List of the Birds of Morris County, New Jersey (Current)

328 species of natural origin recorded in Morris County, New Jersey as of August 24, 2023.

Species occurrence is presented in bar-graph format. This data is a link from eBird, the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology’s online data collecting web entity. Its historical reach is of recent data, but it gives a good representation based on actual sightings. The bar-graph lists only species reported to eBird, not the complete historical list of this web site. The bar-graph for Morris County is here.

The status given each species is a general overview. See the Preface for suggestions for further reading regarding seasonal occurrence.

Key for Status symbols
*  = nester, but could be confirmed, probable or possible as per the NJ Breeding Bird Atlas (Birds of New Jersey (NJAS, 1999)). Possible nesters are given a brief explanation.
c = common in the appropriate season but not breeding.
EX = extinct.
m = regularly occurs during migration; can also infer wintering.
r = rare, only a few records, not a State review species.
rv = State review species as determined by the New Jersey Bird Record Committee.
rvp = State review species in part, such as identifiable sub-species, race.
uc = uncommon, according to context, i.e. seasonal occurrence, migration.
in = introduced – may have formerly been self-sustainable but is now considered a released species, especially for hunting purposes.

The list prepared by the N.J. Division of Fish and Wildlife of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife is here.

Navigation: clicking a hyperlinked entry brings you to that specie’s annotation. Use your browser’s Back button or Alt + left-arrow on the keyboard to return to the list.

Status	English Name	Scientific Name
Order Anseriformes
Family Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
rv	Pink-footed Goose	Anser brachyrhynchus
rv	Black-bellied Whistling-Duck	Dendrocygna autumnalis
uc	Snow Goose	Anser caerulescens
uc	Ross’s Goose	Anser rossii
r	Greater White-fronted Goose	Anser albifons
uc	Brant	Branta bernicla
uc	Cackling Goose	Branta hutchinsii
*	Canada Goose	Branta canadensis
*	Mute Swan	Cygnus olor
rv	Trumpeter Swan	Cygnus buccinator
m	Tundra Swan	Cygnus columbianus
*	Wood Duck	Aix sponsa
*	Gadwall	Anas strepera
r	Eurasian Wigeon	Anas penelope
m	American Wigeon	Anas americana
*	American Black Duck	Anas rubripes
*	Mallard	Anas platyrhynchos
*	Blue-winged Teal	Anas discors
m	Northern Shoveler	Anas clypeata
m	Northern Pintail	Anas acuta
m	Green-winged Teal	Anas crecca
m	Canvasback	Aythya valisineria
m	Redhead	Aythya americana
m	Ring-necked Duck	Aythya collaris
r	Tufted Duck	Aythya fuligula
m	Greater Scaup	Aythya marila
m	Lesser Scaup	Aythya affinis
r	Harlequin Duck	Histrionicus histrionicus
uc	Surf Scoter	Melanitta perspicillata
uc	White-winged Scoter	Melanitta fusca
uc	Black Scoter	Melanitta americana
uc	Long-tailed Duck	Clangula hyemalis
m	Bufflehead	Bucephala albeola
m	Common Goldeneye	Bucephala clangula
*	Hooded Merganser	Lophodytes cucullatus
*	Common Merganser	Mergus merganser
m	Red-breasted Merganser	Mergus serrator
m	Ruddy Duck	Oxyura jamaicensis

Order Galliformes
Family Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
*in	Northern Bobwhite	Colinus virginianus
Family Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
*in	Ring-necked Pheasant	Phasianus colchicus
*	Ruffed Grouse	Bonasa umbellus
*	Wild Turkey	Meleagris gallopavo

Order Gaviiformes
Family Gaviidae (Loons)
uc	Red-throated Loon	Gavia stellata
rv	Pacific Loon	Gavia pacifica
m	Common Loon	Gavia immer

Order Podicipediformes
Family Podicipedidae (Grebes)
*	Pied-billed Grebe	Podilymbus podiceps
m	Horned Grebe	Podiceps auritus
uc	Red-necked Grebe	Podiceps grisegena
rv	Eared Grebe	Podiceps nigricollis

Order Suliformes
Family Anhingidae
r	Anhinga	Anhinga anhinga
Family Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants)
*	Double-crested Cormorant	Phalacrocorax auritus
rv	Neotropic Cormorant	Phalacrocorax brasilianus
uc	Great Cormorant	Phalacrocorax carbo

Order Pelecaniformes
Family Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
r	American White Pelican	Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Family Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
*	American Bittern	Botaurus lentiginosus
*	Least Bittern	Ixobrychus exilis
*	Great Blue Heron	Ardea herodias
c	Great Egret	Ardea alba
uc	Snowy Egret	Egretta thula
uc	Little Blue Heron	Egretta caerulea
uc	Tricolored Heron	Egretta tricolor
r	Cattle Egret	Bubulcus ibis
*	Green Heron	Butorides virescens
*	Black-crowned Night-Heron	Nycticorax nycticorax
r	Yellow-crowned Night-Heron	Nyctanassa violacea

Order Threskiornithidae
Family Threskiornithinae (Ibises)
rv	White Ibis	Eudocimus albus
uc	Glossy Ibis	Plegadis falcinellus

Order Accipitriformes
Family Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
*	Black Vulture	Coragyps atratus
*	Turkey Vulture	Cathartes aura
Family Pandionidae (Osprey)
*	Osprey	Pandion haliaetus
Family Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
r	Swallow-tailed Kite	Elanoides forficatus
r	Mississippi Kite	Ictinia mississippiensis
*	Bald Eagle	Haliaeetus leucocephalus
*	Northern Harrier	Circus cyaneus
*	Sharp-shinned Hawk	Accipiter striatus
*	Cooper’s Hawk	Accipiter cooperii
*	Northern Goshawk	Accipiter gentilis
*	Red-shouldered Hawk	Buteo lineatus
*	Broad-winged Hawk	Buteo platypterus
rv	Swainson’s Hawk	Buteo swainsoni
*	Red-tailed Hawk	Buteo jamaicensis
uc	Rough-legged Hawk	Buteo lagopus
uc	Golden Eagle	Aquila chrysaetos

