| 50 most recent updates | |||||||||||||
| 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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| Cardellina pusilla Wilson's Warbler | The Wilson's Warbler has a very wide breeding range, from Alaska to Newfoundland, and southward in most mountain ranges in the western United States. However, it does not nest southward into the Appalachians; thus, in North Carolina it can be found only in spring and fall migration, though there are quite a few records of wintering stragglers. It is a common bird in much of its breeding range, but the great majority of the birds migrate to the tropics around the western end of the Gulf of Mexico. Birders here must be afield often in spring and fall to see the species, though it is not truly a rare migrant through the state. The species is most often found in willow thickets, such as along the margins of lakes and ponds, but they are also found in various other deciduous trees, usually along wooded edges, especially in damp areas. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient, and rare winter straggler. In spring, very rare in the western portions, and casual to very rare farther eastward to the coast. In fall, rare over the region, including the coast. Very rare straggler into winter, with a number of records, mainly along the coast and at Lake Mattamuskeet. Seldom overwinters, though one presumably did at Airlie Gardens (New Hanover), seen all winter 2020-21; as did another at Greenfield Lake in Wilmington (New Hanover) from 14 Dec 2022 - 18 Feb 2023, and again on 1 Apr 2023. Mainly early to late May (dates range from 4-27 May), and early Sep to mid-Oct. Peak single-list counts: 3, on a number of dates and sites. | Transient, and very rare winter straggler. Rare to very uncommon in both spring and fall, generally over the entire region. Not obviously more numerous in one area than another; also, not obviously more numerous in fall than in spring. Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and very late Aug to mid-Oct. Many scattered winter records, but only into Jan, except for one lingering in Charlotte to 14 Feb. One was seen in Raleigh from 16 Feb - early Mar 2024, seemingly a wintering bird. Peak single-list counts: 3, Miller Park (Forsyth), 9 May 2021; 3, Old Bynum Bridge (Chatham), 4 May 2023; 3, Bellingham Park (Iredell), 14 Sep 2024. | Transient. Very rare to rare in spring, and rare in fall. Mainly early to mid-May, and early Sep to mid-Oct. There are also "out-of-season" reports for 4 Apr and 20 Nov. Three winter records: one at Jackson Park (Henderson), 21 Dec 1997; one at Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary (Buncombe), 21 Oct - 5 Dec 2015; and one in northeastern Henderson, 1-26 Dec 2020. Peak single-list counts: 3, on a number of dates and sites. | There are no real hotspots for the species, but Jackson Park in Hendersonville may be the best bet, particularly in Sep. In spring, this site, or places such as around the margins of Jordan or Falls lakes, within a few days of 10 May, might produce a bird over a several-day period. | * to ** | 2026-11-12 | ||
| Cardellina canadensis Canada Warbler | As with most warblers, in 2011 the Canada Warbler was moved from one genus to another -- this time, from Wilsonia to Cardellina. It is fairly well-named, as it breeds mainly in the southern part of Canada, southward through the Appalachians. The species is an inhabitant of dense shrubs and low understory, inside cool forests. In North Carolina, breeding habitat almost always has a very dense rhododendron layer, and at times Mountain Laurel, beneath a varied canopy. It occurs in spruce-fir, spruce-hardwood, and even pure hardwood forests; formerly, hemlock forests were important (prior to the death of most hemlocks). The sites are usually somewhat moist, but they are always rather dark and cool. The species passes through the rest of the state in migration, normally found in deciduous shrubs or understory trees inside hardwood or mixed forests; again, the denser the cover, the better for the warbler. | Breeder | Definitive | S4B | G5 | Transient. In spring, rare along the western edge of the region, but farther eastward is very rare to casual, except very rare close to the coast. In fall, rare throughout the region. Mainly early to late May, and late Aug to early Oct. Peak single-list counts: 4, Dismal Swamp SP, Camden, 18 May 1994. | Transient. Rare to uncommon in both spring and fall across the region. Not obviously more numerous in fall than in spring. Mainly early to mid-May, and late Aug to late Sep. Peak single-list counts: 3, on several occasions. | Summer resident, with migratory movements. Fairly common to common in summer at the higher elevations, from the mountain summits down to about 3,500 feet; rare and local to about 3,000 feet. Elsewhere, an uncommon migrant at the lower elevations. Mainly late Apr to late Sep. Peak single-list counts: 50, Appalachian Trail (Macon), 14 May 2018; 46, Balsam Gap (Buncombe), 28 May 2011; 45, Craggy Mountains (Buncombe), 7 May 2015. | Easy to find at higher elevations in summer. Though it occurs in dense shrubs and understory, it is somewhat inquisitive and often responds to squeaking. | **** | 2026-11-12 | ||
| Setophaga virens Black-throated Green Warbler | The Black-throated Green Warbler has a fragmented breeding range, thanks to a separate subspecies -- "Wayne's Warbler" -- that nests in the lower Coastal Plain from southeastern Virginia to central South Carolina. Otherwise, the species has a breeding range similar to that of several other warblers -- across most of the Canadian boreal forest, south to the northeastern states and the entire Appalachian chain. In addition, it also nests in foothill ranges in the Piedmont, including a far outlier (small) population in the Uwharrie Mountains in the central Piedmont. Not surprisingly, it migrates across all parts of the state, and thus a diligent birder can see it in his or her county each year. As a breeder in the state, it prefers conifers or mixed hardwood-coniferous forest -- spruce-fir, spruce-hardwoods, and White Pine and hemlock mixed with hardwoods are favored in the Mountains, though it does occur in pure hardwoods. In the foothills, it favors pines (and formerly hemlocks) mixed with hardwoods. Birds in the Coastal Plain are somewhat particular -- they are essentially only in nonriverine forests, favoring sites where Atlantic White Cedar or cypress are mixed with hardwoods, but they may occur in pure hardwoods. Floodplain forests are avoided (for reasons that are not obvious, as cypresses are often common there), but some birds do nest along small streams. In 2017, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission added the Wayne's race to its list of protected species, as State Endangered; the "E*" in State Status refers only to this race, not to the entire breeding population in the state. In migration, they occur with other warblers in hardwood forests, but they can be seen in conifers. | Breeder | Definitive | E* | S4B | G5 | Summer resident, and transient. In summer, variously rare to locally common in the eastern third to quarter of the province (but not along the coast), inland to the Dismal Swamp area, to Van Swamp (Washington), to Croatan National Forest, and to a few Carolina bays in Bladen; absent over considerable areas within this range, such as Holly Shelter Game Land. In spring, rare migrant over the region; uncommon in fall. Mainly late Mar to mid-Oct. There are about 9-10 records of birds in Dec and Jan, mainly along the coast, but once in Wayne; none presumably overwintered. However, 2 in Buxton Woods (Dare) on 20 Feb 2021 seem to be too early to be migrants. The species sings mainly from late Mar to mid-May, and can be rather silent by early Jun. Peak single-list counts: ? | Sparse summer resident, and transient. In summer, formerly common (but decreasing due to loss/death of hemlock trees) in the South Mountains, and locally in the Hickorynut Gorge area; rare and local in the Brushy Mountains and the Uwharries (mainly at Morrow Mountain SP). Two singing males at Hanging Rock SP (Stokes) in 2020 suggests breeding there, as does four singing males there on 1 Jun 2022 and three there on 11 Jun 2024. Details of the summer distribution are still unclear among the various foothill ranges. In migration, in spring -- uncommon (more numerous in the western portions); in fall -- uncommon to fairly common. It is more numerous in fall than in spring, especially in the eastern portions, but is seldom common. Mainly mid-Apr to mid-May, and early Sep to mid-Oct. A specimen was found in Chapel Hill, 30 Nov 1977. Perhaps the only winter records are one photographed in a yard in Cary (Wake) on 12 Jan 2021, and one photographed in Morrisville (Wake) from 4 Dec 2024 - 1 Jan 2025. Peak single-list counts: ? | Summer resident, with migratory movements. Breeds over the entire region, but local; can be common to locally very common from the highest peaks to low elevation coves, but uncommon in many areas below 2,500 feet. Fairly common transient, but can be common in fall. Mainly late Mar or early Apr to mid-Oct. Peak single-list counts: 120, Ridge Junction (Yancey), 21 Sep 2017; 80, same site, 8 Sep 2019; 78, Balsam Gap (Buncombe), 28 May 2011. Peak summer count: 71 tallied along Wilson Boundary Road (Yancey), 2 Jun 2017. | Should be easily found in late Apr or May in many areas of the higher mountains, such as along the Blue Ridge Parkway in mixed hardwood-spruce stands. May be one of the more common breeding birds in some foothill sites such as the South Mountains, as well. Also, in early and mid-Apr, easily found in Alligator River NWR. | **** | 2026-11-12 | |
| Setophaga townsendi Townsend's Warbler | This close relative of the Black-throated Green Warbler breeds only from Alaska to the northwestern portion of the Lower 48 States; it winters along the Pacific Coast and southward into Mexico. Though it would seem an unlikely candidate to stray to the Eastern states, most such states do have records. Thankfully, as of 2025, North Carolina has around 20 records, nearly all from the coast but a few now are from inland provinces. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SA | G5 | Now a very rare stray, mainly in fall, with 12-14 published reports; all but a few are coastal, and the others are from Tidewater areas. Four have been reviewed and accepted by the NC BRC: one photographed on the northern dike of North Pond at Pea Island NWR (Dare) on 7 Nov 1992* (Chat 61:274-75); one specimen salvaged from a boat offshore on 20 Sep 1999* (Chat 66:4); one photographed at North River Preserve (Carteret) from 30 Sep - 3 Oct 2018* (Chat 83:36); and one photographed in a yard in Hatteras (Dare) on 23-24 Sep 2020* (Chat 85:38). There is also one un-reviewed report from the Elizabethan Gardens, Roanoke Island (Dare) on 27 Apr 2000 (Chat 64:157). A recent report, not yet reviewed, was one photographed at Duck (Dare) on 28-29 Sep 2019 (Chat 84:27). Though the report was made by an experienced observer, with probably little reason to doubt it, the report was not reviewed because no detailed description of the bird was ever made available to the NC BRC. Photos of the North River Preserve bird are on the Carolina Bird Club Photo Gallery. One was photographed in Colington Harbour (Dare) on 22 Jan 2023 (Chat 87:44), for a first state winter record; and presumably this same bird was photographed there on 13 Mar 2023 (Chat 87:62), suggesting that it survived the winter. As with a few other reports listed above, this Colington Harbour bird has not yet been reviewed by the NC BRC. In fall 2023, singles were photographed at Run Hill State Natural Area (Dare) on 16 Sep* (Chat 88:55), this or another bird nearby at Duck Park on 16-17 Sep*, and near the Bodie Island lighthouse (Dare) on 30 Sep* (Chat 88:20), (Chat 88:55-57). One was not described, but accepted by an eBird reviewer, at Hatteras Point (Dare) on 12-13 Sep 2025 (Chat 90:33). This preponderance of recent records from the northern portion of the Dare Outer Banks makes one wonder if just one bird has been responsible for records over these last two winter to fall seasons. On the nearby mainland, one was photographed at Alligator River NWR (Dare) on 16 Mar 2024 (Chat 88:80). One was seen and well-described in Pamlico on 20 Dec 2025 (Chat 90:67). | Three records yet voted on, and one voted on with an Unresolved status. An adult male was photographed in a Charlotte (Mecklenburg) yard on 19 Mar 2025 (Chat 89:129); supposedly it had been reported in the yard for a few days earlier, but no data are available. Another adult male was photographed near Chapel Hill (Orange) on 3 Apr, also in 2025 (Chat 89:129). An adult male was photographed at a feeder in Charlotte on 23 Jan 2026 (Chat 90:67). These have yet to be reviewed by the NC BRC. One reported in Chatham in Oct 2024 received a split vote and has an Unresolved status; it may or may not be voted on again at a later date (Chat 90:6). An eBird report of 3 in Charlotte on 9 Mar 2025 is certainly an error, as all other reports at that site were of a single bird. | The only record is of a first-year female photographed at the Richland Balsam Overlook, along the Jackson/Haywood line, on 13 Sep 2014* (Chat 79:14), (Chat 79:53). Photos are on the Carolina Bird Club Photo Gallery. | 1/2* | 2026-11-12 | |||
| Setophaga discolor Prairie Warbler | The Prairie Warbler is another mis-named warbler, as it is not found in prairies (i.e., native grasslands), but in overgrown fields and other shrubby habitats. It nests in the eastern United States, and thus is present as a breeding species throughout the state, though is scarce in many mountain counties. Its numbers have declined in recent decades across its range, though in North Carolina numbers seem to have held steady; thus, declines appear to be mainly elsewhere. A few individuals linger along the southern half of the coast into early winter, and some of these probably do survive the winter. In the breeding season, the species favors maritime shrub thickets, younger (or recently-burned) pocosins, overgrown fields with saplings, recent clearcuts, and other sites where the woody vegetation is mostly under 15-20 feet high. An exception is the Great Dismal Swamp, where it nests in mature stands of Atlantic White Cedar, at least where mixed with hardwoods. In winter, birds are seen mainly in shrubs along the edges of brackish marshes, especially in stands of Waxmyrtle and Groundsel-tree (= Sea-myrtle). Birds also can be found in other shrubby areas in winter, well away from brackish water. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S1N | G5 | Summer resident, and sparse winter visitor/resident. In summer, common over most of the region, though only fairly common in the southern portions; also common along the Outer Banks. It can be very common in some pocosins/edges, such as at Alligator River NWR. In early winter, rare to uncommon along the southern half of the coast, and also rare along the margins of Pamlico Sound and at the Lake Mattamuskeet causeway; generally quite rare in these areas after mid-Jan, but some birds undoubtedly survive the winter. Mainly late Mar to early Nov near the coast; early or mid-Apr to late Sep or early Oct farther inland. Peak single-list counts: 109, Dare mainland, 24 May 1995; 73, Richmond Road Loop (Dare), 4 Apr 2026; 65, Fort Fisher (New Hanover), 2 Oct 2010. | Summer resident. Fairly common to common in the eastern portions, and fairly common in the central sections; uncommon in the foothills. Mainly early Apr to mid-Sep. Four records in late Dec, with one record in Jan-Feb -- one at Clarks Creek Nature Preserve (Mecklenburg), 15 Dec 2019 - 26 Jan 2020 being notable. In the winter of 2020-21, one at the NC Zoological Park (Randolph) on 17 Jan was notable, as was one at Apex (Wake) from 16 Feb into the spring. Peak single-list counts: ? | Summer resident. Uncommon over the region, as a whole; essentially below 3,000 feet. Fairly common in the extreme southwestern counties, but can be rare in many counties because of their high elevations. Mainly mid-Apr to mid-Sep. One photographed at the NC Arboretum (Buncombe) was quite late on 2 Nov 2023. Peak single-list counts: ? | The species is easily found in the Coastal Plain and eastern Piedmont. Driving US 264 through Alligator River NWR will yield them in abundance. | **** | 2026-11-12 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Setophaga dominica Yellow-throated Warbler | The Yellow-throated Warbler is a "Southern" warbler, as it breeds in the eastern United States only north to southern New York and Iowa and as it is much more common in the Deep South than in the Piedmont and mountains. It even winters in moderate numbers in the southern part of this range, sparingly to North Carolina. With each additional year, more individuals are lingering inland in winter, mainly at feeders. Though it likely nests in all Coastal Plain and Piedmont counties in the state, it is not common in the mountains, where it is limited to the lower elevations. In the breeding season, it favors moist forests and edges, whether in swamps, bottomlands, forests along a lakeshore, streamside groves, or in certain pinelands; forests with scattered tall pines and even Spanish moss are favored. In winter, it is found mainly in maritime forests, or in mature pine-hardwood stands, especially where the hardwoods are broadleaf evergreens. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B | G5 | Summer resident, and sparse winter resident near the southern coast. In summer, common over most of the region, more so in the southeastern part of the region than in the northwestern portion. Rare breeder on the Outer Banks. In winter, rare to uncommon, especially scarce by late winter, in the extreme southeastern corner, mainly in New Hanover and Brunswick; present into early winter farther north to the central coast, but rare and does not overwinter. Mainly mid- or late Mar to mid-Oct; arrival dates have been advancing in recent years, and birds are often now present by mid-Mar. A tally of 83 in western Croatan NF was remarkable for the early date of 19 Mar 2016. Peak single-list counts: 42, Croatan National Forest -- Long Point Road (Jones), 13 Mar 2016; 41, Ivanhoe area (Bladen), 5 Apr 2020; 40, Lumber River SP (Robeson), 15 Apr 2017. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident, and very rare winter straggler. In summer, fairly common to locally common in the eastern and southern portions, uncommon to locally fairly common in the central portion, but quite uncommon in the western/foothill portion, though presumably nests in all counties. Casual as late as Dec and early Jan. A handful of recent midwinter records, including one that overwintered at the Davidson College campus (Mecklenburg), winter 2018-19. Another overwintered (2021-2022) at a feeder in southern Wilkes for the third winter in a row! Another overwintered at a feeder in Cornelius (Mecklenburg) from 6 Jan - 26 Feb 2024. Mainly mid- or late Mar to late Sep. Peak single-list counts: 35, Pee Dee NWR (Anson), 9 May 2018; 29, Haw River in northern Chatham, 30 Mar 2025; 27, Haw River south of US 64 (Chatham), 2 May 2021. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident. Uncommon along rivers and streams at low elevations, essentially below 2,500 feet; areas with Sycamores are preferred, but it also occurs in some pine stands. Because of this elevation range, it does not breed in a handful of counties, especially in the north (scarce to absent north of Buncombe). However, most unusual and at a moderately high elevation (over 3,200 feet) was an adult seen with two recently fledged juveniles at Valle Crucis (Watauga) on 5 Jul 2023. Nesting was also reported at this same Valle Crucis site in 2024. Scarce migrant, mostly at lower elevations. Mainly early Apr to mid-Sep. Peak single-list counts: ? | The species is easily found in many parks and preserves, and Croatan National Forest, in the southeastern part of the Coastal Plain, as well as along Sandhills streams. | **** | 2026-11-11 | ||
| Setophaga coronata Yellow-rumped Warbler | The Yellow-rumped Warbler, often called the "Butter-butt", is arguably the most abundant warbler on the continent. The Western half of the species is the "Audubon's Warbler" subspecies (formerly a full species and arguably should be re-split), and the subspecies in the East is the "Myrtle Warbler". The species winters in large numbers in the southern half of the United States, and is (by far) the most numerous warbler wintering in North Carolina. Though numbers along the coast have markedly declined in recent decades (despite little change in habitat), it remains a common to abundant winter bird, often the most common passerine seen on a coastal CBC. Farther inland, it winters in smaller numbers the farther west one goes, and is scarce in midwinter in the mountains. Amazingly, despite "global warming", the species has moved south in the Appalachians as a breeder (since 1985), and a few pairs now nest at several sites in the spruce-fir zone, favoring edges and stunted spruce or fir areas rather than forest interiors. In winter, it favors Waxmyrtle thickets, shrubby edges of marshes (with cedar or Waxmyrtle), pocosins, swamps, bottomlands, and many other wooded or shrubby areas. It often joins chickadees and titmice in mixed species flocks.
