The 100 most recent account entries/updates. |
comName | sciName | species_account | breeding_status | list_type | state_status | fed_status | S_rank | G_rank | coastal_plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips_code | update_on |
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Red Crossbill | Loxia curvirostra | The Red Crossbill is another of the erratic "winter finches" in the East. Unlike with most of these... | Breeder | Definitive | SC | | S3B,S3N | G5 | Winter visitor, and apparently accidental breeder; declining. Currently, very rare to rare across t... | Winter visitor, and accidental breeder; declining. Currently, rare and erratic in winter; formerly ... | Summer resident at higher elevations, and winter visitor to all of the region. In summer, rare to l... | Though the species is erratic in summer, it has been somewhat regular in recent years at Mount Mitch... | ** | 2023-01-23 |
Black Rail | Laterallus jamaicensis | As notoriously secretive as the Yellow Rail, this species at least can be coaxed into view on occasi... | Breeder | Definitive | T | T | S1 | G3 | Permanent resident, with migratory movements, near the coast; decreasing in recent years. Seemingly... | Poorly known breeder (at least formerly) and transient. Casual to very rare breeder, at least forme... | Formerly casual breeder at low elevations; now essentially unknown/accidental. Formerly nested near... | To hear a Black Rail, visit the Cedar Island marsh causeway (NC 12), or the Wanchese marshes east of... | ** | 2023-01-23 |
Tricolored Heron | Egretta tricolor | The Tricolored Heron is the third of a trio of closely related and easily found coastal waders. Unl... | Breeder | Definitive | SC | | S2B,S3N | G5 | Permanent resident along the coast, being migratory and thus more numerous in spring, late summer, a... | Essentially only a post-breeding visitor, mostly Jul through Sep. Rare in the eastern portion, and ... | Casual visitor. Four known records: 1, Ashe, 6 May 1962; 2, near the French Broad River in <... | It is seldom missed along the coast from Mar into early winter. As a post-breeding bird inland, a f... | **** | 2023-01-23 |
Dickcissel | Spiza americana | Although there are numerous birds that are highly erratic wintering species in North Carolina and el... | Breeder | Definitive | SR | | S2B | G5 | Sporadic and very local summer resident, and sparse winter visitor. In summer, very rare to rare ov... | Sporadic and very local summer resident, and very sparse winter visitor. In summer, rare and sporad... | Sparse transient; seldom in summer or winter. Despite many wide valleys with farmland at low elevat... | From 2005 - 2018, the species has been easily found in summer at North River Farms, but this is a pr... | ** | 2022-12-23 |
Painted Bunting | Passerina ciris | The adult male Painted Bunting is certainly the gaudiest-colored of North American songbirds. Thank... | Breeder | Definitive | SC | | S3B | G5 | Summer resident along the southern coast, and sparse winter resident/visitor along the coast, even t... | Very rare (but increasing) visitor, scattered over the year; a few reports of males singing on terri... | Casual visitor. The only known records are one at a feeder in Asheville, 9-12 Mar 2004; a female or... | Should be easily found along the southern coast in late Apr, May, and Jun, at places such as Fort Ma... | *** to **** | 2022-12-23 |
Black-throated Green Warbler | Setophaga virens | The Black-throated Green Warbler has a fragmented breeding range, thanks to a separate subspecies --... | Breeder | Definitive | E* | | S4B | G5 | Summer resident, and transient. In summer, variously rare to locally common in the eastern third to... | Sparse summer resident, and transient. In summer, formerly common (but decreasing due to loss/death... | Summer resident, with migratory movements. Breeds over the entire region, but local; can be common ... | Should be easily found in late Apr or May in many areas of the higher mountains, such as along the B... | **** | 2022-12-23 |
Swainson's Warbler | Limnothlypis swainsonii | The Swainson's Warbler is often considered one of the rarest of warblers in the country. This perce... | Breeder | Definitive | | | S3S4B | G4 | Summer resident. Breeds over essentially all of the region, as far west as Weldon (Halifax) ... | Summer resident (sparingly), and scarce transient. In summer, uncommon and somewhat local along the... | Summer resident. Breeds along the Blue Ridge Escarpment (see Piedmont notes), mainly at the base, u... | Despite it not being common anywhere, you should be able to hear one to several in Alligator River N... | *** | 2022-12-23 |
Purple Finch | Haemorhous purpureus | The Purple Finch is one of the several "winter finches" that birders eagerly wait in anticipation to... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | S3N | G5 | Winter resident; declining. Generally uncommon and irruptive across the region; can be somewhat rar... | Winter resident; declining. Formerly fairly common, on average -- uncommon in some winters and ofte... | Winter resident, but declining; possible summer resident (at least formerly). Generally uncommon an... | This species can be difficult to find in some winters, and late winter (Feb or Mar) is usually best.... | ** | 2022-12-23 |
Blue-headed Vireo | Vireo solitarius | Long known as the Blue-headed Vireo, in the 1970's its name was changed to Solitary Vireo, for no ob... | Breeder | Definitive | | | S5B,S3N | G5 | Primarily a transient and winter resident; sparse breeder. In the nesting season, rare to uncommon ... | Primarily a transient, but also a summer resident in parts of the region, and a sparse winter visito... | Summer resident. Breeds essentially at all elevation levels, though more numerous (common) above 3,... | The species is easily found in spring and summer in the mountains. Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway a... | **** | 2022-12-23 |
Olive-sided Flycatcher | Contopus cooperi | The Olive-sided Flycatcher has a very wide breeding range, in the boreal forests from Alaska to Labr... | Former Probable Breeder | Definitive | W | | SU | G4 | Transient. Very rare in fall, and casual/accidental in spring; only about 16 records. The only two... | Transient. Rare in both spring and fall, across the region. Primarily from early May to late May, w... | Transient and former summer resident, with current "breeding" status undetermined. Many scattered re... | This bird is too rare to expect to see one. Your best bet is to drive roads in the mountains, especi... | * | 2022-12-23 |
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher | Tyrannus forficatus | The beautiful Scissor-tailed Flycatcher nests in the south-central United States, primarily in Texas... | Breeder | Definitive | W | | SAB,SZ | G5 | Transient/vagrant, both in late spring/summer and again in fall; accidental breeder. Very rare to r... | Transient/vagrant, and sporadic breeder (only three sites reported). Very rare in migration, with m... | Accidental to casual. One was photographed in Swannanoa (Buncombe) on 10 May 1984 (Chat 48:1... | Your best bet is to drive to a known nesting site. If none are available for an easy "tick", you ar... | * | 2022-12-23 |
