Central Park

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 6 AM - 1 AM

About This Location

Central Park is a productive birding destination in New York, with 276 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Northern Shoveler among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/6/2026North 5th Street Pier and Park1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

3/6/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)4 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/6/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)19 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/6/2026Governors Island (N.Y. County)2 observed

Common Merganser

Mergus merganser

3/6/2026New York, New York, US (40.799, -73.975)1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

3/6/2026Liberty Island/Statue of Liberty (NY County)1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

3/6/2026Hudson River Greenway--145th-155th St.3 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/6/2026Floyd Bennett Field1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/6/2026Floyd Bennett Field1 observed

Iceland Gull (kumlieni)

Larus glaucoides

3/6/2026Floyd Bennett Field1 observed

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

3/6/2026Stuyvesant Town-Peter Cooper Village1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

1503/6/2026

Wood Duck

13/6/2026

Mallard

803/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/6/2026

Rock Pigeon

203/6/2026

Mourning Dove

83/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

503/6/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

53/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/6/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/6/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

13/6/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/6/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/6/2026

Blue Jay

153/6/2026

American Crow

103/6/2026

Tufted Titmouse

23/6/2026

European Starling

203/6/2026

American Robin

203/6/2026

House Sparrow

303/6/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

103/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

  4. 4

    This urban green space acts as a migrant trap — birds concentrate here during migration, especially after overnight flights.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

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, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Central Park?
Notable species at Central Park include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Red-tailed Hawk, Mute Swan, Bufflehead, American Herring Gull, American Robin, House Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow. The area supports urban park 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: Open daily, 6 AM - 1 AM.
What amenities are available at Central Park?
Central Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.