There are over a dozen records of "Audubon's Warblers" in the state, though there is just one record from the mountains. Three have been reviewed and accepted by the NC BRC, one with photos. | Breeder | Definitive | SR | S1B,S5N | G5 | Winter resident. Along the coast and in Tidewater near sounds, abundant in winter, particularly on the Outer Banks. Smaller numbers westward, but common over the remainder of the province, and at times very common in migration. Mainly late Sep to early May; a few Jun, Jul, and Aug records. Peak single-list counts: 10,000, Fort Fisher (New Hanover), 25 Jan 2014; 8,500, Pea Island NWR, 24 Oct 2024; 8,500, Roanoke Island (Dare), 17 Nov 2024.
The 9+ known reports -- at least since 1980 -- of "Audubon's Warbler" are: one seen at Sanderling (Dare) on 19 Jan 2020 (Chat 84:56-72); one seen at Alligator River NWR (Dare) on 9 Nov 2007 (Chat 72:21-39); a male in breeding plumage at Merchants Millpond SP (Gates) on 21 Apr 2007* (Chat 72:7-10) -- reviewed and accepted by the NC BRC; a female seen at the Frisco (Dare) airstrip on 19 Jan 2003 (Chat 67:60-75); one among hordes of "Myrtle" Warblers on the Cape Hatteras (Dare) CBC on 27 Dec 2001 (Chat 66:94-104); one at Lake Mattamuskeet (Hyde) on 15 Jan 2000 (Chat 64:100-109); a "female with a very obvious, bright yellow throat" was seen in Edgecombe on 25 Apr 1993 (Chat 58:58-68); a male in partial breeding plumage -- "yellow throat above black breast; more black on head than other Yellow-rumps in flock; bright yellow rump" seen at Wilmington (New Hanover) on 11 Apr 1986 (Chat 51:52-56); and one photographed at the south side of Oregon Inlet on Pea Island NWR (Dare) from 21 Nov - 4 Dec 2021 (Chat 86:44). | Winter resident, with noticeable migratory movements. In winter, common in the southeastern half, and fairly common in the northwestern portion, but can be scarce in the foothills by midwinter. May be very common in migration in spring and fall across the region. Mainly late Sep to early or mid-May. One in southern Union on 6 Jul 2021 was completely out of season. Peak single-list counts: ?
There are about 6 records of "Audubon's Warbler", though 3 refer to the same bird seen in a Chapel Hill yard for three consecutive winters. The records since 1980 are: a male in breeding plumage at Cary (Wake) on 24 Apr 2010 (Chat 74:82-96); a female at a yard in Chapel Hill (Orange) on 15 and 29 Oct 2006 (Chat 71:12-28); one at the same Chapel Hill feeder was noted for a week or more from 24 Jan 2006 on (Chat 70:44-58); one noted at Cane Creek Park (Union) on 8 Dec 2005 (Chat 70:44-58); at the same Chapel Hill feeder on 18-19 Jan 2005* (Chat 69:73-87) -- photos accepted by the NC BRC; one seen at Lake Betz (Wake) on 23 Jan 2026 (Chat 90:67). | Very sparse (and recent) breeder, widespread transient, and winter resident/visitor. In summer, rare (though slightly increasing) at the highest elevations, in the spruce-fir zone; one to three pairs have recently been present (and confirmed as breeders) at Roan Mountain, at Mount Mitchell SP, and in the Great Smoky Mountains NP (at Clingmans Dome and Mount Kephart). Also numerous recent summer records along Black Balsam Road in southern Haywood, suggestive of breeding there. Finally found at Grandfather Mountain in the breeding season on several dates in Jun 2014. Apparently first noted in summer at Richland Balsam (Haywood/Jackson) on 3 Jul 2020 -- male and female seen. Increases were noted in 2018 at several sites, with an excellent six singing males at Clingmans Dome on 7 Jun and four along Black Balsam Road throughout the summer. In spring, a common migrant over the lower and middle elevations, less numerous in higher elevations. In fall, fairly common throughout. In winter, mainly uncommon in the lower elevations (below 3,000 feet), and rare higher; can be very scarce by late winter. Mainly late Sep to early or mid-May. Peak single-list counts: ?
There is just one record of "Audubon's Warbler" for the province -- one photographed at the UNC-Asheville campus (Buncombe) from 27 Jan - 18 Feb 2023* (Chat 87:44), (Chat 88:55). | None needed near the coast in winter. | **** | 2026-11-11 | |
| Setophaga pinus Pine Warbler | The Pine Warbler is certainly the best-named warbler species, as it is almost always found in pine trees. (Many warblers are badly misnamed -- named for cities or states where first collected, or perhaps in vegetation where first collected -- e.g., Tennessee, Nashville, Cape May, Connecticut, Magnolia, and Palm.) It breeds only in the eastern half of the country, but within part of this range, including North Carolina, it is one of the more abundant songbirds and is the dominant breeding species in pine forests. Hardly any mature pine stand in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont is without a pair or two of them. It does not nest, however, in quite a few of the mountain counties, as suitable stands of pines are rare to absent. It also is the second-most common wintering warbler in the state (next to Yellow-rumped). At all seasons it is found in mature to middle-aged stands of Longleaf, Loblolly, Shortleaf, Pond, or Virginia pines -- favoring the first two species. It also nests in residential areas with mature pines, at golf courses, and in other pine-dominated groves. In winter, Pine Warblers are usually found in mixed species flocks with chickadees and titmice; however, many birds instead gather in flocks with Eastern Bluebirds and Chipping Sparrows, often feeding on the ground, even in plowed fields! | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S4N | G5 | Permanent resident, with migratory movements. Common to very common breeder across the region, being very common in the southern portions (including the Sandhills) dominated by Longleaf Pines. Does breed on the Outer Banks, unlike most warblers. In winter, common in the most of the Coastal Plain, especially from Croatan National Forest southward, and in the Sandhills. Mostly fairly common in the northern half of the region in winter, but can be common by late Feb or early Mar. Peak single-list counts: 100, Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve (Moore), 11 Jan 2003. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts or CBCs, with many lists combined. | Permanent resident, with migratory movements. In summer, common to very common in the eastern and southern portions, common in the central portions, but only fairly common in the northwestern portions. In winter, fairly common to common along the eastern and southern portions, but decreasing in abundance westward, to uncommon in the northwestern portions. In all areas, more numerous in summer than in winter. Peak counts: 311, Jordan Lake spring count, 7 May 2000. Peak single-list counts: 116, Pee Dee NWR (Anson), 2 Jan 2010; 102, Jordan Lake (Chatham), 20 Sep 2008; 95, same site, 20 Sep 1997. | Summer resident, and sparse winter resident at lower elevations. In summer, fairly common in the extreme southwestern corner (such as in Cherokee), but uncommon (essentially below 2,500 feet) north to about the French Broad River valley. Essentially absent north of Buncombe, except at the base of the Blue Ridge Escarpment; however, quite a surprise was an adult with two recently fledged juveniles seen at New River SP (Ashe) on 13 Jun 2023. In winter, rare in the lower elevations, and few perhaps survive the winter. Peak single-list counts: ? | None needed. | **** | 2026-11-11 | ||
| Setophaga palmarum Palm Warbler | The Palm Warbler might be associated with Saw Palmetto stands in Florida, but this is still a bad name for this tail-wagging species. It nests across most of the boreal forest/bog/muskeg zone of Canada, south barely into the northeastern United States. It is a rather hardy species, as it winters in the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains, and sparingly in the Piedmont. It migrates through all parts of the state. Unlike most migrating warblers, Palms are often found in weedy fields, wooded margins, and other shorter vegetation (and often on the ground), as opposed to within forest canopy, though they can be seen in the canopy. In winter, they occur in brushy open country in a variety of habitats -- farmyards with brush piles and hedgerows, cattle feed lots, stubble fields, weedy fields with many composites, marsh edges, and various shrub thickets. They often gather into small flocks with Eastern Bluebirds, Chipping Sparrows, Pine Warblers, and other species. The species has two well-marked subspecies -- the "Eastern Palm", which is quite yellow below, and the "Western Palm", which is much paler below and is the more often seen in North Carolina. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S3N | G5 | Winter resident, with strong migratory movements. In winter, fairly common along and near the coast in Dec, but becomes uncommon by Jan, and can be scarce after severe weather; farther inland, uncommon throughout, becoming scarce after severe weather. In spring, uncommon to fairly common; however, in fall, it is fairly common in most inland areas but is common to abundant along the coast. Generally most numerous in late Sep and Oct. Mainly early Sep to mid-Apr. Peak single-list counts: 3,000, Salvo (Dare), 10 Oct 1988; 1,000, Bald Head Island, 22 Sep 1988; 400, Pea Island NWR, 22 Oct 2016. | Transient, and scarce winter resident. Uncommon to fairly common in spring and fall, generally over the region. More numerous in fall, but seldom common. In winter, uncommon in early winter in the eastern and southern portions, but rare in midwinter. Farther inland, generally rare in winter, with few overwintering. Mainly late Mar to early May, and early or mid-Sep into Nov. Peak single-list counts: ? | Transient, and very scarce in winter. In spring, generally uncommon, mainly at low to middle elevations; in fall, somewhat more numerous, and can be fairly common at times, even at higher elevations. Very rare to rare in early winter at low elevations, but essentially absent by mid-winter. Mainly early Apr to early May, and early Sep to late Oct. One was very late on 26 Jun 2025 in Henderson. Peak counts: 8, Henderson CBC, 28 Dec 2003. Peak single-list counts: ? | Generally easily found along the immediate coast in late Sep and most of Oct. | **** | 2026-11-11 | ||
| Setophaga caerulescens Black-throated Blue Warbler | Compared with most warblers, the Black-throated Blue has a relatively small breeding range, found in extreme southeastern Canada and northeastern United States, down the Appalachians to Georgia. Thankfully, within this range it is generally common, and it is certainly so in North Carolina, being an easily heard and seen bird of the middle and higher mountains. As it winters in the West Indies, it migrates through the remainder of the state in spring and fall. Breeders require a fairly dense shrub/sapling layer within a cool montane forest, though the canopy composition can be spruce-fir, pure hardwoods, hemlock (formerly), or White Pine. As evergreen rhododendrons and Mountain Laurel are abundant in cool forests, the Black-throated Blue finds an abundance of suitable habitat for nesting -- mainly above 3,000 feet. Migrants are typically found in the understory or shrub layers, usually hardwoods, within various forest types. | Breeder | Definitive | S4B | G5 | Transient, and casually into early winter. In spring, uncommon to fairly common in the western portions, but uncommon in the central and eastern portions; even so, it is one of the more "frequent" of the coniferous forest migrants in the region. In fall, uncommon to fairly common throughout, more likely on the coast (where migrants pile up during migration). Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and early Sep to mid-Oct, sparingly into Nov. Casual to very rare along and near the coast in Dec and early Jan. Out of season, probably an overwintering individual, was a male photographed on 4 Mar 2017 in Aberdeen (Moore). Peak single-list counts: 91, "Outer Banks", 7 Oct 1978. | Transient, and sparse breeder (currently?) in foothill ranges. Fairly common over the region in spring, but uncommon to fairly common in fall; definitely more numerous (or obvious) in the spring season. Reported to be present in summer in the Brushy Mountains as of 1967 (Chat 32:1-4); however, no specifics were provided, and present-day status there or in the South Mountains is uncertain. Casual into Dec and Jan, essentially only along the eastern edge of the region. Notable was one photographed at a feeder near Hillsborough (Orange) for a week in early Jan 2014, as was one at a Chapel Hill (Orange) feeder from 30 Dec 2020 - 21 Feb 2021. A male spent from 7 Dec 2025 - 12 Feb 2026 at a feeder in Greensboro (Guilford). Mainly mid- or late Apr to mid-May, and early Sep to mid-Oct; a few winter records. Peak single-list counts: ? | Summer resident, and transient. In summer, common and relatively widespread over the province, mainly between 2,500 and 5,500 feet; rarely to 2,000 feet. Probably a fairly common migrant in spring and uncommon in fall, at low elevations. Mainly mid-Apr to mid-Oct. Remarkable was a male in Transylvania, from 20 Nov 1995 - 10 Jan 1996. Peak single-list counts: 99, Appalachian Trail miles 105-125 (Macon), 15 May 2018; 76, Appalachian Trail miles 87-105 (Macon), 14 May 2018; 51, Appalachian Trail (Graham), 17 May 2018. | The species is hard to miss in several hours of birding at middle to somewhat high elevations in the mountains in summer. Stopping at overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway, or taking many trails on National Forest land, should turn up 5 or more singing males in a morning. | **** | 2026-11-11 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Setophaga striata Blackpoll Warbler | The Blackpoll Warbler, at a glance at its breeding range, would seem to have a similar migration pattern through North Carolina as most other spruce-fir breeding warblers. However, it winters in eastern South America, and instead of flying around the western end of the Gulf of Mexico or across the Gulf, it migrates in spring northwestward through the West Indies and Florida, spreading out northward across all of the East. Thus, it is found over the state's Coastal Plain, as well as the other regions, in spring. But, in fall, the birds migrate almost east-southeastward to the Atlantic coast from Cape Hatteras northward, and then fly non-stop for several dozen hours across the Atlantic to reach the coast of South America! In fall in North Carolina, it is thus found mainly in the northeastern portion of the state, to include the northern mountains. In spring migration, its high "squeaking brake" song can be heard from the canopy of scattered hardwoods in cities and towns, parks, and other woodlots and forests. In fall, like other warblers, it is mostly silent and is easily overlooked in various types of wooded habitats. As with many other warblers, males in fall look nothing like they do in spring, and Blackpoll Warbler males resemble females at that season, when easily confused with Bay-breasted and Pine warblers. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient. In spring, uncommon to at times fairly common over most of the region, likely less numerous in the central and eastern portions. In fall, fairly common along the northern coast (Cape Hatteras northward), and uncommon in the Tidewater area; generally rare elsewhere, and very rare in the southern portion of the region. Mainly late Apr to late May, and late Sep to late Oct. An immature female at North River Farms (Carteret) on 2 Dec 2012 (Chat 77:63) was very late in departing. Two on Roanoke Island (Dare) on 10 Dec 2016 (Chat 81:56) were very late. Additional early winter records from 2020 were singles photographed on 5 Dec at River Park North (Pitt) and on 11 Dec in northeastern Craven; this latter record is the latest for the state. Peak single-list counts: 200, Currituck Banks, 14 Oct 1989; 49, Pea Island NWR (Dare), 17 Oct 2023; 30, Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve (Dare), 4 Oct 2010. | Transient. Fairly common (formerly common) across the region in spring; in fall, generally uncommon in the northern portion, and rare in the southern portion. Mainly very late Apr to late May, and late Sep to late Oct. A report of two birds at Winston-Salem on 1 Dec 1973 is likely a mis-identification. However, one was photographed in Raleigh on 18 Dec 2021* (Chat 86:64); the NC BRC has accepted this remarkably late-season report (Chat 87:25). Peak single-list counts: 30, Jordan Lake - Ebenezer Point (Chatham), 22-24 Oct 2021. A total of 15 at Jordan Lake (Chatham) on 5 Nov 2023 is an excellent number for that month. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Transient. Fairly common in low to middle elevations in spring; rare at high elevations. In fall, generally rare over the region, more likely to occur in the northern counties. Mainly late Apr to late May, and late Sep to mid-Oct. Peak single-list counts: 28, Lake Julian Park (Buncombe), 12 May 2021. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Normally not hard to find between 5-20 May, especially around 10-15 May, in many parks in the state. As with most migrants, numbers can be erratic from day to day. | *** | 2026-11-11 | ||
| Setophaga pensylvanica Chestnut-sided Warbler | The Chestnut-sided Warbler breeds in southern Canada and the northeastern part of the United States, extending down the Appalachians into Georgia. In the early decades of the 20th Century, this was a scarce breeding bird in the North Carolina mountains; however, maybe owing to extensive fires and logging in the 1930's and 1940's (if not earlier), large amounts of early succession habitat was available for this species. Numbers have leveled off since the latter few decades of the last century, but since then, this has been one of the most common of all birds nesting in the province. Breeding habitat is wooded edges, regenerating clearcuts, forest openings, and other early to mid-succession forested areas, mainly in deciduous saplings and trees. Downstate, it migrates mainly through the Piedmont, and it can be a good find in the Coastal Plain, even in fall. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B | G5 | Transient. Very rare in spring over most of the province, more likely to occur in the western sections, and again near and along the coast; casual in much of the central and eastern portions. In fall, rare to uncommon over most of the region, and rare in the eastern section, even along the coast. Mainly most of May, and late Aug to early Oct. Peak single-list counts: ? | Transient. In spring, uncommon in the western half of the region, and rare to uncommon in the eastern half. In fall, generally uncommon throughout; more numerous in the province than in spring nearly everywhere. Accidental in winter, with one record -- a bird photographed in Chatham on 21 Dec 2014 (Chat 79:104-105). Quite surprising was at least one male singing on territory at Chimney Rock Park (Rutherford) in 1990, 1992, and 1993; no conclusive breeding was reported. Mainly very late Apr to mid-May, and late Aug to early Oct. Peak single-list counts: ? | Summer resident. Common to very common from about 3,000 feet to 5,500 feet; uncommon higher and lower, down to about 2,000 feet in local areas. Can be common in migration, especially in fall. Mainly from late Apr to early Oct. Peak single-list counts: 100, Glenville (Jackson), 7 Sep 2002; 77, Blue Ridge Parkway mileposts 412-422 (Haywood), 21 May 2011; 68, Jackson Park (Henderson), 15 Sep 2011. | Normally easily found in the mountains in May and Jun, particularly between 3,500 and 5,000 feet. | **** | 2026-11-11 | ||
| Setophaga aestiva Yellow Warbler | The Yellow Warbler has one of the most extensive breeding ranges of any warbler -- across nearly all of the boreal forest region south to the northern two-thirds of the United States. Despite the fact that it nests in shrubby areas and willow thickets across its range, and such habitats are not in obvious decline, the species has greatly withdrawn from much of the southern portion of its breeding range, especially in North Carolina. Many decades ago, the species nested over most of the state's Piedmont, east to the Raleigh area, and along the northern coastal areas. By 1980, it became rare as a breeder in the Piedmont, especially in the eastern areas, despite large amounts of willow thicket habitat surrounding reservoirs and ponds. Oddly, this great retreat of the breeding range has been largely overlooked or neglected by birders and the local literature. Thankfully, it is still at least fairly common in portions of the northern Mountains, though it has also declined there. It has a wider range of breeding habitats there, and it can be widespread in areas of scattered small trees in open country, even in farmlands. Is the decline a major loss of wintering habitat? At least, it migrates over all of the state, and passes through all counties in spring and fall. There are even a few recent winter records near the coast, and one in the Mountains.