Western Kingbird | Tyrannus verticalis | The Western Kingbird history in North Carolina is a sad one. Back in the 1960's and early 1970's, o... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Fall transient, regularly lingering into early winter; strongly declining, at least in fall. Along ... | Fall stray/transient. Casual, with only nine records. Six of the records fall between 17 Sep and 2... | Casual. Four records: three in fall (one in Aug and two in Sep). The report of two birds in Ash... | Try driving NC 12 down the Outer Banks in fall, a day or two after a strong cold front. A bird coul... | * | 2022-12-23 |
Swallow-tailed Kite | Elanoides forficatus | Arguably the most spectacular bird of prey in the world, especially when seen in flight, the Swallow... | Breeder | Definitive | SR | | S1B | G5 | Annual visitor, mainly in spring along and near the coast, and breeder at a few sites in the souther... | Very rare to rare, but increasing, visitor in the warmer months; over 42 records, from late Apr to m... | Very rare visitor in the warmer months; about 22 records, with five coming in fall 2016 and three ea... | Birders can usually spot one to several birds, along with some Mississippi Kites, either close to th... | ** | 2022-12-23 |
Black-crowned Night-Heron | Nycticorax nycticorax | The Black-crowned Night-Heron is our only truly nocturnal waterbird. Birds roost in thickets, usual... | Breeder | Definitive | W | | S3B,S3N | G5 | Permanent resident coastally, and a transient inland. Along the coast, fairly common to locally com... | Transient and post-breeding visitor; accidental breeder (in 2022). Rare and secretive, mostly in Ap... | Transient and post-breeding visitor. Rare, with close to 30 records, at low elevations in the south... | This species is usually found along the coast at any season, but you might need to wait around tidal... | *** | 2022-12-22 |
Reddish Egret | Egretta rufescens | This is one of the very few wading birds on the state list that does not breed in North Carolina. T... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G4 | Primarily a post-breeding visitor, though a few birds have lingered into winter (or overwintered) in... | Two reports. One was seen at a small lake 13 miles southeast of Charlotte on 27 Jul 1947 (Birds of N... | No records. | Your best bet for finding the species is to check around the inlets in Brunswick in Jul and A... | * | 2022-12-22 |
Least Bittern | Ixobrychus exilis | The Least Bittern is just as shy as its larger cousin, the American Bittern, but because it is much ... | Breeder | Definitive | SC | | S2S3B | G5 | Summer resident and migrant; a handful of winter records. Occurs nearly throughout the Tidewater an... | Transient and scarce summer resident. Rare (and easily overlooked) transient, and rare and local br... | Casual to very rare transient, and perhaps has nested on rare occasions in the Hendersonville area. ... | Most of the better sites are difficult for birders to reach. It is reportedly common as a breeder a... | ** | 2022-12-22 |
Brown Pelican | Pelecanus occidentalis | This species is one of the most familiar of all of the state's birds to the layman, as everyone know... | Breeder | Definitive | SR | | S3B,S4N | G4 | Permanent resident, with migratory movements; breeding. Common to very common, though local, breede... | Very rare visitor. At least 21 reports, mostly at large reservoirs (about one-half of these from Fa... | Accidental/casual. Three reports (all single birds); Waynesville, 6 Aug 1979; Lake Junaluska (Ha... | None needed; easily found along and near coastal areas. | **** | 2022-12-22 |
Neotropic Cormorant | Nannopterum brasilianum | This species is found across most of Latin America, north into eastern Texas and Louisiana. There a... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SA | G5 | One record (see above). | One record (see above). | No records. | | 1/2* | 2022-12-22 |
Great Cormorant | Phalacrocorax carbo | The Great Cormorant is still another species that greatly increased in the East over the past severa... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | S1N | G5 | Winter resident and visitor along the coast. Uncommon and local, mainly around inlets; generally fro... | Very rare migrant and winter visitor. About 13 records, all at reservoirs in the eastern and centra... | No records. | The species is reliably seen at just a few places along the NC coast. Your best bet is at Wrightsvi... | *** | 2022-12-22 |
Great Shearwater | Ardenna gravis | In 2010, the American Ornithologists' Union changed the common name of Greater Shearwater to Great S... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | S3N | G5 | Offshore visitor, mainly to the Gulf Stream. Generally fairly common, to occasionally common in mid... | No records. | No records. | This shearwater is best seen by taking a chartered birding trip to the Gulf Stream off Oregon or Hat... | *** | 2022-12-22 |
Wedge-tailed Shearwater | Ardenna pacifica | This is a very common shearwater of the warmer Pacific and Indian oceans but is essentially absent f... | Nonbreeder | Provisional | | | SA | G5 | One record (see above). | No records. | No records. | | 1/2 * | 2022-12-22 |
Cory's Shearwater | Calonectris diomedea | The Cory's Shearwater is the largest of the shearwaters in North Carolina waters and is one of the m... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | S4N | G5 | Offshore visitor, mainly to the Gulf Stream. Common and easily seen on most pelagic trips off Orego... | No records. | No records. | This species is a gimme on pelagic trips that reach the Gulf Stream off the Outer Banks from late Ma... | **** | 2022-12-22 |
Wilson's Storm-Petrel | Oceanites oceanicus | Some authorities consider the Wilson's Storm-Petrel to be the world's most abundant seabird. Certai... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | S5N | G5 | Offshore visitor to the Gulf Stream, and less so to the cooler water zones. Common to abundant from ... | Accidental to casual visitor, after hurricanes. Three records: 3 at Jordan Lake, 6 Sep 1996 (after ... | No records. | This is seldom missed on pelagic trips from May into Oct. | **** | 2022-12-22 |
Royal Tern | Thalasseus maximus | The Royal Tern is the common large tern along the coast of the state for most of the year; however, ... | Breeder | Definitive | | | S4B,S4N | G5 | Permanent resident (breeding), with migratory movements, along the coast. Common to very common alo... | Essentially only a storm-related visitor, in late summer and fall, to lakes and reservoirs. Very rar... | No records. | Easily found along the coast from Mar to Nov, but less so in winter. | **** | 2022-12-22 |
