Organization & Policies
Habitat: Air
Things to Do, Destinations
and General Information
Habitat: Air
Animals use various habitats along the river’s shoreline for nesting, feeding, overwintering, and migration.
Canada Goose
Branta canadensis
Flocks of these migratory birds signal the changing seasons, and are seen on expanses of turf, like Clinton Cove. Geese have been observed nesting in the park along the water’s edge, and then rearing their young in the sanctuary.
Other migratory waterfowl include the Bufflehead, Black Duck, Atlantic Brant, Hooded Merganser, and Common Terns.
Double Crested Cormorant
Phalacrocorax auritus
This is a diving bird whose presence has increased over the last few years. The Cormorant's distinctive black shape is easy to spot on the Sanctuary’s pile fields. Cormorants do not have oil glands to waterproof their feathers like ducks do. They must spread their wings out to dry after diving for food. Cormorants have been called living fossils due to their unique solid bones.
Raptors
Breeding raptors include the northern harrier, osprey, peregrine falcon and common barn owl. Raptors known to overwinter in the sanctuary include the rough-legged hawk, American kestrel, short-eared owl, and long-eared owl.
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
This hunter is extremely fast: Peregrine Falcons have been clocked flying at 180 mph! This incredible speed makes them efficient predators of other birds, which they catch in the air. Listed as endangered in New York, Hudson River Park is part of their breeding range.
Northern Harrier
Circus cyaneus
Also known as a marsh hawk, the Northern Harrier is a waterfront predator. Like the Peregrine Falcon, harriers catch birds on the wing. They are listed as threatened in New York State due to loss of habitat and pesticide pollution.
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Hudson River Park Trust • 353 West St. (at W.Houston St.), Pier 40, 2nd floor, NY, NY 10014
EMAIL • phone: 212-627-2020 • fax: 212-627-2021
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