Order Falconiformes
Family Falconidae (Falcons)
*	American Kestrel	Falco sparverius
m	Merlin	Falco columbarius
*	Peregrine Falcon	Falco peregrinus

Order Gruiformes
Family Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
rv	Yellow Rail	Coturnicops noveboracensis
r	Black Rail	Laterallus jamaicensis
*	King Rail	Rallus elegans
*	Virginia Rail	Rallus limicola
*	Sora	Porzana carolina
rv	Purple Gallinule	Porphyrio martinica
*	Common Gallinule	Gallinula chloropus
m	American Coot	Fulica Americana
Family Gruidae (Cranes)
r	Sandhill Crane	Grus canadensis

Order Charadriiformes
Family Charadriidae (Plovers)
r	Black-necked Stilt	Himantopus mexicanus
uc	Black-bellied Plover	Pluvialis squatarola
uc	American Golden-Plover	Pluvialis dominica
m	Semipalmated Plover	Charadrius semipalmatus
*	Killdeer	Charadrius vociferus
Family Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
*	Spotted Sandpiper	Actitis macularius
m	Solitary Sandpiper	Tringa solitaria
m	Greater Yellowlegs	Tringa melanoleuca
r	Willet	Tringa semipalmata
m	Lesser Yellowlegs	Tringa flavipes
r	Upland Sandpiper	Bartramia longicauda
r	Hudsonian Godwit	Limosa haemastica
r	Ruddy Turnstone	Arenaria interpres
r	Sanderling	Calidris alba
m	Semipalmated Sandpiper	Calidris pusilla
r	Western Sandpiper	Calidris mauri
m	Least Sandpiper	Calidris minutilla
r	White-rumped Sandpiper	Calidris fuscicollis
r	Baird’s Sandpiper	Calidris bairdii
m	Pectoral Sandpiper	Calidris melanotos
r	Dunlin	Calidris alpina
r	Stilt Sandpiper	Calidris himantopus
r	Buff-breasted Sandpiper	Tryngites subruficollis
rv	Ruff	Philomachus pugnax
r	Short-billed Dowitcher	Limnodromus griseus
r	Long-billed Dowitcher	Limnodromus scolopaceus
*	Wilson’s Snipe	Gallinago delicata
*	American Woodcock	Scolopax minor
r	Wilson’s Phalarope	Phalaropus tricolor
r	Red-necked Phalarope	Phalaropus lobatus
r	Red Phalarope	Phalaropus fulicarius
Family Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
r	Black-legged Kittiwake	Rissa tridactyla
m	Bonaparte’s Gull	Chroicocephalus philadelphia
r	Little Gull	Hydrocoloeus minutus
r	Laughing Gull	Leucophaeus atricilla
rv	Franklin’s Gull	Leucophaeus pipixcan
c	Ring-billed Gull	Larus delawarensis
c	Herring Gull	Larus argentatus
r	Iceland Gull	Larus glaucoides
r	Lesser Black-backed Gull	Larus fuscus
r	Glaucous Gull	Larus hyperboreus
c	Great Black-backed Gull	Larus marinus
r	Gull-billed Tern	Hydroprogne caspia
uc	Caspian Tern	Gelochelidon nilotica
r	Black Tern	Chlidonias niger
r	Common Tern	Sterna hirundo
r	Arctic Tern	Sterna paradisaea
r	Forster’s Tern	Sterna forsteri
Family Alcidae (Auks, Murres, and Puffins)
r	Dovekie	Alle alle
rv	Black Guillemot	Cepphus grylle

Order Columbiformes
Family Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
*	Rock Pigeon	Columba livia
*	Mourning Dove	Zenaida macroura
EX	Passenger Pigeon	Ectopistes migratorius

Order Cuculiformes
Family Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
*	Yellow-billed Cuckoo	Coccyzus americanus
*	Black-billed Cuckoo	Coccyzus erythropthalmus

Order Strigiformes
Family Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
*	Barn Owl	Tyto alba
Family Strigidae (Owls)
*	Eastern Screech-Owl	Megascops asio
*	Great Horned Owl	Bubo virginianus
uc	Snowy Owl	Bubo scandiacus
*	Barred Owl	Strix varia
*	Long-eared Owl	Asio otus
m	Short-eared Owl	Asio flammeus
*	Northern Saw-whet Owl	Aegolius acadicus

Order Caprimulgiformes
Family Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
*	Common Nighthawk	Chordeiles minor
r	Chuck-will’s-widow	Caprimulgus carolinensis
*	Eastern Whip-poor-will	Caprimulgus vociferous

Order Apodiformes
Family Apodidae (Swifts)
*	Chimney Swift	Chaetura pelagica
Family Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
*	Ruby-throated Hummingbird	Archilochus colubris
rv	Rufous Hummingbird	Selasphorus rufus
rv	Calliope Hummingbird	Stellula calliope

Order Coraciiformes
Family Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
*	Belted Kingfisher	Megaceryle alcyon

Order Piciformes
Family Picidae (Woodpeckers)
*	Red-headed Woodpecker	Melanerpes erythrocephalus
*	Red-bellied Woodpecker	Melanerpes carolinus
m	Yellow-bellied Sapsucker	Sphyrapicus varius
*	Downy Woodpecker	Picoides pubescens
*	Hairy Woodpecker	Picoides villosus
*	Northern Flicker	Colaptes auratus
*	Pileated Woodpecker	Dryocopus pileatus

