List of New Jersey birds
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is a list of every wild bird species ever seen in New Jersey, as recorded by the New Jersey Bird Records Committee. 458 species are included. Two species, whose records are of uncertain origin, have not been included. The following markings are used.
- (A) = Accidental occurrence based fewer than 10 records, and unlikely to occur regularly.
- (E) = Extinct; a recent member of the avifauna that no longer exists.
- (Ex) = Extirpated; no longer occurs in area of interest, but other populations still exist elsewhere.
- (I) = Introduced population established solely as result of direct or indirect human intervention; synonymous with non-native and non-indigenous.
Birds listed as accidental should not be expected to be found anywhere in New Jersey with regularity. Except for the accidental birds, only birds that are considered to have established, self-sustaining, wild populations in New Jersey or, in the case extinct or extinct species, have had such populations in New Jersey in the past are included on this list. This means that birds that are considered probable escapees, although they may have been sighted flying free in New Jersey, are not included on this list.
This list is presented in taxonomic order and follows The Check-list of North American Birds (7th ed., 1998), published by the American Ornithologists' Union. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family accounts. Introduced, casual, accidental, hypothetical, extirpated and extinct species are included in the total species counts for North America and New Jersey.
[edit] Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swan. These are birds that are modified for an aquatic existence with webbed feet, bills which are flattened to a greater or lesser extent, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to special oils. There are 131 species worldwide, 61 North American species, and 43 New Jersey species.
- Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis (A)
- Fulvous Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna bicolor (A)
- Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons
- Snow Goose Chen caerulescens
- Ross's Goose Chen rossii
- Cackling Goose Branta hutchinsii
- Canada Goose Branta canadensis
- Brant Branta bernicla
- Mute Swan Cygnus olor (I)
- Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus
- Wood Duck Aix sponsa
- Gadwall Anas strepera
- Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope
- American Wigeon Anas americana
- American Black Duck Anas rubripes
- Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
- Blue-winged Teal Anas discors
- Cinnamon Teal Anas cyanoptera (A)
- Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
- Northern Pintail Anas acuta
- Garganey Anas querquedula (A)
- Green-winged Teal Anas crecca
- Canvasback Aythya valisineria
- Redhead Aythya americana
- Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris
- Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula (A)
- Greater Scaup Aythya marila
- Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis
- King Eider Somateria spectabilis
- Common Eider Somateria mollissima
- Harlequin Duck Histrionicus histrionicus
- Labrador Duck Camptorhynchus labradorius (E)
- Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata
- White-winged Scoter Melanitta fusca
- Black Scoter Melanitta nigra
- Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis
- Bufflehead Bucephala albeola
- Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula
- Barrow's Goldeneye Bucephala islandica (A)
- Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus
- Common Merganser Mergus merganser
- Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator
- Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis
[edit] Partridges, Grouse, Turkeys, and Old World Quail
Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
The Phasianidae is a family of birds which consists of the pheasants and their allies. These are terrestrial species, variable in size but generally plump, with broad relatively short wings. Many species are gamebirds, or have been domesticated as a food source for humans. There are 180 species worldwide, 16 North American species, and 4 New Jersey species.
- Ring-necked Pheasant Phasianus colchicus (I)
- Ruffed Grouse Bonasa umbellus
- Greater Prairie-Chicken Tympanuchus cupido (Ex)
- Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo
[edit] New World Quail
Order:Galliformes Family: Odontophoridae
The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits. There are 32 species, worldwide, all found only in the Americas, 6 North American species, and 1 New Jersey species.
- Northern Bobwhite Colinus virginianus
[edit] Loons
Order: Gaviiformes Family: Gaviidae
Loons are aquatic birds the size of a large duck, to which they are unrelated. Their plumage is largely grey or black, and they have spear-shaped bills. Loons swim well, and fly adequately, but, because their legs are placed towards the rear of the body, are almost hopeless on land. There are five species worldwide, 5 North American species, and 3 New Jersey species.
- Red-throated Loon Gavia stellata
- Pacific Loon Gavia pacifica (A)
- Common Loon Gavia immer
[edit] Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large diving birds that breed on fresh water. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. There are 20 species worldwide, 7 North American species, and 5 New Jersey species.
- Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps
- Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus
- Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena
- Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis (A)
- Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis (A)
[edit] Albatrosses
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Diomedeidae
The albatrosses are among the largest of flying birds, and the great albatrosses from the genus Diomedea have the largest wingspans of any extant birds. There are 21 species worldwide and 8 North American species. Two of these species have appeared in New Jersey.
- Yellow-nosed Albatross Thalassarche chlororhynchos (A)
- Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris (A)
[edit] Fulmars, Petrels, Shearwaters
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized 'true petrels', characterised by united nostrils with medium septum, and a long outer functional primary. There are 75 species worldwide, 24 North American species, and 8 New Jersey species.
- Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis
- Black-capped Petrel Pterodroma hasitata (A)
- Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea
- Greater Shearwater Puffinus gravis
- Buller's Shearwater Puffinus bulleri (A)
- Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus
- Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus
- Audubon's Shearwater Puffinus lherminieri
[edit] Storm-Petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
The storm-petrels are the smallest of seabirds, relatives of the petrels, feeding on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. There are 21 species worldwide, 12 North American species, and 4 New Jersey species.
- Wilson's Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus
- White-faced Storm-Petrel Pelagodroma marina (A)
- Leach's Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa (A)
- Band-rumped Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma castro (A)
[edit] Tropicbirds
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Phaethontidae
Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their long wings have black markings, as does the head. There are 3 species worldwide, 3 North American species, and 2 New Jersey species.
- White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus (A)
- Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus (A)
[edit] Boobies and Gannets
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium-large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish. There are 8 species worldwide, 5 North American species, and 3 New Jersey species.
- Masked Booby Sula dactylatra (A)
- Brown Booby Sula leucogaster (A)
- Northern Gannet Morus bassanus
[edit] Pelicans
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are very large water birds with a distinctive pouch under the beak. Like other birds in the order Pelecaniformes, they have four webbed toes. There are 8 species worldwide, 2 North American species, and 2 New Jersey species.
- American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos (A)
- Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis
[edit] Cormorants
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Cormorants are medium to large aquatic birds, usually with mainly dark plumage and areas of colored skin on the face. The bill is long, thin, and sharply hooked. Their feet are four-toed and webbed, a distinguishing feature of the Pelecaniformes order. There are 38 species worldwide, 6 North American species, and 2 New Jersey species.
- Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus
- Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
[edit] Darters
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Anhingidae
Darters are cormorant-like water birds with very long necks and long, straight beaks. They often swim with only the neck above water, and are fish-eaters. There are 4 species worldwide, 1 North American species, and 1 New Jersey species.
Anhinga Anhinga anhinga (A)
[edit] Frigatebirds
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large sea-birds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black or black-and-white, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have inflatable colored throat pouches. They do not swim or walk, and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week. There are 5 species worldwide, 3 North American species, and 1 New Jersey species.
- Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens (A)
[edit] Bitterns, Herons, and Night Herons
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the herons, egrets, and bitterns. Herons and egrets are medium-sized to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter-necked and more secretive. Unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills, members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted. There are 61 species worldwide, 17 North American species, and 12 New Jersey species.
- American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus
- Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis
- Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias
- Great Egret Ardea alba
- Snowy Egret Egretta thula
- Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea
- Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor
- Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens (A)
- Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
- Green Heron Butorides virescens
- Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
- Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea
[edit] Ibises and Spoonbills
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Threskiornithidae
The family Threskiornithidae includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings. Their bodies tend to be elongated, the neck more so, with rather long legs. The bill is also long, decurved in the case of the ibises, straight and distinctively flattened in the spoonbills. There are 36 species worldwide, 5 North American species, and 4 New Jersey species.
- White Ibis Eudocimus albus (A)
- Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
- White-faced Ibis Plegadis chihi (A)
- Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja (A)
[edit] Storks
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Threskiornithidae
Storks are large, heavy, long-legged, long-necked wading birds with long stout bills and wide wingspans. They lack the powder down that other wading birds such as herons, spoonbills and ibises use to clean off fish slime. Storks lack a pharynx and are mute. There are 19 species worldwide, 2 North American species, and 1 New Jersey species.
