By Avian Feathers Team
Published June 2025
New York is more than just skyscrapers and subways. From city parks to backyard feeders, the state is full of feathered life. Whether you’re exploring Central Park or walking a quiet trail upstate, keep an eye out for these familiar faces.
1. Northern Cardinal
With its bright red feathers and spiky crest, the Northern Cardinal is hard to miss. Males are a brilliant red, while females are soft brown with red accents. Their sweet “cheer-cheer-cheer” song is a favorite in neighborhoods and parks alike.
Size
Length: 8.3–9.1 in (21–23 cm)
Wingspan: 9.8–12.2 in (25–31 cm)
Weight: 1.5–1.7 oz (42–48 g)
Scientific Name: Cardinalis cardinalis
2. American Robin
Robins are a sign of spring, but in many parts of New York, they stay year-round. These birds have gray backs, orange bellies and a cheerful song that fills the morning air. They love lawns, where they hunt for worms after the rain.
Size
Length: 7.9–11 in (20–28 cm)
Wingspan: 12.2–15.8 in (31–40 cm)
Weight: 2.7–3.0 oz (77–85 g)
Scientific Name: Turdus migratorius
3. Blue Jay
Bold, loud and beautiful. Blue Jays flash electric blue wings and make a variety of calls — from music-like whistles to loud “jay-jay” screams. They’re highly intelligent and often seen hopping around feeders or hiding acorns.
Size
Length: 9.8–11.8 in (25–30 cm)
Wingspan: 13.4–16.9 in (34–43 cm)
Weight: 2.5–3.5 oz (70–100 g)
Scientific Name: Cyanocitta cristata
4. House Sparrow
These little birds are found everywhere, from sidewalks to store signs. Males have black bibs and gray heads, while females are a streaky brown. They’re not native to North America but have become one of the most common birds around.
Size
Length: 5.9–6.7 in (15–17 cm)
Wingspan: 7.5–9.8 in (19–25 cm)
Weight: 0.9–1.1 oz (27–30 g)
Scientific Name: Passer domesticus
5. American Goldfinch
Tiny and bright, male goldfinches turn brilliant yellow in summer. They’re cheerful singers and love seeds, especially thistle. Watch for their bouncy flight pattern as they move between feeders and fields.
Size
Length: 4.3–5.1 in (11–13 cm)
Wingspan: 7.5–8.7 in (19–22 cm)
Weight: 0.4–0.7 oz (11–20 g)
Scientific Name: Spinus tristis
6. Mourning Dove
Slender and soft gray, Mourning Doves have a gentle cooing song that sounds a bit sad. They’re often seen perched on power lines or walking calmly on sidewalks. Their wings make a sharp whistle when they take off.
Size
Length: 9.1–13.4 in (23–34 cm)
Wingspan: 17.7 in (45 cm)
Weight: 3.0–6.0 oz (96–170 g)
Scientific Name: Zenaida macroura
7. Black-capped Chickadee
These curious little birds have black caps and bibs with white cheeks. They’re friendly and may even eat from your hand if you’re patient. Listen for their “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call and cheerful “fee-bee” song.
Size
Length: 4.7–5.9 in (12–15 cm)
Wingspan: 6.3–8.3 in (16–21 cm)
Weight: 0.3–0.5 oz (9–14 g)
Scientific Name: Poecile atricapillus
8. Downy Woodpecker
These small woodpeckers have black-and-white stripes and a tiny red patch on the male’s head. They drum on tree trunks and love suet feeders. Downy Woodpeckers are common in wooded areas, parks and backyards.
Size
Length: 5.5–6.7 in (14–17 cm)
Wingspan: 9.8–11.8 in (25–30 cm)
Weight: 0.7–1.0 oz (20–28 g)
Scientific Name: Dryobates pubescens
9. House Finch
Males have rosy red faces and chests, while females are brown and streaked. These finches are frequent visitors to feeders and love sunflower seeds. They sing happy, warbling tunes all year long.
Size
Length: 5.1–5.5 in (13–14 cm)
Wingspan: 7.9–9.8 in (20–25 cm)
Weight: 0.6–0.9 oz (16–27 g)
Scientific Name: Haemorhous mexicanus
10. Rock Pigeon
A city bird for sure. Rock Pigeons come in many colors but are usually bluish-gray with two black wing bars. They gather in flocks in busy places and are often seen pecking at crumbs on the sidewalk.
Size
Length: 11.8–14.2 in (30–36 cm)
Wingspan: 19.7–26.4 in (50–67 cm)
Weight: 9.3–13.4 oz (265–380 g)
Scientific Name: Columba livia
Where to Spot Common Birds in New York
New York is more than just skyscrapers and subways. From city parks to backyard feeders, the state is full of feathered life. Whether you’re exploring Central Park or walking a quiet trail upstate, keep an eye out for these familiar faces.
- Northern Cardinal. These bright red birds are hard to miss in neighborhoods and parks alike.
- American Robin. Look for these gray-backed, orange-bellied birds on lawns, especially after rain. In many parts of New York, they stay year-round.
- Blue Jay. These bold and beautiful birds are often seen hopping around feeders or hiding acorns.
- House Sparrow. These little birds are found everywhere, from sidewalks to store signs, and are one of the most common birds around.
- American Goldfinch. Watch for these tiny, bright yellow birds with their bouncy flight pattern as they move between feeders and fields, especially loving thistle.
- Mourning Dove. Often seen perched on power lines or walking calmly on sidewalks. Their wings make a sharp whistle when they take off.
- Black-capped Chickadee. These curious little birds with black caps and white cheeks are common in wooded areas, parks, and backyards. They may even eat from your hand.
- Downy Woodpecker. These small woodpeckers drum on tree trunks and love suet feeders. They are common in wooded areas, parks, and backyards.
- House Finch. Males have rosy red faces and chests. These finches are frequent visitors to feeders and love sunflower seeds.
- Rock Pigeon. A common city bird. They gather in flocks in busy places and are often seen pecking at crumbs on the sidewalk.
No matter where you are in New York, there’s a bird nearby waiting to be noticed. Which of these birds have you seen lately?