Shorebirds & Seabirds on Long Island

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 coming on land to nest. Shorebirds such as the Piping Plover and Willet live on the sandy shorelines of beaches. These birds feed on fish and crustaceans found on the beaches.

Double-Crested Cormorant

Piping Plover

Common Loon

Willet

Northern Gannet

Herring Gull

Laughing Gull

Great Black-Backed Gull

Did you know?

The Piping Plover is a federally threatened and endangered species. They are known to nest on the shorelines of Fire Island from March through the end of June. Thankfully, there are numerous protection plans in place to protect these birds and their delicate eggs.

Coexisting with Shorebirds & Seabirds

Shorebirds and seabirds are an important part of our environment, here are some ways to easily coexist with them.

Always clean up materials after fishing to avoid fishing hook/line injuries
If you are a hunter, use a lead shot alternative. Lead toxicity is a leading cause of death in seabirds
Keep dogs on a leash at the beach and avoid fenced off areas to avoid disturbing nesting shorebirds
Be careful when using water vehicles to avoid collisions with seabirds

Help Us Support Wildlife

We rely on donations from the community to provide the best possible rescue, care and rehabilitation to Long Island’s Wildlife.

Wildlife on Long Island

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.

Volunteers for Wildlife is changing its name to Wildlife Center of Long Island!

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Wildlife Hotline: (516) 674-0982

Our team answers 10,000+ calls and provides care to over 2,200 wild animals on Long Island each year

Our staff & volunteers provide rescue and rehabilitation services for wildlife on Long Island, NY

Wildlife Hotline: (516) 674-0982

Shorebirds & Seabirds on Long Island

Double-Crested Cormorant

Piping Plover

Common Loon

Willet

Northern Gannet

Herring Gull

Laughing Gull

Great Black-Backed Gull

Did you know?

Help Us Support Wildlife

Wildlife on Long Island

Bats

Deer

Foxes

Opossums

Pigeons

Rabbits

Raccoons

Raptors

Reptiles & Amphibians

Skunks

Small Rodents

Songbirds

Squirrels

Waterfowl

Woodchucks

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