuring between 15 and 17 cm in length.
It has a wingspan of around 23 cm and a weight of around 18 to 20 g. It has bright blue upperparts, with a white chest and belly. Its tail is forked, and its bill is short and pointed.
The tree swallow is highly active and can be spotted in the air flying in a swift, direct flight. Tree swallows live in a variety of habitats, such as woodlands, marshes, and open fields. They feed mainly on small insects, such as flies, moths, and beetles.
During the breeding season, they form large colonies and build their nests in cavities of trees or old buildings. The female lays a clutch of 3 to 7 eggs, which are incubated by both parents. Tree swallows migrate south in the winter in search of warmer climates.
They migrate as far south as Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. The tree swallow is an important species in the Americas, as it helps to control insect populations and is an important food source for many birds of prey.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Tachycineta |
| Species | T. bicolor |
4. Barn Swallow
The barn swallow is an impressive species of bird, known for its extensive global distribution. It is a passerine bird, which is a sub-group of perching birds and is often easily identifiable by its blue upperparts and long, deeply forked tail.
The barn swallow has the largest natural distribution range of any of the world’s passerines, spanning over 251 million square kilometers. This range covers a wide variety of climates, from semi-arid deserts to grasslands and dense forests.
The barn swallow is a true survivor, as it has adapted to a variety of different habitats and is able to make use of whatever resources are available to it. Its abundance is a testament to its resilience, as it has been able to survive and thrive in its expansive range.
The barn swallow is an incredible species and its remarkable geographic range is a testament to its incredible adaptability.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Hirundo |
| Species | H. rustica |
5. Black-throated Blue Warbler
The black-throated blue warbler is a small passerine bird belonging to the New World warbler family. It is found in the interior of deciduous and mixed coniferous forests in eastern North America.
During the cooler months of the year, the species migrates to islands in the Caribbean and Central America. This particular species of warbler has a distinct black throat, light blue upperparts, white underparts and an orange-brown crown.
It is a small bird with a length of around four inches and a wingspan of six inches. The black-throated blue warbler is an insectivore, primarily consuming insects, caterpillars, and spiders.
These birds can often be seen foraging in the undergrowth of forests and gleaning from the surface of leaves and twigs.
During the breeding season, they build nests in trees or shrubs and lay a clutch of two to six eggs which hatch after 12 days. The black-throated blue warbler is an important species for conservationists, as its breeding range is threatened by the destruction of its natural habitat.
To help protect the species, conservationists are working to increase the amount of suitable habitat for the birds. Additionally, programs have been created to monitor the species and track its population trends.
This helps conservationists understand the effects of human activity on the species and develop strategies for better protecting the warbler.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. caerulescens |
6. Common Starling
The common starling is a type of bird that is part of the starling family, called Sturnidae. It is a medium-sized passerine, which means it is a ground-feeding bird that is usually found in open terrain.
This species is native to Europe, Asia, and Africa, but it has been introduced to North America and is now known as the European starling there. In Great Britain and Ireland, it is simply known as the starling.
This species is highly adaptable and is found in a variety of habitats, from cities to suburban areas, parks, and agricultural fields. It is also a very gregarious species, gathering in large flocks that can number in the thousands.
The starling has a glossy black plumage with a metallic iridescent sheen, and its bill and legs are yellow. It has a variety of vocalizations, including a distinctive chattering sound and a melodious warbling.
The starling is an omnivorous species, feeding mainly on insects, fruit, and grain. Its presence is often beneficial to farmers and gardeners since it helps to control insect pests.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. vulgaris |
7. Belted Kingfisher
The belted kingfisher is a species of water kingfisher that is native to North America. It is a large bird that is very easy to spot due to its bright colors and distinct features. Traditionally, all kingfisher species were placed in one family, Alcedinidae.
However, recent research has suggested that this family should be divided into three subfamilies. These subfamilies include the Alcedininae, Halcyoninae, and Cerylinae.
