Information on Rockefeller State Park Preserve's Many Bird Species

One of the things I've grown to appreciate spending time at Rockefeller State Park Preserve in Pleasantville, NY is the number of bird species I can see at the Park. Having hiked hundreds of miles there in the past few years I've found there are very few trips when I come home without any pictures of birds. Sometimes these are just the "regular birds" that are in the park year-round and are the subjects of many of my photographs. Other times I've been able to capture a bird that is brand new to me, or one in a special pose or surrounding. 

While hiking and photographing birds I began doing more research into their habitats, eating habits, migration patterns, and other things that make a species unique. I've created the posts in this section to provide what I've learned in case it helps others who visit the park. Certainly, there are more definitive sources so this content is considered a starting point. Hope you enjoy the posts!

A song sparrow with a speckled chest perched on a bare, twisted branch against a clear sky.

Song Sparrow – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

See more pictures of the Song Sparrow here. What is the size and shape of a Song Sparrow? The Song Sparrow, a melodious bird found in North America, is a native species known for its distinctive call. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 5.5 to 7 inches long....

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A small bird perched on a branch with white flowers.

Chipping Sparrow – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

See more pictures of the Chipping Sparrow here. What is the size and shape of a Chipping Sparrow? The Chipping Sparrow, a small bird commonly found in North America, is known for its distinctive head pattern. With a size of around 5 to 6 inches, it falls under the...

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Two tree swallows perched on a leafy branch, with one facing forward and the other to the side, against a soft green background.

Tree Swallow – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

See more pictures of Tree Swallows here. What is the size and shape of the Tree Swallow? The Tree Swallow, a member of the swallow family, is a captivating aerial acrobat with its sleek, streamlined body. This small bird, measuring 5-6 inches long, has a slender...

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A pileated woodpecker with a red crest and black and white plumage clings to the side of a tree on a clear day.

Pileated Woodpecker – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

See more pictures of the Pileated Woodpecker here. What is the size and shape of a Pileated Woodpecker? The pileated (pai·lee·ay·tuhd) woodpecker, a majestic bird found in the forests of North America, is known for its distinct appearance. It is the largest woodpecker...

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A bluebird perched on the trunk of a tree.

Eastern Bluebird – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

See more pictures of the Eastern Bluebird here. What is the size and shape of the Eastern Bluebird? The Eastern Bluebird is a small, compact songbird, measuring about 6.5 to 7 inches long. It has a plump body with a short tail, giving it a rounded appearance. The bird...

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An american robin perched on a barbed wire fence.

American Robin – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

See more pictures of the American Robin here. What is the size and shape of the American Robin? The American Robin is a medium-sized songbird, measuring about 9-11 inches (23-28 centimeters) in length. It has a plump, rounded body with a relatively long tail. The bird...

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A gray catbird perched on a thin branch amidst green foliage in a forested area.

Gray Catbird – Rockefeller State Park Preserve

See more pictures of the Gray Catbird here. What is the size and shape of the Gray Catbird? The Gray Catbird is a medium-sized songbird that measures about 8-9 inches and weighs around 30 to 60 grams (one ounce to two ounces). It has a plump body with a long, slender...

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