Forster's Tern | Sterna forsteri | The Forster's Tern is the only tern that remains relatively common along the coast of North Carolina... | Breeder | Definitive | W | | S3B,S5N | G5 | Permanent resident, with migratory movements; primarily coastal. Fairly common breeder around the p... | Transient. Rare spring migrant and uncommon fall migrant at larger lakes and reservoirs, occasional... | Transient, essentially only in the southern mountains. Rare (to occasionally uncommon) in spring, a... | Forster's are the most commonly seen terns from late Oct through Mar along our coast, and except dur... | **** | 2022-12-22 |
Roseate Tern | Sterna dougallii | The Roseate Tern is one of the more elegant and graceful of the tern species, and because it is a gl... | Accidental Breeder | Definitive | E | E | SHB | G4 | Transient and summer visitor coastally and offshore. In the warmer months, rare along the northern ... | No records. | No records. | The most likely spot to find this species used to be in the tern colony at Cape Hatteras Point, but ... | * | 2022-12-22 |
Sabine's Gull | Xema sabini | The Sabine's Gull is arguably the most beautiful gull in North America, and because it nests in the ... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Transient; essentially offshore, with a scattering of onshore records. Generally very rare in both ... | Transient, in fall migration only. Very rare, with ten records, all but two of single individuals: ... | Accidental; two records. One at Lake Junaluska (Haywood) on 8 Sep 2004 (after Tropical Storm ... | The species is much too rare onshore to be hoped for, but taking a pelagic trip in late May or the l... | * | 2022-12-22 |
Dovekie | Alle alle | The Dovekie is, by far, the smallest of the six species of Atlantic alcids. It is one of three -- a... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Mostly an offshore winter visitor, quite erratic from winter to winter. There were several notable ... | Accidental. One record, during the memorable late 1950 flight, is from Raleigh on 7 or 8 Dec (1950) ... | No records. | To try to see the species in NC, you should sign up for a pelagic trip, preferably in Feb, to the co... | ** | 2022-12-22 |
Long-tailed Jaeger | Stercorarius longicaudus | The Long-tailed Jaeger is certainly one of the most elegant of the "pelagic birds", and an adult wit... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Transient, essentially offshore. Rare to uncommon during a brief period in late spring, and rare ov... | Casual visitor. Three records: one found dead under a TV tower near Raleigh on 26 Aug 1960; an adult... | No records. | This species is best seen by taking a pelagic trip to the waters of the Gulf Stream in the latter ha... | * to ** | 2022-12-22 |
Pomarine Jaeger | Stercorarius pomarinus | The Pomarine Jaeger is our most familiar jaeger/skua, being a regular component of the pelagic avifa... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Transient, and sparse winter visitor/resident, offshore, and rarely along the coast. Often fairly c... | Visitor to lakes and reservoirs, though a few records do not appear storm-related. Casual, with fiv... | No records. | This species is occasionally seen from shore along the coast, although it is less likely than the Pa... | *** | 2022-12-22 |
South Polar Skua | Stercorarius maccormicki | Although there are many more records in the state of this Antarctic region breeder than there are fo... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Offshore migrant and summer visitor. Rare to occasionally uncommon in late spring, mostly from the ... | No records. | No records. | A trip to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream is necessary to have a good chance of seeing this speci... | * to ** | 2022-12-22 |
Buff-breasted Sandpiper | Calidris subruficollis | The Buff-breasted Sandpiper is one of our most beautiful shorebirds, and its dove-like appearance se... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G4 | Transient, only in fall. Very uncommon to occasionally uncommon on the Outer Banks, but generally r... | Transient, only in fall. Rare to occasionally very uncommon (such as at extensive mudflats), scatter... | Transient, only in fall. Rare but seemingly regular since 1996, in the Henderson/Transylvania | There are no consistent spots in fall to see the species. The turf farm just west of Creswell (Wa... | ** | 2022-12-22 |
Ruff | Calidris pugnax | This Old World breeder makes annual visits to the eastern shore of North America, and its appearance... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Transient/visitor during the warmer months, essentially along the coast. There are at least 47 repo... | Accidental in spring, and casual in fall (four reports), with all five reports from the eastern Pied... | No records. | The species is simply too rare in the state to hope to find on your own. Check impoundments and sew... | 1/2 * to * | 2022-12-22 |
Pacific Golden-Plover | Pluvialis fulva | One of the more remarkable shorebird records for the state was the discovery of a Pacific Golden-Plo... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SA | G5 | Four or five records, presumably of the same individual (see above). | No records. | No records. | | 1/2* | 2022-12-22 |
Black-necked Stilt | Himantopus mexicanus | The Black-necked Stilt is one of the most unmistakable birds occurring in North Carolina, resembling... | Breeder | Definitive | SR | | S1B | G5 | Summer resident and sparse migrant along the coast and in the Tidewater zone. A very local breeder (... | Casual migrant or stray, mainly in late spring; 10 records. One was seen in Franklin on 5 Ju... | Accidental, with two records. One was seen at Hooper Lane (Henderson) on 25 Sep 2004, presum... | The best -- at least most accessible -- places to see this species are the impoundments at Pea Islan... | *** | 2022-12-22 |
King Rail | Rallus elegans | Slightly larger than the Clapper Rail, and the freshwater/inland counterpart of that species, the Ki... | Breeder | Definitive | W | | S3B,S3N | G4 | Permanent resident near the coast, with migratory movements; status farther inland poorly understood... | Poorly known, but transient and local summer resident (at least formerly, when there were scattered ... | Accidental stray/migrant. Two records: one, downtown Asheville (grounded migrant), 25 Apr 2002; and... | This species is somewhat local, and because freshwater marshes are spottily located in some areas of... | ** | 2022-12-22 |
Clapper Rail | Rallus crepitans | The Clapper Rail is, by far, the easiest rail to see in the state and is the most characteristic bir... | Breeder | Definitive | | | S4 | G5 | Permanent resident along the coast (tidal marshes); casual migrant elsewhere. Common to very common... | Very rare transient in the eastern half of the province, but no records yet for the western portions... | No records. | The species is easily heard calling at dawn or dusk, and sporadically during the day and night, in m... | **** | 2022-12-22 |
