FG-0051 · Wildlife · 6 species
Identifying Common Birds of New Jersey
By Derek Gauger · Updated
Overview
New Jersey punches far above its size for birding, with the Cape May migration hotspot, coastal marshes, and Pine Barrens all in one small state. Backyard songbirds and coastal raptors are both easy to find.
This guide covers common and iconic New Jersey birds — the field marks that identify them, their habitats, and where to look. Pair it with a photo and the app to confirm any bird you spot.
Key species to know
FG-0051.01
American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis
New Jersey's state bird — the breeding male is bright yellow with black wings and cap, duller olive in winter. Bounds through the air with a canary-like flight call.
Habitat: Weedy fields, gardens, and feeders.
FG-0051.02
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
The male is brilliant red with a black face and crest, the female warm buff with red highlights. A year-round backyard favorite.
Habitat: Backyards, thickets, and woodland edges.
FG-0051.03
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
A bold, crested blue-and-white bird with black necklace markings, loud and intelligent. Caches acorns and mimics hawk calls.
Habitat: Woodlands, parks, and backyards with oaks.
FG-0051.04
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
A familiar thrush with a gray back and brick-red breast, often on lawns hunting worms. Its caroling is a classic sound of spring.
Habitat: Lawns, parks, and open woodlands.
FG-0051.05
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
A large fish-eating raptor, brown above and white below with a dark eye-stripe, often hovering over water or nesting on platforms along the coast.
Habitat: Bays, salt marshes, rivers, and reservoirs.
FG-0051.06
Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias
A tall, blue-gray wading bird that stands motionless in the shallows before spearing fish. The largest heron in North America.
Habitat: Marshes, rivers, ponds, and tidal creeks.
Through the seasons
- Fall migration at Cape May is world-famous for hawks, songbirds, and monarchs.
- Early morning is the most active time for feeding and song.
- Coastal marshes and impoundments offer excellent shorebird and wading-bird views.
Questions
- What is the state bird of New Jersey?
- The American goldfinch (the eastern goldfinch) — a small, bright yellow finch common in weedy fields and at feeders.
- How can I identify a bird I saw in New Jersey?
- Note its size, shape, and field marks, then take a photo and use an app like Spotter to identify the species along with its habitat and range.
From Field Notes
Not sure what you found?
Take a photo with Spotter for the name, field marks, look-alikes and safety notes in seconds.
In this guide
- Species
- 6
- Region
- New Jersey