Order Passeriformes
Family Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
m	Olive-sided Flycatcher	Contopus cooperi
*	Eastern Wood-Pewee	Contopus virens
m	Yellow-bellied Flycatcher	Empidonax flaviventris
*	Acadian Flycatcher	Empidonax virescens
*	Alder Flycatcher	Empidonax alnorum
*	Willow Flycatcher	Empidonax traillii
*	Least Flycatcher	Empidonax minimus
*	Eastern Phoebe	Sayornis phoebe
rv	Say’s Phoebe	Sayornis saya
rv	Vermillion Flycatcher	Pyrocephalus rubinus
rv	Ash-throated Flycatcher	Myiarchus cinerascens
*	Great Crested Flycatcher	Myiarchus crinitus
r	Western Kingbird	Tyrannus verticalis
*	Eastern Kingbird	Tyrannus tyrannus
rv	Scissor-tailed Flycatcher	Tyrannus forficatus
Family Laniidae (Shrikes)
rv	Loggerhead Shrike	Lanius ludovicianus
uc	Northern Shrike	Lanius excubitor
Family Vireonidae (Vireos)
*	White-eyed Vireo	Vireo griseus
*	Yellow-throated Vireo	Vireo flavifrons
*	Blue-headed Vireo	Vireo solitarius
*	Warbling Vireo	Vireo gilvus
uc	Philadelphia Vireo	Vireo philadelphicus
*	Red-eyed Vireo	Vireo olivaceus
Family Corvidae (Crows and Jays)
*	Blue Jay	Cyanocitta cristata
*	American Crow	Corvus brachyrhynchos
*	Fish Crow	Corvus ossifragus
*	Common Raven	Corvus corax
Family Alaudidae (Larks)
uc	Horned Lark	Eremophila alpestris
Family Hirundinidae (Swallows)
*	Northern Rough-winged Swallow	Stelgidopteryx serripennis
*	Purple Martin	Progne subis
*	Tree Swallow	Tachycineta bicolor
*	Bank Swallow	Riparia riparia
*	Barn Swallow	Hirundo rustica
*	Cliff Swallow	Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Family Paridae (Chickadees and Tits)
*	Black-capped Chickadee	Poecile atricapillus
rv	Boreal Chickadee	Poecile hudsonicus
*	Tufted Titmouse	Baeolophus bicolor
Family Sittidae (Nuthatches)
*	Red-breasted Nuthatch	Sitta canadensis
*	White-breasted Nuthatch	Sitta carolinensis
Family Certhiidae (Treecreepers)
*	Brown Creeper	Certhia Americana
Family Troglodytidae (Wrens)
*	Carolina Wren	Thryothorus ludovicianus
*	House Wren	Troglodytes aedon
*	Winter Wren	Troglodytes hiemalis
*	Sedge Wren	Cistothorus platensis
*	Marsh Wren	Cistothorus palustris
Family Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
*	Blue-gray Gnatcatcher	Polioptila caerulea
Family Regulidae (Kinglets)
*	Golden-crowned Kinglet	Regulus satrapa
m	Ruby-crowned Kinglet	Regulus calendula
Family Turdidae  (Thrushes and Allies)
*	Eastern Bluebird	Sialia sialis
rv	Townsend’s Solitaire	Myadestes townsendi
*	Veery	Catharus fuscescens
m	Gray-cheeked Thrush	Catharus minimus
m	Swainson’s Thrush	Catharus ustulatus
*	Hermit Thrush	Catharus guttatus
*	Wood Thrush	Hylocichla mustelina
*	American Robin	Turdus migratorius
rv	Varied Thrush	Ixoreus naevius
Family Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
*	Gray Catbird	Dumetella carolinensis
*	Northern Mockingbird	Mimus polyglottos
*	Brown Thrasher	Toxostoma rufum
Family Sturnidae (Starlings)
*	European Starling	Sturnus vulgaris
Family Motacillidae (Pipits)
m	American Pipit	Anthus rubescens
Family Bombycillidae (Waxwings)
rv	Bohemian Waxwing	Bombycilla garrulus
*	Cedar Waxwing	Bombycilla cedrorum
Family Calcariidae  (Longspurs and Snow Buntings)
r	Lapland Longspur	Calcarius lapponicus
uc	Snow Bunting	Plectrophenax nivalis
Family Parulidae (New World Warblers)
*	Ovenbird	Seiurus aurocapilla
*	Worm-eating Warbler	Helmitheros vermivorum
*	Louisiana Waterthrush	Parkesia motacilla
*	Northern Waterthrush	Parkesia noveboracensis
*	Blue-winged Warbler	Vermivora cyanoptera
*	Golden-winged Warbler	Vermivora chrysoptera
*	Black-and-white Warbler	Mniotilta varia
*	Prothonotary Warbler	Protonotaria citrea
m	Tennessee Warbler	Oreothlypis peregrina
m	Orange-crowned Warbler	Oreothlypis celata
*	Nashville Warbler	Oreothlypis ruficapilla
m	Connecticut Warbler	Oporornis agilis
m	Mourning Warbler	Geothlypis Philadelphia
*	Kentucky Warbler	Geothlypis formosa
*	Common Yellowthroat	Geothlypis trichas
*	Hooded Warbler	Setophaga citrina
*	American Redstart	Setophaga ruticilla
m	Cape May Warbler	Setophaga tigrina
*	Cerulean Warbler	Setophaga cerulea
*	Northern Parula	Setophaga americana
*	Magnolia Warbler	Setophaga magnolia
m	Bay-breasted Warbler	Setophaga castanea
*	Blackburnian Warbler	Setophaga fusca
*	Yellow Warbler	Setophaga petechia
*	Chestnut-sided Warbler	Setophaga pensylvanica
m	Blackpoll Warbler	Setophaga striata
*	Black-throated Blue Warbler	Setophaga caerulescens
m	Palm Warbler	Setophaga palmarum
*	Pine Warbler	Setophaga pinus
*	Yellow-rumped Warbler	Setophaga coronata
*	Yellow-throated Warbler	Setophaga dominica
*	Prairie Warbler	Setophaga discolor
*	Black-throated Green Warbler	Setophaga virens
*	Canada Warbler	Cardellina canadensis
m	Wilson’s Warbler	Cardellina pusilla
*	Yellow-breasted Chat	Icteria virens
Family Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
*	Eastern Towhee	Pipilo erythrophthalmus
m	American Tree Sparrow	Spizella arborea
*	Chipping Sparrow	Spizella passerina
r	Clay-colored Sparrow	Spizella pallida
*	Field Sparrow	Spizella pusilla
uc	Vesper Sparrow	Pooecetes gramineus
r	Lark Sparrow	Chondestes grammacus
*	Savannah Sparrow	Passerculus sandwichensis
*	Grasshopper Sparrow	Ammodramus savannarum
rv	Henslow’s Sparrow	Centronyx henslowii
rv	Le Conte’s Sparrow	Ammospiza leconteii
r	Nelson’s Sparrow	Ammospiza nelsoni
m	Fox Sparrow	Passerella iliaca
*	Song Sparrow	Melospiza melodia
m	Lincoln’s Sparrow	Melospiza lincolnii
*	Swamp Sparrow	Melospiza georgiana
m	White-throated Sparrow	Zonotrichia albicollis
rv	Harris’s Sparrow	Zonotrichia querula
m	White-crowned Sparrow	Zonotrichia leucophrys
rv	Golden-crowned Sparrow	Zonotrichia atricapilla
m,rvp	Dark-eyed Junco	Junco hyemalis
Family Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
*	Summer Tanager	Piranga rubra
*	Scarlet Tanager	Piranga olivacea
rv	Western Tanager	Piranga ludoviciana
*	Northern Cardinal	Cardinalis cardinalis
*	Rose-breasted Grosbeak	Pheucticus ludovicianus
rv	Black-headed Grosbeak	Pheucticus melanocephalus
r	Blue Grosbeak	Passerina caerulea
*	Indigo Bunting	Passerina cyanea
rv	Painted Bunting	Passerina ciris
r	Dickcissel	Spiza americana
Family Icteriidae (Blackbirds)
*	Bobolink	Dolichonyx oryzivorus
*	Red-winged Blackbird	Agelaius phoeniceus
*	Eastern Meadowlark	Sturnella magna
rv	Western Meadowlark	Sturnella neglecta
r	Yellow-headed Blackbird	Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
m	Rusty Blackbird	Euphagus carolinus
*	Common Grackle	Quiscalus quiscula
*	Brown-headed Cowbird	Molothrus ater
*	Orchard Oriole	Icterus spurius
rv	Bullock’s Oriole	Icterus bullockii
*	Baltimore Oriole	Icterus galbula
Family Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
rv	Pine Grosbeak	Pinicola enucleator
*	Purple Finch	Carpodacus purpureus
*	House Finch	Carpodacus mexicanus
r	Red Crossbill	Loxia curvirostra
r	White-winged Crossbill	Loxia leucoptera
	Common Redpoll	Acanthis flammea
rv	Hoary Redpoll	Acanthis hornemanni
*	Pine Siskin	Spinus pinus
*	American Goldfinch	Spinus tristis
*r	Evening Grosbeak	Coccothraustes vespertinus
Family Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
*	House Sparrow	Passer domesticus

