Warblers in the Ramble area of Central Park during spring migration

Central Park

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Urban ParkForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

6:00 AM – 1:00 AM daily

About This Location

Central Park is an urban birding oasis in the heart of Manhattan, attracting over 280 species. The Ramble and North Woods act as migrant traps, concentrating warblers and other songbirds during spring and fall migration.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

6/3/2026New York Botanical Garden1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

6/3/2026New York Botanical Garden1 observed

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

6/3/2026Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn2 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

6/3/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/3/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--East Pond, south end2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

6/3/2026South Mountain Reservation below Crest Drive1 observed

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

6/3/2026Yanticaw Park1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

6/3/2026Yanticaw Park1 observed

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

6/3/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

6/3/2026Path over City Is. Bridge2 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

6/3/2026Path over City Is. Bridge1 observed

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

6/3/2026Plumb Beach3 observed

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

6/3/2026Sherman Creek Park and Swindler Cove1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)

Setophaga coronata

6/3/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

6/3/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/3/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

506/3/2026

Mourning Dove

26/3/2026

Chimney Swift

26/3/2026

European Starling

16/3/2026

American Robin

16/3/2026

House Sparrow

506/3/2026

House Finch

46/3/2026

Barn Swallow

16/3/2026

Blue Jay

16/3/2026

Cedar Waxwing

36/3/2026

Common Grackle

16/3/2026

Ovenbird

16/3/2026

Common Yellowthroat

16/3/2026

Canada Goose

46/3/2026

Mallard

26/3/2026

American Herring Gull

46/3/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

36/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

46/3/2026

Ring-billed Gull

36/3/2026

Great Egret

16/3/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    The Ramble is the best area for spring warblers

  2. 2

    Join a NYC Audubon guided walk for expert help

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Fall migration (September-October) brings waves of southbound warblers and raptors

  5. 5

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Central Park for birding?
The best months to visit Central Park for birding are April-May. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Central Park?
Notable species at Central Park include Blackburnian Warbler, Wood Thrush, Red-tailed Hawk, Mandarin Duck, Great Horned Owl, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Bufflehead, American Herring Gull, American Robin. The area supports urban park, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Central Park?
Birding at Central Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Central Park?
There is no entrance fee at Central Park. Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM daily.
What amenities are available at Central Park?
Central Park offers the following amenities: Restrooms, Trails, Water Fountains.