Birds of North Carolina:
their Distribution and Abundance
Lazuli Bunting - Passerina amoena
CARDINALIDAE Members:
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General Comments The Lazuli Bunting breeds in the western half of North America and winters mainly from Mexico southward. It is accidental in the state: three confirmed records, with one other currently under review. An immature male was seen and photographed by numerous observers at Fort Macon SP (Carteret) from 22 Mar - 2 Apr 1996* [Chat 62:183-84 link], [Chat 61:262 link]. A male of indeterminate age was photographed at a feeder in Jamestown (Guilford) on 2 Apr 2013* [Chat 77:98 link], [Chat 78:8-13 link]. Lastly, an apparent male was photographed at a feeder in Carteret from 19-21 Aug 2019* [Chat 85:139 link]. One was reported just west of Boone (Watauga) on 9 May 2021 [Chat 85:130 link]; this report is currently being reviewed. Another report -- of one photographed in a suburban area of western Wake on 10 May 2022 [Chat 86:87 link] -- is being reviewed by the NC BRC as well. Photos of the 2013 and 2019 birds are on the Carolina Bird Club Photo Gallery; both are at feeders, and though the quality of the photos are rather poor, they were good enough (along with written details) for NC BRC acceptance.
Breeding Status Nonbreeder
NC BRC List Definitive
State Status
U.S. Status
State Rank SA
Global Rank G5
Coastal Plain Two accepted records (see above).
Piedmont One accepted record (see above); another from 2022 is to be reviewed.
Mountains No confirmed records, but one under review.
Finding Tips
1/2*
Attribution LeGrand[2024-08-01], LeGrand[2023-04-12], LeGrand[2022-09-14]
NC Map
Map depicts all counties with a report (transient or resident) for the species.
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