Annotations

NJBRC = From the New Jersey Bird Record Committee’s record archive and not currently a review species. All current review species records are assumed from NJBRC.

Pink-footed Goose –Anser brachyrhynchus (NJ Review Species)
– Florham Park -February 24, 2013, J. Glassberg (photo).

Greater White-fronted Goose –Anser albifons
– Harding Twp. – October 1953, m.obs.
– Great Swamp N.W.R. (and a few other close-by places) – from mid-October to October 31, 1983, A. Keith and m.obs. (NJBRC)
– Loantaka Brook Reservation – October 23, 1983, D. Harrison.
– Loantaka Brook Reservation – Early March, 1984 – Reporter unknown. (NJBRC)
– Lincoln Park – January 26, 2005 – K. Witkowski – Boonton CBC.
– Lake Musconetcong, January 5, 2006, T. Halliwell.
– Southwest Morris Count – January, 18, 2009, E. Obercian, B. Machover.
– Netcong – January 16, 2011, A. Boyd, T. Halliwell, B. Templin, W. Wander.
– Foote’s Pond, Morristown (Boonton CBC) – December 23, 2012, F. Klecha, K. Lapsey.
– Long Valley, Washington Twp. – March 20, 2014, J. Klizas (photo).

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck–Dendrocygna autumnalis
– Great Swamp NWR – May 5, 2017, C. Hantis.

Ross’s Goose–Anser rossii
– Long Valley – February 18-19, 2019, A. Boyd, m.obs.

Brant–Branta bernicla
– Bee Meadow Park – December 26, 1977, Boonton CBC, W. Boyle, T. Halliwell.
– Whippany – January 14, 1983, D. Oster.
– Budd Lake – October, 19, 1983 (30), D. Harrison.
– Lake Musconetcong – October 31, 1988, D. Harrison.
– Lake Musconetcong – October 31, 1989 (2), D. Harrison.
– Lake Musconetcong – October 29, 1992, D. Harrison.
– Roxbury Pond – November 13, 1999, D. Harrison.
– Lake Parsippany – October 9, 2002, G. Mahler.
– Loantaka Brook Reservation – November 6, 2011, T. Smith,et al.

Cackling Goose–Branta hutchinsii
– Roxbury Pond – October 24, 1990, D. Harrison.
– A growing number of records in migration and wintering birds since being split from Canada Goose in the 45th supplement to the AOU Checklist in 2004.

Trumpeter Swan –Cygnus buccinator (NJ Review Species)
– Lake Musconetcong – June 10-19, 2016, A. Boyd (photo), m.obs.
– Lake Parsippany – April 9-13, 2017, B.Newhouse (photo), m.obs.

Gadwall–Anas strepera
– Breeding Bird Atlas – 1999, lists this as a possible breeder in a northern block.

Eurasian Wigeon–Anas penelope
– Lake Musconetcong – October 2-18, 1988, B. Hueneman.
– Lake Musconetcong – October 28 through November 1995, T. Halliwell.
– Lake Musconetcong – November 3-29, 1996, T. Halliwell.
– Lake Musconetcong – October 8 through November 3, 1998, T. Halliwell.
– Mount Hope Lake – February-March 2010, J. Klizas, et al.
– Lake Musconetcong – October 19, 2016, A. Boyd, et al.

Blue-winged Teal–Anas discors
– Breeding Bird Atlas – 1999, lists this as a possible breeder in the Great Swamp N.W.R.