- Wood Stork Mycteria americana (A)
[edit] New World Vultures
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Cathartidae
The New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but superficially resemble them because of convergent evolution. Like the Old World vultures, they are scavengers, but unlike Old World vultures, which find carcasses by sight, some New World vultures have a good sense of smell with which they find carcasses. There are 7 species worldwide, all found only in the Americas, 3 North American species, and 2 New Jersey species.
- Black Vulture Coragyps atratus
- Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura
[edit] Kites, Eagles, Harriers, and Hawks
Order: Falconiformes Family: Accipitridae
The family Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey and include hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have very large powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. There are 233 species worldwide, 28 North American species, and 15 New Jersey species.
- Osprey Pandion haliaetus
- Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus (A)
- White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus (A)
- Mississippi Kite Ictinia mississippiensis (A)
- Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus
- Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus
- Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii
- Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
- Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus
- Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus
- Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni (A)
- Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis
- Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus
- Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
[edit] Caracaras and Falcons
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey, notably the falcons and caracaras. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their feet. There are 62 species worldwide, 10 North American species, and 5 New Jersey species.
- Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus (A)
- American Kestrel Falco sparverius
- Merlin (bird) Falco columbarius
- Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus (A)
- Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
[edit] Rails, Sora, Gallinules, Moorhens, and Coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. The most typical family members occupy dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs, and have long toes which are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and be weak fliers. There are 143 species worldwide, 13 North American species, and 10 New Jersey species.
- Yellow Rail Coturnicops noveboracensis (A)
- Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis
- Corn Crake Crex crex (A)
- Clapper Rail Rallus longirostris
- King Rail Rallus elegans
- Virginia Rail Rallus limicola
- Sora Porzana carolina
- Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinica (A)
- Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
- American Coot Fulica americana
[edit] Cranes
Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae
Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". There are 15 species worldwide, 3 North American species, and 1 New Jersey species.
- Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis
[edit] Lapwings and Plovers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water, although there are some exceptions. There are 66 species worldwide, 17 North American species, and 9 New Jersey species.
- Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus (A)
- Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola
- American Golden-Plover Pluvialis dominica
- Pacific Golden-Plover Pluvialis fulva (A)
- Lesser Sand-Plover Charadrius mongolus (A)
- Wilson's Plover Charadrius wilsonia (A)
- Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus
- Piping Plover Charadrius melodus
- Killdeer Charadrius vociferus
[edit] Oystercatchers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae
The oystercatchers are large, obvious, and noisy plover-like birds with strong bills used for smashing or prying open molluscs. There are 11 species worldwide, 2 North American species, and 1 New Jersey species.
- American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus
[edit] Stilts and Avocets
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and the stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are 9 species worldwide, 3 North American species, and 2 New Jersey species.
- Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus
- American Avocet Recurvirostra americana
[edit] Sandpipers, Curlews, Stints, Godwits, Snipes, and Phalaropes
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
The Scolopacidae are a large, diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds, including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. Most species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Different lengths of legs and bills enable different species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 86 species worldwide, 65 North American species, and 40 New Jersey species.
- Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius
- Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria
- Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus (A)
- Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca
- Willet Tringa semipalmata
- Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes
- Upland Sandpiper Bartramia longicauda
- Eskimo Curlew Numenius borealis (A)
- Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
- Long-billed Curlew Numenius americanus (A)
- Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa (A)
- Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica
- Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica (A)
- Marbled Godwit Limosa fedoa
- Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
- Red Knot Calidris canutus
- Sanderling Calidris alba
- Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla
- Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri
- Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis (A)
- Little Stint Calidris minuta (A)
- Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla
- White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis
- Baird's Sandpiper Calidris bairdii
- Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos
- Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata (A)
- Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima
- Dunlin Calidris alpina
- Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea (A)
- Stilt Sandpiper Calidris himantopus
- Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis
- Ruff Philomachus pugnax
- Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus
- Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus
- Wilson's Snipe Gallinago delicata
- Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola (A)
- American Woodcock Scolopax minor
- Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor
- Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus
- Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius
[edit] Skuas, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds and includes jaegers, skuas, gulls, terns, kittiwakes and skimmers. They are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. There are 108 species worldwide, 54 North American species, and 40 New Jersey species.