Rufous Hummingbird | Selasphorus rufus | The Rufous Hummingbird is the state's second-most numerous hummingbird, and though it breeds in the ... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G4 | Transient and winter visitor. Very rare along the coast and in the Tidewater zone, mainly at feeders... | Transient and winter visitor. Very rare to rare (essentially only at feeders) across the province, ... | Fall transient and winter visitor, but primary in the fall season. Very rare, and mainly at feeders... | One has a reasonable chance to see one during the year, but only by visiting a feeder with a known b... | * to ** | 2022-12-22 |
White-winged Dove | Zenaida asiatica | The White-winged Dove is a common and well-known migratory game bird from Texas west to Arizona. Ho... | Accidental Breeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Transient, and accidental to casual breeder, mainly coastally. Formerly, a very rare to rare fall m... | Casual visitor; eight published records, scattered over the region. Most are of single individuals ... | Accidental; two reports -- neither yet reviewed by the NC BRC. One seen at Brevard College (Tran... | Driving around Beaufort might yield a White-winged Dove. Otherwise, one to several typically turn u... | * to ** | 2022-12-22 |
Surf Scoter | Melanitta perspicillata | The Surf Scoter is the most common of the wintering scoters in North Carolina, though it is often ou... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | S4N | G5 | Winter resident. Locally common near the northern half of the coast and the Tidewater areas, south ... | Transient and winter visitor. Rare on reservoirs and other large bodies of water; mainly mid-Oct to... | Transient. Very rare to rare, with brief stop-over time; nearly all records from the southern mount... | As with the Black Scoter, it is normally easy to find the species on the two Pamlico Sound ferries, ... | *** to **** | 2022-12-22 |
Ring-necked Duck | Aythya collaris | The Ring-necked Duck is the most common of the diving ducks in winter on the state's inland waters, ... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | S5N | G5 | Winter resident. Generally fairly common, to locally common, both coastally and well inland. Unlik... | Winter resident. Fairly common to common, and even locally very common, most numerous in the easter... | Winter visitor/resident. Fairly common transient but only uncommon in winter; mainly at lower eleva... | This duck can be found in large numbers on Raleigh lakes such as Wheeler, Benson, and Raleigh. It i... | *** to **** | 2022-12-22 |
Northern Pintail | Anas acuta | The Northern Pintail is predominantly a coastal puddle duck, wintering in some numbers on shallow br... | Accidental Breeder | Definitive | | | S4N | G5 | Winter resident. Fairly common to locally abundant along the northern coast and Tidewater, south to... | Rare to uncommon transient, mainly in Oct-Nov and Feb-Mar; rare in midwinter. No regular wintering ... | Rare winter visitor, generally at lower elevations. Essentially late Dec to mid-Feb. Peak counts: 50... | This species can be seen by the hundreds to occasionally the thousands at a few places near the coas... | **** | 2022-12-22 |
Northern Shoveler | Spatula clypeata | The Northern Shoveler is one of the few species of waterfowl that is clearly increasing in the state... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | S3N | G5 | Winter resident; increasing. Generally fairly common, but locally common to very common, along the ... | Locally uncommon fall and spring migrant, most frequent in Mar. Rare to locally uncommon in midwint... | Rare spring and fall migrant, and very rare winter visitor, mainly in lower elevations. Late Oct to... | It is easily found at most coastal NWR's, such as Mattamuskeet and Pea Island. You should be able t... | **** | 2022-12-22 |
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck | Dendrocygna autumnalis | The Black-bellied Whistling-Duck is a recent stray and visitor to the state, mostly to the coastal a... | Breeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Now a rare to occasionally uncommon but strongly increasing visitor to the southern coastal areas an... | Very rare but increasing; about 15 known records, though records should increase greatly over the ne... | Very rare but increasing; about 7 records as of 2021. A flock of 12 was seen and photographed at th... | The species is most likely to show up in the Twin Lakes area of Brunswick, based on closest p... | ** | 2022-12-22 |
Ivory-billed Woodpecker | Campephilus principalis | As most birders are fully aware, the spectacular Ivory-billed Woodpecker is either extinct, or proba... | Extinct; Former Probable Breeder | Definitive | E | E | SX | G1 | One was captured alive in the early 1800's by Alexander Wilson and kept briefly in a hotel room. Th... | No records. | No records. | | | 2022-10-30 |
Lazuli Bunting | Passerina amoena | Accidental; three confirmed records, with one other currently under review. An immature male was se... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SA | G5 | Two accepted records (see above).
| One accepted record (see above); another from 2022 is to be reviewed. | No confirmed records, but one under review. | | 1/2* | 2022-09-14 |
Northern Waterthrush | Parkesia noveboracensis | The Northern Waterthrush is one of the few warblers that nests from coast to coast, though this rang... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Transient, and a very sparse early winter straggler. In spring, generally uncommon in the western ha... | Transient. Uncommon to fairly common essentially across the entire region, in both spring and fall;... | Transient. Mostly uncommon, at lower to middle elevations; presumably quite scarce over about 4,500... | If you bird in suitable damp wooded areas over a several-day period in early May, or in Sep, you sta... | ** | 2022-09-14 |
Savannah Sparrow | Passerculus sandwichensis | The Savannah Sparrow is one of the more abundant sparrows in North America, nesting commonly in a va... | Breeder | Definitive | SR | | S2B,S5N | G5 | Winter resident, with migratory movements. In winter, common to very common in the eastern third of... | Winter resident, and transient. Apparently now (2021) nesting in parts of Wilkes, as a juveni... | Summer resident, transient, and sparse winter resident. In summer, rare to uncommon in the northern... | None needed; easy to find in winter, at least near the coast. | **** | 2022-09-14 |
Nelson's Sparrow | Ammospiza nelsoni | In 1995, the Sharp-tailed Sparrow was split into two species, instead of a potential three species. ... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | S4N | G5 | Winter resident coastally, and transient inland. In winter, common along the southern half of the c... | Transient, scarce. Casual to very rare fall migrant, with the few records between 10 Sep and 14 Oct... | Transient, scarce. Very rare in spring and fall. In spring, eight records -- 2 at Swannanoa, 25 May... | The species is usually easy to find, especially at high tide, in marshes at Fort Fisher near the Aqu... | *** | 2022-09-14 |