Green-winged Teal–Anas crecca crecca (NJ Review Species in part)
“Common” Teal:
– Boonton – February 27-April 3, 1932, Edwards.
– Troy Meadows – April 3-30, 1932, Edwards.
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – late 1990’s, M. Hiotis, N. Collins, at least 3 sightings.

Tufted Duck–Aythya fuligula
– Loantaka Brook Reservation – November 22-24, 2021, C. Neff, m.obs.

Harlequin Duck–Histrionicus histrionicus
– Lake Parsippany – November 1952, C. Hoiles, J.B. Hawley et al.

Common Merganser–Mergus merganser
– Breeding Bird Atlas – 1999, lists this as a possible breeder in a northern block.

Red-throated Loon–Gavia stellata
– Parsippany – 1973, 1977, 1993, G. Mahler.
– Lake Parsippany – April 28, 2008, Swarovski Optik Cornell Sapsuckers.
Annually reported since at least 2011.

Pacific Loon–Gavia pacifica
– Morris Plains – March 9-20, 2013, J. Glydon et al.
– Lake Parsippany – March 15-22, 2013, J. Klizas, S. Lane, et al.
– Boonton Reservoir – March 17 – April 6, 2013, J. Klizas, S. Lane, et al.

Eared Grebe–Podiceps nigricollis
– Mt. Hope Lake, Rockaway Twp. – November 1-5, 2016, J. Klizas (photo), m.obs.

Anhinga–Anhinga anhinga
– Great Swamp NWR – April 14, 2019, A. Smith (photo).

Neotropic Cormorant–Phalacrocorax brasilianus
– Middle Valley, Washington Twp. – August 6-17, 2016, A. Goessling (photo).

Double-crested Cormorant–Phalacrocorax auritus
– Breeding Bird Atlas – 1999, lists this as a possible breeder in some northern lakes.
– Boonton Reservoir – 2011, breeding, C. Miles.

American White Pelican–Pelecanus rythrorhynchos
– Lake Musconetcong – Autumn, 2005 (one day only), J. Best (photo), A. Barlow.

Cattle Egret–Bubulcus ibis
– Parsippany and Morris County – 1974, 1992, 1998, 2006, G. Mahler.
– Hanover Twp. (Melanie Lane Pond) – May 21, 2012, J. Glydon, et al.

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron–Nyctanassa violacea
– Troy Meadows – June 16, 1929 (adult), August 5, 1929 (immature), L.L. Walsh, The Auk, Vol. 46, No. 4, October 1929, pp. 537-538.
– Budd Lake – April 11, 1988, B. Heuneman.
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – May 2001, P. Bacinski, R. Radis.
– Denville – Rockaway River- May 20-22, 2011, S.Fasciana, J. Klizas, T. Halliwell, G. Mahler, E. Mahler.
– Melanie Lane Pond in Hanover Township – June 22, 2012, J. Klizas, J. Glydon.

– Parsippany (Jefferson Rd. Pond) – September 9-October 8, 2013, J. Buechner (photos), et al.
(2 juveniles were seen on September 12, 2013, G. and E. Mahler, A. Boyd, J. Buechner).
– Parsippany (Jefferson Rd. Pond) – June 23-August 14, 2014, J. Buechner (photos), et al.

White Ibis–Eudocimus albus
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – July 4-August 1, 1977, Weigley et al.
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – May 19-24, 2009, J. Halsey, R. Duffy, J. Gilbert, et al.
– Troy Meadows – September 7, 2017, C. Hantis, J. Klizas, et al.
– Speedwell Lake, Morristown – Sept. 9-Nov. 4, 2017, N. Russo, m.obs.
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – August 12, 2023, C. Errico.

Glossy Ibis–Plegadis falcinellus
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – Various records, not common.
– Roxbury Pond – April 4, 1993, D. Harrison.
– Melanie Lane Pond, Hanover Township – June 21-22,2012 J. Glydon.

– Annual, with several reports per year since 2012 from Melanie Lane and elsewhere.

Osprey–Pandion haliaetus
– Breeding Bird Atlas – 1999, lists this as a possible breeder in some northern lakes.

Swallow-tailed Kite–Elanoides forficatus (NJ Review Species)
– Chatham – ca. 1873, H. Herrick.
– Morristown near Horse Hill – 2 on September 18, 1887, L. Sherrer, G. Hild.
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – May 21, 2011, M. Anderson, et al at the Friends’ Blind.
– Schiff Natural Lands – May 7, 2023, F. Durso.

Mississippi Kite–Ictinia mississippiensis
– Budd Lake – June-July 1989, C. Kelly, D. Freeland.
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – June 6-7, 2012, Unknown finder, J. Collins, J. Slattery.

Bald Eagle–Haliaeetus leucocephalus
– Parsippany, Rockaway – 2011 – 1 Fledged at each location; New Jersey Bald Eagle Project, 2011.
– 2007 Parsippany – first reported although nest failure apparent; active since.
– 2005 Rockaway – first reported, 2 fledged; active since.

Northern Harrier–Circus cyaneus
– Breeding Bird Atlas – 1999, lists this as a possible breeder in the western part of the county.

Swainson’s Hawk–Buteo swainsoni (NJ Review Species)
– New Vernon – Oct. 23, 1971, A. Keith.
– Boonton – Fall 1994, Reported unknown.
– Boonton – April 18, 1996, Gallagher.
– Boonton – Summer 1996, Gallagher.
– Mendham – June 23, 1996, M. Newlon.

Yellow Rail–Coturnicops noveboracensis (NJ Review Species)
– Passaic River Marshes – 4+ ca. 1875, H. Herrick.
– Madison – September 17, 1877, H. Herrick.
– Whippany – Fall 1881, A. Fairchild.
– Troy Meadows – March 31, 1935, W. Eaton, R. Edwards.
– Randolph – October 19, 2007, R. Blair, R. Crossley.

Black Rail–Laterallus jamaicensis
– Troy Meadows – April 1930, Urner.

Purple Gallinule–Porphyrio martinica (NJ Review Species)
– Riverdale – May 23, 1981, K. Prytherch, et al. [captured.]
– Chatham – November 20, 1981, R. Holt [found dead.]

