Even the inland city of Syracuse can host a wide variety of life. Here's a collection of animal species that are commonly documented in and around SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
Species checklist
Here is a checklist of the animal species seen in parks around SUNY ESF. Some of them are much harder to find than others and some are seasonal. The most common species are noted, but try to find the rarer ones as well. Challenge yourself and have fun appreciating the biodiversity in Syracuse!
Birds
This diverse group of animals have specialized to fill many environmental niches, even those created by humans. Many species head south in the fall in search of a stable food source and return at different times according to the availability of food in the spring.
Wild Turkey
|
Rock Pigeon
|
mourning dove
|
red-tailed hawk
|
cooper's hawk
|
Turkey vulture
|
This secretive owl resides in the old-growth forests and swamps of New York, and pursues its prey of small mammals and amphibians under the cover of darkness, and is more likely to be heard than seen.
|
Like many other woodpeckers, this bird sustains itself on a diet of invertebrates extracted from the holes it pecks in trees, but will also take seeds and suet from feeders.
|
The smallest local woodpecker, the downy has adapted well to habitats disturbed by man. This species is nearly identical in pattering to the larger and less common hairy woodpecker.
|
pileated woodpecker
|
great-crested flycatcher
|
empidonax spp.
|
eastern phoebe
|
eastern kingbird
|
American crow
|
mammals
striped skunkA common smell in suburban areas during the summer and fall, keep a wide berth as a skunk's spray can reach several meters.
white-tailed deerOther than humans, whitetails are the most common large mammal in New York. The whitetail indirectly contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to the state economy every year through hunting licenses.
eastern cottontailFound all over the eastern United States, this rabbit species prefers open grassy areas and clearings as its habitat. Thus, it can be commonly found in residential suburbs with adequate food.
|
red foxRed fox are widely distributed all over the world and occur in almost every county in New York State. Yet they remain famously elusive. They are often seen in residential suburbs, which provide suitable habitat and feeding opportunities.
house mouseArguably the most successful urban-dwelling mammal, these little rodents can be found in and around just about any urban environment.
eastern chipmunkThis species of the squirrel family is easily recognizable and abundant in New York State. Mostly inactive during the winter months, chipmunks do not truly hibernate. Instead they enter periods of torpor where they reduce their body temperature to conserve energy.
|
virginia opossumAs primarily nocturnal creatures, human encounters with opossums are not very common. Startle one, and you might see it "play opossum" by rolling over and playing dead, where it may remain for hours.
woodchuckResidents in Syracuse, NY, are likely very familiar with woodchucks in the city. They dig series of interconnected tunnels that sometimes tear up lawns and hillsides.
eastern gray squirrelGray squirrels are extremely common in woodland, suburban, and urban habitats. They are very adaptable and have become accustomed to life around human settlements.
|
Amphibians
eastern newtThis widespread salamander species in New York secretes toxic chemicals from its skin when threatened. They feed on mosquito larvae, which helps to control mosquito populations.
spotted salamanderBright yellow spots make identifying this species quite easy. They are fairly common across New York State and can be found in moist, mature woodlands. Deforestation and the acidification of aquatic habitats are hurting their populations.
Green frogGreen frogs generally resemble bullfrogs only smaller in size. Like the bullfrog, they will also eat just about anything they can fit into their mouths.
|
eastern red-backed salamanderThis tiny species is so common that if you rolled up every individual in New York into a ball, it would outweigh the rest of the vertebrate species (including humans!) in the state combined!
American toadOften distinguished from other frogs, all toads actually are frogs. Unlike most other frogs, however, toads possess thick, dry skin adapted for living most of their lives on land. They prefer areas with dense vegetation and will generally only enter the water to lay eggs.
|
northern slimy salamanderThis salamander is primarily nocturnal and inhabits woodland areas. They can most commonly be found under logs, rock, or leaf litter. Northern slimy salamanders are lungless, so they breathe through their skin.
American bullfrogThe largest frogs in North America, bullfrogs can grow up to 8 inches long. Male bullfrogs are very territorial and will defend their home range from other males.
spring peeperSpring peepers get their common name from their distinct, high-pitches calls. Like other tree frogs, they have large pads on their toes to help them cling to surfaces.
|
reptiles
common garter snakeAs New York's most common snake species, common garter snakes can be found almost anywhere. Most often they are found in lawns, old fields, and near the edges of woodlands.
common snapping turtleThis large turtle species, actually one of the largest in North America, happens to be New York's official state reptile! Snappers are very aggressive and they pack a serious bite, which is powerful enough to take off fingers or toes. When a snapping turtle latches on with its bite, it will not let go easily. Always observe these creatures at a safe distance.
|
dekay's brown snakeThe brown snake, being both secretive and nocturnal in nature, are not often seen in natural habitats. Instead, they are usually found underneath debris or in gardens in suburban and urban areas. This species tends to hibernate from mid-fall to early-spring.
Midland painted turtlePainted turtles in general are widely distributed across North America and New York. In New York, two subspecies of painted turtles, midland and eastern, can be found, most commonly while basking in groups on logs or along shores.
|
eastern milk snakeWith a diet consisting mostly of small rodents such as mice, it comes as no surprise that milk snakes are often found in farmland, barns, and even houses. Though milk snakes are generally quite docile, many bear a striking resemblance to the deadly coral snake.
Red-eared SliderDue to the worldwide pet trade, the red-eared slider has become invasive in many parts of the world, including certain areas of New York. Native to the Mississippi River, this species is aggressive and competes with native turtle species for basking sites and food.
|
Invertebrates
Arion slugdraparnaud's glass snailwhite-lipped snailThis species closely resembles the Grove Snail, but can be distinguished by the white rim around the opening of its shell. Immature Grove Snails can have this feature, though, so be cautious when identifying these two species.
Common house spiderblacklegged tickAsian lady beetlecommon eastern bumblebeeThese common somewhat clumsy bees have adapted well to habitat change, mostly since they are flower generalists.
bald-faced HornetMonarchMonarchs are famous for their long migrations from tropical regions to colder climates every year. Sadly, this charismatic species is declining fast due to habitat loss.
Cabbage WhiteThis small butterfly is a non-native species from Eurasia. It can be seen abundantly dancing through lawns in urban areas.
|
leopard sluggrove snailThis snail was introduced from Europe and is common in concrete-laden areas in New York.
woodlouse HunterWoodlouse Hunters are a terrifying-looking species that can commonly under logs. Despite its fearsome appearance, it is a docile species that hunts only woodlice, hence the name
bold jumperbrown marmorated stink bugsmall honey antwestern honeybeeDespite what most people think, Western Honey Bees are not on the decline and are actually a non-native species from Eurasia that can outcompete native species for nest cavities.
eastern boxelder bugPeck's SkipperThis tiny butterfly is one of the Grass Skippers, a group that's notoriously hard to identify to the species level.
|
milky slugrounded snailThin-legged wolf spiderThese small spiders are commonly seen skittering over leaf littler in parks and other semi-open areas
cellar spiderCellar Spiders are one of three completely unrelated groups that are colloquially called "Daddy Long-legs" and the only one that's venomous, although the venom can't kill humans like what the urban legend portrays
European mantisgoldenrod gall flyIsabella tiger moth
|