From the Adirondacks to a Brooklyn windowsill, New York backyards host a surprising variety of birds across the seasons. Here are the twelve you're most likely to meet, and how to recognize them.
The four-season regulars
- Northern Cardinal — Brilliant red male, warm-tan female; a year-round favorite.
- Blue Jay — Bold blue and white, loud and clever.
- Black-capped Chickadee — Tiny, with a black cap and bib and a cheerful chick-a-dee call.
- Tufted Titmouse — Soft gray with a crest and big dark eyes.
- Mourning Dove — Gentle gray-brown with a soft coo.
The woodland visitors
- American Robin — Orange breast, the classic sign of spring.
- Downy Woodpecker — Small black-and-white woodpecker, common at suet.
- White-breasted Nuthatch — Climbs down tree trunks headfirst.
- Song Sparrow — Streaky brown with a sweet, varied song.
The seasonal color
- American Goldfinch — Bright lemon-yellow in summer.
- Eastern Bluebird — Sky-blue back, rusty breast.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird — A summer jewel at nectar feeders.
Bring the birds of New York indoors
Our Backyard Birds of New York framed print brings a dozen of these species together as a hand-illustrated field guide for your wall. Explore the full Shop by State collection, or read our field guide series. Made to order in the USA.