New Jersey, a state renowned for its coastal and freshwater habitats, hosts a vibrant array of water birds, adding a dynamic pulse to the state’s already rich biodiversity. These birds inhabit a variety of environments, from the sandy beaches of the Jersey Shore to the tranquil lakes nestled within the Pine Barrens.
New Jersey water birds
| Species | Frequency | Where to Find in New Jersey |
|---|---|---|
| American Black Duck | Very Common | Lakes, rivers, and wetlands statewide |
| Double-Crested Cormorant | Common | Coastal areas, Sandy Hook Bay, Barnegat Bay |
| Great Blue Heron | Very Common | Wetlands statewide, Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge |
| Great Egret | Common | Coastal wetlands, Brigantine Division, Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge |
| Snowy Egret | Common | Coastal wetlands, Cape May National Wildlife Refuge |
| Green Heron | Common | Wetlands statewide, Troy Meadows |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Common | Urban and suburban areas near water, especially Hudson River waterfront |
| Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron | Common | Along the coast, Cape May National Wildlife Refuge |
| Mallard | Very Common | Lakes, rivers, and wetlands statewide |
| Wood Duck | Very Common | Freshwater marshes, rivers, and ponds statewide |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Common | Wetlands statewide, Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge |
| Northern Pintail | Common | Wetlands, especially Cape May National Wildlife Refuge during migration |
| Canvasback | Uncommon | Seen in larger bodies of water during migration, Hackensack River |
| Green-winged Teal | Common | Wetlands statewide, Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge |
| Ring-Necked Duck | Common | Wetlands statewide during migration seasons |
| Lesser Scaup | Common | Lakes and rivers during migration, especially Delaware Bay |
| Bufflehead | Common | Coastal areas and large lakes during winter |
| Hooded Merganser | Common | Freshwater lakes and rivers, Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge |
| Common Merganser | Common | Large rivers and lakes statewide, Delaware River |
| American Coot | Uncommon | Occasionally seen at Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge |
| Sandhill Crane | Rare | Occasionally seen in the northern regions, Sussex County |
| American Wigeon | Common | Wetlands statewide during migration |
| Osprey | Uncommon | Coastal areas, Barnegat Lighthouse State Park |
| Common Loon | Common | Large bodies of water, especially Lake Hopatcong, during migration |
| Pied-Billed Grebe | Uncommon | Wetlands statewide, especially Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge |
| Black Skimmer | Uncommon | Sandy coastal beaches, especially Cape May |
| American Bittern | Uncommon | Freshwater marshes, Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge |
Water Bird Species Found in New Jersey
Where to Spot New Jersey’s Water Birds
Cape May Point State Park, Cape May: Known as one of the best birding spots in North America, this park is particularly good for water birds during migration seasons. Species like the Double-Crested Cormorant, Snowy Egret, Brown pelicans and American Avocet can be seen here as well as lots of sea birds, like petrels - who nest down in South America but come back in the summer season.
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Galloway: Encompassing more than 47,000 acres of southern New Jersey coastal habitats, this area is an important habitat for water birds, especially winter visitors. It’s a haven for species like the Great Blue Heron, Mallard, and Northern Pintail.
Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Basking Ridge: Nestled within the bustling Metropolitan area, this refuge provides excellent bird-watching opportunities with over 200 species of birds recorded, so plenty of chance to spot a rare bird or two. Water birds like the American Coot, Black-Crowned Night-Heron, bald eagles and Green Heron as well as lots of small birds can be regularly seen.
The Celery Farm, Allendale: A 107-acre freshwater wetland, this spot is a birder’s paradise. It’s home to many species of ducks, herons, and egrets, including the Bufflehead, Great Egret, and the White-Faced Ibis (spot its black wing tips).
Richard W. DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst: Situated in the heart of the Meadowlands, this park provides stunning views of the New York City skyline and is home to a wide variety of water birds like the Greater Flamingo, Western Gull, and Sandhill Crane.
Sandy Hook: A part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, Sandy Hook is a prime spot for viewing shorebirds, herons, laughing gulls and egrets. You can also see ospreys here, which whilst are consider hawks, they technically for their own family in the birds of prey world. Its diverse habitats include ocean, bay, salt marsh, and pond environments.
Island Beach State Park: This barrier island park is an excellent location to see a variety of aquatic birds, including herons, ducks, and shorebirds.
Long Beach Island: A great location for birding year-round, you can spot a variety of water birds here, including oystercatchers, terns, and gulls, particularly in areas like the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge - Holgate Unit located on the southern end of the island.
| Neighboring State | Best Spots for Birdwatching |
|---|---|
| New York Water Birds | Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Central Park (New York City), Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge |
| Pennsylvania Water Birds | Presque Isle State Park, Moraine State Park, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge |
| Delaware Water Birds | Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Cape Henlopen State Park |