List of the Birds of Somerset County

304 species of natural origin recorded in Somerset County, New Jersey as of October 1, 2020.

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 Somerset County is here.

The status given each species is in general an 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.
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.

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)
r	Greater White-fronted Goose	Anser albifons
r	Snow Goose	Anser caerulescens
r	Ross’s Goose	Anser rossii
rv	Pink-footed Goose	Anser brachyrhynchus
r	Brant	Branta bernicla
uc	Cackling Goose	Branta hutchinsii
*	Canada Goose	Branta canadensis
*	Mute Swan	Cygnus olor
m	Tundra Swan	Cygnus columbianus
*	Wood Duck	Aix sponsa
m	Gadwall	Anas strepera
r	Eurasian Wigeon	Anas penelope
m	American Wigeon	Anas americana
*	American Black Duck	Anas rubripes
*	Mallard	Anas platyrhynchos
m	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
m	Greater Scaup	Aythya marila
m	Lesser Scaup	Aythya affinis
r	Surf Scoter	Melanitta perspicillata
r	White-winged Scoter	Melanitta fusca
r	Black Scoter	Melanitta americana
r	Long-tailed Duck	Clangula hyemalis
m	Bufflehead	Bucephala albeola
m	Common Goldeneye	Bucephala clangula
*	Hooded Merganser	Lophodytes cucullatus
m	Common Merganser	Mergus merganser
m	Red-breasted Merganser	Mergus serrator
m	Ruddy Duck	Oxyura jamaicensis

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

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

Order Podicipediformes
Family Podicipedidae (Grebes)
*	Pied-billed Grebe	Podilymbus podiceps
r	Horned Grebe	Podiceps auritus

Order Suliformes
Family Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)
r	Northern Gannet	Morus bassanus
Family Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants)
m	Double-crested Cormorant	Phalacrocorax auritus
r	Great Cormorant	Phalacrocorax carbo

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

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

Order Accipitriformes
Family Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
*	Black Vulture	Coragyps atratus
*	Turkey Vulture	Cathartes aura
Family Pandionidae (Osprey)
m	Osprey	Pandion haliaetus
Family Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
rv	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
m	Northern Goshawk	Accipiter gentilis
*	Red-shouldered Hawk	Buteo lineatus
*	Broad-winged Hawk	Buteo platypterus
*	Red-tailed Hawk	Buteo jamaicensis
r	Rough-legged Hawk	Buteo lagopus
r	Golden Eagle	Aquila chrysaetos

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

Order Gruiformes
Family Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
rv	Yellow Rail	Coturnicops noveboracensis
*	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)
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
m	Lesser Yellowlegs	Tringa flavipes
r	Upland Sandpiper	Bartramia longicauda
r	Hudsonian Godwit	Limosa haemastica
m	Semipalmated Sandpiper	Calidris pusilla
m	Least Sandpiper	Calidris minutilla
uc	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
r	Short-billed Dowitcher	Limnodromus griseus
r	Long-billed Dowitcher	Limnodromus scolopaceus
*	Wilson’s Snipe	Gallinago delicata
*	American Woodcock	Scolopax minor
r	Red-necked Phalarope	Phalaropus lobatus
Family Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
r	Sabine’s Gull	Xema sabini
r	Bonaparte’s Gull	Chroicocephalus philadelphia
r	Little Gull	Hydrocoloeus minutus
r	Laughing Gull	Leucophaeus atricilla
r	Mew Gull	Larus canus
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
uc	Great Black-backed Gull	Larus marinus
r	Least Tern	Sternula antillarum
r	Black Tern	Chlidonias niger
r	Common Tern	Sterna hirundo
r	Forster’s Tern	Sterna forsteri
Family Alcidae (Auks, Murres, and Puffins)
r	Dovekie	Alle alle

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

Order Psittaciformes
Psittacidae (Parrots)
m	Monk Parakeet	Myiopsitta monachus

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
r	Snowy Owl	Bubo scandiacus
*	Barred Owl	Strix varia
m	Long-eared Owl	Asio otus
m	Short-eared Owl	Asio flammeus
m	Northern Saw-whet Owl	Aegolius acadicus