In 2026, the AOS split the Yellow Warbler into the more northerly and migratory Yellow Warbler, with a scientific name change (Setophaga aestiva), retaining the original common/English name, and a more southerly and non-migratory species -- Mangrove Warbler (Setophaga petechia). There are no NC records of the latter species, but as it breeds in mangroves as far north as southern Florida and southern Texas, it might stray to NC on very rare occasions. Adult males of Mangrove Warbler have a varying amount of chestnut color on the head, from just the crown in one subspecies to other subspecies with an all-chestnut head; however, females and immatures apparently lack such rusty/chestnut color on the head. | Breeder | Definitive | S4B | G5 | Transient, and sparse breeder; a few winter records. In summer, formerly uncommon, but now apparently rare along the northern coast (Buxton area northward), probably mainly in Currituck. A few summer records in the northwestern part of the province, in Halifax, but breeding not certain in that area. In spring and fall, uncommon to fairly common (declining) over most of the region. Mainly mid- or late Apr to mid-May, and late Jul to late Sep. Rare in early winter, through Dec or early Jan, at Mattamuskeet NWR and a few coastal sites, Remarkable was one at Lake Mattamuskeet on 8 Feb 1987; another may have over-wintered at Carolina Beach Lake (New Hanover), 1-26 Jan 2020. Peak single-list counts: 25, Martin Marietta Park (Craven), 21 Sep 2019; 24, Fort Fisher (New Hanover), 1 Oct 2011; 23, same site, 12 Sep 2010. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident (strongly declining), and transient. In summer, now rare in the western portions, very rare in the central areas, and very rare to absent in the southeastern third. It was considered "fairly common summer resident" in Wake in 1969 (Chat 33:53-71). Uncommon to often fairly common transient in spring and fall (but declining). Mainly mid- or late Apr to mid-Sep. Apparently just two winter records: one at Pineville (Mecklenburg), 26 Dec 2016; one or two at Oak Hollow Lake (Guilford) photographed on 2 Jan 2025. Peak single-list counts: ? | Summer resident (strongly declining), and transient. In summer, fairly common to formerly common in the northern counties (Ashe and Alleghany), and fairly common (but declining) southward, but less common to the southwest; mainly up to about 4,000 feet. In the north, often in farmyards, but in the south, mostly in valleys with willow stands. Can be fairly common to common in migration. Mainly mid-Apr to late Sep. A report of one at Asheville for 29 Dec (no year given in Pearson et al., 1959) would need confirmation. However, one was photographed at a suet feeder in Black Mountain (Buncombe) on 18 Jan 2022* (Chat 86:64), (Chat 87:25), a remarkable midwinter report; photos are on the Carolina Bird Club Photo Gallery. Peak single-list counts: 20, Meat Camp Creek Environmental Studies Area (Watauga), 7 May 2011; 20, same site, 11 May 2014; 19, same site, 12 May 2012. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Driving back roads in the [open] "country" in the mountains in May and Jun should yield a few Yellows Warblers. They are most easily found in Ashe. | *** | 2026-11-11 | ||
| Setophaga fusca Blackburnian Warbler | The Blackburnian Warbler is one of the most beautiful of our songbirds, as the bright orange breast of the male contrasts with the black and white of the remainder of the plumage. It is one of many warblers whose breeding range is the northern/boreal spruce-fir forests, ranging south through the Appalachians. Though it is a transient over the rest of the state, it migrates mostly west of the Fall Line, even in the fall season. Overall numbers of this and many passerine birds have declined somewhat over the past few decades, perhaps owing mostly to loss of wintering habitat in the tropics. Though its overall breeding range is the "boreal forest zone", it is often found in our mountains in northern hardwood and cove hardwood forests, where males can be quite conspicuous when singing in late Apr and early May, before the leaves emerge. However, it is most numerous in spruce-fir and spruce-hardwood forests, and it also occurs in cooler areas where White Pines and hemlocks are present. Migrants are found mainly in hardwood forests and woodlots. | Breeder | Definitive | S4B | G5 | Transient. In spring, very rare over the region, and probably casual in most of the eastern portions, except along the coast, where rare to very rare. In fall, uncommon in the western portions, to rare to uncommon farther eastward; one of the least numerous of the warblers along the coast at that season. Mainly early May to late May, and mid-Sep to mid-Oct. Peak single-list counts: ? | Transient. In spring, rare across the region, more numerous in the western portion, though still scarce there. In fall, uncommon throughout. Mainly early to late May, and late Aug to mid-Oct. Peak single-list counts: ? | Summer resident, with migratory movements. In summer, fairly common over the region as a whole, but scarce in the northernmost counties and also in the southwestern corner; most numerous in some of the southern counties close to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Mainly above 3,000 feet, but does nest in cool ravines at lower elevations. Fairly common transient, at times common in fall. Mainly late Apr to mid-Oct. One photographed at the Asheville School (Buncombe) on 24 Nov 2019 was exceedingly late. Peak single-list counts: 65, Appalachian Trail (Macon), 15 May 2018; 52, Balsam Gap (Buncombe), 28 May 2011; 50, Little Butt near Burnsville (Yancey), 12 May 2022. It is very surprising that the highest counts are in May instead of in the fall season. | You should be able to find the species in the spruce-hardwood zone (4,500 to 5,500 feet) along the Blue Ridge Parkway, as well as in Mount Mitchell SP and many other sites -- in May and June. | *** | 2026-11-11 | ||
| Setophaga castanea Bay-breasted Warbler | The Bay-breasted Warbler has a similar breeding range to that of the Cape May Warbler and the Tennessee Warbler, and these (along with the Blackburnian and Blackpoll warblers) are called "spruce budworm" species, as their populations rise and fall following outbreaks of their favored food -- caterpillars of the spruce budworm. Bay-breasted Warblers winter in the tropics, and migrate mainly through the mountains and Piedmont, and the Coastal Plain in fall. While in North Carolina, migrants are often in mixed flocks with other birds in the hardwood canopy of forests and woodlands; they do occur in conifers to a lesser extent. Male Bay-breasteds have an unusual color combination, but sadly this is molted prior to them reaching the state in fall. At that season, the species can be confused with both Blackpoll and Pine warblers. Unlike most other warbler species, there are no known state winter records. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient. In spring, very rare along the western edge, and very rare to rare near and along the coast; casual over most of the province. In fall, uncommon over most of the region, even along the coast. Primarily mid- and late May, and mid-Sep to mid-Oct. Peak single-list counts: ? | Transient. In spring, rare to uncommon in the western half, and rare in the eastern half of the region. In fall, generally uncommon, though can be fairly common in the western portion after cold fronts. Seldom common in fall. A possibly overwintering bird was first seen and photographed at a feeder in Wake Forest (Wake) on 11 Mar and again on 24 Mar 2024; these dates seem far too early for a spring migrant, though we have no idea where it had spent the winter! Mainly early and mid-May, and early Sep to late Oct. Peak single-list counts: ? | Transient. In spring, rare to uncommon in the lower elevations, and rare at middle elevations. In fall, fairly common to often common (a day or two after a cold front); sizable numbers can be seen along the Blue Ridge Parkway in fall. Mainly early to late May, and late Aug to mid-Oct. Peak single-list counts: 294, Mahogany Rock Overlook (Alleghany), 28 Sep 2025; 275, Balsam Gap along the Blue Ridge Parkway (Buncombe), 24 Sep 2023; 210, Ridge Junction (Yancey), 1 Oct 2020. All of the 10 highest state counts on eBird lists are from overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway, in the fall season. | You should be able to see the species in fall in late Sep or early Oct along the Blue Ridge Parkway and other mountain sites, at least after a cold front. | *** | 2026-11-11 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Setophaga magnolia Magnolia Warbler | The Magnolia Warbler nests across most of the boreal forest zone of Canada and the northeastern states. Until a few decades ago, the southern end of its breeding range stopped in Virginia; but since the 1980's, the species started to appear in younger spruce-fir stands in the North Carolina mountains. Now, Magnolia Warblers are present in very small numbers in most of the ranges and isolated mountains that contain spruce-fir stands, though the birds inhabit edges of such forests, young to middle-aged stands, and openings in such forests. Breeding evidence has been somewhat skimpy, though adults have been seen feeding young out of the nest; no nest has yet been found in the state. Actually, Magnolia Warblers may have nested sparingly in the mountains in the 19th Century and in the early decades of the 20th Century. The species is a rather numerous migrant in the mountains and Piedmont, but it is scarce toward the coast (except in fall). As with most warbler species, migrant individuals are normally seen away from conifers and are seen mostly in the canopy or mid-story of hardwood forests and edges. | Breeder | Definitive | SR | S2B | G5 | Transient. In spring, rare to uncommon in the western portions, rare over central portions, and very rare to at times rare close to the coast. In fall, uncommon to at times fairly common (after a cold front) over most of the region, including the coast. Mainly early to late May, and early Sep to mid-Oct. One about 30 miles off Cape Hatteras (Dare) on a 14 May 2023 pelagic trip was most unusual. There are three reports in Nov, including one for 25 Nov and another for 27 Nov. Peak single-list counts: ? | Transient. Mainly uncommon in spring, and fairly common in fall, over most of the province. Clearly more numerous everywhere in fall than in spring. Mainly early to late May, and late Aug to mid-Oct. Peak single-list counts: ? | Scarce summer resident (at higher elevations), and transient. In summer, rare to locally uncommon in most areas of spruce-fir, south to and including Great Smoky Mountains NP; essentially over 5,000 feet, but occurs in Long Hope Valley (Watauga and Ashe) at 4,300 feet. In summer 2023, lower elevation singing birds were reported from Banner Elk (Avery) on 17 Jun and in northwestern Ashe on 12 Jul. Only a few actual breeding records have been documented. Elsewhere, generally uncommon spring migrant, and common in fall. Mostly early May to late May, and mid-Aug to mid-Oct. One photographed at Beaver Lake (Buncombe) from 7-25 Nov 2016 was remarkably late. Peak single-list counts: 50, Jackson Park (Henderson), 14 Sep 1997; 50, same site, 18 Sep 2011; 50, same site, 26 Sep 2013; 50, same site, 22 Sep 2024. Peak count in summer, up to 8 males at Roan Mountain (Mitchell), 5 Jun - 16 Jul 2013. | It usually can be found in fall migration in the mountains, in various parks and along the Blue Ridge Parkway; however, as with birds in migration, numbers can be spotty from day to day. In summer, the best areas are Roan Mountain (such as near the Rhododendron Gardens) and Mount Mitchell SP. | *** | 2026-11-11 | |
| Setophaga americana Northern Parula | The Northern Parula is a bird saddled with an awful common name, and this is even more so now that it and its close cousin, the Tropical Parula, are no longer in their small genus (Parula). They have now (in 2011) been dumped into the very large genus that was formerly Dendroica, but is now Setophaga. All these other Setophaga species except American Redstart have the last name as "warbler". At least, the species has not been lumped or split, so maybe it doesn't matter what its name is, other than how people pronounce "Parula". This species nests over nearly all of the eastern United States and Canada, and not surprisingly it nests in all parts of North Carolina. In the state it favors swamps and bottomlands, especially where Spanish Moss or Usnea lichen (old man's-beard) are common (for nest placement). Away from such habitats, it occurs in other moist forests and woodlands, such as cove forests; occasionally it does nest in drier forests, as long as one of these plants is present. Most Northern Parulas winter south of the United States, though there are a handful of state records of early winter stragglers. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B | G5 | Summer resident. Over most of the region -- common, to very common in several of the larger river floodplains; however, uncommon to fairly common in large nonriverine forests, and apparently absent at Buxton Woods near Cape Hatteras. Very rare straggler into early winter, mainly along the coast; at least 25 records from mid-Dec to early Jan, mostly on coastal (or Mattamuskeet NWR) CBC's. Quite notable for the latter half of winter was a photographed bird that visited a feeder in Vass (Moore) from 17 Jan - 27 Feb 2015 (Chat 79:104); a few others near the coast have been reported in recent years in late Jan and Feb. Mainly late Mar (and now arriving often by mid-Mar) to mid-Oct. Peak single-list counts: 125, Run Hill State Natural Area (Dare), 23 Sep 2020; 120, New Bern (Craven), 20 Sep 2006; 105, Mattamuskeet NWR, 20 Sep 2009. | Summer resident, with noticeable migratory movements. In summer, fairly common over most of the province, but common in some wide floodplains, such as along the Cape Fear River system and around Falls and Jordan lakes. Uncommon in much of the western half of the province, as suitable habitat is locally scarce. Can be common at times in migration. Mainly late Mar to mid-Oct, casual to now very rare to mid-Jan (mostly in the eastern portions -- at least 14 records after mid-Dec). One on the UNC campus in Chapel Hill, 26 Dec 2016 and again 10-25 Feb 2017 almost certainly overwintered, a likely first for the province. Another essentially over-wintered at a feeder in Raleigh, 30 Dec 2019 - 31 Jan 2020. Another definitely over-wintered at a feeder in Chatham from 30 Dec 2023 - 27 Feb 2024. Peak single-list counts: 75, Hanging Rock SP (Stokes), 15 Apr 2017. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident, with noticeable migratory movements. Uncommon to fairly common at lower to middle elevations, up to about 5,200 feet. Fairly common to common in migration. Mainly early Apr to mid-Oct. No winter reports. Peak single-list counts: ? | It is hard to miss in the Coastal Plain in spring or summer if birding close to rivers, such as the Roanoke, Neuse, or Lumber. | **** | 2026-11-10 | ||
| Setophaga cerulea Cerulean Warbler | The Cerulean Warbler is one of the more strongly declining songbirds in the eastern part of the continent. It was petitioned to list as Federally Threatened about a decade ago, but the petition failed, as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service felt that the species was still too numerous to list. It nests in mature deciduous forests in the northeastern quadrant of the country, but mainly to the north and west of North Carolina. In our state, nesting occurs mainly in the mountains, and along the Roanoke River. It does migrate through the remainder of the state, but as it is a rare bird, it is a red-letter find for most observers. Breeding habitat in the mountains is quite specific -- mature deciduous forest on steep slopes, usually with grape vines, and often with much Tuliptree, and a lush herb layer. Most sites have an open view "off-slope" -- i.e, it does not nest in cove forests with a facing slope, but it favors sites along the Blue Ridge Escarpment (and is mostly absent on rich slopes elsewhere). Along the Roanoke, it typically nests in tall hardwood trees along levees immediately next to the river, though a few birds occur along streams nearby. Sadly, the species has declined as a breeder in recent years, and can now be hard to find along the Roanoke and at a few sites where formerly present in the mountains. | Breeder | Definitive | SC | S2B | G4 | Local summer resident, and sparse transient. In summer, rare to uncommon, local, and declining, along the Roanoke River from Roanoke Rapids downstream to the Williamston area; a few occur along adjacent streams. There are one or two summer records from the Neuse River in Johnston, but no evidence that such birds stayed for the summer. Elsewhere, very rare in both spring and fall, including along the coast in fall. Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and late Aug to late Sep, sparingly to mid-Oct. Peak counts: 25, Roanoke Rapids spring count, 4 May 1975. Peak single-list counts: ? | Transient; breeds along the Blue Ridge Escarpment, which forms the border between the Piedmont and Mountains (see Mountains). It may have nested in Greensboro in 1930. Rare in both spring and fall across the region; slightly more "numerous" in the western half, but still a rare bird everywhere in the region. Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and mid-Aug to late Sep. Peak single-list counts: ? | Summer resident, and transient. In summer, mostly rare and local at lower elevations (below about 3,800 feet), but can be fairly common in a very few areas; strongly declining. Breeds at scattered small colonies along the Blue Ridge Escarpment, formerly in Wilkes, but now from Ashe to Rutherford (Chimney Rock Park) and Polk; additional areas include the Bull Mountain area northeast of Asheville, Yellow Creek Mountains near Fontana Village in Graham, and various scattered sites in Macon and surrounding counties. Absent over most areas of the mountains as a breeder. Poorly known as a transient, but presumably rare. Mainly mid-Apr to mid-Sep. Peak count: 30 territorial males along the Blue Ridge Parkway northeast of Asheville in Jun 2002. Peak single-list counts: 21, Craggy Mountains (Buncombe), 12 May 2022; 20, same site, 5 May 2025; 19, 11 May 2023. | The species is best found by stopping at several overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway northeast of Asheville, between Craven Gap and Bull Creek Overlook; try from the end of Apr into early Jun. | ** to *** | 2026-11-10 | |