Sandhill Crane–Grus canadensis (removed from Review List effective Jan. 1, 1999)
– Troy Meadows – April 13-May 1, 1969, R. McKenzie et al.(NJBRC)
– Parsippany – August 21, 1972, G. Mahler, et al. (NJBRC)
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – May 15, 1976, Kennington. (NJBRC)
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – December 12, 1995, M. Hiotis, M. Silber (photo).
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – May 1, 2010, S. Lane, J. Pescatore.
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – March 15-16, 2014, M. McCullough (photo), R. Little, S. Lane, J. Denesevich (photo).
– nearly annual since 2015.

Black-necked Stilt–Himantopus mexicanus
– Lincoln Park Gravel Pits – July 28, 2017, R. Johnson, m.obs.

Willet–Tringa semipalmata
– Lake Hopatcong – May 17, 2019, A. Eppedio.

Upland Sandpiper–Bartramia longicauda
– Morris County – circa 1887, E.C. Thurber: “A rather common summer resident, breeding on wet meadows.”
– Morris County – Date?, R. Kane.
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – August 13, 2012, B. Barkley, B. Fogarty, J. Mulvey (photos).

Hudsonian Godwit–Limosa haemastica
– Roxbury Pond – May 18, 1992, D. and R. Harrison, et al.

Ruddy Turnstone–Arenaria interpres
– Boonton Reservoir – 2 on September 2 and 11, 1970 – (“A Report on Shorebird Observations on Boonton Reservoir”, Glenn R. Mahler. Urner Field Observer, Vol 13, #1, April 1971.)
– Roxbury Pond – August 5, 1992, D. Harrison.

Sanderling–Calidris alba
– Parsippany (Boonton Reservoir) – 1972, G. Mahler.
– Morris County – Date?, R. Kane.
– Lake Hopatcong – Sept. 5, 2019, A. Eppedio.

Western Sandpiper–Calidris mauri
– Parsippany (Boonton Reservoir) – 1972, 1977, G. Mahler.
– Morris County – Date?, R. Kane.

Baird’s Sandpiper–Calidris bairdii
– Parsippany – 1976, 2002, G. Mahler.
– Morris County – Date?, R. Kane.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper–Tryngites subruficollis
– Parsippany – 1972, 1973, 1977, G. Mahler.
– Roxbury Pond – September 23, 1990, D. Harrison.
– Lincoln Park Gravel Pits – August 22, 2020, R. Fanning, J. Klizas, R. Johnson.

Ruff–Philomachus pugnax
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – May 2001, R. Kane.

Wilson’s Snipe–Gallinago delicate
– Breeding Bird Atlas – 1999, lists this as a possible breeder in a northern block.

Wilson’s Phalarope–Phalaropus tricolor
– Morris County – Date?, R. Kane.

Red-necked Phalarope–Phalaropus lobatus
– Roxbury Pond – August 20, 1992, R. Kane, I. Black, D. Harrison.
– Roxbury Pond – August 25, 1995, R. Kane, H. Wallum.
– Mt. Hope Lake – April 16, 2018, D. Bernstein, A. Boyd.

Red Phalarope –Phalaropus fulicarius
– Lake Musconetcong – August 12, 1982 , T. Halliwell.
– Boonton Reservoir – September 1, 1990, T. Halliwell, R. Kane.
– Lake Parsippany – September 26, 2020, S. Ondich, m.obs.

Black-legged Kittiwake–Rissa tridactyla
– Boonton Reservoir – December 12, 1957, F. Wolfarth.

Little Gull–Hydrocoloeus minutus
– Lake Musconetcong – 2 on April, 10, 1992, I. Black, T. Halliwell.

Laughing Gull–Leucophaeus atricilla
– Lake Musconetcong – after a storm on September 19, 2003, T. Halliwell.
– Lake Hopatcong – July 30, 2020, J. Macaluso.

Franklin’s Gull Leucophaeus pipixcan (NJ Review Species)
– Roxbury – April 18, 1992, D. Harrison, et al.
– Budd Lake – November 13, 2015, T. Halliwell, A. Boyd, J. Klizas. (unprecedented influx in the state).

Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides
– Lake Parsippany – March 17, 1982, D. Harrison.
– Lake Parsippany – 1990, G. Mahler.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus
– Lake Musconetcong – March 13, 1994, D. Harrison.
– Budd Lake – March 12, 2011 (2), J. Ellerbusch, J. Klizas.
Annual since 2011.

Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus
– Lake Musconetcong – January 11, 1986, D. Harrison.
– Lake Musconetcong – March 26, 1994, D. Harrison.
– Budd Lake – March 2-8, 2013, J. Ellerbusch, et al.
– Boonton Reservoir – January 1, 2014, J. Buechner, J. Klizas.

Gull-billed Tern–Gelochelidon nilotica
– Great Swamp NWR – June 16, 2017, A. Robbins.

Black Tern–Chlidonias niger
– Lake Musconetcong – May 3, 1992, T. Halliwell.
– Lake Musconetcong – August 24, 1992, T. Halliwell.
– Budd Lake – May 15, 1993, G. Mahler.
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – May 2004, F. Weber, S. Lane.
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – August 28, 2011 (Hurricane Irene), S. Lane.
– Budd Lake – May 8, 2014, S. Lane, et al.
– Lincoln Park Gravel Pits – September 11, 2016, R. Johnson, et al.

Common Tern–Sterna hirundo
– Chubb Park, Chester – June 15, 1989, D. Harrison, “a fly-by during a downpour”.
– Lake Parsippany – October 2005, G. Mahler.
– Budd Lake – 7 on May 1, 2014, A. Boyd, et al.

Arctic Tern–Sterna paradisaea
– Budd Lake – May 13, 2022, C. Naughton, J. Klizas, et al.