Order Caprimulgiformes
Family Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
rv	Lesser Nighthawk	Chordeiles acutipennis
*	Common Nighthawk	Chordeiles minor
*	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

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
rv	Black-backed Woodpecker	Picoides arcticus
*	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	Ash-throated Flycatcher	Myiarchus cinerascens
*	Great Crested Flycatcher	Myiarchus crinitus
r	Western Kingbird	Tyrannus verticalis
*	Eastern Kingbird	Tyrannus tyrannus
r	Gray Kingbird	Tyrannus dominicensis
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
m	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)
m	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)
*	Carolina Chickadee	Poecile carolinensis
*	Black-capped Chickadee	Poecile atricapillus
R	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
rv	Rock Wren	Salpinctes obsoletus
*	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
*	Veery	Catharus fuscescens
m	Gray-cheeked Thrush	Catharus minimus
m	Bicknell’s Thrush	Catharus bicknelli
m	Swainson’s Thrush	Catharus ustulatus
m	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)
r	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
m	Northern Waterthrush	Parkesia noveboracensis
*	Blue-winged Warbler	Vermivora cyanoptera
m	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
m	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
m	Cerulean Warbler	Setophaga cerulea
*	Northern Parula	Setophaga americana
m	Magnolia Warbler	Setophaga magnolia
m	Bay-breasted Warbler	Setophaga castanea
m	Blackburnian Warbler	Setophaga fusca
*	Yellow Warbler	Setophaga petechia
*	Chestnut-sided Warbler	Setophaga pensylvanica
m	Blackpoll Warbler	Setophaga striata
m	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
rv	Black-throated Gray Warbler	Setophaga nigrescens
rv	Townsend’s Warbler	Setophaga townsendi
m	Black-throated Green Warbler	Setophaga virens
m	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
*	Vesper Sparrow	Pooecetes gramineus
r	Lark Sparrow	Chondestes grammacus
*	Savannah Sparrow	Passerculus sandwichensis
*	Grasshopper Sparrow	Ammodramus savannarum
*rv	Henslow’s Sparrow	Centronyx henslowii
r	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
m	White-crowned Sparrow	Zonotrichia leucophrys
m,rvp	Dark-eyed Junco	Junco hyemalis
Family Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
r	Summer Tanager	Piranga rubra
*	Scarlet Tanager	Piranga olivacea
*	Northern Cardinal	Cardinalis cardinalis
*	Rose-breasted Grosbeak	Pheucticus ludovicianus
rv	Black-headed Grosbeak	Pheucticus melanocephalus
*	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
rv	Brewer’s Blackbird	Euphagus cyanocephalus
*	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)
m	Purple Finch	Carpodacus purpureus
*	House Finch	Carpodacus mexicanus
r	Red Crossbill	Loxia curvirostra
r	White-winged Crossbill	Loxia leucoptera
r	Common Redpoll	Acanthis flammea
m	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.

Greater White-fronted Goose –Anser albifons
– Basking Ridge – January 5, 1991, reported on Voice of NJ Audubon.
– Franklin (Colonial Park) – November 26, 1994. Dendler.
– Franklin Park – March 23, 1996, L. Austad, J. Hanson.
– Franklin (Colonial Park) – October 28, 1997, A. Pochek, D.Lovitch.
– Blawenburg – November 23-December 21, 1997, A. Chen.
– Basking Ridge – December 24, 2003 (2), J. Klizas.
– Bridgewater (Duke Island Park) – November 27-December 24, 2011, M. Newlon, m.obs.
– Franklin Township – December 1-13, 2011, J. Ellerbusch, m.obs.
– Somerset County – up to 4 separate individuals, Jan-Feb, 2012, J. Ellerbusch, m.obs.
– Montgomery Township – November 7, 2012, J. Ellerbusch.

