Birdwatching in New York City and on Long Island

A new, updated edition of a beloved guide helps birders spot and identify the hundreds of species that inhabit America’s largest metropolitan area.

Over five hundred species of birds can be seen in New York City’s five boroughs and on Long Island, one of the most densely populated and urbanized regions in North America, which also happens to be situated directly on the Atlantic Flyway. In this fragmented environment where resources are scarce, birds congregate in small spaces--Central Park alone attracts over 225 species of birds (not to mention birders from around the world who flock to the park during spring and fall migration). Beyond Central Park, the five boroughs and Long Island boast numerous wildlife refuges of extraordinary scenic beauty where resident and migratory birds inhabit forests, wetlands, grasslands, and beaches. These places present a unique opportunity to see a wide array of songbirds, endangered nesting shorebirds, raptors, and an unprecedented number and variety of waterfowl.

The fully updated edition of this easy-to-use guide provides year-round information for both popular birding sites as well as those off the beaten path. Precise directions to the best viewing locations within the region’s diverse habitats enable birdwatchers to explore urban and wild birding hot spots. Including the latest information on the seasonal status and distribution of more than four hundred species, and featuring thirty-nine maps and over fifty photographs, this full-color guide offers information essential to locals and visitors alike. This is the go-to book for both longtime birders and those exploring the area for the first time.

Deborah Rivel is an award-winning wildlife filmmaker, author, and media executive. In 2020, she launched the Strathmere Piping Plover Project, a volunteer initiative protecting endangered beach-nesting birds in New Jersey. Active on various nonprofit boards, including Friends of BirdLife International and Audubon New York, Rivel is also on the BirdLife International Advisory Group and supports avian cognitive research through The Alex Foundation. Kellye Rosenheim leads bird walks in New York City and works at BirdLife International. She has worked for the NYC Bird Alliance (previously known as the New York City Audubon Society) where she edited Las Aves de la Ciudad de Nueva York / The Birds of New York City by Adam Moreno.