Forster’s Tern–Sterna forsteri
– Lake Musconetcong – August 8, 1985, T. Halliwell.
– Lake Musconetcong – May 17, 1992, T. Halliwell.
– Mt. Hope Lake – 2 on June 18, 1996, T. Halliwell.
– Boonton Reservoir – September 26, 2012, J. Klizas.
– Lincoln Park – August 26, 2013, J. Klizas.

Dovekie–Alle alle
– Long Valley – November 20,1932 3 alive (M. A. Collins) Auk 50(3): 325-349 (July-September 1933.)
– Greystone Park (on pond) – M. Chaillet (pers. Com. from T. Koebel (Dec 2002) recalling a record from probably in 50’s.

Black Guillemot–Cepphus grylle (NJ Review Species)
– Boonton Reservoir – November 26, 1939, J. Cadbury, B. Hiatt.

Passenger Pigeon–Ectopistes migratorius
– Extinct – 1885 – E. C. Thurber: “I saw one that was shot at Morris Plains, Sept. 16, 1885.”

Chuck-will’s-widow–Caprimulgus carolinensis
– McDonald’s Pond area Pequannock – Date?, R. Kane, I. Black, et al.

Calliope Hummingbird–Stellula calliope (NJ Review Species)
– Denville – November 17-21, 2007, J. and C. Knapp, S. Byland, et al.

Rufous Hummingbird –Selasphorus rufus (NJ Review Species)
– Denville – October 31, 1997, M. Lindsay.
– Landing – October 6-20, 2011, J. Jones, H. Tomlinson, S. Galick, et al.
– Great Swamp NWR – September 18 – October 14, 2014, T. Carruthers, et al.

Say’s Phoebe–Sayornis saya (NJ Review Species)
– Bee Meadow Park, Whippany – September 19, 2011, J. Glydon, m.obs.
– Great Swamp NWR – April 23, 2020, M. Chelemer, m.obs.

Vermilion Flycatcher–Pyrocephalus rubinus (NJ Review Species)
– Troy Meadows – May 26, 2020, T. O’Reilly.

Ash-throated Flycatcher–Myiarchus cinerascens (NJ Review Species)
– Beavertown Park, Lincoln Park – November 12, 2017, I. Kossak.

Western Kingbird–Tyrannus verticalis
– NJ RBA report (no observer given) Oct 14, 2003, Lincoln Park Gravel Pits, also “historical” records reported by R. Radis (pers. Com. 11/3/03.)
– Boonton CBC, Stiles Lane in Montville Twp – December 21-23, 2003, J. Klizas and C.  Miles.
– Veterans Mem. Park, Whippany, Hanover Twp. – September 13, 2015, J. Klizas, many obs.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher–Tyrannus forficatus (NJ Review Species)
– New Vernon – August 13-16, 1986, Freeland.

Loggerhead Shrike–Lanius ludovicianus (NJ Review Species)
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – April 1974, R. Kane, I. Black.
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – February 28, 1975, R. Kane.
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – March 21, 1975, G. Mahler.
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – November 25, 1976, Reporter unknown. (NJBRC)
– Whippany – December 26, 1976, W. Boyle et al. (NJBRC)
– Boonton – January, 1977, Reeves. (NJBRC)
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – March 22-April 22, 1977, Pitney et al. (NJBRC)
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – December 6, 1977, Reporter unknown. (NJBRC)
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – March 2 and November 12, 1978, Reporters unknown. (NJBRC)
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – October 28, 1979 Reporter unknown. (NJBRC)
– Mendham – April 29, 1987, Freeland.
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – March 15, 1989, Siber. (NJBRC)
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – April 5, 1997, H. Burk, T. Halliwell, et al.
– Parsippany – November 7, 2000, R. Radis.

Common Raven–Corvus corax
– Roxbury – 2011, A. Boyd, breeding record.

Boreal Chickadee–Poecile hudsonicus
– Morristown – Fall 1954, Hand. (NJBRC)
– Boonton CBC – December 24, 1961 (3), Reporter unknown. (NJBRC)
– Morris County CBC, Great Swamp CBC – December 30, 1961, Reporter unknown. (NJBRC)
– Boonton Reservoir – November 21, 1969-January 30, 1970 (2), G. Mahler. (NJBRC)
– Denville – December 20, 1969, Koebel & Weiss. (NJBRC)
– Denville – Fall 1975, Hannisian. (NJBRC)
– Great Swamp CBC – December 20, 1975, Reported unknown. (NJBRC)
– Denville (Spruce groves), Boonton CBC – December 28, 1975 (5). (NJBRC)
– Gillette – October 11 1981 (2) for several weeks, B. Lecington. (NJBRC)
– Great Swamp CBC – December 20, 1981, Reported unknown. (NJBRC)

Sedge Wren–Cistothorus platensis
– Troy Meadows – 1947 breeding colony, Urner Club.
– Rich Kane – date unknown.

Golden-crowned Kinglet–Regulus satrapa
– Breeding Bird Atlas – 1999, lists this as a probable breeder in Norway Spruce groves in the highlands area of the county.

Townsend’s Solitaire–Myadestes townsendi (NJ Review Species)
– Mount Tabor – October 19, 1981, D. Henderson.

Varied Thrush–Ixoreus naevius (NJ Review Species)
– Mt. Olive – November 23-December 14, 2010, D. Ciresa (photo)

Bohemian Waxwing–Bombycilla garrulus (NJ Review Species)
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – January 21 – February 1, 2004, M. Hiotis, H. Tomlinson, S. Ozard, et al.

Nashville Warbler–Oreothlypis ruficapilla
– Breeding Bird Atlas – 1999, lists this as a probable local breeder in the highlands area of the county.

Magnolia Warbler–Setophaga magnolia
– Breeding Bird Atlas – 1999, lists this as a possible breeder in the Chester Township area of the county.

Yellow-throated Warbler–Setophaga dominica
– Parsippany -1970s (?), R. Radis.
– Mendham, Schiff Reservation – May 29, 1989, D. Harrison, P. Buckley, “seen and heard.”

Clay-colored Sparrow–Spizella pallida
– Boonton – Winter 1978, C. Reeves, R.Kane, et al.
– Lincoln Park Gravel Pits – October 14, 2003, R. Kane, et al.
– Florham Park – September 23, 2012, J. Glydon (photo), J. Klizas.
– Troy Meadows – October 26, 2016, R. Fanning.