Ross’s Goose–Anser rossii
– Duke Farms, Hillsborough – January 3, 2004, C. Aquila, S. Lane.
– Duke Island Park, Bridgewater – December 5, 2011, R. Wright, m.obs.
– Bedminster Twp. – December 16-17, 2012, J. Ellerbusch, m.obs.
– Lord Stirling Park – January 13-31, 2013, K. English, m.obs.
– VA Hospital Grounds, Lyons, Bernards Twp. – January-February, 2013, m.obs (same individual as at Lord Stirling?).

Pink-footed Goose–Anser brachyrhynchus
– VA Hospital grounds, Lyons – December 30, 2016-January 5, 2017, J. Ellerbusch, m.obs.
– Bridgewater – December 28, 2017-January 3, 2018, J. Ellerbusch, m.obs.

Surf Scoter–Melanitta fusca
– Bridgewater Twp. – October 26, 2016, J. Ellerbusch (ph).

White-winged Scoter–Melanitta perspicillata
– Chimney Rock Hawk Watch, 3 flyovers with a larger group of dark-winged Scoter on November 12, 1996, S. Byland.

Black Scoter–Melanitta americana
– Bufflehead Rd. Ponds, Bridgewater – May 21, 2011 (female), J. Ellerbusch, G. Mahler.

Long-tailed Duck–Clangula hyemalis
– Somerset – 2 on October 26, 2012, J. Ellerbusch.
– Somerset – 1 on October 30, 2012, J. Ellerbusch.
– Chimney Rock Hawk Watch – 1 flyover on October 31, 2012, S. Lane.
– D&R Towpath, Franklin Twp. – April 17, 2013, J. Ellerbusch.
– Bernardsville Quarry – January 7, 2014, R. Stapperfenne (photo)

Eurasian Wigeon–Anas penelope
– Colonial Park, Franklin Twp., winter 1987-88, C. Aquila (photo).
– Finderne Wetlands, drake, March 20, 2014, J. Ellerbusch (photo).

Greater Scaup–Aythya marila
– Duke Farms – Listed as rare on the Duke Farms checklist.

Hooded Merganser–Lophodytes cucullatus
– Breeding Bird Atlas – 1999, lists this as a possible breeder in an eastern block.

Pied-billed Grebe–Podilymbus podiceps
– Breeding Bird Atlas – 1999, lists this as a possible breeder in a central county block.

Horned Grebe–Podiceps auritus
– Duke Farms – Listed as rare on the Duke Farms checklist.

Northern Gannet–Morus bassanus
– Chimney Rock Hawk Watch – Date?, J. Gilbert.

Least Bittern–Ixobrychus exilis
– Breeding Bird Atlas – 1999, lists this as a probable breeder in the Lord Stirling Park area.

Little Blue Heron–Egretta caerulea
– Somerset County – Date? R. Kane.
– Bridgewater – August 3, 1997, L. Barnett.
– Finderne Wetlands – May 15-21, 2011, J. Ellerbusch, et al.
– Hillsborough – August 20-September 14, 2011, F. Sencher, Jr., V. Schwartz, J. Klizas.
– Watchung – July 23, 2012, J. Ellerbusch.
– Bridgewater – Aug. 13, 2012, V. Capp, J.J. Collins.

Cattle Egret–Bubulcus ibis
– Beekman Lane, Hillsborough – May 16, 1988, 2, G. Hanisek, et al.
– Duke Farms – Listed as an accidental on the Duke Farms checklist.
– Branchburg – Date?, F. Sencher, Jr.
– Franklin Twp. (Negri-Nepote Grasslands) – August 10-11, 2009, D. Schulman.
– Duke Farms – July 13, 2014, J. Ellerbusch.
– Franklin Twp. (Negri-Nepote Grasslands) – July 29, 2014, K&J LaCorte, K. Abildskov (photo).
– Opie Rd., Hillsborough – April 15, 2019, J. Ellerbusch, et al.

