Monroe County SWCD (NY)

American Robin Regarded as the harbinger of spring, this familiar, red-breasted songbird is actually a year-round resident in much of the state. A common sight in backyards and woodlots, its length is 10 inches, weight 2-3 ounces, wingspan of 15 inches. Feeds extensively on earthworms and fruits. Flight speed up to 35 mph. Nests in trees and shrubs. Two broods of 4 young each year.

Wild Turkey Eliminated from the state in the 19th century, this bird is re-established and common in New York State. A large, woodland game bird, it feeds mostly on tree seeds, acorns and nuts in the forest, and on insects, green vegetation, grain and weed seeds in open fields. Length 36 inches, weight 20 pounds or so, wingspan of 4 feet. Alert and wary, it nests on the ground in forests or along the forest edge. During spring, a male turkey performs elaborate courtship displays (gobbling, strutting with puffed-up feathers, tail fanning and dragging of wingtips) to attract females. Flight speed up to 55 mph. One brood of 10-12 young per year.

Great Blue Heron Tallest of New York’s birds, it is long-legged and long-beaked. Length 45-52 inches, weight 5-8 pounds, wingspan of 6 feet. Flight speed up to 35 mph. Frequents shallow waters and feeds mostly on fish and amphibians. Perhaps the most typical marsh bird in New York, the Great Blue Heron requires undisturbed areas for its colonies of nests in wooded sites, often in or near a wetland. One brood of 3-5 young per year.

Herring Gull The Herring Gull is New York’s most widely distributed gull, and for many, feeding these birds at the shore and the sight of them effortlessly soaring along coastal waters is a memorable part of vacation time. However, the Herring Gull’s abundance in oftentimes large flocks, and its scavenger feeding habits, can result in nuisance problems. Length 22-26 inches, weight 2 1/2 pounds, wingspan of 4 1/2 feet. Flight speed up to about 40 mph. While its name comes from its habit of eating herring, this bird consumes virtually anything from insects to clams to landfill garbage. Prefers to nest on islands away from disturbances. One brood of 2-3 young per year.