Lark Sparrow–Chondestes grammacus
– Lincoln Park Gravel Pits – Oct 14, 2003, N.J. RBA report (no observer given)
– Historical records reported by R. Radis (pers. com. to G. Mahler 11/3/03)
– Florham Park – May 28, 2015, D. Garcia-Hall.
– Troy Meadows – Aug 21, 2023, J Pomeroy (1st photo documentation for the county).

Henslow’s Sparrow–Centronyx henslowii (NJ Review Species)
– Lincoln Park – October 10, 1978, T. Koebel.
– Troy Meadows – October 21, 1992, R. Johnson.
– Willowwood Arboretum, Chester Twp. – June 26 – August 18, 2001, T. Halliwell, L. Austad, R. Borzelli, m.obs.

Le Conte’s Sparrow–Ammospiza leconteii (NJ Review Species)
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – December 17, 2000, W. Boyle.
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – November 2, 2011, fide J. Ellerbusch, E. Driver (Photographs).

Nelson’s Sparrow–Ammospiza nelsoni
– R. Kane (marked as Sharp-tailed Sparrow in his notes.)
– Parsippany – October 4, 2020, S. Kolb (photos).

Harris’s Sparrow–Zonotrichia querula (NJ Review Species)
– Troy Meadows – May 7, 1935, E. Eliot, E. Janvrin, C. Tucker.
– Flanders – January 19 – mid March 1986, J. DeMarrais, E. Patten, m.obs.
– Mendham – December 8, 1989 – mid March 1990, J. Graham, D. Harrison, m.obs.

Golden-crowned Sparrow–Zonotrichia atricapilla (NJ Review Species)
– Boonton – January 9 – April 12, 1976, C. Reeves, m.obs.
– Boonton – October 18 – April 1, 1977, C. Reeves, m.obs.
– Boonton – Winter 1977-78, C. Reeves, m.obs.

Dark-eyed Junco–Junco hyemalis oreganus group (NJ Review Species in part)
“Oregon” Junco:
– Great Swamp CBC – December 28, 1963, Reporter unknown
– Millington – December 15, 1991, Corges.
– Long Valley – March 1-April 7, 1997, J. and E. Parke.
– Denville – February 3, 2001, G. and E. Mahler.

Summer Tanager–Piranga rubra
– Parsippany (Old Troy Park) – 1970’s Boyle.
– Lake Denmark – June 6, 2001, T. Halliwell.
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – May 18, 2006, D. Peer, M. Hiotis.
– Rockaway – April 26-27, 2015, G. and V. Nixon.
– Madison – May 13, 2020, T. Smith, m. obs.

Western Tanager–Piranga ludoviciana (NJ Review Species)
– Kinnelon – June 5-22, 1977, N. and P. Hertzfeld, W. Weiss.
– Towaco – December 5, 1982, T. Vogel, F. Frazier Jr.
– Mt Olive – December 21, 2006 – January 11, 2007, J. & R. Sabella, J. Harrington, T. Halliwell, et al.
– Long Valley – April 23-24, 2015, A. Rand.

Black-headed Grosbeak–Pheucticus melanocephalus (NJ Review Species)
– Denville – December 4-11, 1974, M. and C. Hannisian, m.obs.
– Morris Plains – October 95 for ca 2 weeks, G. Reimer.
– Morris Twp. – April 19-27, 2019, A. Boulcott, m.obs.

Blue Grosbeak–Passerina caerulea
– Hacklebarney Park – July 1947, R. Conn.
– R. Kane – date unknown.
– Black River, Chester Township – August 12, 1990 (female), D, Harrison, E. Patten.
– Sayre’s Farm, Morris Township – October 18, 2011 (female), J. Klizas.
– Willowwood Arboretum, Chester Township – November 26, 2011 (female), T. Halliwell.
– Annual at various locations since 2011.

Painted Bunting–Passerina ciris (NJ Review Species)
– Montville – December 17, 2005, R. Hinkle.
– Montville – December 4, 2010, D. Amari (photo).

Dickcissel–Spiza americana
– County-line near Hoffman Sanctuary – 1990s, R. Kane.
– Troy Meadows – October 2010, Roger Johnson.
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – October 28, 2011, B. Lynch.
– Dover/Rockaway Twp. border – October 10-15, A. Frary (photos), m.obs.
– Lincon Park Gravel Pits – September 21, 2017, R. Johnson, J. Klizas.

Western Meadowlark –Sturnella neglecta (NJ Review Species)
– Troy Meadows – May 2-16, 1953, R. Harrison, C. Collins, J. Baird, m.obs.

Yellow-headed Blackbird–Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
– Troy Meadows – December, 1963, R. Thorsel at feeder.
– Middle Valley – February 2, 2008, T. Halliwell.

Bullock’s Oriole–Icterus bullockii (NJ Review Species)
– Boonton – late February, 1953, Burns et al.

Pine Grosbeak–Pinicola enucleator (NJ Review Species)
– Several Morris Co. occurrences including January 1969 at Jockey Hollow.
– Parsippany near Troy Meadows – 1977-78, T. Halliwell.
– Passaic River – 1977-78, R. Kane.
– Rt. 513, Newfoundland – January 8, 1982, D. Harrison, “found one dead along Rte. 513 in Newfoundland and heard another nearby.”
– Black River, Chester Township – December 15, 1985, D. Harrison, “2 were in some sumacs at Black River.”

Hoary Redpoll–Acanthis hornemanni (NJ Review Species)
– Rockaway Township – January 18 – March 26, 1994, G. and V. Nixon, T. Halliwell, et al.

Evening Grosbeak–Coccothraustes vespertinus
– Breeding record from Smoke Rise, Kinnelon – 1962, H. Smith, N. Wade, “young being fed” – Birds of the New York Area, John L. Bull (Harper & Row 1964.)
– Great Swamp N.W.R. – 7 on October 27, 1997, H. Burk, M. Hiotis.

Finis

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