Top 15 Birds in New Jersey

New Jersey’s diverse habitats make it a haven for bird enthusiasts. From shorelines to forests, here are 15 remarkable birds you can spot across the state.

Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

• Description: A striking red bird with a black face mask and a distinctive crest on its head. Females are brownish with red tinges.
• Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, and shrublands throughout the state.
• Ecosystem Services: Seed disperser and pest controller through insect consumption.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

American Robin (Turdus migratorius)

• Description: Medium-sized thrush with a red-orange breast and dark head and back.
• Habitat: Lawns, parks, forests, and urban areas.
• Ecosystem Services: Controls insect populations and disperses seeds.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

• Description: Bright blue plumage with black and white markings and a loud, distinctive call.
• Habitat: Forest edges, suburban areas, and parks.
• Ecosystem Services: Acorn disperser aiding forest regeneration; predator alarm for other birds.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

• Description: Large raptor with broad wings and a characteristic red tail.
• Habitat: Open fields, woodlands, and highways.
• Ecosystem Services: Controls rodent populations.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)

• Description: Slim, graceful dove with soft gray-brown plumage and a mournful cooing call.
• Habitat: Open fields, suburban gardens, and farmlands.
• Ecosystem Services: Seed disperser.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)

• Description: Small bird with rich reddish-brown upperparts and a loud, melodious song.
• Habitat: Dense brush, suburban yards, and forests.
• Ecosystem Services: Insect control.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)

• Description: Bright yellow in summer with black wings; olive-brown in winter.
• Habitat: Weedy fields, orchards, and gardens.
• Ecosystem Services: Seed disperser, especially of native plants.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

• Description: Tall wading bird with blue-gray plumage and a dagger-like bill.
• Habitat: Wetlands, marshes, and shores.
• Ecosystem Services: Fish population control.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus)

• Description: Small, pale plover with a black band across its chest.
• Habitat: Sandy beaches and coastal dunes.
• Ecosystem Services: Invertebrate predator aiding shoreline ecosystem balance.
• Conservation Status: Near Threatened.

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

• Description: Sleek bird with a deeply forked tail and iridescent blue plumage.
• Habitat: Open fields, farms, and near water.
• Ecosystem Services: Insect control, especially flying pests.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus)

• Description: Small bird with a black cap and bib and white cheeks.
• Habitat: Mixed forests and suburban areas.
• Ecosystem Services: Pest control through insect consumption; seed disperser.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

• Description: Large raptor with white underparts and a distinctive dark eye stripe.
• Habitat: Rivers, lakes, and coastal regions.
• Ecosystem Services: Top predator helping maintain fish populations in balance.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (recovered from previous declines).

Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)

• Description: Small warbler with a bright yellow throat and black facial mask.
• Habitat: Marshes, wet meadows, and shrubby areas.
• Ecosystem Services: Insect control.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

• Description: Medium-large falcon with blue-gray back and barred underparts, known for its speed.
• Habitat: Cliffs, tall buildings, and coastal areas.
• Ecosystem Services: Controls bird populations, especially pigeons and starlings.
• Conservation Status: Least Concern (after significant recovery efforts).

Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)

• Description: Brown upperparts with a white underbelly heavily spotted with black.
• Habitat: Deciduous and mixed forests.
• Ecosystem Services: Insect control and seed disperser.
• Conservation Status: Near Threatened.