| Setophaga tigrina Cape May Warbler | The Cape May Warbler has a breeding range similar to that of the Tennessee Warbler, being a classic bird of the boreal spruce-fir forests across most of Canada and the northeastern edge of the United States. Unlike that species and most other warblers, the Cape May winters in the West Indies, and thus it migrates through more of the state in spring and fall, though it is nonetheless quite scarce in the Coastal Plain in spring. Its spring route is mostly through the mountains and western Piedmont, but in fall it spreads out more across the state. As with nearly all transient warblers, birds usually feed in the canopy of hardwood forests and groves (in spring), though they do occur in pines and spruce trees. In recent years, a few Cape Mays have remained into winter, usually at bird feeders; however, it is by no means a winter resident species. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient, and winter straggler. In spring, generally rare along the western border, but very rare to rare elsewhere. In fall, often fairly common (after fronts), and at times can be common along the northern coast after a cold front, less numerous farther south. In winter, formerly casual or accidental; now, very rare, mainly close to the coast, but relatively few into Jan or Feb. Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and late Aug to mid-Oct. One seen about 30 miles off Cape Hatteras Point (Dare) on a pelagic trip on 21 May 2023 was quite unusual. Peak single-list counts: 300, seen mainly in flight at Run Hill State Natural Area (Dare), 15 Oct 2023; 260, "Outer Banks", 7 Oct 1978. | Transient, and winter straggler. In spring, fairly common in the western third, uncommon in the central portion, and rare to uncommon in the eastern portion. In fall, uncommon to at times fairly common throughout. Very rare in winter in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area, but casual to very rare farther west; mainly at feeders. All winter records of single birds except for two that may have overwintered at the UNC campus in Chapel Hill; they were seen and photographed on several dates from 12 Feb - 29 Mar 2017. Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and early Sep to mid- or late Oct; however, many records in Dec, Jan, Feb, and Mar. Peak single-list counts: ? | Transient. Fairly common in both spring and fall; in spring, mostly at low to middle elevations, but can occur at all elevations in fall. Generally more numerous in fall than in spring. Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and early Sep to late Oct. Peak single-list counts: 120, Ridge Junction (Yancey), 9 Sep 2015; 120, same site, 8 Sep 2019; 100, same site, 15 Sep 2019. | The best bets are perhaps the southwestern Piedmont, such as Polk, in spring, and along the Blue Ridge Parkway in mid-fall. Of course, pure migrants can be "chancey" to see on a given day, but over a several-day period, some should be found, especially in mixed-species flocks in fall. | *** | 2026-11-10 | ||
| Setophaga ruticilla American Redstart | The very active American Redstart was, until 2011, in a genus all to itself; however, all of the former Dendroica warbler species were moved into the genus Setophaga with the redstart, as was the Hooded Warbler. The redstart's breeding range is similar to that of the Black-and-white's, covering most of the Eastern states and southern Canada. Like the Black-and-white, it has a "statewide" occurrence in North Carolina as a breeder, but with inexplicable holes in the state, especially in the Piedmont. It is a numerous transient, however, over most of the state, though it does not over-winter here. Breeding habitat is always in broadleaf deciduous forests, and almost always moist -- streamside groves, cove forests, and other moist slopes in the mountains, and mainly in wide bottomlands downstate. It is mostly absent from blackwater bottomlands/swamps, but it does occur in nonriverine sites such as the Great Dismal Swamp. Migrants can occur in many hardwood forest types, including broadleaf evergreens. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B | G5 | Summer resident, and transient. In summer, mainly uncommon and local over the region as a whole (but avoids the coast); however, common to even very common along some brownwater floodplains such as the Roanoke and the Neuse, where it is one of the most numerous breeding birds. Scarce to absent as a breeder in the southeastern part of the region. In spring, often fairly common, and common in fall, especially so along the coast. Mainly early or mid-Apr to mid-Oct. A good handful of Dec records, and two early Jan records along the southern coast; casually farther north near the coast in early winter. Peak single-list counts: 1,000, Bald Head Island, 22 Sep 1988; 180, Alligator River NWR, 20 Sep 2024; 150, Mattamuskeet NWR, 20 Sep 2009; 145, Run Hill State Natural Area (Dare), 21 Sep 2022. | Summer resident, and transient. In summer, breeds over most of the region, but highly local; can be common in a few extensive swamps and bottomlands, but mainly uncommon (and rare in some counties, especially in the central portion); can be fairly common in foothill ranges, at least along rivers and larger creeks. Generally common transient in both spring and fall over the region -- thus, more numerous in late Apr and May, and again in Sep, than in the nesting season. Mainly early or mid-Apr to mid-Oct. Five winter records: 1 (female), Morganton, 14-24 Jan 1993; 1, Jordan Lake, 4 Jan 1998; 1, Statesville, 27 Feb 2008; 1, on the Gastonia CBC, 16 Dec 2017; 1, Gaston, 23 Dec 2024. Peak single-list counts: 126, Deep River (Moore) (canoe/kayak), 26 Apr 2026. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident, and transient. Breeds over the entire region; generally fairly common, mainly to 3,500 feet, but uncommon to about 4,000 feet. Not as local a breeder as in the Piedmont or Coastal Plain. Fairly common as a transient, as well. Mainly mid-Apr to mid-Oct. One at Lake Junaluska (Haywood) on 18 Nov 2019 was quite late. Peak single-list counts: ? | The species is easy to find from late Apr into Jun along the Roanoke and Neuse rivers, such as at Howell Woods Preserve in Johnston. | **** | 2026-11-10 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Setophaga citrina Hooded Warbler | The Hooded Warbler, as have so many other warblers, been shifted from one genus to another in 2011, and is included with all of the others in the former large Dendroica genus into Setophaga, with the American Redstart! The Hooded is a classic Eastern deciduous forest species, with a breeding range over essentially all of the Eastern states and nesting in all North Carolina counties. Like most warblers, it winters entirely south of the United States. It is a forest understory species, inhabiting the 10-30-foot high zone well below the canopy of the forest. It favors moderate to fairy thick stands of shrubs and understory trees, usually in a moist hardwood forest, but they also nest in mixed forests or even pine stands with a regenerating hardwood layer. It also nests in older clearcut stands as well. They are most numerous in brownwater river floodplains and are not common near or along blackwater rivers. In the mountains, they are often found in rhododendron or mountain laurel stands, preferably where somewhat moist. Numbers in the state have declined somewhat, owing to habitat loss, at least in counties with a high human population. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B | G5 | Summer resident. Generally common throughout the region, except on coastal islands, where absent in most areas. However, not as numerous in some nonriverine swamp areas and blackwater river systems in the far eastern counties as it is farther inland. Mainly early or mid-Apr to early Oct. Latest date is "only" 12 Nov, though there is a report of 28 Dec (no year given) from Wilmington (Pearson et al., 1959). Peak single-list counts: ?. It is surprising that none of the 10 highest eBird lists in NC, as of 2026, are from this province. | Summer resident. Fairly common to common in most areas, away from heavily populated counties; probably less numerous in the central counties, but common in heavily forested portions of the eastern and foothill counties. Mainly early or mid-Apr to late Sep; once into early Nov. Peak single-list counts: 34, Deep River (Chatham) (canoe/kayak), 22 Apr 2022; 28, Miller Mountain Road - Saluda (Polk), 16 May 2017; 27, Phillips Gap Road (Wilkes), 3 May 2026. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident. Fairly common to common over the region, up to about 4,000 feet, and much less common to 4,500 feet. Mainly mid-Apr to early Oct. One seen and recorded singing near Brevard (Transylvania) on 14 Mar 2019 was exceptionally early. Peak single-list counts: 48, Appalachian Trail (Swain), 17 May 2018; 40, Catheys Creek Road (Transylvania), 16 Apr 2024; 35, Elk Mountain Scenic Highway (Buncombe), 11 May 2014. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | It should easily be heard, if not seen, in most state parks and refuges in a morning of birding, in spring or early summer. | **** | 2026-11-10 | ||
| Geothlypis trichas Common Yellowthroat | This is the most widespread breeding warbler in the country, nesting across most of Canada and the United States, and wintering in the southern states. Not only does it have a wide breeding range, it is a common and easily found bird, and thus is certainly one of the two or three most abundant warblers on the continent. They breed in all 100 counties and winter across the Coastal Plain, and sparingly into the eastern and southern Piedmont. For breeding, yellowthroats occur in freshwater to slightly brackish marshes, wet thickets, overgrown fields, brier patches, woodland borders, and other dense herbaceous and shrubby growth -- usually where moist. Winter habitat is similar, but they tend to retreat to moist habitats (marshes and wet thickets), and are not often found in dry thickets. Though they occupy dense thickets, yellowthroats are quite inquisitive and come readily to squeaking and pishing. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S4N | G5 | Permanent resident, with migratory movements. In summer, common and very widespread across the province, including the Outer Banks. In winter, noticeably less common than in summer; fairly common in the southern and coastal parts of the region, including much of Tidewater (at least north to Lake Mattamuskeet); uncommon in the inner half and northern parts of the region (roughly, the northwestern half of the region). After severe winter weather, can be uncommon throughout. Peak single-list counts: 81, Alligator River NWR, 4 Jun 2018; 79, Dismal Swamp area (Camden), 9 Jun 2009; 70, Alligator River NWR, 25 Sep 2025. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident, and sparse winter resident in parts of the region. In summer, common and widespread, though slightly less numerous in and near foothill ranges. In winter, uncommon in early winter in the eastern and southern portions of the province, decreasing to rather rare to rare by midwinter; small numbers probably do overwinter. Farther inland, mainly a rare lingerer into early winter, but nearly gone by midwinter. Mainly late Mar to early winter; no obvious "departure dates". Peak single-list counts: 150, Mason Farm Biological Reserve (Orange), 2 May 1973; 89, Flat River impoundment (Durham), 12 May 2026; 72, same site, 17 Apr 2022; 72, same site, 19 Apr 2025. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident; sparse into early winter. In summer, fairly common to common over the entire region, at least up to at least 5,500 feet, and rarely even higher. In winter, rare in the lower elevations in the southern areas, into Dec, but very rare by midwinter, and not likely overwintering. Very rare into early winter elsewhere. Most significant was one that overwintered, in the northern mountains (no less), as photographed on numerous dates at Brookshire Park (Watauga), 26 Dec 2016 - 5 Mar 2017. Mainly late Mar to late Oct. Peak single-list counts: ? | No finding tips needed. | **** | 2026-11-09 | ||
| Geothlypis formosa Kentucky Warbler | In 2011, the Kentucky Warbler was moved from the genus Oporornis to the genus that formerly was used just for the yellowthroat group (Geothlypis). This warbler, unlike so many other geographically named warblers, is actually well-named, as the center of its range and perhaps abundance lies in the Kentucky area. It is a bird of the Eastern deciduous forest, breeding across nearly all of North Carolina, and wintering south of the country. Though a common bird west of the Appalachians, east of the mountains it is nowhere really common. It is almost always found nesting in moist, rich forest, with an abundance of ferns and other herbaceous species, as well as a good shrub zone, beneath a hardwood canopy. Most breed in floodplains, particularly in brownwater ones; it is scarce in blackwater regions such as the Lumber River. In the mountains, where broad floodplains are scarce, the birds do nest on slopes, but usually on lower ones or others that are very rich and lush. It also is scarce near the coast as a breeder, somewhat like the ranges of the Louisiana Waterthrush and Ovenbird. Sadly, in many parts of the state, this species has noticeably declined in the breeding season, especially in heavily populated counties in the Piedmont; Kentucky Warblers fare poorly when bottomland forests are impacted by exotic plants and other small disturbances. | Breeder | Definitive | S3S4B | G5 | Summer resident, declining. Generally uncommon over the region as a whole; however, fairly common along most of the Roanoke River floodplain and in the Neuse River "Let-lones" in southeastern Johnston. Closer to the coast, nests east to the Chowan River area and the western portions of most southern coast counties, but generally local as a breeder in coastal counties. Mainly absent as a breeder on the Pamlimarle Peninsula, as well as in the Great Dismal Swamp (North Carolina side), nor does it nest on coastal islands. Rarely noted as a migrant, even along the coast in fall. Mainly late Apr to early Sep; departure dates not well known. Peak single-list counts: 15, Pollocks Ferry (Halifax), 12 May 2003; 11, Jackson (Northampton), 3 May 2012; 11, Howell Woods (Johnston), 5 May 2012; 11, same site, 3 May 2014; 11, same site; 25 May 2018. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident; strongly declining in much of the region. Generally uncommon throughout the region. Can be rare in some highly residential or agricultural counties. Most numerous in the eastern portions, though still generally uncommon at best. Mainly late Apr to early Sep, but departure dates not clarified, as silent in fall, and relatively few migrants pass through. Peak single-list counts: 12, Pee Dee NWR (Anson), 3 May 2019; 11, NCSU Hosely Forest (Franklin), 25 Apr 2006; 11, Lower Haw River near Bynum (Chatham), 3 May 2026. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident. Generally uncommon and somewhat local; more restricted in range and habitat than downstate. Rare in many of the northern counties, as the elevation is mostly too high for them. Scarce and often rare between 3,000 feet and 3,800 feet elevation; prefers elevations below 2,500 feet. Mainly late Apr into Sep, but departure dates not overly well known. Peak single-list counts: ? | The species should be found in Howell Woods Preserve (Johnston). It is also rather easily found along the Roanoke River, but accessible places are few and far between, other than by canoeing. | ** to *** | 2026-11-09 | ||