Each subfamily contains different species of kingfisher, and they are all separated by their physical characteristics and behavior. For example, the Alcedininae are the most widespread and are the typical kingfishers that live in forests and riverbanks.
The Halcyoninae are smaller and live in tropical regions, while the Cerylinae are larger and live in wetlands. Separating the kingfishers into different subfamilies allows for a more accurate classification and understanding of these birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Megaceryle |
| Species | M. alcyon |
8. Cerulean Warbler
The cerulean warbler is a small songbird in the family Parulidae. This bird species is a long-distance migrant, which means it travels long distances between different regions.
During the breeding season, the cerulean warbler can be found in eastern North American hardwood forests. In the non-breeding season, the warbler migrates to the eastern slope of the Andes in South America, where it prefers subtropical forests for its winter home.
This species is highly dependent on the availability of forests, making the conservation of these habitats an important step for the cerulean warbler.
In fact, the cerulean warbler has been listed as a species of conservation concern in some parts of its range, due to habitat destruction and fragmentation.
For this reason, it is important to protect and manage the forests in which the cerulean warbler breeds and winters to ensure the species’ continued survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. cerulea |
9. Common Grackle
The common grackle is a species of bird found in large numbers throughout North America. It was first described in 1758 by the famous Swedish naturalist, Carl Linnaeus. The common grackle has three subspecies, each with different physical characteristics.
Adult common grackles have a long, dark bill, pale yellow eyes, and a long tail. They are members of the icterid family, which includes blackbirds, meadowlarks, and orioles. The common grackle is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring around 11 inches in length.
They have a black or iridescent blue-green plumage, and long, pointed wings. The male and female look very similar, with the male having a slightly brighter plumage. Common grackles are found in open areas, such as grasslands, fields, and near bodies of water.
They are omnivorous birds, eating a variety of insects, small vertebrates, and plant matter. They can also be seen scavenging for food near human settlements, such as landfills and parks.
Common grackles form large flocks, sometimes numbering in the hundreds or even thousands, and are known to be quite vocal, with loud, harsh calls.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. quiscula |
10. Red-breasted Nuthatch
The red-breasted nuthatch is a small songbird with distinct features. Its upperparts are a blue-grey color, while its underparts are a cinnamon shade. Its throat and face are a crisp white, and a black stripe runs through its eyes. It has a straight grey bill and a black crown.
Its call has been described as resembling a tin trumpet, as it is high-pitched and nasally. This species is a beautiful bird, and its call is a distinctive sound in the avian world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. canadensis |
11. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
The blue-gray gnatcatcher is an incredibly small songbird that is native to North America. It is a migratory bird, usually found in deciduous and mixed forests across much of the continent. The bird has a small, blue-gray body with a white belly and black wings and tail.
It has a long, thin bill for catching small insects. Its call is a high-pitched, lisping “tswee” or “tsi-tsi.” The blue-gray gnatcatcher is an important species for its role in controlling insect populations, as it often feeds on mosquitoes, flies, and other small insects.
It is also an indicator species for the health of its environment, as its presence in a healthy ecosystem will often indicate healthy bird populations overall.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Polioptilidae |
| Genus | Polioptila |
| Species | P. caerulea |
12. House Finch
Source: Wikipedia
The house finch is a type of bird that belongs to the finch family, Fringillidae. It is native to western North America but has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and Hawaii.
This particular species is part of the American rosefinches, a group of birds that are placed in the genus Haemorhous. The house finch is well-known for its bright colors and distinct markings and is a common sight in many gardens and parks across the continent.
Its diet consists primarily of seeds and insects, but it also enjoys eating suet, fruit, nectar, and grains. This species is socially active and often seen in groups, making them a delightful sight to behold.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
13. New World Warblers
The New World warblers, also known as wood-warblers, are a group of birds belonging to the family Parulidae. They are small in size, usually with brightly colored feathers, and are only found in the Americas.
They are not related to the Old World warblers found in Europe and Asia, or the Australian warblers native to Australia. New World warblers are often seen in deciduous and coniferous forests, as well as in gardens and parks.