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron–Nyctanassa violacea
– Lord Stirling Park – August 18, 2010, J. Pescatore, et al.
– Colonial Park, Franklin Twp., – April 22, 2013, Z. Batren, J, Ellerbusch et al.

White Ibis–Eudocimus albus (NJ Review Species)
– Far Hills – July 27-August 10, 1968, A. Panzer, m.obs.

Glossy Ibis–Plegadis falcinellus
– Glossy Ibis – 12 in Warren Township, April 13, 1997, S. Byland.
– Duke Island park, Bridgewater – Date?, F. Sencher, Jr.

Swallow-tailed Kite–Elanoides forficatus (NJ Review Species)
– Bedminster – April 13, 1977, G. Merck.
– Hillsborough Township – April 21, 2011, F. Sencher

Mississippi Kite–Ictinia mississippiensis
– Sherman Hoffman Sanctuary, Bernardsville – May 27, 1986, R. Kane.
– Duke Farms – Listed as an accidental on the Duke Farms checklist.
– Raritan – 2 on May 24, 2010, J. Klizas.

Bald Eagle–Haliaeetus leucocephalus
– Hillsborough – Nesting along the Raritan River since 2005. New Jersey Bald Eagle Project, 2011.

Northern Harrier–Circus cyaneus
– Breeding Bird Atlas – 1999, lists this as a confirmed nester in Franklin Township.

Crested Caracara–Caracara cheriway (NJ Review Species)
– Franklin Township – October 31, 2015, A. Oley (photo).

Yellow Rail–Coturnicops noveboracensis (NJ Review Species)
– Pottersville – October 25, 1991, L. Pierson.

King Rail–Rallus elegans
– Breeding Bird Atlas – 1999, lists this as a probable nester in the Lord Stirling Park area.
– Lord Stirling Park – May 1, 2011, J. Ellerbusch, S. Lane.
– Finderne Wetlands – October 24, 2012, J. Elerbusch, J. Klizas, P. Williams.

Purple Gallinule–Porphyrio martinica (NJ Review Species)
– Franklin Park – May 12-20, 1986, E. Adams, et al.

Common Gallinule–Gallinula chloropus
– Breeding Bird Atlas – 1999, lists this as a possible nester in the Lord Stirling Park area.
– Duke Farms – June 7-16, 2017, L. Wilkens, m.obs.

Sandhill Crane–Grus canadensis
– Chimney Rock – October 31, 1962 (2), Conn & Vriens.
– Belle Mead – November 4, 1984, Loery m.obs.
– Warren Twp. – May 6, 1995, M. Newlon.
Numerous records since.

Hudsonian Godwit–Limosa haemastica
– Bridgewater – September 22, 2011, J. Ellerbusch, J. Klizas.

Baird’s Sandpiper–Calidris bairdii
– Montgomery Twp. (Selody Sod Farm) – September 10, 2012, M. Harris.
– Montgomery Twp. (Selody Sod Farm) – September 2, 2013, S. Lane, J. Ellerbusch.

Dunlin–Calidris alpina
– Branchburgh – May 26, 2011., J. Ellerbusch.
– Branchburgh – May 27, 2011., F. Sencher, Jr.

Stilt Sandpiper–Calidris himantopus
– Somerset (Patriot’s Park) – September 22, 2011, J. Ellerbusch.
– Somerset (Patriot’s Park) – September 24, 2011, J. Glydon.
– Neshanic Station (Opie Road) – October 1, 2011, F. Sencher, Jr.
– Manville (Lincoln Ave. Park) – October 3-4, 2011, J. Ellerbusch, J. Klizas, S. Lane.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper–Tryngites subruficollis
– Montgomery Township (Selody Sod Farm) – August 6, 2012, J. Ellerbusch.

Short-billed Dowitcher–Limnodromus griseus
– Somerset County – Date?, R. Kane.
– Negri-Nepote, Franklin Township – August 14, 2014, C. Arnesen (photo).
– Glenhurst Meadows, Warren Township – August 27, 2014, Jim Mulvey (photo), et al.