| Geothlypis philadelphia Mourning Warbler | The Mourning Warbler, until 2011, was placed in the same genus (Oporornis) with the Connecticut Warbler, which has a similar appearance to Mourning and MacGillivray's warblers. However, the Connecticut Warbler walks, whereas the Mourning and most other warblers are unable to walk, but must hop on the ground; likely this important structural and behavioral trait is one of the reasons for the split of the two into different genera. The Mourning has been placed into the same genus (Geothlypis) as the yellowthroats and the Kentucky Warbler. At any rate, both the Mourning and the Connecticut nest across southern Canada and the northern part of the United States. The Mourning also breeds sparingly south into the central Appalachians, to West Virginia and Virginia, and on a number of recent occasions has appeared in North Carolina in the nesting season, even with singing males on territory for a week or longer. It is a scarce and very secretive migrant in the East, though in coastal Texas it can be numerous (because migrants tend to avoid flying over the Gulf of Mexico). In the breeding season, Mournings are found mainly in thickets in openings in cool coniferous forest areas (bog margins); in North Carolina, they have been found mainly in dense shrubby growth in openings in forests, at fairly high elevations. In migration, they can be found in such tangles and thickets, as well; they are not a forest-interior dweller. However, they are extremely quiet and secretive, and glimpses are often all that one sees. | Probable Breeder | Definitive | W | SUB,SZN | G5 | Transient. Casual in spring, so far only along or near the coast; very rare in fall along the immediate coast, and essentially accidental farther inland. Only 5 spring reports (20 May to 2 Jun); in fall, mainly early Sep to mid-Oct; about 23 reports. One (adult female) in Halifax on 15 Jul 1989 was quite an early migrant. Peak single-list counts: one. | Transient. In spring, very rare in the western half of the province and casual in the eastern half; in fall, very rare throughout. One was quite far east near Garner (Wake) on 24 May 2025. Mainly mid- to late May (all dates are from 8 May - 3 Jun), and mid-Aug to early Oct. Peak single-list counts: one. | Transient; also very rare (in the past few decades) in summer, and probable breeder, though as yet with no strong nesting evidence found. A pair were present during the summers of 1983 and 1984 at Jenkins Ridge Overlook in the Great Smoky Mountains (Haywood), appearing to be on territory and exhibiting some evidence of breeding (Chat 54:79-80). A singing male was in the same location in the summer of 1985. A singing and apparently unpaired male was also seen at Roan Mountain in Jun-Jul of 2001 and 2002 (Chat 66:34), (Chat 66:155). Another singing male was at Richland Balsam Overlook, milepost 431 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, on the border of Jackson and Haywood, 5-19 Jun 2012 (Chat 76:138-39). In 2014, a singing male was at Black Balsam Knob (Haywood) from 8-21 Jun; and another singing male was at Sugar Creek Gap (Jackson) on several dates in Jun (Chat 78:169). In 2015, one was again singing at Black Balsam Knob, from 4-26 Jun. In 2017, a singing male was present close to the Linn Cove Viaduct along the Blue Ridge Parkway (Avery) from 20 May - 21 Jun. In spring, very rare, mainly at low elevations (mostly below 3,000 feet); in fall, rare, but regular, across the region. A more "numerous" transient in the Mountains than elsewhere in the state, in both spring and in fall. Routinely found by Burleigh in the 1930's in the Asheville area in the fall, and not considered rare. Mainly mid-May to early Jun, and mid-Aug to early Oct; a few records as early as 2 May. Peak single-list counts: 2, Jackson Park (Henderson), 17 Sep 2008; 2, same site, 29 Sep 2025; 2, Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary (Buncombe), 23 Sep 2023; 2, Enka Lake (Buncombe), 14 Sep 2025. | This is a difficult bird to find in the state, because relatively few pass through, and then mainly in the Mountains in fall; and, they are very secretive. Most serious birders have seen one or more of the territorial birds in the early summer season. Otherwise, your best bet is to work hard at Jackson Park in Hendersonville in late Aug or Sep, but seeing one in a given week is unlikely, even if one is present! | * | 2026-11-09 | |
| Oporornis agilis Connecticut Warbler | The Connecticut Warbler, poorly named, is one of the less common warblers in North America. It has a narrow east-west breeding range across southern Canada and extreme northern United States, and it nests east only to central Quebec. Despite its "central" breeding range, it winters mainly in the West Indies, with completely different migration routes in spring and fall. In spring, migrants move northwestward to hit North Carolina primarily in the southwestern quarter of the state; in fall, migrants move mostly east-southeastward to the Atlantic coast, and birds in North Carolina are more likely to be seen along the coast and in the eastern half of the state. Connecticut Warblers, like Ovenbirds, walk on the ground, and favor leafy deciduous forests in migration. In fall, maritime forests are also important stop-over habitats, though they can occur in maritime thickets, as well. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G4G5 | Transient, in fall. Accidental in spring -- the only report is one at Fort Macon (Carteret) on 26 May 1979 (Chat 53:36-38). In fall, very rare to rare over the region as a whole, but rare to uncommon on the Outer Banks; more likely to be seen at Buxton Woods than elsewhere. Mainly from mid-Sep to mid-Oct; range of dates is 2 Sep and 23 Oct. Peak single-list counts: 8, including 5 tower-killed birds, in Buxton (Dare), 26-28 Sep 1984 (Chat 49:40); 4, Cape Hatteras Point (Dare), 1 Oct 2022; 4, same site, 28 Sep 2025. | Transient, primarily in fall. Casual to very rare in spring in the southwestern half of the region, and accidental (absent in many well-studied counties) in the eastern portions. In fall, very rare to rare in the eastern portion, and very rare farther westward. Despite this overall scarcity in the province, there are about five times as many reports in fall as in spring. One was early at Lenoir (Caldwell) on 25 Aug 2015. A window-killed bird on the UNC campus in Chapel Hill (Orange) on 23 May 2018 was one of the very few spring records for the eastern half of the province. Mainly early to late May, and mid-Sep to mid-Oct, and once to 7 Nov. Peak single-list counts: ? | Transient, more frequent in spring than in fall. Rare but regular in spring across the southern half of the province, and very rare in the northern portions. In fall, very rare across the region. Mainly early to late May (all spring records in this month, except for a 26 Apr record), and late Sep to mid-Oct. Two seen at Jackson Park (Henderson) on 10 Oct 2019 was notable for being a report of more than a single bird. Peak single-list counts: 2, Jackson Park (Henderson), 19 May 1997; 2, same site, 13 May 2010; 2, same site, 10 Oct 2019; 2; Sandy Mush Game Land - Norco tract (Buncombe), 14 and 16 May 2021. | The only semi-reliable spots are Jackson Park in Hendersonville in mid-May, and Buxton Woods in Dare in fall. Even at these places, an observer might do well to see one or two in a week. | * to ** | 2026-11-09 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Leiothlypis ruficapilla Nashville Warbler | The Nashville Warbler, along with the Tennessee Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, and several Western associates, were moved from Vermivora to the hard-to-pronounce Oreothlypis genus in 2010. Confusingly, in 2019 the species was moved again -- to the genus Leiothlypis, just as tricky to pronounce! Nashvilles breed in two separate areas -- the northwestern states, and much of the northeastern states and eastern Canada. It nests south to West Virginia, and almost certainly in western Virginia; thus, a report of a singing bird in the North Carolina mountains in summer 2013 was not a complete surprise. Birders should be aware of, and look for, the species again in the high mountains in upcoming summers. Its primary migratory routes lie to the west of the Appalachians. Thus, it is more familiar to North Carolina birders in the mountains than downstate, but birds do migrate to the coast in fall in small numbers. While in the state, it is found in spring mostly in the canopy of deciduous trees in forests and woodlands; however, in fall it can be found there but also in shrubby thickets and even in weedy fields, where it can be easily confused with Orange-crowned Warblers. And, this confusion extends into early winter, as a few Nashvilles linger through Dec, mainly near and along the coast. In the summer in the Appalachians, it is restricted to areas of spruce and fir, typically in young or stunted stands and along the edges of spruce-fir forests, including the margins of bogs. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient, and scarce straggler into early winter. Very rare in spring (essentially avoiding the region), and rare to uncommon (and easily overlooked) in fall. There are a number of early winter records near the coast, but these birds probably do not overwinter, though one was seen on 15 Jan 2022 in Pasquotank and another was photographed at Fort Macon SP (Carteret) from 18-20 Jan 2025. An exceptional record for mid-winter was one seen at the NC Aquarium (New Hanover), from 23 Jan - 2 Feb 2019. One was seen at Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary (Currituck) on 24 Jan 2021. Another seen in winter 2024-25 at Buxton Woods (Dare) was presumably the same bird as noted there on 13 Apr. Perhaps the only midwinter record well inland was one photographed in Cumberland on 26 Jan 2026. Mainly mid-Apr to mid-May, and mid-Sep to mid-Oct, sparingly to early Jan. Peak single-list counts: 5, Duck (Dare), 14 Oct 2022; 5, Run Hill State Natural Area (Dare), 23 Sep 2020; 5, same site, 16 Sep 2023; 5, Alligator River NWR, 11 Oct 2025. | Transient, and a very scarce straggler into early winter. In spring, rare in the western and central portions, and very rare in the eastern portion; in fall, uncommon throughout the region. A good handful (at least ten) of early winter records. Remarkable was one photographed at a bird bath in Cabarrus, 23 Feb 2017. Mainly from late Apr into early May, and early Sep to early Nov, with the majority of reports falling in Sep and early Oct. A few records into early Jan. Unique for the region was one that overwintered at Apex Community Park (Wake), noted often from 7 Jan - 19 Mar 2023. One photographed in Greensboro on 5 Apr 2020 and another seen in Cary (Wake) on 10 Apr 2013 were very early. Peak single-list counts: ? | Transient; one recent record of a potential breeding bird. Rare to occasionally uncommon in spring, and uncommon in fall; mainly in the lower and middle elevations. Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and late Aug or early Sep to mid-Oct. One singing bird was noted on Roan Mountain (Mitchell) on 26 Jun 2013. One photographed in southwestern McDowell on 16 Nov 2022 was quite late. One winter record: one photographed at Biltmore Estate (Buncombe) on 12 Dec and on 29 Dec 2022. Peak single-list counts: 5, Biltmore Estate, 14 Oct 2020; 5, Jackson Park (Henderson), 11 Oct 2008; 5, Fletcher Park (Henderson), 20 Oct 2008. | Pure migrant species can be hard to pin down in time and place, depending on cold fronts in fall, etc. Parks such as Jackson Park in Hendersonville are good places to look for the species. Your chances are better in fall than in spring. | ** | 2026-11-09 | ||
| Leiothlypis celata Orange-crowned Warbler | The Orange-crowned Warbler breeds nearly from coast to coast, but essentially in the Western states and the Canadian boreal zone. It is one of the few warblers that winters in large numbers in the United States, and moderate numbers spend the winter in the North Carolina Coastal Plain. With increasingly warm winters in recent years, more birds are surviving the winter even into the eastern and southern Piedmont. It is not as well known to state birders as many warblers, as its plumage is a plain olive or dull greenish (all year), it can be secretive (difficult to see well) in winter, and its identification is often made by its call note, which is a sharp chip that sounds like a Northern Cardinal. Mainly experienced birders make identifications by this call only. While in the state, in winter it favors dense broadleaf evergreen cover of shrubby thickets, wooded borders, marsh edges, and maritime thickets and forests -- though it does come to bird feeders. Migrants typically occur in deciduous forests (often in the canopy) and in thickets.
In 2010, the species was moved from the genus Vermivora to Oreothlypis. However, this species was moved from the genus Oreothlypis to Leiothlypis in June 2019 by the AOS -- a second "change of address" in ten years! | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S3N | G5 | Winter resident, and poorly known transient. In winter, fairly common along the coast (i.e., coastal counties) and in the southern and coastal portions of the Tidewater zone. Farther inland, smaller numbers westward, and thus uncommon in most areas, and rare by late winter near the Piedmont. Migration is somewhat imperceptible. Mainly mid-Oct to mid-Apr. Peak single-list counts: 36, Mattamuskeet NWR - Causeway, 29 Nov 1995; 34, Fort Fisher (New Hanover), 4 Jan 2008; 25, Buxton Woods Coastal Reserve (Dare), 10 Dec 2022. There are certainly higher one-day counts on CBCs. | Transient, and scarce winter visitor/resident. In migration, generally rare to uncommon (or easily overlooked, as the song is a dull trill that is usually passed over as some other species); slightly more numerous in fall, but even more quiet at that season. Rare to very uncommon but increasing in winter sightings across the region, and some birds now overwinter, especially in the eastern and southern portions. Mainly mid-Oct to late Dec, and late Mar to early May. Peak single-list counts: ? | Transient. Rare in both spring and fall in the lower elevations, and very rare above 2,500 feet; as with other regions, it is easily overlooked. Mainly late Mar or early Apr to early May, and early Oct into Nov. Very rare in winter; known records are a female collected near Weaverville (Buncombe) on 15 Jan 1894; one seen at Swannanoa (Buncombe) on 29 Dec 1931; one seen in Henderson on 28 Dec 2003; two on the Franklin (Macon) CBC, 2 Jan 2016; one at Mills River Park (Henderson), 23 Jan 2021; and one at Lake Julian (Buncombe), 17 Feb 2021. In winter 2025-26 there were three records in Buncombe and two in Henderson, suggesting that a few birds might attempt to overwinter in low elevations in the southern Mountains. Peak single-list counts: 3, Jackson Park (Henderson), 5 Apr 2012; 3, Warren Wilson College (Buncombe), 11 Oct 2014. | You should be able to find the species in a morning along the Lake Mattamuskeet causeway (NC 94) in Nov or Dec, though knowing the call note would help your chances. Fort Macon SP, Carolina Beach SP near the marina, and the Fort Fisher Aquarium area are other good places for them in winter. | *** | 2026-11-09 | ||
| Leiothlypis peregrina Tennessee Warbler | In 2010, the American Ornithologists' Union moved several warblers out of the genus Vermivora, which remains the genus for Golden-winged and Blue-winged warblers. However, this species was moved from the genus Oreothlypis in June 2019 by the AOS -- a second "change of address" in ten years! This is a classic breeding songbird of the boreal forests of Canada, barely nesting south to the northeastern states. It winters completely south of the states; thus, this is one of the relatively few songbirds in the East that are actually "pure migrants" in North Carolina, though there are just a few confirmed winter records for the state. Thankfully, it can hardly be missed in fall in the mountains, when it can be the most common bird in mixed-species flocks; a few dozen can be seen in a day, and at times even 100 or more can be seen in a good day after a cold front. However, in spring the bulk of the birds move northward to the west of the Appalachians. Though it nests in spruce-fir stands, it is usually found with other warblers in hardwood forests and woodlots during migration. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient. In spring, very rare in the region (about 14 reports -- 3 in 2021). In fall, generally uncommon over most of the region, but rare near the coast. Mainly early to mid-May, and early Sep to late Oct. One was very late and out of habitat photographed on the ground with sandpipers at Cape Hatteras Point (Dare) on 27 May 2025. Two photograph-documented winter records: Mattamuskeet NWR (Hyde) on 13 Dec 2020, and at a feeder in New Bern (Craven) from 3-15 Feb 2021. Peak single-list counts: ? | Transient. In spring, very rare to rare in the eastern portion, and rare farther west. In fall, fairly common in the western portion, but uncommon over the central and eastern portions. Mainly mid- or late Apr to mid-May, and late Aug to late Oct. One reported on 27 Nov was extremely late. Six winter records: one was mist-netted and collected at Durham on 15 Feb 1967, the specimen corroborated by U.S. National Museum staff (Auk 85:499); one was photographed at Hillsborough, Orange, 24 Dec 2012* (Chat 77:6-10) (Chat 77:62); one photographed in Cary (Wake), 20 Jan 2020 (Chat 84:70); one photographed at a Charlotte feeder, 27-29 Jan 2021; one photographed at a feeder south of Raleigh on 19 Feb 2021; and one photographed at a feeder in Gaston, 14 Feb into Mar 2024. Peak single-list counts: ? | Transient. In spring, rare to uncommon, mainly in valleys and elsewhere below about 3,500 feet. In fall, common over the region, at nearly all elevations; can be very common a day after a cold front, at higher elevations. Mainly late Apr to early May, and mid-Aug through Oct. Out of season was one photographed at Roan Mountain (Mitchell) on 19 Jul 2024. One at Mills River (Henderson) on 2 Dec 2006 was an extremely late fall migrant (Chat 71:48). Peak single-list counts: "thousands", Great Smoky Mountains NP, 7 Sep 2002; 500, Ridge Junction Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway (Yancey/Buncombe), 21 Sep 2003; 500, same site, 7 Sep 2021. | The species is difficult to miss on a day of birding in the mountains during much of September, such as at overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway (below the spruce-fir zone). | *** to **** | 2026-11-09 | ||