Clay-colored Sparrow | Spizella pallida | The Clay-colored Sparrow was primarily a "Western"/Midwestern" species until a few decades ago. How... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Transient, and sparse winter resident, mainly near the coast. In fall, rare to uncommon along the c... | Transient, essentially in fall and winter. Very rare in fall and winter (about 16 records in fall a... | Transient. Very rare in fall, winter, and spring, nearly all records in low elevations in the south... | Your best bet is probably Fort Fisher in Sep and Oct. A few have been seen semi-regularly in winter... | ** | 2022-09-14 |
Mountain Bluebird | Sialia currucoides | This is a widespread and generally common species of the higher elevations of the Western States and... | Nonbreeder | Provisional | | | SA | G5 | One record. A male was photographed at Wrightsville Beach (New Hanover) essentially daily fr... | No records. | One record (see above). | | 1/2 * | 2022-09-14 |
Cave Swallow | Petrochelidon fulva | Hardly any bird has expanded its breeding range in the United States in recent years as has the Cave... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Fall transient, and straggler into early winter, essentially along the coast; greatly increasing in ... | Accidental to casual, with three records: a single bird seen at Troutman (Iredell) on 20 Dec ... | Accidental, if correctly identified. One was photographed and observed by several birders at Ecusta... | The best bet may be to search the catfish ponds near the Tidewater Research Station, and the adjacen... | ** | 2022-09-14 |
Common Raven | Corvus corax | The Common Raven is considered to be the largest passerine in the world. It also is the one occurri... | Breeder | Definitive | W | | S3 | G5 | Formerly (prior to 1932), accidental/casual visitor to the coast: 2, Beaufort (Carteret), 4 J... | Present, but scarce, all year over much of the province, occasionally breeding; mainly since about 1... | Permanent resident, with migratory movements rather imperceptible. Little distributional change ove... | Though uncommon number-wise in the mountains, it can be heard calling at long distances, so not hard... | *** | 2022-09-14 |
Black-whiskered Vireo | Vireo altiloquus | For a species that nests in the West Indies and north to the western and southern coasts of Florida,... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Casual to very rare along and near the coast, in spring; a remarkable 13+ records so far. One was s... | No records. | No records. | If one is birding along the southern coastline in May or early June, especially on islands, it doesn... | 1/2* | 2022-09-14 |
Say's Phoebe | Sayornis saya | The Say's Phoebe breeds over much of the Western United States and Western Canada, but it withdraws ... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Very rare fall migrant/stray, occasionally lingering into the winter; 12 records. One was seen near ... | Casual; four or five records. One was seen near Raleigh on 23 Oct 1965 (Chat 30:28), (Chat 54:56). ... | No records. | 1/2 * | | 2022-09-14 |
Gray Kingbird | Tyrannus dominicensis | The Gray Kingbird is somewhat the Southern version of the Eastern Kingbird, being mainly a bird of F... | Accidental Breeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Stray/transient, essentially along the coast, and accidental/casual breeder. As a visitor, very rar... | Casual. There are only three records, from Umstead State Park (Wake) on 16 Apr 1959 (Chat 23... | No records. | This is a long shot, but your best bet is to drive roads along the southern coastal islands, in late... | * | 2022-09-14 |
Rough-legged Hawk | Buteo lagopus | North Carolina lies at and just south of the regular wintering range of the Rough-legged Hawk, meani... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Winter visitor. Rare in the Tidewater area, mainly at Alligator River NWR; very rare to rare along ... | Winter visitor, with at least 31 reports. Very rare, with a concentration of records in the Raleigh... | Winter visitor, with at least 18 reports. Very rare in the extreme northern counties (such as Al... | Since about 2000, one to occasionally two birds have been seen at the extensive farm fields at Allig... | * to ** | 2022-09-14 |
Broad-winged Hawk | Buteo platypterus | The Broad-winged Hawk is famous for its strongly migratory habits, as it completely leaves the Unite... | Breeder | Definitive | | | S4B | G5 | Migrant and scarce summer resident. Uncommon spring migrant, and rare to uncommon fall migrant, ove... | Summer resident and migrant. Mostly uncommon migrant (spring and fall); rare to (formerly) very unc... | Summer resident and migrant. In summer, uncommon to fairly common, and reasonably widespread, over ... | If you visit a hawk-watch site in the mountains in fall, such as Pilot Mountain, you might be able t... | *** | 2022-09-14 |
Mississippi Kite | Ictinia mississippiensis | Mississippi Kites are a major success story in North Carolina and elsewhere in their breeding range,... | Breeder | Definitive | | | S3B | G5 | Summer resident, breeding. Occurs primarily close to brownwater rivers, and most numerous along the... | Increasing stray or overshooting migrant, as well as a post-breeding visitor; breeds at a few local ... | Rare migrant/visitor (increasing) in the southern mountains (about 27 records). Very rare north of <... | Visiting the Lock and Dam #1 area or the NC 11 bridge over the Cape Fear River has been consistently... | *** | 2022-09-14 |
White-tailed Kite | Elanus leucurus | The White-tailed Kite is another beautiful raptor, with a very graceful flight, hovering over fields... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Accidental visitor; four records, three accepted at the present time. One seen near Wilmington, 3 J... | No accepted records. There is one published report mentioned in Pearson et al. (1959). | One record: an adult seen at the Shining Rock Wilderness, 23 Jul 1993* (Chat 59:26-27). | | 1/2* | 2022-09-14 |
Glossy Ibis | Plegadis falcinellus | The history of the Glossy Ibis is somewhat the reverse of that of the White Ibis. Though it also is... | Breeder | Definitive | SC | | S1S2B | G5 | Breeding summer resident along the coast, but sparse in winter; post-breeding visitor or migrant inl... | Migrant and post-breeding visitor. Rare in the eastern portion (mainly in the Jordan and Falls lake... | Casual to very rare visitor; with only seven known reports. One seen at Altamont (Avery) on 1... | This species has been somewhat more difficult to find along the coast in the spring to fall seasons ... | *** | 2022-09-14 |
White Ibis | Eudocimus albus | One of the most common of our coastal wading birds, the White Ibis has increased dramatically in the... | Breeder | Definitive | W | | S3B,S3N | G5 | Year-round breeding resident along the coast, with migratory movements. Common to locally very comm... | Post-breeding visitor, essentially only in summer and fall. Rare to uncommon along the eastern edge... | Post-breeding visitor. Rare at low elevations in the southern mountains; very rare in the central a... | This species is difficult to miss along the coast, at mudflats, shallow waters of ponds and inlets, ... | **** | 2022-09-14 |
