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

Loading map...

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

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

4/18/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/18/2026Msgr. McGolrick Park, New York US-NY 40.72443, -73.943601 observed

Mute Swan

Cygnus olor

4/18/2026Roosevelt Island--FDR Four Freedoms and Parks S of Cornell Tech1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

4/18/2026Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/18/2026Linden Hill Cemetery1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

4/18/2026Saddle River County Park1 observed

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

4/18/2026Saddle River County Park1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

4/18/2026The Battery, Manhattan1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

4/18/2026Central Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

14/18/2026

Mallard

54/18/2026

Blue Jay

24/18/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

24/18/2026

American Robin

24/18/2026

House Sparrow

44/18/2026

White-throated Sparrow

14/18/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/18/2026

Common Grackle

24/18/2026

Rock Pigeon

104/18/2026

Mourning Dove

44/18/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/18/2026

European Starling

64/18/2026

Eastern Phoebe

14/18/2026

Blue-headed Vireo

14/18/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

14/18/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

34/18/2026

Northern Flicker

14/18/2026

American Goldfinch

54/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

34/18/2026

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.