| Limnothlypis swainsonii Swainson's Warbler | The Swainson's Warbler was once considered one of the rarest of warblers in the country. This perceived rarity was based as much on the extreme difficulty of actually seeing one without the use of a taped song as it is in terms of total numbers. It also has an unusual "bimodal" breeding range, nesting mostly in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains, but also to an extent in the southern Appalachians, with a hiatus in most of the Piedmont. In the Coastal Plain, it tends to require moderate to dense stands of cane beneath various canopy species, always in wetlands; these can be either riverine (swamps, bottomlands, and narrow streamside forested areas) or nonriverine (bay forests, taller pocosins, and even in some Loblolly Pine plantations). In the mountains and foothills, like the Worm-eating Warbler, it requires very dense and dark stands of Rosebay Rhododendron under various canopy species; Mountain Laurel or Carolina Rhododendron stands are occasionally used. These montane sites are usually near a stream, where the Swainson's loud song is often mistaken for the very similar song of the Louisiana Waterthrush. It is seldom detected in migration, as relatively few birds nest to the north of North Carolina, and as migrants are nearly silent. Despite some claims that the species is declining in overall numbers, such trends do not seem apparent in North Carolina; it seems as numerous now as it has ever been. In fact, singing males are appearing at more and more sites into the central Piedmont and across the mountains, where the presumed breeding range is expanding. | Breeder | Definitive | S3S4B | G4 | Summer resident. Breeds over essentially all of the region, as far west as Weldon (Halifax) and in the wider floodplains in the Sandhills (e.g., Drowning Creek in western Moore and northeastern Richmond). Formerly nested on the Outer Banks in Kitty Hawk Woods; however, it is apparently absent as a coastal breeder now. Generally uncommon but widespread throughout, probably nesting in all counties; fairly common in a few areas, such as near Green Swamp and Juniper Creek (Brunswick). Mainly mid-Apr to early or mid-Oct, but departure dates very poorly known, as the birds are silent in late summer and fall; best detected through mist-netting in fall. Peak single-list counts: 25, Bertie site, 8 May 2019; 17, eastern Halifax, 4 May 2012; 15, along the Roanoke River (Halifax/Northampton), 26 May 2013; 13, Green Swamp (Brunswick), 28 Jun 1985; 13 at Howell Woods (Johnston), 30 Apr 2016. | Summer resident (sparingly), and scarce transient; however slowly increasing and spreading into the middle portions of the province, where formerly lacking. In summer, uncommon and somewhat local along the base of the Blue Ridge Escarpment (overlap with the Mountains), from Stone Mountain SP in the north southward to Rutherford (Chimney Rock SP) and Polk (Green River Gorge). More numerous in the southern portion (locally fairly common), north to McDowell, than in the northern portion. At the other end of the province, rare to uncommon in the extreme southeastern corner, in the Pee Dee River floodplain along the Richmond - Anson border, north at least to Pee Dee NWR. Formerly a few pairs nested along Morgan Creek (Orange - Durham), but birds have not been seen since about 1992. May have nested in Mecklenburg in 2006. Present in summer from 2021-23 at a site in Cabarrus, and thus perhaps nesting there. Presumed to have nested in southern Randolph in 2022, based on two adults and an attendant juvenile mist-netted at a single site in Jul. A singing male on territory along the Haw River (Alamance) from 29 Apr - 23 May 2023 was certainly on territory. In summer 2024, up to 4-5 were singing along the Cape Fear River in southeastern Chatham. Perhaps nests occasionally at South Mountains SP, Hanging Rock SP, and a few other foothills sites, but poorly known east of the Escarpment. Casual to very rare as a transient. Mainly mid-Apr to Oct, but departure dates very poorly known. Peak single-list counts: 23, Deep River - Glendon to Carbonton (Moore) (canoe/kayak), 26 Apr 2026; 21, Curtis Creek Road (McDowell), 1 Jul 2020; 12, same site, 11 Jun 2017. | Summer resident, increasing/spreading in range. Breeds most frequently along the Blue Ridge Escarpment (see Piedmont notes), mainly at the base, up to about 3,000 feet, but mostly below 2,500 feet. These sites are all on the Atlantic drainages. It also breeds along other Atlantic drainage streams in the Gorges area -- Toxaway, Horsepasture, Thompson, Whitewater, and Chattooga. Away from these slopes, it is generally rare to locally uncommon elsewhere. It is now (2025) found over many parts of Buncombe in summer, for example. In spring 2026, it was reported from 16 of the 17 Mountain counties, with the exception of Alleghany. Can be fairly common in the Gorges area. Mainly mid- or late Apr to late Sep. Peak single-list counts: ? | Despite it not being common anywhere, you should be able to hear one to several in Alligator River NWR, Howell Woods Preserve (Johnston), and on back roads near Juniper Creek and Green Swamp. Chimney Rock SP and Gorges SP are also good, though the latter can be difficult to access. However, it is very difficult to spot a singing bird, as they seldom move during a bout of singing; you likely will need a tape recorder or smartphone. Be careful to avoid playing songs in restricted areas (various parks and preserves); such actions might be illegal. | *** | 2026-11-09 | ||
| Protonotaria citrea Prothonotary Warbler | The Prothonotary Warbler has often been called the "Golden Swamp Warbler", with good reason -- the male's bright golden head and breast often glow amid the dark green color of its swampy habitat. This is a bird of the Deep South, breeding barely north to New York and southern Ontario. In North Carolina, it is truly a common bird of Coastal Plain swamps, but is much less numerous farther inland, and was apparently absent in the mountains as a breeder until the early 2020s. It inhabits swamps, bottomlands, nonriverine forests, wooded beaver ponds, and other wet habitats with some dead trees and stubs for nesting (in existing) cavities. Because its habitat actually appears to be increasing in the East, owing to an increase in beavers and beaver ponds, the Prothonotary Warbler appears to be slightly increasing, as well. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B | G5 | Summer resident. Breeds over the entire province, even sparingly on the Outer Banks. Common to very common in most areas, especially numerous in wide swamps and bottomlands -- both in blackwater and in brownwater river systems. One of the most common of birds nesting in swamps. Mainly early Apr to early Sep. Peak single-list counts: 187, Alligator River NWR, 4 Jun 2018; 153, same site, 20 May 2013; 105, same site, 1 Jun 2015. Peak single-list counts elsewhere: 100, Cape Fear River (Harnett) (canoe/kayak), 16 May 2010; 100, Cape Fear River (Cumberland) (canoe/kayak), 17 May 2010. | Summer resident. Fairly common in the eastern and southern portions of the region, especially around the margins of Jordan and Falls lakes. Uncommon in the central portions, and very rare to rare in the western third, mainly restricted to larger floodplains and margins of lakes. Presumably nests inland at least sporadically west to Lake James (Burke) and Lake Adger (Polk) (confirmed nest in 2014), but likely absent from a few counties. The inner edge of the breeding range needs more elucidation, especially as most western portion reports are one-time sightings only. Mainly early Apr to late Aug; rare after early Sep. Peak single-list counts: ? | Scarce transient, and now almost certainly a very rare and local breeder. Rare transient in spring, and very rare in fall. In early summer, a handful of reports at very low elevations, mainly below 2,000 feet. An adult seen carrying food at the Biltmore Estate (Buncombe) in Jun 2024 strongly suggests nesting there. In addition, one singing in southern Clay on 8 Jun 2024 was at a suitable place and elevation (below 2,000 feet) for breeding. One singing at Murphy (Cherokee) on 16 Apr 2024 was notable, as a potential breeder. Mostly mid-Apr into May, and mid-Aug to mid-Sep. Peak single-list counts: ? | The species is impossible to miss along Coastal Plain rivers in the breeding season. Good areas are Howell Woods preserve in Johnston, or Lumber River SP, but stopping at most bridge crossings over wooded creeks will suffice. | **** | 2026-11-09 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Mniotilta varia Black-and-white Warbler | The Black-and-white Warbler is literally unique, and deservedly is in its own genus. No other warbler creeps along trunks and limbs, like a nuthatch; yet, despite its life in the trees, it nests on the ground, at the base of a tree. It breeds over most of the eastern United States and much of Canada, and it also winters in small numbers in the southern states. Despite it breeding "across" North Carolina, there are local areas of complete absence, such as much of the Piedmont; thus, it nests mainly in the mountains and Coastal Plain, despite an abundance of suitable habitat in the Piedmont. It winters sparingly along the southern coast, and increasingly remaining into winter farther inland. Breeding habitat is usually in mature upland hardwood forests in the mountains and foothills -- coves, northern hardwoods, and oak-hickory stands; in the Coastal Plain, where mature upland hardwood stands are scarce, they nest mainly in bottomlands but will nest in swamps and nonriverine forests. In a few areas of the state, they nest in mixed hardwood-pine stands. In winter, they favor maritime forests and other broadleaf evergreen trees, often mixed with pines. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S1N | G5 | Summer resident, transient, and sparse winter resident (mainly near the southern coast). In summer, quite local, generally uncommon to fairly common, more numerous in the northern portions, and can be scarce near South Carolina. Absent as a breeder on the Outer Banks. As a spring and fall migrant, often fairly common throughout (though scarce along the coast in spring). In winter, rare to uncommon along the southern coast (i.e., coastal counties), and rare into early winter in the remainder of the region; overwinters mainly in Brunswick and New Hanover, though many scattered Jan-Feb records elsewhere. Increasing across the region in winter in recent years, and almost certainly some birds overwinter successfully as far inland as the Fall Line. Mainly late Mar to early Nov. Peak single-list counts: 28, Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve (Dare), 21 Sep 2024; 25, Mattamuskeet NWR, 20 Sep 2009. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident, transient, and winter straggler/visitor. In summer, uncommon to locally fairly common in foothill ranges, such as the South and Brushy mountains; rare and local (and likely absent in some counties) elsewhere, except fairly common in Warren (for no obvious reason). Breeding status uncertain in many counties; formerly (1969) considered "uncommon" breeder in Wake, but essentially absent in recent decades. As a transient, generally fairly common to common over the region in both spring and fall. Rare into early winter, though some do make it through the winter; increasing in recent winters. Mainly late Mar to late Oct. Peak single-list counts: 30, Pee Dee NWR (Anson), 28 Apr 2020. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident, with noticeable migratory movements. In summer, generally fairly common, to locally common (though has slightly declined) over most of the region, up to about 5,000 feet, and sparingly to 5,500 feet. Widespread transient; fairly common. Accidental in winter: 1, Crumpler (Ashe), 18 Dec 1967. Mainly early Apr to mid-Oct. Peak single-list counts: 55, Catheys Creek Road (Transylvania), 16 Apr 2024; 43, Appalachian Trail (Madison), 14 Apr 2025; 35, Appalachian Trail Miles 138.3-158.8 (Swain), 17 May 2018. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | The species should be seen in small numbers on a morning of birding in most of the mountains in spring and early summer, especially in late Apr. It is a bit more local in the Coastal Plain as a breeder. | *** | 2026-11-09 | ||
| Vermivora cyanoptera Blue-winged Warbler | The Blue-winged Warbler nests in the eastern United States and extreme southeastern Canada. Its nesting range lies mainly west of the Appalachians, and to the north of North Carolina. In fact, until the 1960's it was not known to occur as a breeder our state. Since that decade, birds have slowly moved into the lower mountains, mainly in the extreme southwestern counties (Cherokee and Graham, and likely Clay); however, a few birds now presumably nest in scattered other mountain counties north to Ashe. Unfortunately, our knowledge of the breeding range and population in the state has been hampered by the lack or scarcity of birders in the southwestern counties. This movement into the state has caused some concern; the very closely related Golden-winged Warbler, which is clearly declining range-wide but nests over most of the mountains, is now occasionally inter-breeding with Blue-wingeds (see below). Nonetheless, it is gratifying to see a native species starting to nest in the state, and the Golden-winged range lies primarily above (elevation) that of the Blue-winged. Away from the mountains, it migrates across the rest of the state, though a birder usually has to be afield often to see one. Breeding habitat for the Blue-winged is primarily shrub thickets or abandoned fields with shrubs or saplings, usually along streams in open country, typically in a fairly wide valley. Migrants are always seen in hardwoods, mainly in bottomlands or other fairly moist forests or thickets.
Blue-winged and Golden-winged warblers breed to produce hybrid offspring falling into two forms known as "Brewster's Warbler" and "Lawrence's Warbler". Brewster's is a first generation hybrid, and is by far more common. Lawrence's is much rarer, and is believed to be a backcross of two Brewster's Warblers, or one Brewster's with a Blue-winged or Golden-winged. Brewster's and Lawrence's warblers are fertile, unlike many hybrids, and their descendants may show varying degrees of deviation from the normal parent and hybrid forms. Habits, habitats, and dates of the hybrids are similar to those of the parent species. Both forms occur in the state in migration, and a few Brewster's have been present in the mountains in summer and have mated with Golden-wingeds. Brewster's is very rare in migration, whereas the Lawrence's is casual to very rare, and has apparently not been been reported in summer. | Breeder | Definitive | SR | S2B | G5 | Transient. Migrates in spring and fall across the region, but scarce. In spring, uncommon in the western portion, and rarer eastward (rare toward the coast). In fall, rare to uncommon across the region; easily overlooked in fall, as males are not singing. Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and mid-Aug to late Sep. Reports of the species in a yard in Oriental (Pamlico) in Jan, Feb, and Mar 1994 and 1995, including banded on 5 Mar 1995, defy explanation, if correct. Peak single-list counts: 5, Weldon (Halifax), 26 Apr 1992; 5, Norfleet Loop (Halifax), 23 Apr 2006. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Transient. Uncommon and easily overlooked in both spring and fall (not really "rare"). Distribution across the region is probably similar from east to west. Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and late Aug to late Sep. Peak single-list counts: 6, Edwards Branch (Mecklenburg), 25 Apr 2015; 6, South Ellerbe Creek Trail (Durham), 29 Apr 2015; 5, Brumley Nature Preserve - North (Orange), 24 Sep 2022. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Transient, scarce and decliing summer resident, though with few records of breeding evidence. In summer, rare (but formerly uncommon) in Cherokee, and apparently very rare in Graham and maybe Clay (elevations below 2,000 feet); elsewhere, very rare and local in Ashe, Buncombe, Madison, and perhaps a few other counties, essentially below 3,000 feet. Two were seen building a nest in the Norco Tract of Sandy Mush Game Land (Buncombe) on 28 May 2021. In migration, generally rare in both seasons across the region, below about 3,500 feet. Peak single-list counts: 9 (includes a female feeding a young), Cherokee, 23 Jun 1975; 5, Blue Ridge Parkway (Transylvania), 27 Jul 2015; 5, Trout Lake area (Watauga), 20 Sep 2015. Three at Sandy Mush Game Land (Buncombe) on 30 May 2010 is the best recent count of presumed breeders. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Perhaps a visit to Sandy Mush Game Land in late May or early June could produce a sighting, as might driving back roads in Cherokee, stopping often, or driving slowly with the car window down. The "Beeeee-buzzzz" song can be heard easily from a slowly-moving car. | ** | 2026-11-09 | |
| Vermivora chrysoptera Golden-winged Warbler | The Golden-winged Warbler, though it looks completely different from its closest "cousin", the Blue-winged Warbler, often interbreeds with it -- producing Brewster's and Lawrence's warbler hybrids -- and this mixing of genes is one of the factors for a continent-wide decline in the species. In fact, it has been petitioned to the US Fish and Wildlife Service for Federal listing. The species nests mainly north of the range of the Blue-winged, or higher in elevation in the Appalachians than the Blue-winged. Golden-wingeds have mostly declined in our mountains to an "uncommon" status, from "locally fairly common" a decade or two ago. Downstate, it is considerably less numerous than the Blue-winged in migration. Breeding habitat of the species in the mountains is overgrown fields and clearcuts, brushy areas in wide powerline clearings, shrubby bogs, and wooded borders; usually small trees, especially Black Locusts, are needed for singing perches for the males. Controversy has arisen regarding management of habitat for the species on US Forest Service land; habitat can be created by clearcutting, and for a handful of years the species can occupy a clearcut before the vegetation becomes too tall for nesting. On the other hand, favored sites tend to be rich and moist, with Black Locust saplings being common; these sites were formerly rich coves and other moist hardwood slopes with a high diversity of wildflowers, salamanders, and other biota. Migrants, like most warblers, favor hardwood trees, usually in the canopy of bottomlands or other moist forests and woods.