Long-billed Dowitcher–Limnodromus scolopaceus
– Bridgewater – November 1, 2016, J. Ellerbusch.

Red-necked Phalarope–Phalaropus lobatus
– Negri-Nepote, Franklin Township – May 1, 2012, J. Lee, J. Ellerbusch.
– Negri-Nepote, Franklin Township – May 21, 2012, 5 seen, J. Hayes, T. Ostrand, A. Oley.

Sabine’s Gull–Xema sabini
– Glenhurst Meadows, Warren Township – September 11, 2005, M. Hiotis.

Bonaparte’s Gull–Chroicocephalus philadelphia
– D&R Canal, Raritan River, Franklin Township – 327 on April 11, 2012, J. Ellerbusch.

Little Gull–Hydrocoloeus minutus
– Branchburg – April 15, 2018, J. Ellerbusch.

Laughing Gull–Leucophaeus atricilla
– Somerset – March 17, 2003, D. Giberna.
– Chimney Rock Hawkwatch – 2 on September 3, 2006 (Tropical Storm Ernesto), S. Lane.
– Hillsborough – 2 on August 22, 2010, F. Sencher, Jr.
– Finderne Wetlands – 16 on August 28, 2011, J. Ellerbusch (Hurricane Irene).
– Chimney Rock Hawkwatch – October 22, 2011, J. Ellerbusch.
– North Branch Park, Bridgewater – 3 on September 7, 2011, J. Ellerbusch.
– Hillsborough – April 12, 2014, J. Ellerbusch.

Mew Gull–Larus canus
– Hillsborough Township – January 3, 2017, J. Ellerbusch (photo), 2nd New Jersey record.

Iceland Gull–Larus glaucoides
– Hillsborough Township – December 28, 2010-February, 2011, S. Lane, J. Ellerbusch, F. Sencher, Jr., m.obs.

Lesser Black-backed Gull–Larus fuscus
– Hillsborough Township – December 2010-March 2011, m.obs.

Glaucous Gull–Larus hyperboreus
– Hillsborough Township – February, 2011, F. Sencher, Jr., m.obs.

Least Tern–Sternula antillarum
– Finderne Wetlands – August 28, 2011, J. Ellerbusch (Hurricane Irene).
– Finderne Wetlands – July 21, 2012, J. Ellerbusch.

Black Tern–Chlidonias niger
– Finderne Wetlands – 3 on August 28, 2011, J. Ellerbusch (Hurricane Irene).
– Somerset (Patriot’s Park) – August 28, 2011, J. Ellerbusch (Hurricane Irene).

Common Tern–Sterna hirundo
– Bridgewater (Bufflehead Rd.) – August 28, 2011, J. Ellerbusch (Hurricane Irene).
– Finderne Wetlands – 12 on August 28, 2011, J. Ellerbusch (Hurricane Irene).

Forster’s Tern–Sterna forsteri
– Finderne Wetlands – August 28, 2011, J. Ellerbusch (Hurricane Irene).

Dovekie–Alle alle
– Bernardsville – November 19, 1932, several (Mrs. Theodore Herbst). Auk 50(3): 325-349 (July-September 1933.)

Black-backed Woodpecker–Picoides arcticus
– Blair Lake – February 15-April 21, 1958, S Dillon, H Drinkwater, m.obs.

Monk Parakeet–Myiopsitta monachus
– Chimney Rock Hawkwatch – September 20, October 1, 1995.
– Chimney Rock Hawkwatch – September 18, 2010, S. Lane.

Snowy Owl–Bubo scandiacus
– Basking Ridge – January 1, 1999, S. Byland.

Lesser Nighthawk–Chordeiles acutipennis
– Lord Stirling Park – May 26-June 2, 2017, B. Barkley, m.obs.Originally found in Hillsborough Twp., taken to Raptor Trust and released.

Eastern Whip-poor-will–Myiopsitta monachus
– Sherman Hoffman Sanctuary, Bernardsville – April 22, 1995, August 22, 1995, R. Kane.
– Breeding Bird Atlas – 1999, lists this as a possible nester in Franklin Township.