American White Pelican | Pelecanus erythrorhynchos | This spectacular and huge species, which nests in the Great Plains and the Western states, has under... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | S1N | G4 | Migrant and winter visitor, most frequent along the northern coast and Tidewater; increasing. Coast... | Rare (but increasing) migrant and winter visitor. Most are from large reservoirs, early Sep to mid-... | Very rare migrant, with at least 11 records, nearly all from the southern mountains; records and num... | Fortunately for the birder, individuals of this species often linger for a month or more in NC. Form... | *** | 2022-09-14 |
Anhinga | Anhinga anhinga | The Anhinga is still another of the Pelicaniform species that has increased noticeably in the state ... | Breeder | Definitive | W | | S3B | G5 | Breeding summer resident, increasing. Nests at least locally, scattered over most of the province, e... | Nonbreeding migrant/visitor; increasing. Casual breeder along the eastern edge of the region. Primar... | Casual visitor. One was seen from a hawk watch at Mount Pisgah (Buncombe), 21 Sep 2003; one ... | The spillway at Orton Pond is probably the best site in the state. Birds can also be seen at Orton ... | *** | 2022-09-14 |
Brown Booby | Sula leucogaster | The Brown Booby is (or at least was a few years ago) a rarer bird off our coast than is the Masked B... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Nonbreeding visitor, mainly offshore in the Gulf Stream, but there are quite a few records from shor... | Casual, with five records. An adult female was seen and photographed on many dates at Lookout Shoal... | No records. | As with other rare pelagic species, you will have to take dozens of trips out of Oregon Inlet or Hat... | * | 2022-09-12 |
Masked Booby | Sula dactylatra | As with the tropicbirds, the two boobies recorded in North Carolina waters also are rare enough, and... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Nonbreeding visitor, mainly offshore in the Gulf Stream. Rare from early Jun to mid-Sep; very rare ... | No records. | No records. | Finding the Masked Booby in North Carolina is a matter of persistence; you must be prepared to take ... | * | 2022-09-12 |
Sooty Shearwater | Ardenna grisea | The Sooty Shearwater is one of the most abundant birds in the world, as it occurs nearly worldwide, ... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Offshore visitor, though frequently seen from shore, especially at Cape Hatteras Point and elsewhere... | Accidental visitor, but with no confirmation as yet. One seen at Falls Lake (Wake/Durham) af... | Accidental visitor; one record, a specimen found at Twin Oaks, Alleghany, Aug 1939 (Auk 65:14... | To find this species, you must make a conscious effort to look for it within its one-month window. ... | ** to *** | 2022-09-12 |
Fea's Petrel | Pterodroma feae | The Fea's Petrel, as with the Trindade Petrel, has a checkered taxonomic history and has also underg... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G1G2 | Offshore visitor. Distribution is very similar to that of the Trindade Petrel, however it is very s... | No records. | No records. | Fortunately for the birder, the records for the species are mostly clumped into a one-month span; th... | * to ** | 2022-09-12 |
Trindade Petrel | Pterodroma arminjoniana | This species has a checkered taxonomic history, in part because what is considered as the "Herald Pe... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G4 | Offshore visitor. Rare but regular in the warmer months, seen a handful of times annually, with wel... | No records. | No records. | You need to take a birding pelagic trip off Hatteras or Oregon inlets. Late May into early Septembe... | * to ** | 2022-09-12 |
European Storm-Petrel | Hydrobates pelagicus | Birders looking at range maps of what pelagic species should have been seen in North Carolina waters... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G3G4 | Offshore visitor. Very rare to rare, and certainly easily overlooked, in the Gulf Stream off Oregon... | No records. | No records. | Thankfully for birders looking for this rarity, nearly all records are concentrated in the last few ... | * to ** | 2022-09-12 |
Yellow-nosed Albatross | Thalassarche chlororhynchos | The sight of any albatross off the Atlantic coast is a highlight in any pelagic birder's career, as ... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G3 | Casual visitor. Four confirmed records, all by photographs: one a few miles off Salvo (Dare),... | No records. | No records. | The species is too rare to specifically look for -- but on winter pelagic trips, carefully look at a... | 1/2 * | 2022-09-12 |
Red-billed Tropicbird | Phaethon aethereus | Until the mid- or late 1990's, there were very few records of the spectacular Red-billed Tropicbird,... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Offshore visitor. Rare in the Gulf Stream, and less regular than White-tailed, from spring to fall;... | No records. | No records. | Seeing a Red-billed Tropicbird on an organized pelagic trip is simply a matter of luck, though there... | * | 2022-09-12 |
Arctic Tern | Sterna paradisaea | To see this species in North Carolina, one must take a pelagic trip in late spring, or less likely i... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Transient, essentially offshore. Offshore -- uncommon in spring, and rare in fall; status in fall w... | Very rare storm-carried visitor. Seven records: one at a parking lot in Shelby on 22 Sep 1989 (afte... | No records. | Your best bet, by far, is to take a pelagic trip out of Oregon or Hatteras inlets in the latter half... | ** | 2022-09-12 |
Sandhill Crane | Antigone canadensis | The Sandhill Crane is one of the largest birds, in terms of size (standing about 4 feet tall), and t... | Accidental Breeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Transient and winter visitor/resident, mainly along the coast and in tidewater areas; increasing. A... | Transient and winter visitor. Very rare (formerly) to rare (now), increasing in recent years. Reco... | Transient, mainly overhead; sparingly in winter. Rare to possibly uncommon migrant in the extreme s... | Cranes are more likely to be seen in the state in Cherokee in late fall or early spring, wher... | ** | 2022-09-12 |
Heermann's Gull | Larus heermanni | The thought of a strictly West Coast gull species like Heermann's Gull showing up along the Atlantic... | Nonbreeder | Provisional | | | SA | G4 | Two records (see above). | No records. | No records. | | 1/2 * | 2022-09-12 |
Atlantic Puffin | Fratercula arctica | The Atlantic Puffin is one of the most charismatic waterbirds in North America, very popular with th... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Winter visitor/resident, essentially only offshore. Formerly very rare, but now uncommon and increa... | No records. | No records. | Take a pelagic trip out of Hatteras or Oregon inlets in winter. In recent winters, several trips usu... | ** | 2022-09-12 |