- Laughing Gull Larus atricilla
- Franklin's Gull Larus pipixcan (A)
- Little Gull Larus minutus
- Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
- Bonaparte's Gull Larus philadelphia
- Black-tailed Gull Larus crassirostris (A)
- Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis
- California Gull Larus californicus (A)
- Herring Gull Larus argentatus
- Thayer's Gull Larus thayeri (A)
- Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides
- Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus
- Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus
- Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus
- Sabine's Gull Xema sabini (A)
- Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla
- Ross's Gull Rhodostethia rosea (A)
- Ivory Gull Pagophila eburnea (A)
- Brown Noddy Anous stolidus (A)
- Sooty Tern Onychoprion fuscatus (A)
- Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus (A)
- Least Tern Sternula antillarum
- Large-billed Tern Phaetusa simplex (A)
- Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica
- Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia
- Black Tern Chlidonias niger
- White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus (A)
- Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida (A)
- Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii
- Common Tern Sterna hirundo
- Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea (A)
- Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri
- Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus
- Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis
- Black Skimmer Rynchops niger
- Great Skua Stercorarius skua (A)
- South Polar Skua Stercorarius maccormicki (A)
- Pomarine Jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus
- Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus
- Long-tailed Jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus (A)
[edit] Auks, Murres, and Puffins
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Alcidae
Alcids are superficially similar to penguins in their black-and-white colors, their upright posture, and some of their habits. However they are not related to the penguins at all, being able to fly. Auks live on the open sea, deliberately coming ashore only to nest. There are 24 species worldwide and 22 North American species. Six of these species have occurred in New Jersey.
- Dovekie Alle alle
- Common Murre Uria aalge
- Thick-billed Murre Uria lomvia (A)
- Razorbill Alca torda
- Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle (A)
- Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica
[edit] Pigeons and Doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. There are 308 species worldwide, 18 North American species, and 7 New Jersey species.
- Rock Pigeon Columba livia (I)
- Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata (A)
- Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto (A)
- White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica (A)
- Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura
- Passenger Pigeon Ectopistes migratorius (E)
- Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina (A)
[edit] Lories and lorikeets, Parakeets, Macaws, and Parrots
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae
Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak shape. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and the have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two back. There are 335 species worldwide, 8 North American species, and one extinct New Jersey species.
- Carolina Parakeet Conuropsis carolinensis (E)
[edit] Cuckoos, Roadrunners, and Anis
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. Unlike the cuckoo species of the Old World, North American cuckoos are not brood parasites. There are 138 species worldwide, 8 North American species, and 3 New Jersey species.
- Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus
- Black-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus
- Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris (A)
[edit] Barn owls
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Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There are 16 species worldwide, 1 North American species, and 1 New Jersey species.
- Barn Owl Tyto alba
[edit] Typical owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
Typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. There are 195 species worldwide, 21 North American species, and 9 New Jersey species.
- Eastern Screech-Owl Megascops asio
- Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus
- Snowy Owl Bubo scandiacus
- Northern Hawk Owl Surnia ulula (A)
- Barred Owl Strix varia
- Long-eared Owl Asio otus
- Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
- Boreal Owl Aegolius funereus (A)
- Northern Saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadicus
[edit] Nightjars
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds with long wings, short legs and very short bills that usually nest on the ground. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is crypically colored to resemble bark or leaves. There are 86 species worldwide, 9 North American species, and 3 New Jersey species.
- Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor
- Chuck-will's-widow Caprimulgus carolinensis
- Whip-poor-will Caprimulgus vociferus
[edit] Swifts
Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae
The swifts are small aerial birds, spending the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings that resemble a crescent or a boomerang. There are 98 species worldwide, 9 North American species, and 1 New Jersey species.
- Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica
[edit] Hummingbirds
Order: Apodiformes Family: Trochilidae
Hummingbirds are small birds capable of hovering in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backwards. There are 337 species worldwide, 23 North American species, and 6 New Jersey species.
