city skyline across body of water during daytime

Central Park

New York · Northeast

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
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

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

6/19/2026Central Park--The Pool1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

6/19/2026The Battery, Manhattan1 observed

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

6/19/2026Udall's Mill Pond3 observed

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

6/19/2026Plumb Beach--West1 observed

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

6/19/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

6/19/2026AP Whale Watch - Queens list 1 on Jun 19, 20262 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

6/19/2026AP Whale Watch - Queens list 1 on Jun 19, 20261 observed

Cory's Shearwater

Calonectris borealis

6/19/2026Lower New York Bay, Brooklyn5 observed

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

6/19/2026Bryant Park (5th-6th Ave. btwn 40th-42nd St.)2 observed

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

6/19/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

6/19/2026Alley Pond Park--Restoration Pond1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

116/19/2026

American Black Duck

16/19/2026

Chimney Swift

26/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/19/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

126/19/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

36/19/2026

Barn Swallow

36/19/2026

Gray Catbird

26/19/2026

American Robin

46/19/2026

Cedar Waxwing

66/19/2026

Blue Jay

36/19/2026

European Starling

26/19/2026

Common Grackle

56/19/2026

Northern House Wren

16/19/2026

House Sparrow

16/19/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

36/19/2026

Northern Mockingbird

16/19/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

26/19/2026

Canada Goose

166/19/2026

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.