Blue-winged and Golden-winged warblers breed to produce hybrid offspring falling into two forms known as "Brewster's Warbler" and "Lawrence's Warbler". Brewster's is a first generation hybrid, and is by far more common. Lawrence's is much rarer, and is believed to be a backcross of two Brewster's Warblers, or one Brewster's with a Blue-winged or Golden-winged. Brewster's and Lawrence's warblers are fertile, unlike many hybrids, and their descendants may show varying degrees of deviation from the normal parent and hybrid forms. Habits, habitats, and dates of the hybrids are similar to those of the parent species. Both forms occur in the state in migration, and a few Brewster's have been present in the mountains in summer and have mated with Golden-wingeds. Brewster's is very rare in migration, whereas the Lawrence's is casual to very rare, and has apparently been been reported as a possible breeder only once -- in northern Watauga in late May 2020. | Breeder | Definitive | SC | S2S3B | G4 | Transient. In spring, casual (i.e., essentially avoids the region); in fall, very rare throughout, even to the coast. Mainly late Apr to early May (few records), and mid-Aug to early Oct. Peak single-list counts: ? | Transient. Rare in both spring and fall, slightly more "numerous" in the western half of the region (as the main migration is west of the Appalachians), but still difficult to find in migration. Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and mid-Aug to late Sep. One seen and recorded singing in northern Wake from 29 May - 1 Jun 2023 was quite late. Peak single-list counts: ? | Summer resident, and transient; decreasing at an alarming rate. Nests mainly at middle elevations (generally from 3,000 feet to 4,500 feet). Currently (2024), rare to very uncommon over most of the same range. Formerly fairly common at least locally in the southern mountains, mainly in Jackson, Macon, and Graham counties. Nests (or nested) down to about 2,000 feet (and perhaps lower in Cherokee). Uncommon as a migrant in spring and fall. Mainly late Apr to late Sep. Peak single-list counts: 20, Sunalei Preserve (Watauga), 21 May 2024; 19, same site, 12 Jun 2026; 14, same site, 9 Jun 2014; 14, Cheoah Mountains (Graham), 2 May 2023. | There are still a few places/roads where birders have a likely chance to see the species in a given morning. The Max Patch Road in northeastern Haywood is reliable, and NC 143 near Stecoah Gap in Graham is also reliable. | ** to *** | 2026-11-09 | |
| Parkesia noveboracensis Northern Waterthrush | The Northern Waterthrush is one of the few warblers that nests from coast to coast, though this range lies primarily in Canada, as well as Alaska and the states just south of Canada. It does nest down the Appalachian chain, but only to West Virginia and very rarely to Virginia. It winters mainly in the tropics, and thus is a pure migrant through North Carolina, occurring in all counties in spring and/or fall. Unlike its close relative, the Louisiana Waterthrush, the Northern is found only along more sluggish, standing water in hardwood areas, such as wooded pools, slow-moving streams, swampy places, margins of beaver ponds, and margins of lakes and ponds. In recent years, a few birds have lingered near the state's coast into early and mid-winter, though it is far from being a winter resident. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient, and a very sparse early winter straggler. In spring, generally uncommon in the western half of the region, but is less numerous eastward, and rare to very uncommon near the coast. In fall, somewhat more numerous; uncommon to fairly common over the region as a whole. Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and early Aug to mid-Oct. Winter records: at least six reports in Dec, one for 4 Jan, one for 23 Jan, and most significantly, one at Mattamuskeet NWR on 1 Feb 2009* (photo). Peak single-list counts: 18, Cape Hatteras new lighthouse area (Dare), 16 Sep 2025. | Transient. Uncommon to fairly common essentially across the entire region, in both spring and fall; presumably less numerous in the foothills (uncommon), where suitable habitat is less frequent than farther east. Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and mid-Aug to early Oct. Winter records: 1, Chapel Hill area, 17 Jan 1982; and 1, Blair Mill Park (Union), 5 Dec 2023. Peak single-list counts: 12, Knap of Reeds waterfowl impoundment (Granville), 10 May 2025; 12, Flat River waterfowl impoundment (Durham), 12 May 2026; 11, Jordan Lake area (Chatham), 5 Sep 2022. | Transient. Mostly uncommon, at lower to middle elevations; presumably quite scarce over about 4,500 feet, due to scarcity of suitable habitat. Mainly late Apr to late May, and mid-Aug to early Oct. One winter record: at Beaver Lake (Buncombe), late fall into 12 Dec 2016. One photographed at Brevard College (Transylvania) from 7 Mar - 1 Apr 2022 suggests a possibly overwintering bird. Peak single-list counts: 13, Jackson Park (Henderson), 17 May 1996; 12, same site, 10 May 2022; 11, same site, 17 Sep 2011. | If you bird in suitable damp wooded areas over a several-day period in early May, or in Sep, you stand a decent chance of seeing it. Places such as Mason Farm near Chapel Hill, Howell Woods (Johnston), and Jackson Park in Hendersonville are suitable sites for finding it, though you can never expect to see or hear one on a given day. | ** | 2026-11-06 | ||
| Parkesia motacilla Louisiana Waterthrush | The Louisiana Waterthrush is always a joy to watch as it teeters along a wooded creek, walking up and down the shoreline and at times wading into the shallow water. Also, because it arrive by mid-Mar in many area in the state, and has a beautiful song, it is one of the true "harbingers of spring". The species nests across nearly all of the eastern United States, though it is scarce in Florida and near the coastal areas farther north and west, in the breeding season. Numerically, it is not one of North America's more common species, as breeding territories are well-spaced along narrow streamside corridors. But, if the right habitat is found, the species can usually be seen and heard, though singing drops off sharply by late May. Breeding habitat is always along streams and rivers, under the shade of hardwood trees, and with near-vertical banks where the nests are placed. They favor slightly running waters of rocky creeks, as opposed to standing water of larger streams and rivers, but they can certainly be quite numerous along some of our larger rivers such as the Roanoke. | Breeder | Definitive | S4B | G5 | Summer resident, but scarcely noted in migration. Fairly common in the western and central portions along brownwater rivers and streams; mostly uncommon along blackwater streams. Breeds east to the Great Dismal Swamp area, Havelock (Craven), Newport (Carteret), and the Green Swamp (Brunswick); however, uncommon in most coastal counties, and rare to absent within about 10-15 miles of the coast, especially in New Hanover. Does not nest on the Outer Banks, and is very rare there even in migration; a scarce migrant where it does not nest. Mainly mid- or late Mar to late Jul; surprisingly few records after early Aug. Peak single-list counts: 120, Cape Fear River - Raven Rock SP to Magurder Road (canoe/kayak) (Harnett), 16 May 2010; 80, Cape Fear River - Magurder Road to Fayetteville (canoe/kayak) (Cumberland), 17 May 2010. | Summer resident. Uncommon to fairly common over essentially all of the region, though less numerous (uncommon) in some counties that are highly developed or highly agricultural. Mainly mid- or late Mar to mid-Aug, very rarely into Sep. Peak single-list counts: 38, Old Thayer Mill Road (Montgomery), 12 Jun 2015; 30, Cape Fear River - Buckhorn Dam to Raven Rock SP (canoe/kayak) (Harnett), 15 May 2010; 25, Hanging Rock SP (Stokes), 15 Apr 2017. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident. Generally fairly common over the region, up to about 3,500 feet, uncommon to 4,000 feet, and absent over 4,500 feet. Mainly late Mar to mid- or late Aug, poorly known later. A report for 2 Jan 1954 for the "Smoky Mountains" (Pearson et al., 1959) is shocking, if correct; however, the species is seldom found in the state after mid-Sep, and thus the report probably represents a mis-identification. Peak single-list counts: 16, Laurel River Trail (Madison), 27 Apr 2025; 15, Grandfather Golf and Country Club (Avery), 12 Jul 2016. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | The species should be found fairly easily in state parks, national forests, and various preserves in the western Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and lower mountains, especially in Apr. | *** | 2026-11-06 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Helmitheros vermivorum Worm-eating Warbler | The Worm-eating Warbler is not one of better known warblers in North America. It is really not common anywhere, and its breeding range was not fully understood until a few decades ago. It was always known from the Central states and the Northeast, but its breeding range in the Coastal Plain of the Carolinas was not known until perhaps the 1960's. The species likely bred there all along, but it certainly expanded in habitats and numbers by utilizing the broadleaf (and mostly evergreen) understory that grew up beneath planted stands of Loblolly Pines, in former dense pocosins or nonriverine swamps and hardwoods. It does nest in "pristine" habitats of various bay forests, nonriverine wet hardwood forests, and taller pocosins (with a tree canopy). It avoids any and all riverine forests for breeding in the Coastal Plain. It is best known as a breeder in the state in the lower mountains and foothills, where it favors dense stands of Rosebay Rhododendron and/or Mountain Laurel, beneath a varied canopy, and almost always on moderate to steep slopes. In migration, it also likes dense cover in shrubs and understory beneath a forested canopy; however, these understory/shrub species can be deciduous. | Breeder | Definitive | S4B | G5 | Summer resident, and transient. In summer, uncommon to locally fairly common in the eastern 60% of the province (except absent on the immediate coast); occurs inland to Gates, eastern Edgecombe, southern Cumberland, and eastern Robeson. A confirmed nesting (adults feeding a young bird) was reported near Council (Bladen) on 30 Jun 2024. However, absent over large areas where suitable nonriverine forested habitats are lacking. Elsewhere, uncommon and easily overlooked migrant, but rare along the coast in migration. Mainly mid-Apr to late Sep. Remarkable, if correct, was one seen on the Wilmington CBC on 30 Dec 2006. Peak single-list counts: 20, Green Swamp area (Brunswick), 7 May 1994; 18, same site, 27 Apr 2012. | Summer resident, and transient. In summer, uncommon to locally fairly common in most foothill ranges, east to Stokes, Alexander, and Burke; also apparently rare and disjunct in the Uwharrie Mountains, east to Montgomery. A few scattered summer records in the "flatlands" of the central and eastern portions, but not consistent at any site. Otherwise, an uncommon and easily overlooked migrant, especially silent in fall. Mainly mid-Apr to late Sep. Two winter reports, both hopefully correct: 1, Charlotte, 16 Dec 1963, and one in Mecklenburg, 12 Jan 2024. Peak single-list counts: 17, Green River Game Land (Polk), 18 Apr 2015; 17, NC 80 - Sunnyvale (McDowell), 6 Jun 2016; 15, South Mountains Game Land (Rutherford), 17 May 2019. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident. Uncommon to often fairly common (and not obviously local) below about 3,500 feet; rare to uncommon to 4,000 feet. In the northern counties -- Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga, Avery, etc., it is limited mainly to the Blue Ridge Escarpment along their eastern borders; more widespread across counties farther southward. Migrants not obvious. Mainly mid- or late Apr to late Sep. Peak single-list counts: 21, Craggy Mountains (Buncombe), 18 Apr 2013; 18, Appalachian Trail (Madison), 24 May 2018; 17, Table Rock Road (Burke), 29 Apr 2015. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | The species should be heard, and hopefully seen, by driving roads through Alligator River NWR, the best area in the Coastal Plain. Sites such as Chimney Rock Park (Forest Stroll Trail) and South Mountains SP are good spots in the foothills. | *** | 2026-11-06 | ||
| Seiurus aurocapilla Ovenbird | The Ovenbird recently "lost" its two nearest relatives -- the Louisiana and Northern waterthrushes -- to a new genus; thus, it now stands alone in the genus Seiurus. It has a wide breeding range over nearly all of the eastern United States and much of Canada. Small numbers winter in the Southeastern states, but the bulk winter in the tropics. It is named after the shape of its ground nest -- "oven-like", being a rounded mass of leaves with a small opening in the side. It nests in large numbers over nearly all of North Carolina, always in forests with a leafy ground cover; these forests always have a moderate (but not dense) shrub and understory layer, beneath a varied canopy, in many settings (except overly wet places). Favored habitats are middle-aged to mature pine-hardwood stands, oak-hickory forests, and drier portions of floodplain forests. They will often nest in pure pine stands, as long as there is a deciduous, broadleaf understory and shrub zone growing beneath the pines. They are infrequent in rhododendron or mountain laurel stands, preferring deciduous layers. A few overwinter along the coast in the state, mostly in Buxton Woods, where the forests or woods have a dense shrub layer that is almost impenetrable to humans, but which allows the birds to walk along the ground. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S1N | G5 | Summer resident, and sparse winter visitor/resident. In summer, generally common over the northwestern part of the region; fairly common in southern (including Sandhills), central, and the Tidewater zones, and generally uncommon in the southern coastal counties. Probably absent as a breeder on coastal islands; rare to absent on the mainland in portions of the southernmost counties, though it may nest in all counties (but New Hanover?). Quite numerous as a migrant (large numbers were formerly "tower-killed"). In winter, uncommon but regular at Buxton Woods in Dec (as tallied on CBCs), and a few presumably overwinter -- especially as there was an excellent tally of 12 birds at this site on 8 Feb 2022, and seven at this site on 20 Feb 2021. Elsewhere, very rare in winter, almost always very near the coast, and probably does not regularly overwinter, though one overwintered at Manteo from 30 Jan - 3 Mar 2014 and again through the winters of 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2016-17 (probably the same bird). Mainly early Apr to mid-Oct, sparingly into winter. Peak single-list counts: 41, Dismal Swamp Breeding Bird Survey route (Camden), 9 Jun 2009. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident. Common over the region as a whole. Reasonably widespread, and common also in foothill ranges; least numerous in some heavily urbanized counties in the central Piedmont. Mainly early Apr into Oct (departure dates not well known because the birds are rather silent and overlooked in Oct). There are 14 winter records, of single birds; the Riverbend Park (Catawba) bird was remarkable, having clearly survived the entire winter, present from 8 Dec 2013 - 30 Mar 2014. Peak counts: 168, Jordan Lake spring count, 7 May 2000. Peak single-list counts: 61, Pilot Mountain SP (Surry), 2 May 2024. | Summer resident. Common at low to middle elevations, to about 4,000 feet, and fairly common to about 4,500 feet, rarely higher. Can occur higher after breeding or in fall migration. Mainly mid-Apr to mid-Oct. Two winter reports: one, Glen Cannon (Transylvania), 20 Nov 1995 - 8 Jan 1996; and one, Cullowhee (Jackson), 21 Jan 2019. Peak single-list counts: 107. Appalachian Trail (Swain), 17 May 2018; 62, Appalachian Trail (Macon), 15 May 2018; 45. Coweeta Hydrologic Lab (Macon), 28 Apr 2019. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | None needed; easily heard in a morning of birding in most areas of the state in May and Jun. | **** | 2026-11-06 | ||
| Quiscalus major Boat-tailed Grackle | The Boat-tailed Grackle is a strictly coastal bird over most of its range, though it ranges throughout peninsular Florida. In North Carolina, it is an easily seen and heard bird near most types of tidal water, at all seasons. In the non-breeding season, they may move a few miles "inland", but despite their large numbers, inland strays are practically never found in the state. Boat-taileds prefer to nest in shrub thickets along the margins of salt or brackish water, but feed mainly on the ground in such marshes, along mud flats, beach shores, and lawns, often in open residential areas. After nesting, they can occur in flocks of up to a few hundred birds, often segregated by sex; they do mix with other blackbirds if near the coast. | Breeder | Definitive | S5 | G5 | Permanent resident along the coast, with little noticeable migratory movements. Generally very common along the coast; fairly common to common along the inner margins of Pamlico Sound and other tidal water extending into the Tidewater region (except scarce around most of Albemarle Sound). Sparingly "inland" to Jacksonville (Onslow), and several reports on the Pamlimarle Peninsula from Roper (Washington) and nearby Pettigrew SP. Accidental far inland -- the only such report is for a female at Fayetteville, 9 Jan 1981 (Chat 45:82). Peak single-list counts: 1,000, Bald Head Island (Brunswick), 26-27 Nov 2008; 800, Temple Farm (Carteret), 17 Dec 2017; 800, Mattamuskeet NWR, 3 Dec 2020; 800, New Hanover County Landfill, 6 Jan 2022. | No records. | No records. | None needed along the coast. | **** | 2026-11-06 | ||
| Quiscalus quiscula Common Grackle | One of the more abundant breeding birds in North America is the Common Grackle, even though it does not nest in the far Western states. It is found across North Carolina at all seasons, though like many blackbirds it is scarce in the mountains in winter. Roosting counts of perhaps 1/2-million birds have been seen in the eastern part of the state. Grackles nest in small colonies in pine trees or extremely dense stands of broadleaf evergreen trees (typically exotic species), often in cities and towns or in rows of trees in open areas. They feed on the ground at a variety of lawns, roadsides, fields, and croplands. At other seasons, they feed in huge flocks with other blackbirds, and European Starlings, in croplands and other grassy areas; however, they roost in swamps and dense forests. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S5N | G5 | Permanent resident, with migratory movements. Very common in summer, and abundant (at least locally) in winter, over the province. However, along the coastal islands, much less numerous, though can be common in suitable habitat, at all seasons. Peak single-list counts: 500,000, Rockyhock Landing (Chowan), 9 Feb 2021; 200,000, Power Substation Fields (Hyde), 22 Dec 2011; 75,015, Dinah's Landing Road (Beaufort), 17 Dec 2017. There are certainly higher one-day counts on CBCs. | Permanent resident, with migratory movements. Very common in summer; common to at times abundant in winter in the eastern and southern portions, and locally common elsewhere in winter. Peak single-list counts: 100,000, Person site, 19 Dec 2022; 100,000, Snow Camp (Alamance), 29 Jan 2023; 85,000, Daisy Thompson Road (Person), 8 Dec 2016. There are certainly higher one-day counts on CBCs. | Permanent resident, with migratory movements. In summer, common to very common at low elevations, and fairly common to about 4,000 feet; scarce higher. In winter, uncommon in early winter in lower elevations, but rare to uncommon in midwinter and perhaps not a regular winter resident; scarce at higher elevations in winter, where not regular. Peak single-list counts: ? | None needed. | **** | 2026-11-06 | ||
