Songbirds
Long Island is home to over 50 species of songbirds. Some pass through during fall and spring migrations while others live here permanently. Each species have specific dietary needs, habitat requirements, and nesting habits. Every species of songbird has special adaptations to help them survive in the wild like beak shape, coloration, and unique call.
Shorebirds & Seabirds
There are many different species of shorebirds and seabirds that call Long Island home or pass through during migration. They are primarily found on the eastern and southern coasts of Long Island bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Seabirds such as the Northern Gannet and Common Loon spend the majority of their lives in the water, only […]
Waterfowl
Waterfowl are commonly found all over Long Island. They spend the majority of their lives in the water and some species are unable to even walk on land. Certain species migrate for the winter while other species call Long Island home all year long. All species of waterfowl produce precocial young, this means when the babies […]
Foxes
Red Foxes are the only species of fox native to Long Island. Red Foxes are omnivores eating everything from fruits and vegetables to small mammals and birds. They mainly hunt at dawn and dusk and will store extra food under leaves, snow, or dirt to be eaten later. Foxes are part of the Canidae family […]
Rabbits
Eastern Cottontails are Long Island’s only species of native rabbit. They get their name from their fluffy white tail that resembles a cotton ball. They are strict herbivores feeding on grasses, flowers, bark, and small twigs. Eastern Cottontails have large eyes and long ears to help them be alert to possible predators.
Small Rodents
Long Island is home to many different species of small mammals including mice, rats, chipmunks, voles, shrews, flying squirrels, and muskrats. All of these animals are part of the rodent family which means they have one pair of upper and lower incisors that grow continuously. They gnaw on wood, bark, and branches to keep their […]
Woodchucks
Woodchucks are medium-sized mammals part of the marmot family. They have coarse brown hair and nimble paws used to hold onto vegetation when eating. Woodchucks are herbivores meaning they only eat plant matter like fruits, vegetables, leaves, and grasses. They hibernate during the winter in elaborate underground burrows.
Opossums
Virginia Opossums are North America’s only marsupial, this means they have a pouch to carry around their offspring until they are old enough to move around on their own. They have long prehensile tails they use to grip and balance while climbing. They also have 5 toes with sharp nails on each foot to help […]
Squirrels
Eastern Gray Squirrels are a species of rodent commonly found on Long Island. They are gray-brown in color with long bushy tails and small paws equipped with very sharp nails used for climbing. Eastern Gray Squirrels eat fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts. They bury nuts and seeds that eventually grow into trees helping keep Long […]
Long Island Wildlife Information
Long Island Wildlife Information Long Island is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and marine life. Here are some examples of the wildlife you might find on Long Island. Bats On Long Island More Information Deer On Long Island More Information Foxes On Long Island More Information Opossums On […]