- Green Violet-ear Colibri thalassinus (A)
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris
- Black-chinned Hummingbird Archilochus alexandri (A)
- Calliope Hummingbird Stellula calliope (A)
- Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus (A)
- Allen's Hummingbird Selasphorus sasin (A)
[edit] Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Cerylidae
Kingfishers are medium sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. There are 94 species worldwide, 3 North American species, and 1 New Jersey species.
- Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon
[edit] Woodpeckers, Sapsuckers, and Flickers
Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium sized birds with chisel like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward, and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. There are 218 species worldwide, 26 North American species, and 10 New Jersey species.
- Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus
- Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius
- Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens
- Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus
- Red-cockaded Woodpecker Picoides borealis (A)
- American Three-toed Woodpecker Picoides dorsalis (A)
- Black-backed Woodpecker Picoides arcticus (A)
- Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus
- Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus
[edit] Tyrant flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tyrannidae
Tyrant flycatchers are Passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust with stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, are rather plain. As the name implies, most are insectivorous. There are 429 species worldwide, all found only in the Americas, 45 North American species, and 18 New Jersey species.
- Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi
- Eastern Wood-Pewee Contopus virens
- Yellow-bellied Flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris
- Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens
- Alder Flycatcher Empidonax alnorum
- Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii
- Least Flycatcher Empidonax minimus
- Pacific-slope/Cordilleran Flycatcher Empidonax difficilis/occidentails (A)
- Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe
- Say's Phoebe Sayornis saya (A)
- Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus (A)
- Ash-throated Flycatcher Myiarchus cinerascens (A)
- Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus
- Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis
- Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus
- Gray Kingbird Tyrannus dominicensis (A)
- Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus (A)
- Fork-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus savana (A)
[edit] Shrikes
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Order: Passeriformes Family: Laniidae
Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey. There are 31 species worldwide, 3 North American species, and 2 New Jersey species.
- Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus (A)
- Northern Shrike Lanius excubitor
[edit] Vireos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
The vireos are a group of small to medium sized passerine birds restricted to the New World. They are typically greenish in color and resemble wood warblers apart from their heavier bills. There are 52 species worldwide, 16 North American species, and 8 New Jersey species.
- White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus
- Bell's Vireo Vireo bellii (A)
- Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons
- Cassin's Vireo Vireo cassinii (A)
- Blue-headed Vireo Vireo solitarius
- Warbling Vireo Vireo gilvus
- Philadelphia Vireo Vireo philadelphicus
- Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus
[edit] Jays, Crows, Magpies, and Ravens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The Corvidae family includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size for the bird order Passeriformes. Some of the larger species show levels of learned behavior of a high degree. There are 120 species worldwide, 21 North American speicies, and 4 New Jersey species.
- Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata
- American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos
- Fish Crow Corvus ossifragus
- Common Raven Corvus corax
[edit] Larks
Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. There are 91 species worldwide, 2 North American species, and 1 New Jersey species.
- Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris
[edit] Swallows and Martins
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The Hirundinidae family is a group of passerines characterised by their adaptation to aerial feeding. Their adaptations include a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and short bills with wide gape. The feet are designed for perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 75 species worldwide, 14 North American species, and 9 New Jersey species.
- Purple Martin Progne subis
- Brown-chested Martin Progne tapera (A)
- Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor
- Violet-green Swallow Tachycineta thalassina (A)
- Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis
- Bank Swallow Riparia riparia
- Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
- Cave Swallow Petrochelidon fulva (A)
- Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
[edit] Chickadees and Titmice
Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae
The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects. There are species 59 worldwide, 12 North American species, and 4 New Jersey species.
- Carolina Chickadee Poecile carolinensis
- Black-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus
- Boreal Chickadee Poecile hudsonica (A)
- Tufted Titmouse Baeolophus bicolor
[edit] Nuthatches
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sittidae
Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other birds which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails and powerful bills and feet. There are 24 species worldwide, 4 North American species, and 3 New Jersey species.
- Red-breasted Nuthatch Sitta canadensis
- White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis
- Brown-headed Nuthatch Sitta pusilla (A)
[edit] Treecreepers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Certhiidae
Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees. There are 6 species worldwide, 1 North American species, and 1 New Jersey species.
