Northeastern U.S. Bird Identification

The Northeast region of the United States consists of nine states: the Mid-Atlantic states of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania; and the New England states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Some birds common to this region are relatively easy to identify once their markings are known.

  1. Bay-breasted Warbler

    • The bay-breasted warbler is a relatively large warbler, measuring 5.5 inches long with a wingspan of around 8 inches. The young bird can be recognised by its olive-green nape and head, and cream-colored belly. The adult male also has cream-colored undersides. It also has two noticeable white wing bars, chestnut on the crown, sides and throat, and a black face. The female's colorings are subtler.

    Red-headed Woodpecker

    • This is a medium-sized woodpecker that is about 7.5 inches long. It has a distinctive red head, neck and upper breast. Its chest and stomach are white, and its wings are black with a white patch. Its tail is also black, and it has a long, sharp beak. The males and females show the same coloration.

    Blackburnian Warbler

    • The blackburnian warbler is the only North American warbler with an orange throat. Its head is covered with a striking orange and black pattern. The bird is about 5 inches long, with an 8-inch wingspan. The backs of the birds are dark gray, and the wings feature double white wing bars. The birds' underparts are mostly white, with yellow tinges and black streaks.

    American Woodcock

    • The American woodcock lives in forests. Its plumage is so perfectly camouflaged that the bird is difficult to spot on the forest floor. It features a buff-brown head, belly and breast. The bird is about 8.25 inches long and is noticeable for its 3-inch bill. Its wings are short and rounded, with the upper-wings a reddish-brown color and the under-wings a subdued brown. The bird's large eyes are positioned far back on its head.

    Great Blue Heron

    • The great blue heron is the largest heron in North America. It measures between 36 and 55 inches from head to tail. They have long, rounded wings, which span between 66 and 79 inches. The heron's long neck is a rusty gray color with black and white streaks. It has an almost-white face with two black plumes leading from above its eyes to the rear of its head.