They feed on a variety of insects, spiders, and berries, and they prefer to stay close to the ground.
These birds are an important part of the ecosystem, helping to keep the insect population in check. Parulidae is the scientific name for this family of birds, and it is derived from the Latin word for “little”.
This reflects the small size of the New World warblers, which are typically just a few inches long.
The family is divided into two main subfamilies: the wood-warblers, which live in the Americas, and the Old World flycatchers, which live mainly in Africa and Asia. The New World warblers have a wide range of colors, patterns, and behaviors.
Some of the most common colors are yellow, blue, and olive green, but some species can also have black, brown, or even red plumage. Depending on the species, they may have brightly colored heads, wings, or tails. The behavior of these birds also varies from species to species.
Some species are solitary and live alone or in small groups, while others are quite social and live in large flocks. In addition, some species migrate, while others are year-round residents. New World warblers play an important role in the environment.
They help to keep the insect population in check, as well as provide food for other animals, such as songbirds, raptors, and mammals. They are also an important source of food for humans, as they are popular game birds for hunters.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
14. American Goldfinch
Source: Wikipedia
The American goldfinch is a small bird belonging to the finch family that is native to North America. It has a migratory lifestyle, with its range typically extending from mid-Alberta in the north to North Carolina in the south during the breeding season.
During the winter, it can be found as far south as just south of the Canada–United States border and as far south as Mexico. The American goldfinch is a highly adaptable bird, able to survive in a variety of different habitats.
It typically lives in open fields, woodlands, gardens, and parks. It is a social bird and prefers to live in large flocks, which can range in size from a few dozen to hundreds of birds. The American goldfinch is an omnivore, meaning it eats both plants and animals.
Its diet consists mainly of seeds and insects, such as caterpillars and spiders. It also eats berries and other fruits when they are available. The American goldfinch is a popular bird among birdwatchers, as it is often seen in its breeding and wintering grounds.
Its bright yellow-orange coloration and distinctive call make it easy to recognize. It is also a popular bird among gardeners, as it helps to disperse seeds and keep down insect populations..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
15. Northern Parula
Source: Wikipedia
The northern parula is a species of small New World warbler found in the eastern part of North America. It is a migratory bird that breeds in the warmer months from southern Canada all the way down to Florida.
It has a distinctive blue-grey upper body, yellow underparts, and two white wing bars. It is known to inhabit deciduous and mixed woodlands, and they forage in the trees and shrubs for insects, spiders, and berries.
The northern parula is often seen in flocks during migration but is usually seen alone or in pairs when breeding. They are also known to construct their nests in the hollows of trees or in the forks of branches.
During the breeding season, the male northern parula will sing a distinctive song which is a series of short notes followed by a trill. The song is often heard through the night as the bird often sings throughout the night.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. americana |
16. Red-winged Blackbird
Source: vtecostudies.org
The red-winged blackbird is an impressive species of bird found throughout much of North America and Central America. It is a member of the family Icteridae, a group of passerine birds commonly known as “New World blackbirds”.
The red-winged blackbird is most easily identified by its distinct red and yellow wings, which have earned it its name. The bird’s body is mostly black, with a pointed bill, long legs, and yellow eyes.
Males are more brightly colored than females, with a bright red patch on their wings and yellow patches on their heads. Red-winged blackbirds are found in a wide variety of habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, and wooded areas.
They feed on a variety of insects, seeds, and grains, typically found in open areas. In the summer, they are often found in large flocks, sometimes numbering in the thousands. During the winter, they tend to gather in smaller flocks, usually near water.
Red-winged blackbirds are also known for their loud, melodic calls that can be heard for miles. Red-winged blackbirds are a common sight in many parts of the United States and Canada. They are popular among birdwatchers and often appear in bird-themed artwork.
Despite their prevalence, they are still vulnerable to human disturbances and environmental changes. The red-winged blackbird is an important species to protect and conserve and is a reminder of nature’s beauty and diversity.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
17. Tufted Titmouse
The tufted titmouse is a small songbird that is native to North America. It is part of the tit and chickadee family and is a recognizable species due to its characteristic tufted crest of feathers on its head.
