The "Scopoli's" subspecies of Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris d. diomedea), which is actually the nominate subspecies, has been recorded often in North Carolina waters in addition to the common "Northern" Cory's (C. d. borealis). Unfortunately, the "Scopoli's" was not brought to the public's attention, as occurring in the state's waters, until well into the 21st Century, especially with the publication of Howell's 2012 book titled "Petrels, Albatrosses & Storm-Petrels of North America", where he included numerous photos from NC waters and suggested that it should be a full species. Though one or two international taxonomic committees have given it full species status, most have not, including the American Ornithological Society (AOS).

For documentation purposes, in 2014 the NC BRC voted on and accepted several photos of the Scopoli's subspecies [Chat 79:13 link]. Thus, if the AOS (formerly AOU) splits the Cory's into two species, the Scopoli's taxon will automatically be added to the Definitive List. The Scopoli's is much less numerous than the Northern, based on photos and text in Howell (2012). He states "Uncommon to rare nonbreeding visitor (mainly May-Oct) to warmer waters from Florida n to New England, and in Gulf of Mexico off Texas. Likely occurs throughout North American range of Cory's Shearwater, which is much more numerous. Off North Carolina in May-Jun, no more than 5-10% of Calonectris shearwarers appear to be Scopoli's, but in Aug perhaps as many as 10-15% may be Scopoli's (pers. obs.)" (Howell, 2012, p. 113).