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

Eastern Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

4/21/2026Central Park--The Pool1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

4/21/2026Highland Park Pond2 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

4/21/2026Central Park--North End (N of 97th St. Transverse)3 observed

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

4/21/2026New Creek Watershed, Olympia Blvd. bridge & marsh1 observed

Common Grackle (Bronzed)

Quiscalus quiscula

4/21/2026Pascack Brook County Park9 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

4/21/2026Bush Terminal Piers Park1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

4/21/2026The Battery, Manhattan1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

4/21/2026Canarsie Pier1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/21/2026Fort Tryon Park1 observed

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

4/21/2026Prospect Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

4/21/2026Hopper St1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

4/21/2026Bush Terminal Piers Park1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

4/21/2026Central Park--North End (N of 97th St. Transverse)1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

4/20/2026Central Park--Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir2 observed

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

4/20/2026Oakwood Beach--tidal marshes, NW to Mill Rd.1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

4/20/2026Central Park--The Pond and Hallett Sanctuary1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

54/21/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

24/21/2026

Canada Goose

74/21/2026

Green-winged Teal

44/21/2026

Green Heron

14/21/2026

American Kestrel

14/21/2026

Blue Jay

24/21/2026

European Starling

24/21/2026

American Robin

84/21/2026

White-throated Sparrow

44/21/2026

Hooded Warbler

14/21/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

34/21/2026

Louisiana Waterthrush

14/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

14/21/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

14/21/2026

Fish Crow

54/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/21/2026

Northern Parula

14/21/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

14/21/2026

Northern Cardinal

34/21/2026

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.