Welcome to Syracuse, a city known for its vibrant and diverse bird population! This city is home to a wide variety of species, both native and non-native, and provides a great habitat for birds of all kinds.
From the majestic Bald Eagle to the colorful Painted Bunting, Syracuse has something for everyone. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast, a nature lover, or just someone who appreciates the beauty of birds, you’ll enjoy exploring the avian population here.
With all the parks, gardens, and open spaces, there’s no shortage of places to observe birds in Syracuse. Here you can find out more about the different species that call this city home, as well as tips on how to make your bird-watching experience the best it can be. Enjoy.
1. House Finch
The house finch is a bird of the family Fringillidae, meaning it belongs to the finch family. This species of bird is native to western North America but has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and even to Hawaii.
It is closely related to the other two American rosefinches, which are all placed in the genus Haemorhous. This genus, which is only found in North America, consists of three species: the house finch, the purple finch, and the Cassin’s finch.
All three species are similar in appearance and habits, with the house finch being the most common and widespread. They are mainly seed-eating birds and can be found in a variety of habitats, from open woodlands to urban areas.
They are also known to be quite fearless around humans, and will often approach people in search of food.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
2. American Goldfinch
Source: kids.nationalgeographic.com
The American goldfinch is a small bird belonging to the finch family, found in parts of North America. It migrates seasonally, traveling to different parts of the continent depending on the season.
During the breeding season, it can be found as far north as mid-Alberta and as far south as North Carolina. In the winter, it can be found in areas just south of the Canada–United States border down to Mexico.
This wide range of habitats allows the American goldfinch to survive in a variety of climates. Its migratory habits are an important adaptation, as it is able to move to areas where food and nesting grounds are more abundant.
The American goldfinch is an important part of the North American ecosystem, providing an important source of food for other animals as well as an important pollinator of plants.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
3. Gray Catbird
The gray catbird, also known as the grey catbird, is a common bird found in North America and Central America. It is a medium-sized bird in the mimid family, meaning it is related to mockingbirds and thrashers.
The gray catbird is the only member of the “catbird” genus, Dumetella. It is a plain gray color with black and white markings on its wings and tail and has a black cap on its head.
It is often found in wooded areas and is known for its loud and distinctive call, which sounds like a cat meowing. It is an omnivore, eating both insects and fruits and can often be seen hopping around on the ground looking for food.
The gray catbird is an important part of the local ecosystem, as it helps to control insect populations and disperses seeds from fruits, helping to spread plant species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Dumetella |
| Species | D. carolinensis |
4. Blue Jay
The blue jay is a type of bird belonging to the Corvidae family and is native to eastern regions of North America. It is found in many parts of the Eastern and Central United States, where it is a resident. Some of these populations may migrate in response to seasonal changes.
In addition, blue jays are found in Newfoundland, Canada, where they are permanent residents. Breeding populations have been recorded across southern Canada. Blue jays are known for their distinctive blue and white plumage, their bold behavior, and their loud, raucous call.
They are similar in size to a robin, and can often be seen eating a variety of seeds, nuts, insects, and fruit.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. cristata |
5. House Sparrow
The house sparrow is a small bird that belongs to the sparrow family, Passeridae, and can be found in most parts of the world. It has a typical length of 16 cm and a mass of 24–39.5 g.
The female and young birds have a pale brown and grey coloring, while the males have brighter markings of black, white, and brown.
This species of sparrow lives in a variety of habitats, including urban areas, parks, and farmland, and is a familiar sight in many parts of the world due to its adaptability and willingness to live close to humans.
They feed on a variety of insects, seeds, and grains, and are an important part of the ecosystem in many areas. House sparrows are very social birds, often forming large flocks and nesting in colonies.
They are also known to be very vocal, with a variety of chirps and trills that can be heard throughout the day.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passeridae |
| Genus | Passer |
| Species | P. domesticus |
6. American Robin
The American robin is a species of migratory bird belonging to the true thrush genus and the wider thrush family, Turdidae. It is named after the European robin due to its reddish-orange breast, although the two species are not closely related.
The European robin actually belongs to the Old World flycatcher family. American robins are usually seen in the spring and summer months, during which they may travel long distances to find food or a suitable nesting spot.
They are omnivorous, meaning they can eat both insects and fruits. During the winter months, they tend to migrate to warmer climates in order to survive the cold.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
7. Pine Siskin
The Pine Siskin is a small North American bird that belongs to the finch family. It is easily identifiable due to its bright yellow and brown feathers and its distinctive call. These birds are migratory in nature, meaning they migrate from one place to another.
They are known to have an erratic winter range, meaning they may be found in one location one season and then move to a completely different location the next season. This makes it difficult to predict where they might be at any given time.
