New Jersey packs coastal marshes, Pine Barrens, and hardwood forests into a small state sitting on the Atlantic Flyway. Northern Cardinals are everywhere year-round, Scarlet Tanagers nest in the interior forests, and Cape May is one of the top birding destinations in North America for autumn migration.
Red Birds Found in New Jersey
| Species | Red feature | When to see | Habitat |
|---|
| Northern Cardinal | Males bright red all over | Year-round | Gardens, woodlands, suburbs |
| Scarlet Tanager | Males bright red with black wings | Spring and summer | Mature deciduous forests |
| Summer Tanager | Males red-orange all over | Spring and summer (southern NJ) | Pine-oak woodlands |
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Red throat patch (male) | Spring and summer | Gardens, forest edges |
| Red-headed Woodpecker | Entirely red head | Year-round (uncommon) | Open woodlands, dead trees |
| Red-bellied Woodpecker | Red cap and nape | Year-round | Deciduous forests, suburbs |
| Pileated Woodpecker | Red crest | Year-round | Mature forests |
| House Finch | Red head, breast, rump (male) | Year-round | Suburbs, urban areas |
| Purple Finch | Raspberry-red wash (male) | Winter | Woodlands, feeders |
| Rose-breasted Grosbeak | Red breast triangle (male) | Spring and summer | Deciduous woodlands |
| White-winged Crossbill | Males rose-pink to red | Irregular winter | Coniferous forests |
Best Birding Spots
| Location | Best species |
|---|
| Cape May Bird Observatory | Top North American migration site, raptors |
| Forsythe NWR | Atlantic Flyway migrants, tidal marshes |
| Great Swamp NWR | Wetland and forest birds, diverse species |
| Island Beach State Park | Barrier island species, coastal migrants |
| The Meadowlands | Urban wetlands, waterfowl, near NYC |
Seasonal Guide
| Season | What to expect |
|---|
| Spring | Tanagers and grosbeaks arrive, northbound migration |
| Summer | Breeding season, hummingbirds active |
| Autumn | Cape May raptor migration, massive songbird movement |
| Winter | Cardinals, finches, woodpeckers at feeders |
Cape May at New Jersey’s southern tip is one of the best birding spots in North America. Autumn migration funnels thousands of raptors, songbirds, and shorebirds through the peninsula. Northern Cardinals are visible year-round across every county in the state.
