New Jersey School of Conservation
One Wapalanne Road
Branchville, NJ 07826-5116
Natural History of Some Common Birds of New Jersey
The abbreviations following the scientific name indicates the seasons
when the bird is most likely to be observed. (Sp.=Spring, Su.=Summer,
Fa.=Fall, Wi.=Winter, YR.=Year-round.)
Black-capped Chickadee Parus atricapillus
(YR.)
Black capped Chickadees are year-round residents of New Jersey. They feed
on insects seeds and berries. Their acrobatic feeding technique is useful for
obtaining seeds from the cones of snow-laden hemlock boughs. In spring,
chickadees lay 6-8 speckled eggs in a nesting cavity that they often excavate
in birch trees. In winter, chickadees feed and roost in small flocks that have a
definite social order dominated by a mature mated pair. The flock will
defend its feeding territory against other flocks of chickadees.
Tufted Titmouse
Parus bicolor
(YR.)
Titmice are closely related to chickadees. They are similar in feeding and
nesting preferences and behaviors, although the titmouse includes acorns to
its winter diet and must use a pre-existing cavity for nesting. Tufted Titmice
and Black-capped Chickadees can often be seen feeding together, and can be
observed holding seeds with their feet to peck them open with their beaks.
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
(YR.)
Cardinals possess short stout bills that are a characteristic of the finch family
to which they belong. This enables cardinals to shell seeds using only their
specialized beak. Cardinals build a cup-shaped nest out of twigs, bark and
roots in small trees or shrubs, where they will lay 3-5 colorful speckled eggs.
Cardinals are presently expanding their range north, possibly aided by winter
bird feeders, and are now year-round residents of New Jersey.
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
(YR.)
This year-round resident of New Jersey is known for its raucous and
aggressive behavior that includes mobbing large predatory birds such as
owls. Although insects, seeds and fruit make up an important part of their
diet, Blue Jays have been known to steal and consume eggs out of the nests of
other birds. Blue Jays nest in trees, where they build a cup shaped nest out of
sticks, bark, roots and mud in which 3-5 greenish speckled eggs are laid. In
winter, Blue Jays will feed and roost in flocks. Blue jays are also known to
cache food in the nooks and crotches of tree branches.
White-breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis
(YR.)
This year-round resident is sometimes referred to as the "upside-down bird"
after its unique habit of creeping headfirst down tree trunks feeding on
insects or caching seeds for later use. Nuthatches are cavity nesters, and lay
5-8 pinkish speckled eggs. Nuthatches can be seen with their mates most of
the year.
Dark-eyed Junco
Junco hyemalis
(Wi.,Sp.)
Previously known as the "Slate-colored Junco", these birds nest in the
northern U.S. and Canada. They lay 3-5 speckled eggs in nests of twigs grass
moss and soft materials that they build on the ground. Juncos migrate south
in the winter and in New Jersey are considered "winter visitors". They are
often seen in flocks of 10-30, foraging for small seeds on the ground.
Evening Grosbeak
Coccothraustes vespertinus
(Wi.)
Aptly named for its stout beak that is used to crack open nuts and seeds, this
member of the finch family is a resident of the northern U.S. and Canada, and
a winter visitor in New Jersey. Evening Grosbeaks build somewhat frail nests
of twigs and roots usually well out on a tree limb where they will lay 3-4
bluish green eggs. In winter, Evening Grosbeaks feed and roost in flocks that
can be located by their distinctive whistling call.
Downy Woodpecker
Picoides pubescens
(YR.)
Downy Woodpeckers are year-round residents of New Jersey. Although
their diet consists mainly of insects, they will also eat seeds. Downy
woodpeckers use their specialized beaks to excavate a cavity into a tree trunk
in which they lay 4-5 pure white eggs. Old woodpecker cavities are very
important to other cavity nesting birds like the Tufted Titmouse. In the
spring time, a behavior known as "drumming" occurs, as Downy and other
woodpeckers peck rapidly and loudly on tree trunks to communicate
territory and to attract a mate.
Barred Owl
Strix varia
(YR.)
More often heard than seen, this bird is a common resident of New Jersey
woodlands. Although owls are known for their nocturnal hunting behavior,
Barred Owls are some times active in the daytime. Barred Owls usually nest
in tree cavities where they will lay 2-3 white eggs. Owls regurgitate the fur
and bones of their prey in the form of grayish pellets known as "castings" that
can sometimes be found under trees where they have roosted. Owls, and
other birds of prey, are known as "raptors" and are protected by federal law.
American Robin
Turdus migratorus
(Sp.,Su.,Fa.)
The arrival of this familiar bird in the springtime is an event looked forward
to and noted by many. Like most members of the thrush family, the robin has
excellent singing ability. Robins build cup shaped nests out of twigs grasses
and mud. The nest, usually in a small tree, bush, or low ledge will contain
about 4 bluish eggs. Although robins migrate south in the winter, it is not
unusual for a few to overwinter in New Jersey. While feeding for worms in
grassy areas, robins can sometimes be seen turning their heads to one side.
This helps them to see the worms, not listen for them, as is sometimes
believed.
Canada Goose
Branta canadensis
(Sp., Su., Fa.)
The familiar goose of parks and ponds is well recognized by its black neck
and head with a white cheek patch, and its distinctive "Ah-Honk!". Although
historically a species that migrates, food provided by human handouts and
agricultural developments such as corn fields no enable the goose to overwinter throughout most of its range. The Female Canada Goose builds a
grass nest lined with feathers near the waters edge where she will lay 4-7
large white eggs. Canada Geese feed on aquatic plants and insects, and also
graze in open fields. They can also often be observed defending their
territories using elaborate verbal and behavioral displays. These geese are
considered a nuisance by some because of their sometimes aggressive
behavior, and their habit of polluting lawns and ponds with their droppings.
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica
(Sp.,Su., F.,)
A rust colored breast, and a forked tail are good field marks for this bird that
can often be found flying acrobatically over field and water in capturing
insects that make up its diet. This bird is well named after its habit of cleverly
attaching a mud nest on the exposed rafters of barns and similar structures,
where the female will lay 4-5 speckled eggs. Barn and other swallows are
also known for their ability to skim over water to drink while in flight.