Razorbill | Alca torda | By far the most numerous alcid in North Carolina waters is the Razorbill. In some recent winters, h... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | S2N | G5 | Winter resident offshore and coastally, increasing. Formerly (prior to 1995) rare along the coast, ... | No records. | No records. | The Razorbill is now seldom missed on winter pelagic trips, but on some trips the birds are infreque... | *** | 2022-09-12 |
Thick-billed Murre | Uria lomvia | Quite similar to the Common Murre in appearance and in overall habits, the Thick-billed Murre is a s... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Winter visitor, essentially coastal (inshore ocean); perhaps slightly declining in recent years, tho... | No records. | No records. | You will just have to luck into one along the coast in winter, though a more careful observer who sc... | 1/2* to * | 2022-09-12 |
Common Murre | Uria aalge | For a seemingly interminable time, North Carolina went without a record of this very common alcid. ... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Very scarce winter visitor offshore and along the coast; now (2022) rare off Oregon Inlet and Cape H... | No records. | No records. | The increase in sightings in the past decade is gratifying for pelagic birders, but whether this sig... | * | 2022-09-12 |
Parasitic Jaeger | Stercorarius parasiticus | Though the Parasitic Jaeger is probably more numerous globally than the Pomarine Jaeger, in our wate... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | S1N | G5 | Transient, and poorly-known winter visitor/resident, to the offshore zone and the inshore ocean. Un... | Visitor to lakes and reservoirs, mostly storm-related. Casual to very rare, with six records: 1 at ... | No records. | This species can be seen from shore almost anywhere along the coast, though Cape Lookout and Cape Ha... | ** | 2022-09-12 |
Great Skua | Stercorarius skua | Not until pelagic trips were taken off our coast in the depths of winter, mostly after the mid-1990'... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | S1N | G4G5 | Offshore visitor in winter. Rare to uncommon, but regular, off the northern half of the coast, at l... | No records. | No records. | Take a winter pelagic trip out of Hatteras Inlet. It is being seen each winter on these trips, with ... | ** | 2022-09-12 |
Red Phalarope | Phalaropus fulicarius | In breeding plumage, both sexes of the Red Phalarope are quite stunning, with the female a rich rufo... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | S2N | G5 | Transient and winter resident, essentially offshore. Mostly uncommon in fall migration, but fairly ... | Transient; the great majority of records in fall. Casual to very rare in fall, at reservoirs, with ... | Casual. Pearson et al. (1959) list reports from "Smoky Mountain Park" in Dec and at Fontana (Grah... | The only way to have a realistic chance of seeing a Red Phalarope is to take a winter or early sprin... | ** | 2022-09-12 |
Red-necked Phalarope | Phalaropus lobatus | The Red-necked Phalarope and the Red Phalarope are the two pelagic shorebirds, and to see both in th... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G4G5 | Transient, primarily offshore. Generally a fairly common offshore migrant in both spring and fall, ... | Transient. Very rare to rare, in both spring and fall, usually seen only during and after storms, an... | Transient. Casual/very rare in spring; the only records are 1 in Linville (Avery) on 17-18 M... | Take a pelagic trip out of Hatteras or Oregon inlets -- either in the latter part of May, or in the ... | ** | 2022-09-12 |
Ruddy Turnstone | Arenaria interpres | Except for the closely related Black Turnstone of the Pacific Coast, the Ruddy Turnstone is a rather... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | S3N | G5 | Transient and winter resident, mainly along the coast. Common migrant along the coast, though seldo... | Transient. Very rare in spring, and rare in fall, mainly at large reservoirs. In spring, only in M... | Transient. Very rare in spring and fall, with all records from Henderson except for a single... | Turnstones are widespread along the coast, at least during the migrations, and are easily found, exc... | **** | 2022-09-12 |
Marbled Godwit | Limosa fedoa | Though this species is a godwit, it has quite a few similarities to the Long-billed Curlew; both bre... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | S2N | G5 | Transient and winter resident, essentially along the coast. Uncommon to locally fairly common fall m... | Fall transient only. Very rare (about 19 records) at reservoirs, where birds put down at night duri... | Casual transient, in spring and fall. The only records (five) are of 2 birds, Hooper Lane (Hende... | This species can usually be found along the coast in Aug and Sep, less so later in fall and winter. ... | *** | 2022-09-12 |
Long-billed Curlew | Numenius americanus | The Long-billed Curlew is the largest shorebird in North America, in length, and, considering the ex... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Transient and winter visitor/resident, declining in recent years (though never numerous). Formerly ... | No records. As this species obviously migrates over the province in spring and fall to its breeding... | Accidental. The only far inland record for the state is one photographed at Hooper Lane (Henders... | The best places in recent years have been flats at or near the eastern end of Shackleford Banks, at ... | ** | 2022-09-12 |
American Golden-Plover | Pluvialis dominica | Unlike its slightly larger cousin, the Black-bellied Plover, the American Golden-Plover is a good fi... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Transient. Very rare in spring, rare in fall, along the entire coast, particularly the Outer Banks; ... | Transient. Casual in spring (only about four records), rare but annual in fall, over most of the pr... | Transient, but nearly all records are from Hooper Lane/Mills River area in Henderson, where v... | The species is best located in Sep and Oct, especially after cold fronts. A few birds are present e... | * to ** | 2022-09-12 |
American Oystercatcher | Haematopus palliatus | The American Oystercatcher is one of the more spectacular shorebirds and is one of the few that rema... | Breeder | Definitive | SC | | S2S3B,S3N | G5 | Breeding permanent resident along the coast, with migratory movements; slightly declining. Generall... | Casual stray/vagrant, with only three records; 2, Roanoke Rapids Lake, 25 May 1998 (Chat 62:192); 1,... | No records. | This species is fairly easily found on barrier islands, such as at inlets, tidal flats, and especial... | *** to **** | 2022-09-12 |
Limpkin | Aramus guarauna | The Limpkin breeds locally over much of the Neotropics, ranging north to Florida, and a few are now ... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Casual to very rare (five records), all in the southern Coastal Plain. One seen along the Waccamaw ... | Seven records -- though some are clearly of the same individual bird. One was seen and photographed... | One report: One was seen and photographed at Owen Park in Asheville (Buncombe) on 8 Jul 2019... | Your best hope of finding one in NC would be to paddle along a blackwater river in the southern Coas... | 1/2 * | 2022-09-12 |