Rufous Hummingbird –Selasphorus rufus (NJ Review Species)
– Branchburg – October 30, 2011 – February 4, 2012. M. Scocco (ph).

Say’s Phoebe–Sayornis saya (NJ Review Species)
– Negri-Nepote Native Grasslands Preserve – October 18-19, 2015, J. Socolar, D. Schulmann (photos).

Ash-throated Flycatcher–Myiarchus cinerascens (NJ Review Species)
– Bedminster – November 26-December 4, 2001,S. Endres, J. L. Wah, et al.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher–Tyrannus forficatus (NJ Review Species)
– East Millstone – May 11, 1970, Derbyshire et al.
– East Millstone – May 16, 1970, J. Kricher, m.obs.
– Griggstown – June 4, 1992, P. Gaboury, R. Blicharz, T. Poole, et al.
– Franklin Township – May 20-22, 2012, B. Clough, et al.

Western Kingbird–Tyrannus verticalis
– Duke Farms – Listed as an accidental on the Duke Farms checklist.
– Lord Stirling Park – October 25, 2014, M. Zielinski (photo)

Gray Kingbird–Tyrannus dominicensis (NJ Review Species)
– Bound Brook – September 30, 1962, R. Conn.
– FranklinTwp. – October 28, 2007, V. Capp.

Loggerhead Shrike–Lanius ludovicianus (NJ Review Species)
– Somerset – April 8, 1984, W. Wander.
– Basking Ridge – September 7, 1988, D. Fantina.

Common Raven–Corvus corax
– Chimney Rock – breeding records since 2000(?).

Boreal Chickadee–Poecile hudsonicus
– Basking Ridge – December 2, 1961, Meeker.
– Basking Ridge – 1975, Frazier et al.

Rock Wren–Salpinctes obsoletus
– Franklin Township – December 25, 2016-January 17, 2017, C. Miller, m.obs. 2nd New Jersey record.

Sedge Wren–Cistothorus platensis
– Warren Township – 1999, Breeding Bird Atlas lists this as a confirmed breeder.

Varied Thrush–Ixoreus naevius (NJ Review Species)
– Somerset – March 13-April 4, 2008, R. Arditty, B. Boyle.

Bohemian Waxwing–Bombycilla garrulus (NJ Review Species)
– Lord Stirling Park – From Mike Hiotis: “I wrote up the record for the Great Swamp bird on Jan.21, 2004 adding H.Tomlinson, G.Eschenbach and S.Ozard’s names. S. Ozard’s name was included on the record because he found a Bohemian Waxwing a few days after our Jan 21 sighting. That bird (considered the same as ours) was first seen by Steve in the parking lot of Lord Stirling Park and seen sporadically there and about until Feb.1. So this record does extend into Somerset County also.”

Lapland Longspur–Calcarius lapponicus
– Somerset County – Date?, R. Kane.
– Hillsborough – January, 9, 2011, F. Sencher, Jr.
– Hillsborough – February 9-10, 2013, J. Ellerbusch, et al (photos).
– Warren Twp. – October 18, 2015, J. Ellerbusch (photos).

Yellow-rumped Warbler–Setophaga coronata
– Breeding Bird Atlas – 1999, lists this as a possible nester.

Yellow-throated Warbler–Setophaga dominica
– Breeding Bird Atlas – 1999, lists this as a probable breeder in the Far Hills area.
– Lord Stirling Park – September 10, 2000, M. Hiotis.
– Colonial Park, Franklin Twp. – April 14, 2014, B. Clough, A Manning, J. Ellerbusch (photo).

Black-throated Gray Warbler–Setophaga nigrescens
– Warren Twp. (Glenhurst Meadows) – September 27, 2013, K. Bolton, A. Cunniffe.

Townsend’s Warbler–Setophaga townsendi
– Duke Farms – December 12-13, 2016, B. McWhorter, m.obs.