- Brown Creeper Certhia americana
[edit] Wrens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae
Wrens are small and inconspicuous birds, except for their loud songs. They have short wings and a thin down-turned bill. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. There are 79 species worldwide, 9 North American species, and 7 New Jersey species.
- Rock Wren Salpinctes obsoletus (A)
- Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus
- Bewick's Wren Thryomanes bewickii (A)
- House Wren Troglodytes aedon
- Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
- Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis
- Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris
[edit] Kinglets
Order: Passeriformes Family: Regulidae
The kinglets are a small family of birds which resemble the titmice. They are very small insectivorous birds in the genus Regulus. The adults have colored crowns, giving rise to their name. There are 5 species worldwide, 2 North American species, and 2 New Jersey species.
- Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa
- Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula
[edit] Old World warblers and Gnatcatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sylviidae
The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. The Sylviidae mainly occur as breeding species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs. There are about 300 species worldwide, 12 North American Species, and 1 New Jersey species.
- Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea
[edit] Thrushes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The Thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly but not exclusively in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. There are 335 species worldwide, 28 North American species, and 12 New Jersey species.
- Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe (A)
- Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis
- Mountain Bluebird Sialia currucoides (A)
- Townsend's Solitaire Myadestes townsendi (A)
- Veery Catharus fuscescens
- Gray-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus
- Bicknell's Thrush Catharus bicknelli
- Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus
- Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus
- Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina
- American Robin Turdus migratorius
- Varied Thrush Ixoreus naevius (A)
[edit] Mockingbirds and Thrashers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Mimidae
The Mimids are a family of passerine birds that includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers, and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalization, especially their remarkable ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. The species tend towards dull grays and browns in their appearance. There are 35 species worldwide, 13 North American species, and 4 New Jersey species.
- Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis
- Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos
- Sage Thrasher Oreoscoptes montanus (A)
- Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum
[edit] Starlings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized Old World passerine birds with strong feet. Their flight is strong and direct, and most are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country, and they eat insects and fruit. The plumage of several species is dark with a metallic sheen. There are 125 species, of which one has been introduced to North America.
- European Starling Sturnus vulgaris (I)
[edit] Wagtails and Pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
The Motacillidae are a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. There are 54 species worldwide, 11 North American species, and 1 New Jersey species.
- American Pipit Anthus rubescens
[edit] Waxwings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Bombycillidae
The waxwings are a group of passerine birds characterised by soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings, these tips look like sealing wax, and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter. There are three species worldwide, 2 North American species, and 2 New Jersey species.
- Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus (A)
- Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum
[edit] Wood-warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Parulidae
The Wood Warblers are a group of small often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some like are more terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores. There are 119 species worldwide, 57 North American species, and 41 New Jersey species.
- Blue-winged Warbler Vermivora pinus
- Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera
- Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina
- Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata
- Nashville Warbler Vermivora ruficapilla
- Virginia's Warbler Vermivora virginiae (A)
- Northern Parula Parula americana
- Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia
- Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica
- Magnolia Warbler Dendroica magnolia
- Cape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina
- Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens
- Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata
- Black-throated Gray Warbler Dendroica nigrescens (A)
- Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens
- Townsend's Warbler Dendroica townsendi (A)
- Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca
- Yellow-throated Warbler Dendroica dominica
- Pine Warbler Dendroica pinus
- Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor
- Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum
- Bay-breasted Warbler Dendroica castanea
- Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata
- Cerulean Warbler Dendroica cerulea
- Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia
- American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla
- Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea
- Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorum
- Swainson's Warbler Limnothlypis swainsonii (A)
- Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla
- Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis
- Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla
- Kentucky Warbler Oporornis formosus
- Connecticut Warbler Oporornis agilis
- Mourning Warbler Oporornis philadelphia
- MacGillivray's Warbler Oporornis tolmiei (A)
- Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas
- Hooded Warbler Wilsonia citrina
- Wilson's Warbler Wilsonia pusilla
- Canada Warbler Wilsonia canadensis
- Yellow-breasted Chat Icteria virens
[edit] Tanagers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Thraupidae
The tanagers are a large group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World, mainly in the tropics. Many species are brightly colored. They are seedeaters, but their preference tends towards fruit and nectar. Most have short, rounded wings. There are 256 species worldwide, 6 North American species, and 3 New Jersey species.
