Birds of North Carolina

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
The 100 most recent account entries/updates.
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