The black-crested titmouse is found in central and southern Texas and was initially classified as a subspecies of the tufted titmouse. However, it is now considered to be a distinct species in its own right and is known as Baeolophus atricristatus.
The black-crested titmouse is a little larger than the tufted titmouse, with grayish-brown plumage and a black cap, as well as a black crest. It has a white throat and a white line below the eye.
The black-crested titmouse has a distinct call that is different from the tufted titmouse, and the two species are easily distinguishable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Baeolophus |
| Species | B. bicolor |
18. Gray Catbird
The Gray Catbird is a common species of bird found in North and Central America. It belongs to the Mimidae family and is the only species of bird in the genus Dumetella.
The Gray Catbird is a medium-sized bird, measuring roughly 7-9 inches in length and weighing about 1.1 ounces. Its upper body is dark gray while its underbody is a lighter gray.
The Gray Catbird has a distinctive feature: its tail feathers are long and pointed, resembling that of a cat, hence the name. The Gray Catbird is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, shrublands, and wetlands.
It feeds primarily on insects, fruits, and berries, and it is also known to eat small animals such as frogs, lizards, and mice. The Gray Catbird is an active forager, searching for food both on the ground and in trees.
The Gray Catbird is a sociable bird and is often seen in small groups. It has a loud and varied call, and it is known for its mimicry, able to imitate the calls of other birds as well as the sounds of other animals.
During the breeding season, the male Gray Catbird will sing a complex song that is often heard in the early morning hours. The Gray Catbird is a popular bird for birdwatchers, as it is easily identified by its gray coloration and distinctive call.
Its popularity is also due to its widespread distribution and its abundance in many areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Dumetella |
| Species | D. carolinensis |
19. Brown-headed Cowbird
The brown-headed cowbird is a species of icterid, a type of bird native to temperate and subtropical areas of North America.
It is a permanent resident in the southern parts of its habitat, while birds in the northern parts migrate to the southern United States and Mexico during the winter months.
These birds return to their summer homes in March or April. The brown-headed cowbird is a small bird and is an obligate brood parasite. This means that they lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, rather than building their own nests.
This behavior has caused them to be seen as pests, as the cowbird chicks are often larger and more aggressive than the chicks of the host species, which gives them an unfair advantage in getting food from the parents.
It has also caused the decline of other species, as the cowbird eggs may outcompete the eggs of other birds for resources.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Molothrus |
| Species | M. ater |
20. Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron is a majestic bird with a wide geographical distribution.
It is a member of the Ardeidae family and is commonly found near the shorelines of open water, wetlands, and other watery areas across North and Central America, northwestern South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands.
This large wading bird is easily identifiable by its long legs and neck and its distinctive blue-gray feathers. The Great Blue Heron has a wingspan of up to 6.5 feet and a body length of up to 4.5 feet.
In its natural habitat, the bird forages small fish, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. It is also a skilled hunter of mice, voles, and other small mammals. With its long legs and sharp beak, the Great Blue Heron is an efficient hunter and an impressive sight to behold.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
21. Painted Bunting
The painted bunting is a species of bird found in the cardinal family, Cardinalidae. It is native to North America and is known for its bright and vibrant plumage. This plumage is only seen in males of the species, and takes two years for it to appear.
In the first year, males of this species look almost identical to the females, and can only be distinguished by close inspection. The painted bunting’s bright plumage is a result of its unique diet, which consists of a variety of fruits, seeds, and insects.
This diet helps to give the bird its bright, colorful feathers. The painted bunting is an important species for conservation efforts in North America, as its habitat is quickly being destroyed due to human activity.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. ciris |
Conclusion
Bluebirds are a valuable part of the New York City ecosystem. They are not only a symbol of hope and renewal, but also a sign of the thriving natural environment in the city.
Their presence is a reminder to New Yorkers of the importance of preserving our urban wildlife and creating a habitat that is welcoming for all species.