- Summer Tanager Piranga rubra
- Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea
- Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana (A)
[edit] American sparrows, Towhees, Juncos, and Longspurs
Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae
The Emberizidae are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named as buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as Sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns. There are species 275 worldwide, 60 North American species, and 33 New Jersey species.
- Green-tailed Towhee Pipilo chlorurus (A)
- Spotted Towhee Pipilo maculatus (A)
- Eastern Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus
- Cassin's Sparrow Aimophila cassinii (A)
- Bachman's Sparrow Aimophila aestivalis (A)
- American Tree Sparrow Spizella arborea
- Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina
- Clay-colored Sparrow Spizella pallida
- Field Sparrow Spizella pusilla
- Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus
- Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus (A)
- Black-throated Sparrow Amphispiza bilineata (A)
- Lark Bunting Calamospiza melanocorys (A)
- Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis
- Grasshopper Sparrow Ammodramus savannarum
- Henslow's Sparrow Ammodramus henslowii (A)
- Le Conte's Sparrow Ammodramus leconteii (A)
- Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow Ammodramus nelsoni
- Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow Ammodramus caudacutus
- Seaside Sparrow Ammodramus maritimus
- Fox Sparrow Passerella iliaca
- Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia
- Lincoln's Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii
- Swamp Sparrow Melospiza georgiana
- White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis
- Harris's Sparrow Zonotrichia querula (A)
- White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys
- Golden-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia atricapilla (A)
- Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis
- Lapland Longspur Calcarius lapponicus
- Smith's Longspur Calcarius pictus (A)
- Chestnut-collared Longspur Calcarius ornatus (A)
- Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis
[edit] Cardinals, Saltators, and Grosbeaks
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cardinalidae
The Cardinals are a family of passerine birds that are robust, seed-eating birds, with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages. There are 43 species worldwide, 13 North American species, and 7 New Jersey species.
- Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus
- Black-headed Grosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus (A)
- Blue Grosbeak Passerina caerulea
- Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea
- Painted Bunting Passerina ciris (A)
- Dickcissel Spiza americana
[edit] Blackbirds, Meadowlarks, Cowbirds, Grackles, and Orioles
Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteridae
The Icterids are a group of small to medium, often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. Most species have black as a predominant plumage color, often enlivened by yellow, orange or red. There are 98 species worldwide, 25 North American Species, and 13 New Jersey species.
- Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus
- Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus
- Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna
- Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta (A)
- Yellow-headed Blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
- Rusty Blackbird Euphagus carolinus
- Brewer's Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus (A)
- Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula
- Boat-tailed Grackle Quiscalus major
- Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater
- Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius
- Bullock's Oriole Icterus bullockii (A)
- Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula
[edit] Finches
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have 12 tail feathers and 9 primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. There are 137 species worldwide, 23 North American species, and 11 New Jersey species.
- Brambling Fringilla montifringilla (A)
- Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator (A)
- Purple Finch Carpodacus purpureus
- House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus
- Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra (A)
- White-winged Crossbill Loxia leucoptera (A)
- Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea (A)
- Hoary Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni (A)
- Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus
- American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis
- Evening Grosbeak Coccothraustes vespertinus
[edit] Old World sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Old World sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small plump brownish or greyish birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed-eaters, and they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide, 2 North American species, and 1 New Jersey species.
- House Sparrow Passer domesticus (I)
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Larson, Laurie; Jennifer Hanson (July 2006). New Jersey State List. New Jersey Bird Records Committee. Retrieved on April 2007.
- New Jersey Birds: Accidental Species. The Nutty Birdwatcher. Retrieved on April 2007.
- NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife (December 10, 2004). Birds of New Jersey. State of New Jersey. Retrieved on April 2007.
- The A.O.U. Check-list of North American birds, American Ornithologists' Union, 7th edition (the official source on the taxonomy of birds found in North and Middle America).
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