In the winter, they can be found in the western and northern parts of the United States and Canada, as well as in Mexico and Central America. During the summer months, they can be found in the northern parts of Canada, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest of the United States.
Pine Siskins can also be found in the mountain ranges of the western United States.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. pinus |
8. Dark-eyed Junco
The dark-eyed junco is a species of sparrow belonging to the junco family. This type of bird is commonly found in temperate North America, and during the summer, may even migrate to far regions of the Arctic.
It is known for its distinct grayish coloration and is quite similar to the fox sparrow. However, the systematics of this species is still not fully understood. This bird has a wide range of variability, making it difficult to identify.
For example, the physical characteristics of this species can vary greatly from one population to the next. This includes differences in size, coloration, and behavior.
As a result, it can be hard to distinguish between different junco species. The dark-eyed junco is a treasured species. Not only do they provide us with beautiful bird songs, but they are also important pollinators and seed dispersers.
In addition, they are a critical part of the food chain, providing a food source to larger predators. As such, it is essential that we protect this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Junco |
| Species | J. hyemalis |
9. Common Grackle
The Common Grackle is an icterid bird that is native to North America. It was first identified by the Swedish scientist Carl Linnaeus in 1758. The Common Grackle has three different subspecies.
They are easily identifiable by their long, dark beak, pale yellow eyes, and long tail. Adult Common Grackles are usually seen in large flocks, often perching on power lines or in trees. They are omnivorous and feed on both plant and animal matter.
Common Grackles are known to be very vocal birds, with their calls consisting of harsh “chack!” noises, and they are often seen in open fields or on the edges of woodlands.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. quiscula |
10. Red-shouldered Hawk
The red-shouldered hawk is a medium-sized member of the buteo family of birds. It is found across a wide range of habitats in eastern North America and along the coast of California.
Its range extends from northern Mexico to northeastern-central Mexico, and much of the population tends to be permanent residents. However, some of the northern hawks migrate, usually to central Mexico.
This migration helps them to take advantage of more reliable food resources in the winter months. The red-shouldered hawk is an opportunistic hunter that feeds on a variety of prey, such as small mammals, amphibians, fish, reptiles, and insects.
It is also known to scavenge carrion. The species has adapted to a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands. It is considered to be an important indicator species, as its presence can be used to gauge the health of an ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. lineatus |
11. Tufted Titmouse
The Tufted Titmouse is a small songbird native to North America. It belongs to the Tit and Chickadee family and is typically found in the United States and southern Canada.
It is recognized by its grey-brown head, white belly, and rusty flanks, as well as its tufted crest of feathers.
The Titmouse is also known for its loud, cheerful songs, which it uses to claim its territory. The Black-crested Titmouse is a closely related species found in central and southern Texas.
It was initially considered a subspecies of the Tufted Titmouse but is now recognized as a separate species, Baeolophus atricristatus. This species is distinguished by its black crest, which contrasts with its otherwise grey-brown head.
It is also known for its loud whistles, which it uses to communicate with other birds in its flock.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Baeolophus |
| Species | B. bicolor |
12. Red-bellied Woodpecker
The red-bellied woodpecker is a bird that belongs to the Picidae family. It is a medium-sized woodpecker, usually ranging from 25-30 centimeters long. This species of woodpecker is mostly found in the eastern United States, from Florida in the South to Canada in the North.
It is known for its distinctive red belly and white and black stripes along its back. The red-bellied woodpecker is a common bird in urban and suburban areas, where it feeds on insects, nuts, berries, and fruits.
In addition, this woodpecker is known to breed mainly in the eastern United States, although it may migrate to other areas during the winter season. In the summertime, the red-bellied woodpecker can be seen foraging for food in trees and on the ground.
The red-bellied woodpecker is a beneficial bird for the environment, as it helps to control the insect population and disperse the seeds of various plants.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. carolinus |
13. Pileated Woodpecker
The pileated woodpecker is a large species of woodpecker that is native to North America. It is mostly black in color, with some white on its wings and tail. Its wingspan can reach up to 19 inches, making it the second-largest woodpecker in North America.
The pileated woodpecker is an insectivore, meaning it feeds mainly on insects, such as ants and wood-boring beetles.
It can also feed on fruits and nuts. The pileated woodpecker mainly inhabits deciduous forests in eastern North America, where it can find plenty of insects in the decaying wood.
It is also found in the Great Lakes region, the boreal forests of Canada, and some parts of the Pacific Coast. It is a solitary bird, preferring to search for food alone in its chosen habitat.
It has a distinctive call that is loud and far-carrying, often heard echoing through the woods. Overall, the pileated woodpecker is an important part of the North American woodlands.