Purple Gallinule | Porphyrio martinicus | The beautiful Purple Gallinule has always been at the northeastern periphery of its breeding range i... | Breeder | Definitive | SR | | S1B | G5 | Sparse and irregular visitor, and former (to possibly current) breeding summer resident; casual to v... | Stray (about 10 records). Casual in migration; mainly May-Jun. Two other records: 1, Camp Grayston... | Accidental stray (three records): 1 found in emaciated condition, Hazelwood (Haywood), 18 Apr... | Formerly, one could see the Purple Gallinule from the causeway at Orton Plantation. However, the ve... | * | 2022-09-12 |
Western Grebe | Aechmophorus occidentalis | Western Grebes, and their close "cousin", the Clark's Grebe, are among the most elegant of waterbird... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Winter visitor, with about 20 records. Very rare along the northern coast, south to Cape Hatteras (b... | Winter visitor. Casual, with apparently six records: 20 Dec 1961, Lake Johnson (Wake); 11-17... | Accidental: one seen on Lake Julian (Buncombe) from 14-15 Dec 2002 (Chat 67:61). | This species is too rare to offer tips in North Carolina. The only tip is that, once you find one, ... | * | 2022-09-12 |
Common Merganser | Mergus merganser | The Common Merganser is both a breeder and a wintering bird in the state, but with different "popula... | Breeder | Definitive | W | | S1B,S1N | G5 | Winter resident. Rare and local over the northern half of the province, with a flock averaging at l... | Winter visitor, though possibly a winter resident at Roanoke Rapids Lake; casual breeder. Rare in m... | Formerly casual to now (2022) rare but increasing breeder; scarce winter visitor. Generally rare in... | To best see this species, look at Lake Phelps in the winter, with a good scope. The wintering flock... | ** to *** | 2022-09-12 |
Rose-breasted Grosbeak | Pheucticus ludovicianus | The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a bird of the cooler hardwood and mixed forests of the eastern parts o... | Breeder | Definitive | | | S3S4B | G5 | Transient. In spring, rare to uncommon along the western margin of the province, but generally rare... | Transient. In spring, uncommon to at times fairly common in the western portion, but uncommon over ... | Summer resident and transient. Fairly common (and common in a few ranges) in summer at middle to hi... | You should be able to find the species in a morning of birding along the Blue Ridge Parkway at eleva... | *** to **** | 2022-04-27 |
Western Tanager | Piranga ludoviciana | The Western Tanager is a rare visitor and over-wintering "resident" in North Carolina, but it occurs... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Scarce "transient" and winter visitor, with close to 95 records. Very rare to rare in winter along ... | Scarce "transient" and winter visitor, with well over 30 records. Very rare visitor, mainly from ea... | Casual visitor. Only about six records, though only one since 1991. Oddly, the dates are "strangel... | You likely will see your first in the state at a feeder near the coast. | * | 2022-04-27 |
Summer Tanager | Piranga rubra | The Summer Tanager is a characteristic bird of the Deep South, nesting north only to southern New Je... | Breeder | Definitive | | | S5B | G5 | Summer resident, and winter straggler. Common in the southern half of the region, from the Croatan ... | Summer resident, with a few winter records. Fairly common to common over most of the region, more n... | Sparse summer resident, with little migratory movement noted. Uncommon in the extreme southwestern ... | None needed in the southern Coastal Plain, such as in the Sandhills Game Land, Weymouth Woods Preser... | **** | 2022-04-27 |
Yellow-throated Warbler | Setophaga dominica | The Yellow-throated Warbler is a "Southern" warbler, as it breeds in the eastern United States only ... | Breeder | Definitive | | | S5B | G5 | Summer resident, and sparse winter resident near the southern coast. In summer, common over most of ... | Summer resident, and very rare winter straggler. In summer, fairly common to locally common in the ... | Summer resident. Uncommon along rivers and streams at low elevations, essentially below 2,500 feet;... | The species is easily found in many parks and preserves, and Croatan National Forest, in the southea... | **** | 2022-04-27 |
Blackpoll Warbler | Setophaga striata | The Blackpoll Warbler, at a glance at its breeding range, would seem to have a similar migration pat... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Transient. In spring, fairly common over most of the region, likely less numerous in the central an... | Transient. Fairly common (formerly common) across the region in spring; in fall, generally uncommon... | Transient. Fairly common in low to middle elevations in spring; rare at high elevations. In fall, g... | Normally not hard to find between 5-20 May, especially around 10-15 May, in many parks in the state.... | *** | 2022-04-27 |
Yellow Warbler | Setophaga petechia | The Yellow Warbler has one of the most extensive breeding ranges of any warbler -- across nearly all... | Breeder | Definitive | | | S4B | G5 | Transient, and sparse breeder; a few winter records. In summer, formerly uncommon, but now apparent... | Summer resident (strongly declining), and transient. In summer, now rare to uncommon in the western... | Summer resident (strongly declining), and transient. In summer, fairly common to formerly common in... | Driving back roads in the [open] "country" in the mountains in May and Jun should yield a few Yellow... | *** | 2022-04-27 |
Nashville Warbler | Leiothlypis ruficapilla | The Nashville Warbler, along with the Tennessee Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, and several Western... | Nonbreeder | Definitive | | | SZ | G5 | Transient, and scarce straggler into early winter. Very rare in spring (essentially avoiding the re... | Transient, and a very scarce straggler into early winter. In spring, rare in the western and centra... | Transient; one recent record of a potential breeding bird. Rare to occasionally uncommon in spring, ... | Pure migrant species can be hard to pin down in time and place, depending on cold fronts in fall, et... | ** | 2022-04-27 |
Ovenbird | Seiurus aurocapilla | The Ovenbird recently "lost" its two nearest relatives -- the Louisiana and Northern waterthrushes -... | Breeder | Definitive | | | S5B,S1N | G5 | Summer resident, and sparse winter visitor/resident. In summer, generally common over the northwest... | Summer resident. Common over the region as a whole. Reasonably widespread, and common also in foot... | Summer resident. Common at low to middle elevations, to about 4,000 feet, and fairly common to abou... | None needed; easily heard in a morning of birding in most areas of the state in May and Jun. | **** | 2022-04-27 |