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Wildlife Hotline: (516) 674-0982
Wildlife Center of Long Island
Wildlife Hotline: (516) 674-0982

Waterfowl on Long Island

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 hatch they are able to walk, swim, and feed themselves. 

Canada Goose on Long Island

Canada Goose

Mallard Duck on Long Island

Mallard

Mute Swan on Long Island

Mute Swan

Wood Duck on Long Island

Wood Duck

Northern Shoveler on Long Island

Northern Shoveler

Atlantic Brant on Long Island

Atlantic Brant

Did you know?

There are over 30 different species of waterfowl that call Long Island home! Each species have different diets, nesting habits, and migration tendencies. They do all share commonalities like webbed feet and special waterproof feathers.

Coexisting with Waterfowl

Waterfowl are an important part of Long Island’s ecosystem, here are some ways to easily coexist with them.

  • Don’t feed human food to waterfowl. Feeding causes habituation, disease, and growth deformities like “Angel Wing”.
  • Keep pools fenced off to prevent waterfowl swimming in them
  • Click here for ways to deter geese from visiting your property
  • 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 waterfowl

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.

Opossums

Pigeons

Rabbits

Raccoons

Raptors

Reptiles & Amphibians

Shorebirds & Seabirds

Small Rodents

Songbirds

Squirrels

Woodchucks