Clay-colored Sparrow–Spizella pallida
– Negri-Nepote Grasslands – September 28, 2007, V. Koczurik.
– Duke Farms – October 16, 2007.
– Warren – December 6, 2007-early May 2008 (at feeder), S. Byland.
– Glenhurst Meadows – numerous reports since at least 2004.

Lark Sparrow–Chondestes grammacus
– Hillsborough – December 17, 2012, J. Ellerbusch.

Henslow’s Sparrow–Centronyx henslowii (NJ Review Species)
– Colonial Park – November 11, 1990, Dendler
– Warren – November 20, 2001, S. Sobocinsky.
– Hillsborough Twp. – (6+) July 27–August 25, 2006, C. Aquila NJB 33:38-40.
– Hillsborough Twp. – July 17-18, 2008, photographs and audio recordings. Not submitted to NJBRC.
– Hillsborough Twp. – (2) July 13-August 12, 2014, J. Ellerbusch, et al. Photographs and audio recordings.
– Franklin Twp., Negri-Nepote Native Grasslands – June 6 – August 1, 2019, J. Nargiz, J. Gant, J. Ellerbusch, m.obs.

Le Conte’s Sparrow–Ammospiza leconteii
– Glenhurst Meadows – October 2-23, 2012, J. Ellerbusch, M. Newlon, J. Klizas, S. Lane.

Nelson’s Sparrow–Ammospiza nelsoni
– Glenhurst Meadows – October 6-8, 2004, M. Hiotis, J. Klizas, H. Tomlinson.
– Finderne Wetlands – October 10, 2011, J. Ellerbusch, S. Lane.
– Finderne Wetlands – October 22, 2011, P. Burke, J. Ellerbusch, J. Klizas, S. Lane.

Dark-eyed Junco–Junco hyemalis oreganus group (NJ Review Species in part)
“Oregon” Junco:
– Bernardsville – November 1938, E. Chalif.
– Somerville – December 1, 1961-Early 1962, Mathers.
– Bound Brook – Marxh 15, 1962, Gillespie.
– Bernardsville – April 6, 1984, R. Kane.
– Bernardsville – February 1988, D. Freiday.
– Bernardsville – March 7, 1989, D. Freiday.
– Chimney Rock – November 4, 1995, Aquila & Pochek.

Summer Tanager–Piranga rubra
– Duke Farms – Listed as rare on the Duke Farms checklist.
– Sourland Mountain Preserve – Two summers (Dates?), Frank Sencher, Jr.
– Washington Valley Park – Fall bird (Date?), Frank Sencher, Jr.

Black-headed Grosbeak–Pheucticus melanocephalus (NJ Review Species)
– Bernardsville – Winter 1975-76, C. Galbreath.
– Bernardsville – Winter 1976-77, C. Galbreath.
– Basking Ridge – December 28, 1977-January 1978, F. Shanholtzer, R. Kane.
– Basking Ridge – January-February 1979, F. Shanholtzer.
– Somerset – December 31, 2005, J. Poole.

Painted Bunting–Passerina ciris (NJ Review Species)
– Neshanic – December 25, 1999-mid-March 2000, E. Wengryn.
– Franklin Twp. – (male at feeder) March 27 – April 4, 2013, K. Reed.

Western Meadowlark –Sturnella neglecta (NJ Review Species)
– Bound Brook – April 10, 1956, R. Conn.
– Blawenburg – July 22, 1961, J. Meritt, E. Bloor, C. Rogers, et al.

Yellow-headed Blackbird–Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
– Duke Farms – Listed as an accidental on the Duke Farms checklist.
– Somerset County – Date?, R. Kane.

Brewer’s Blackbird–Euphagus cyanocephalus
– Duke Farms – October 21-22, 2019, B. McWhorter, et al.

Bullock’s Oriole–Icterus bullockii (NJ Review Species)
– Blawenburg – December 2000-March 2001, S. Shaffer, R. Blicharz, L. Eaton.

Finis

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