Common backyard birds
New Jersey is a densely populated state, but it still has a rich bird list that is often described as well over 400 species across the year. In most yards, a short list does most of the work:
- Northern cardinal: Bright red male, tan-and-red female; present all year.
- American robin: Orange-red breast; common on lawns.
- Blue jay: Large, crested, blue, white, and black.
- Tufted titmouse: Small and gray, with a crest and a whistled “peter-peter” song.
- Mourning dove: Gray-brown, soft cooing call, often on the ground.
- Carolina chickadee: Similar to the black-capped chickadee, and the chickadee you will usually see in much of New Jersey; black-capped chickadees are more likely in the far north.
- House finch, house sparrow, and European starling: Abundant around houses and feeders.
If you are comparing regions, see how this list differs from our guides to birds found in New York and common Massachusetts birds.
State bird: American goldfinch
The American goldfinch is the New Jersey state bird. Breeding males are bright yellow with a black forehead and wings, while in winter both sexes turn a softer olive-brown. They enjoy thistle (nyjer) seed and sunflower, and they nest relatively late in summer. The state flower is the common meadow violet (Viola sororia), also called the common blue violet.
Woodpeckers
New Jersey yards commonly host the downy woodpecker, a small black-and-white bird, and the red-bellied woodpecker, which has a zebra-striped back and a red cap and nape. Hairy woodpeckers look like larger versions of downies with a longer bill. Northern flickers are often seen foraging on lawns for ants. Suet and sunflower seed are popular offerings.
Birds that fly in huge flocks
Several New Jersey birds gather in large groups, especially outside the breeding season:
- European starlings: Can form dense, swirling flocks, especially in fall and winter.
- Common grackles and red-winged blackbirds: Often move in large mixed flocks.
- Canada geese: Seen on lawns, ponds, and flying in V formations.
- Snow geese: Sometimes gather in large numbers on fields and wetlands in winter.
- Shorebirds: Along Delaware Bay, large numbers of sandpipers and other shorebirds stop to feed in spring migration.
Flocking helps birds find food and watch for predators.
Shore and wetland birds
The Jersey Shore, bays, and marshes support gulls, terns, herons, egrets, ospreys, and many sandpipers. Piping plovers and some other beach-nesting birds are protected, so respect posted nesting areas. Inland, reservoirs and ponds attract ducks and geese. Local birding groups and eBird are good for finding current hotspots.
Migration
New Jersey lies along the Atlantic Flyway, so spring and fall can be especially rewarding. Cape May is widely known as a fall migration destination for raptors and songbirds. In your own yard, look for warblers and thrushes passing through in spring and fall, and expect some feeder visitors to change with the season.
Feeder tips
- Offer black-oil sunflower seed for the widest range of species.
- Add suet for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees.
- Use a separate nyjer feeder or sock for goldfinches.
- Clean feeders regularly and discard moldy seed.
- Provide fresh water, which attracts birds all year.
Our New Hampshire bird guide has more general advice on attracting birds that applies here too.
State flower and the most common animal
Readers often ask about New Jersey’s state symbols and its most common animal. The state flower is the common meadow violet (Viola sororia), also called the common blue violet. For the most common animal, there is no single clear answer, since it depends on how you count, but white-tailed deer, gray squirrels, and many common backyard birds are widely seen.