Gallery View of Birds of New York
Welcome to the Newly Renovated "Birds of New York"
From Chautauqua to Montauk and from the Atlantic shore to the peak of Mount Marcy, New York’s diverse wildlife habitats are home to 250 species of breeding birds, and another 100 species that are regular visitors. Birds of New York offers visitors a close-up view of 140 taxidermy bird specimens displayed in dioramas that highlight the major wildlife habitats found in the state of New York.
The restored habitat dioramas feature 27 new taxidermy mounts and are completely reinterpreted with new maps, descriptions of amazing bird adaptations, and recordings of bird song. A new section of the exhibit tells the story of bird species that we have lost forever to extinction. Here you can see specimens of the Passenger Pigeon, Carolina Parakeet, Heath Hen, and Eskimo Curlew from our research collection, on display for the first time. You can also learn how heroic efforts by scientists and conservationists saved the Bald Eagle, Osprey, and Peregrine Falcon, bringing these species back from the brink of extinction.
Virtual Tour
Join NYSM Curator of Ornithology, Dr. Jeremy Kirchman, in our Birds of New York exhibit hall for a guided tour of the newly renovated dioramas depicting the major bird habitats of New York State.
New York's State Bird: Eastern Bluebird
Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) are small thrushes that nest in tree cavities in open habitats such as meadows, fields, and forest openings. Competition from non-native European Starlings and House Sparrows, which also nest in cavities, led to a steep decline in the bluebird population. Conservationists responded in the 1970s, forming the North American Bluebird Society, which led an effort to erect wooden nest boxes. Today, Eastern Bluebirds are commonly seen in pastures, agricultural fields, and suburban parks, where they nest in boxes provided by concerned citizens and conservation organizations.
Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis): male, left, and female, right
Gallery View of Birds of New York
The New York State Museum is a program of the University of the State of New York
New York State Education Department