It helps to keep insect populations in check, and its presence is an indication of a healthy forest ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryocopus |
| Species | D. pileatus |
14. Downy Woodpecker
Source: ebird.org
The downy woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that is the smallest in North America, measuring 14 to 18 cm in length.
It can be found in forested areas across both the United States and Canada as far north as the tundra, with the exception of deserts in the southwestern United States.
This species of woodpecker is highly adaptable, making its home in many different habitats, from deciduous and coniferous forests to orchards and urban parks. Downy woodpeckers feed mainly on insects and spiders, which they find by drilling into tree bark or probing in crevices.
They also consume nuts, berries, and other fruits. As they are cavity nesters, downy woodpeckers dig cavities in trees to use for nesting and roosting.
They are monogamous, usually returning to the same nesting site each year. Downy woodpeckers are highly social and often form flocks, especially during the winter months. They are also quite vocal, producing a variety of drumming, tapping, and twittering sounds.
Their call is a loud “pik” sound. Downy woodpeckers are an important part of the North American ecosystem. They help to control insect populations, dispersing seeds and creating nesting sites for other bird species.
They are also important indicators of habitat health, as their presence can be an indication of a healthy and diverse forest ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryobates |
| Species | D. pubescens |
15. Golden Eagle
The golden eagle is a large bird of prey that inhabits the Northern Hemisphere. It belongs to the family Accipitridae, which includes all eagles and is one of the most recognizable birds of prey.
The golden eagle is found across many different habitats, from the Arctic tundra to the high mountains of Europe and Asia. It is an apex predator, using its powerful talons to hunt a variety of prey such as rabbits, ground squirrels, and even other birds.
The golden eagle is a powerful hunter with keen eyesight and has even been known to take down large mammals such as deer and wild goats. Golden eagles are also very adaptable and can be found living in a variety of different climates and habitats.
They form strong social bonds with their mates and are often seen soaring and hunting in pairs. Golden eagles are an important part of the food chain and help maintain balance in their environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Aquila |
| Species | A. chrysaetos |
16. Ring-necked Pheasant
The common pheasant is a bird belonging to the pheasant family, a group of birds known for their colorful feathers and long tail feathers. The name of the genus, Phasianus, is derived from Latin and means “pheasant”.
The species name, colchicums, is also of Latin origin and translates to “of Colchis”, a country on the Black Sea. This is where the pheasant first became known to Europeans.
Pheasants are found in a variety of habitats across the world, from woodlands to grasslands and agricultural areas. They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of seeds, grains, and insects. They are also known to eat small reptiles, amphibians, and even young birds.
The vibrant coloring of the males, along with their long tail feathers, make them a stunning sight in many parts of the world. Common pheasants are considered to be game birds, and hunting them is a popular activity in many countries.
The hunting season for pheasants typically begins in late summer and can last until early winter. Despite the popularity of hunting them, common pheasants are not considered to be endangered and their numbers are relatively stable.
Overall, the common pheasant is a unique bird that has been known to Europeans since ancient times. It’s colorful feathers and long tail feathers make it a beautiful sight to behold, and its omnivorous diet makes it a versatile and adaptable species.
Although it is hunted as a game bird, its population remains stable, with no major threat of endangerment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Phasianus |
| Species | P. colchicus |
17. Black Bellied Plover
The grey plover is a species of large bird found in many parts of the world. It is also known as the black-bellied plover in North America. This species breeds in the Arctic regions during the summer months.
At other times of the year, the grey plover is a long-distance migrant that can be found along coastlines in nearly every part of the world.
This extensive range makes it one of the most geographically widespread species of plover. The grey plover is a medium-sized wader with greyish-brown upperparts and a white underbelly.
The back of its neck and head is black, and the bird has a white forehead and a black stripe across its eyes. Its legs are black and its bill is grey.
During the breeding season, the grey plover has a reddish-brown patch on its belly. The grey plover feeds mainly on small invertebrates, such as insects, crustaceans, and worms. It forages in shallow waters, probing in the mud for food.
It has also been known to feed on small fish and amphibians. The grey plover is an adept flier, capable of reaching speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. During its long-distance migrations, it often flies in flocks and can be seen soaring over large bodies of water.
It is a vocal bird, producing a variety of whistles and trills. The grey plover is a fascinating species of bird that is found all over the world. Its impressive long-distance migrations and wide range make it an interesting species to observe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. squatarola |
Conclusion
Birds in Syracuse are incredibly diverse and abundant. With the variety of habitats across Onondaga County, many different species of birds can be found throughout the year.
Whether you’re looking for a rare migrant or a common backyard bird, Syracuse has something to offer for all birders.