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

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

8/24/2026Central Park--The Ramble1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

8/24/2026Brooklyn Bridge Park2 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

8/24/2026Jerome Park Reservoir6 observed

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

8/24/2026Jerome Park Reservoir2 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

8/24/2026Pelham Bay Park, New York US-NY 40.87074, -73.793165 observed

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

8/24/2026Plumb Beach1 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

8/24/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

8/23/2026Orchard Beach - Scanning from south end of boardwalk2 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

8/23/2026South Mountain Reservation below Crest Drive1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

8/23/2026World Trade Center Memorial1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

8/23/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

18/24/2026

Gray Catbird

18/24/2026

Black-and-white Warbler

38/24/2026

American Redstart

18/24/2026

Northern Cardinal

38/24/2026

Wood Duck

18/24/2026

Mallard

118/24/2026

Rock Pigeon

8/24/2026

Laughing Gull

28/24/2026

American Herring Gull

18/24/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

58/24/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

18/24/2026

Blue Jay

18/24/2026

European Starling

8/24/2026

American Robin

158/24/2026

House Sparrow

8/24/2026

Baltimore Oriole

18/24/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

18/24/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

18/24/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

18/24/2026

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.