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Killdeer Nicknamed “killdee” for the loud sound it makes, the killdeer is often heard before it is seen. A widely distributed shorebird, it usually occurs on upland grassy areas like pastures, lawns, golf courses and large vacant lots. Length 9-11 inches, weight about 3 ounces, wingspan 20 inches. Flight speed up to 45 mph. Nests may be located almost anywhere there’s open, bare space— even on a rooftop, a railroad track or a baseball field. Eats mostly insects. One brood of 4 young per year. Adult killdeer perform an elaborate display now as the “broken wing act” in an attempt to distract predators from the nest. |
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Common Tern One of several species of colony-nesting water birds, the common tern is found in summer on Long Island’s ocean beaches, islands in the St. Lawrence River, the Niagara River, eastern Lake Erie and on a few inland lakes. It is sensitive to human disturbance and concern about its nesting sites is a lesson in good stewardship. Length 14 inches, weight 4 ounces, wingspan of 2 1/2 feet. Flight speed up to 30 mph. Feeds on small fishes captured by making shallow dives into the water. One brood of 3 young per year. |
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Mallard Although normally very wary of people, New York’s most common dabbler or “puddle duck” can adapt to urban areas and people, but people feeding mallards can cause these ducks to become a nuisance and a potential health hazard. In the wild, the mallard feeds on plant and animal matter in shallow water. Length 21-24 inches, weight 2-3 pounds, wingspan 3 feet. Flight speed of 40+ mph. Nests on the ground, often in urban and suburban areas. One brood of 7-10 young per year. |
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Wood Duck Nearly extinct 75 years ago, the wood duck is now one of the most common puddle ducks. It forages in forests and marches where it eats berries, seeds, nuts ;and acorns. Length 17-20 inches, weight 1 1/2 pounds, wingspan of 2 1/2 feet. Flight speed of 40 + mph. Will use nest boxes placed in ponds and marshes, but prefers hollow trees and will often perch and flutter about in trees looking for suitable cavities (even in suburban streets and parks). One brood of 10-15 young per year. |
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Canada Goose The classical bird of migratory folklore, this large, familiar bird with the black neck and head and white cheek patch travels in flocks of a few to hundreds. New York’s abundant year-round resident population of Canada geese provides a top quality recreational hunting resource, but at times can be a serious nuisance. Length 3+ feet, weight 6-12 pounds, wingspan of 5 1/2 feet. Flight speed up to 55 mph. Nests in a variety of habitats across the state. One brood of 4-7 young per year. |
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Ring-necked Pheasant Introduced from China into New York State in the late 1800’s, this bird is most plentiful in the Lake Plains areas of the state, but is generally declining in numbers due to habitat changes. Still popular among hunters, this large, brilliantly-colored bird of open farmland is also a pleasure to see. Feeds on grains, berries, insects, green herbaceous vegetation and weed seeds. Length 2-3 feet, weight 3-5 pounds, wingspan of 2 1/2 feet. Flight speed of 35+ mph. Nests on the ground. One brood of 10-12 young per year. |
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Eastern Bluebird A popular user of nest boxes, the Eastern bluebird is the official bird of New York State. Males are a beautiful shade of blue; females are much duller with blue only in the wings and tail. Length 7 inches, weight 1 ounce, wingspan of 12 inches. Feeds on fruits and berries, as well as insects and spiders which it captures on the ground by pouncing on them from a perch. Flight speed up to 17 mph. Two broods of 4-5 young each year. |
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Blue Jay A common year-round resident, the noisy, gregarious Blue Jay frequents backyard bird feeders and is often the only colorful, woodland sight on a gray winter’s day. Length 12 inches, weight 3 ounces, wingspan of 16 inches. Feeds on a variety of small plant and animal matter. Flight speed up to 20 mph. Builds bulky nests in fairly low, large trees or bushes. One brood of 4-5 young per year. |
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Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District - Home |
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Birds of New York |
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Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District 1200A Scottsville Road, Suite 160 Rochester, NY 14624
Phone: 585-473-2120 x3 Fax: 585-473-2124 |
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Page updated: July 2007 |
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Providing Today, Protecting Tomorrow |