| Euphagus cyanocephalus Brewer's Blackbird | The Brewer's Blackbird is an abundant bird of the Western half of the country. It is somewhat migratory, and many birds fly to the southeast, to winter very locally in some Southeastern states. Though it winters somewhat regularly in scattered sites from Georgia westward, in North Carolina there is just one known regular wintering locale, around cattle feedlots at the privately-owned Open Ground Farms in central Carteret. Why the species is regular there, and essentially nowhere else in the state with suitable cattle feedlots, is a mystery. Otherwise, the species is usually seen as single birds amid large flocks of Common Grackles, Red-winged Blackbirds, and/or Brown-headed Cowbirds, feeding on the ground in plowed fields or near cattle; the great majority of these are from the Coastal Plain. However, because small numbers winter in Georgia and perhaps South Carolina, it is likely that a few routinely occur in migration in the southwestern mountains, where there are more records than anywhere else in the state in spring and fall. This species -- both the male and the female -- is easily overlooked unless seen at close range; counterbalancing this, some published reports are likely to be mis-identifications. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S1N | G5 | Possible winter resident; otherwise a sparse winter visitor and transient. Formerly known to winter regularly only in central Carteret (since the winter of 1987-88), where at times more than 10 birds could be seen; however, access to this private site has been closed for a number of years and thus there is no idea if birds still winter there. Several birds were seen for four winters (Dec 2015 - Feb 2019) at a site in eastern Hyde. Elsewhere, rare in the Tidewater zone -- more likely within a few miles of lakes Mattamuskeet, Phelps, or Pungo; very rare elsewhere. Not expected on coastal islands, but a female was photographed near Salvo (Dare) on 24 Oct 2024. Primarily mid-Nov to mid-Feb; early date is 16 Oct and late date is 2 Apr. Peak single-list counts: 125, Pungo Lake, 4 Feb 1991, both males and females seen; 50-65, Open Ground Farms Carteret, winter 1987-88; 47, same site, 3 Feb 1989; 16, Gum Swamp Road (Hyde), 5 Jan 2019. | Scarce (very rare) transient and winter visitor, as the province is generally east of the migration routes; some published records are certainly of mid-identifications. Mainly late Oct to mid-Feb; early date is 14 Oct and late date is 29 Apr. Of note is that presumably the male seen near Franklinton (Franklin) in late Feb 2025 returned with another male in fall 2025, being first found on 28 Nov and remaining into Dec; this might be the first instance of an individual of this species returning for a second "winter" in the province. Peak single-list counts: 6, Lake Norman (Mecklenburg), 21 Dec 1997. | Scarce, though a regular transient and very rare in winter. Rare in southern mountain valleys, and casual in the northern half of the province. All reports from Buncombe, Henderson, Macon, and Transylvania, except for single records in Avery, Madison, and Watauga. Scattered from 1 Nov to 16 Apr, but mainly in Nov and Apr. Peak single-list counts: 10, Franklin (Macon), 25 Nov 2014; 9, northern Watauga, 16 Nov 2014; 5, Hooper Lane (Henderson), 29 Nov - 1 Dec 2016; 4, Hooper Lane,10 Nov 2003; 4, Fletcher (Henderson), 14 Mar 2020. | Arrangements to access Open Ground Farms have always been tricky, and this is not a good option. Recently, a small horse pasture southeast of Lake Mattamuskeet hosted a few individuals for four winters in a row, but seem to have disappeared in recent winters. Otherwise, you must try to find one on your own, and this usually requires much patience pouring over hundreds and hundreds of blackbirds, in dozens of flocks, as they are feeding on the ground. (Attempting to identify one perched in a tree is not feasible; they can be easily confused with other species against the sky or clouds.) | * | 2026-11-06 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Euphagus carolinus Rusty Blackbird | The Rusty Blackbird is a bird of the Far North in the breeding season, nesting in stunted spruce and fir trees, or around the edges of bogs/muskegs. However, it leaves this area in fall, and winters across most of the eastern United States, including most of North Carolina. For some unknown reason(s), the Breeding Bird Survey has shown declines of Rusty Blackbirds up nearly 90% since its inception in the mid-1960's. This is odd for a bird that nests in remote boreal areas and winters in swamps and other wetland forests and thickets, usually with other blackbirds. In fact, some folks have questioned this steepness of a decline, as wintering numbers -- though down -- are clearly nowhere near catastrophic in most Southern states. Even so, in 2024 the N.C. Natural Heritage Program moved the State Status from Watch List to now Threatened. In North Carolina, Rusties usually feed on the ground, within a swamp or bottomland; but they also feed in wet fields, croplands, or feedlots, but seldom far from wooded cover, to which they quickly flush when disturbed. They roost at night with other blackbirds in swamps and wet thickets. The species has never been overly "common" in the state, and in general it is an uncommon bird, relative to most other blackbird species in the state. Several reports from the summer season are likely of juvenile Common Grackles. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | T | S3N | G4 | Winter resident. Fairly common, at least locally, over most of the region, except generally absent along the immediate coast. Seemingly most numerous in the southern Tidewater area, and in other swamp forests in the eastern and central portions. Can be slightly more widespread in migration, but seldom is common. Generally does not occur on coastal islands. Mainly late Oct to early Apr. Peak single-list counts: 5,000, Engelhard (Hyde), 29 Jan 2017; 1,000, Daughtry Road (Cumberland), 28 Nov 2021; 750, Sam Potts Highway (Columbus), 15 Feb 2026. | Winter resident, with noticeable migratory movements. Uncommon to fairly common in winter in the eastern and southern portions, and rare to uncommon in the central and northwestern portions. Slightly more numerous in migration, but no more than fairly common in migration. Mainly early Nov to early Apr. Peak single-list counts: 2,000, North Wilkesboro, 16 Mar 1964; 1,350, Pee Dee NWR, 8 Dec 2015; 1,000, Mason Farm Preserve (Orange), 23 Dec 2012. Peak CBC counts: 1,085, Chapel Hill CBC, 23 Dec 2012; 916, Gastonia CBC, 15 Dec 2012; 816, Chapel Hill CBC, 23 Dec 2007. | Transient, and scarce winter visitor. At lower elevations, rare to uncommon transient, and rare in winter, with some birds overwintering. Notable in winter 2024-25 were flocks of 20 on 6 Feb in Swain and another of 24 on 17 Feb in Haywood. More numerous in spring than in fall; at times sizable flocks seen in spring. Very rare at higher elevations, essentially only in migration. Mainly early Nov to early Apr. Peak single-list counts: ? | There are no "sure bets", in terms of wintering sites. Forests on the south side of Lake Mattamuskeet, or in the Pungo Lake area, can be productive for finding the species. | ** to *** | 2026-11-06 | |
| Molothrus ater Brown-headed Cowbird | The Brown-headed Cowbird, the continent's most famous/notorious brood parasite (though there are a few others), greatly expanded its former range from the Midwest all the way to the Atlantic Coast about 100-150 years ago, with the opening up of forests to extensive croplands/pasture lands. It is now found over nearly all of the country at all seasons, but it departs the northern states in winter. In North Carolina, it is found statewide in the warmer months but departs the mountains in winter, except sparingly in the lowest elevations. All eggs are deposited in other birds' nests, generally "picking on" species in farmland, open residential areas, and woodland borders, though some forest interior species (such as the Wood Thrush) are parasitized. At all seasons, Cowbirds prefer to feed around cattle and other farm animals, but they also feed in plowed fields, at croplands, on lawns, and on the ground in other short-grass situations. In the colder months, they occur in large flocks, usually mixed with Red-winged Blackbirds, Common Grackles, and/or European Starlings. In fact, by early summer, juvenile birds begin to find other juveniles and adults and quickly form flocks, such that only in spring and very early summer are birds not in flocks. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S5N | G5 | Permanent resident, with migratory movements. In summer, common throughout, even on coastal islands. At other seasons, common to locally/seasonally abundant, but can be uncommon at times; clearly more numerous in winter than in early summer, except usually uncommon along the Outer Banks and some other coastal islands. Peak single-list counts: 80,000, Pantego area (Hyde), 15 Jan 2023; 50,000, Barco (Currituck), 16 Nov 2025; 10,000, Hyde, 13 Feb 2020. | Permanent resident, with migratory movements. In summer, common throughout. In winter, fairly common to at times common in the eastern and southern portions, fairly common in the central portions, and generally uncommon in the western/foothill portions. Can be very common to abundant at times in migration. Less common in winter than in summer. Peak single-list counts: 18,000, Raleigh, 23 Oct 2025; 16,950, same site, 10 Nov 2024; 12,500, Lake Wheeler marshes (Wake), 11 Dec 2022. | Summer resident, and sparse in winter, with few birds overwintering. In summer, common over the region up to about 4,000 feet, but scarce higher. In early winter, rare to uncommon at lower elevations, but rare by mid-winter, with few overwintering; very rare higher. Can be very common at times in migration. Peak counts: ? | None needed. | **** | 2026-11-06 | ||
| Molothrus aeneus Bronzed Cowbird | This is a species of the Southwestern states, ranging north only to central Texas and central Arizona. However, it does stray eastward somewhat often, though mostly close to the Gulf Coast to Florida. The first state report was a male, though apparently not yet in full breeding plumage, at a feeder in Morehead City (Carteret), seen by many people from 11-29 Feb 2020* (Chat 84:70), (Chat 85:140); a color photo is found in the first reference, plus additional ones on the Carolina Bird Club Photo Gallery. Interestingly, another bird -- or possibly the same bird as found earlier in Morehead City -- was photographed under a feeder in James City (Craven) on 4 May and again on 9 May 2020* (Chat 84:100); photos are also on that Photo Gallery. Both have been accepted by the NC BRC. An eBird report was submitted for coastal Dare in Dec 2019, but it has never been reviewed by the NC BRC, in part as the observer was not certain of the observation, and it was not submitted until after the 2020 report. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SA | G5 | Two records (see above). | No records. | No records. | 1/2* | 2026-11-06 | |||
| Molothrus bonariensis Shiny Cowbird | The Shiny Cowbird, common and widespread in the Neotropics, spread northward through the West Indies and to southern Florida, several decades ago. Thankfully for many native species of warblers and other small songbirds -- the cowbird is an obligate brood parasite -- this northward spread has slowed considerably in recent years. North Carolina got its first record in 1989, and the number of records (practically all in the Coastal Plain in the warmer months) greatly increased for the next 10-12 years. Since about 2002, the records have slowed to perhaps one per year, down from about two per year, despite the increase in birders. This decline is likely due to aggressive eradication of Shiny Cowbirds in recent years by wildlife officials in FL, and possibly in GA and SC. Shiny Cowbirds may have laid eggs in North Carolina in 2017 -- not a good situation, as the species could impact the State-listed Painted Bunting if breeding cowbirds become established along the coast. Birds have appeared in many different situations, such as at bird feeders in open residential areas and in small flocks of Brown-headed Cowbirds feeding on lawns, usually within a few miles of the coast, often in towns and cities near the coast. Most records have been of males, presumably as that sex is more easily differentiated from Brown-headed Cowbirds than is the female, which also could be confused with a female Brewer's Blackbird. | Accidental Breeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Scarce visitor, and apparent breeder at one site in 2017. Essentially near the coast in the warmer seasons; about 28 records. The species was annual from 1989 through 2000, but has been less than annual since then. Very rare (since 2000) along the southern half of the coast and slightly farther inland; casual to very rare farther north near the coast, and farther inland. These inland records are from Aurora (Beaufort), which was the state's first, on 16 Nov 1989 (Chat 54:82-85); New Bern, 9-29 Oct 1990; Goose Creek SP (Beaufort), 19-25 Jan 2005; and Fayetteville on 30 Oct 1991 (4 birds) and 8 May 1999. Essentially only from early May to mid-Nov, although there are two reports in Jan-Feb. In summer 2017, an adult male was repeatedly seen at feeders in Fort Macon SP (Carteret) and was joined by a female starting on 18 Jun; a juvenile was seen with the female on 5 Aug (Chat 81:111). This series of observations strongly suggest breeding by this pair, which is the first such evidence of nesting in the state. Almost certainly the same male returned to the Fort Macon feeders in 2018, starting on 20 Apr. These same feeders at Fort Macon hosted a male on 31 May 2024. Peak single-list counts: 4, Fayetteville. 30 Oct 1991; 2, Fort Macon SP (Carteret), 18 Jun 2017. | Accidental, though none yet accepted by the NC BRC. There are two reports: one from Winston-Salem on 9 Nov 1996 (Chat 61:291-92); and one from Hillsborough (Orange) on 14 Jun 2008. The first report was "unresolved" (neither accepted nor rejected) by the NC BRC (Chat 62:182). The second report has not been reviewed by the Committee. | No records. | Your best bet is to check any cowbirds you see close to the southern coast in the warmer months, particularly when seen feeding on the ground, as species identification is much easier than when blackbirds are in trees. Of course, practically all will be Brown-headeds! The feeders at Fort Macon SP have had the most records in recent years. | * | 2026-11-06 | ||
| Agelaius phoeniceus Red-winged Blackbird | The Red-winged Blackbird has probably been the most heavily studied species in North America, and numerically it is one of the most abundant. It nests across all of North America except for the Far North, and it winters across most of the United States. In North Carolina, it occurs in all 100 counties at all times of the year but is scarce to rare in many mountain counties in winter. It was assumed to be a common statewide breeding bird until the Breeding Bird Survey was established in the mid-1960's. Interestingly, the species is often missed on the 50 stops of the survey in parts of the northern Coastal Plain and Piedmont, indicating that it is uncommon, or at least localized to marshes and lake/pond edges, in parts of the state. For breeding, the species nests in fresh to slightly brackish marshes, lake and pond margins, ditches, and other wet grassy areas, usually in open country. In parts of the state, all that is required for a nesting territory is a small area of cattails and other tall grasses amid farmland. At other seasons, they form large flocks, often with Common Grackles, Brown-headed Cowbirds, and European Starlings, and feed in harvested croplands, fields, marshes, and other open country; they roost in marshes, dense grassy fields, and in swampy forests, often in groups of tens of thousands of birds. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S5N | G5 | Permanent resident, with migratory movements. In summer, common to very common in the eastern third of the region, as well as the southern portions; only fairly common and somewhat local in parts of the northwestern quarter of the region. At other seasons, common to locally abundant; clearly more numerous in winter than in summer. Peak single-list counts: 1,000,000, Pungo refuge (Washington), 12 Jan 2014; 1,000,000, Mattamuskeet NWR, 29 Dec 2025; 650,000, same site, 21 Dec 2023. | Permanent resident, with migratory movements. Common, though can be local, across the region in summer; fairly common in a few areas, such as near the Virginia border. At other seasons, erratic from week to week, but generally common in the eastern and southern portions; can be locally abundant at roosts, but also can be scarce in severe weather. Farther west, averages common in migration and fairly common in winter, but can be difficult to find at times in severe weather. Peak single-list counts: ? | Permanent resident, with migratory movements. In summer, generally common at low to middle elevations, up to about 4,000 feet; scarce at higher elevations. Can be common at times in migration; uncommon in winter at lower elevations (mainly below 3,000 feet), and rare higher. Peak single-list counts: ? | None needed. | **** | 2026-11-06 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Icterus galbula Baltimore Oriole | The male Baltimore Oriole is one of the more beautiful birds in North America, nesting over the northeastern United States and southern Canada, extending southward into the mountains of North Carolina. Until the 1960's, it essentially did not winter in the United States, but with milder winters and people putting out oranges and peanut butter on their feeders, and not just various seeds and suet, a number of orioles started wintering from North Carolina to Florida; in fact, several state CBC's routinely had the high count in the country! During the breeding season, a few orioles nest at scattered places in the Piedmont, but it essentially is a montane nester, in broad valleys in tall hardwood trees, typically along a river or lake edge. Riverside trees and groves, some farmyards with tall hardwoods, and open woods and groves near a lake or pond are also inhabited. In winter, they are found in the Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont, mainly in residential areas with some evergreen cover and bird feeders; they are often found amid flocks of American Robins and will feed on berries, as well as at feeders. In migration, orioles are usually seen in hardwood canopy trees, especially in spring; however, numbers can be found on the Outer Banks in fall in various thickets, or wherever they can find cover. As mentioned in the Bullock's Oriole account, these two species were formerly considered as separate species, then lumped as the Northern Oriole, and once again split back out. | Breeder | Definitive | S3B,S3N | G5 | Transient, and scarce winter resident. In winter, numerically rare to very uncommon; however, in towns and some cities, it can be locally fairly common. It winters across the entire region, from the Outer Banks to towns such as Rocky Mount, Goldsboro, and Southern Pines. It is slightly more widespread in the southeastern portion of the region. In spring, rare to quite uncommon along the western margin of the region, and rare to very rare farther eastward. However, in fall, uncommon over most of the region, but can be fairly common to occasionally common along the coast. Nonetheless, in the 1960's and 1970's, it was quite common as a fall migrant along the coast, but has declined considerably since then. Mainly late Aug to early May. Peak single-list counts: 1,580, seen "migrating" north over Run Hill State Natural Area (Dare), 23 Sep 2020; 494, same site, 18 Sep 2024. Highest counts away from Run Hill: 200, Pear Pad Road (Dare), 19 Sep 2024; 200, Pea Island NWR, 5 Sep 1997. | Transient, scarce winter resident, and very scarce and local summer resident. In summer, very rare and local, and sporadic from year to year, in the western half of the region; casual breeder in the eastern portions; many more records from the Winston-Salem area than elsewhere. A pair tending a nest along Buffalo Church Road (Cleveland) from 6-20 Jun 2020 might be a first breeding record for that county. In migration, generally uncommon in both spring and fall, across the region; in spring more numerous in the western portions than farther east, whereas in fall, more evenly distributed across the province. In winter, uncommon (to locally fairly common) in Raleigh, but generally rare and local in towns and cities elsewhere in the eastern half of the region, and very rare farther westward; possibly absent in some counties. In migration, primarily late Apr to mid-May, and late Aug to early Oct. Peak single-list counts: ? | Summer resident, with noticeable migratory movements. In summer, uncommon to fairly common, at least along and near the New River system, in the northern counties; rare to uncommon and local south to Asheville, and rare and local farther southward; seldom breeds above about 3,000 feet, sparingly higher. More numerous in migration, though still mostly uncommon (to at times fairly common) in spring and fall. Amazingly, there seems to be just two winter records: one photographed at a feeder in Woodfin (Buncombe) on 21 Dec 2016, and one in Buncombe on 1 Dec 2023. Mainly late Apr to mid-Sep. Peak single-list counts: 40, Jackson Park (Henderson), 6 Sep 2000; 40, same site, 5 May 2007. | The species should be found in summer by driving along roads that parallel the New River, or South Fork New River, in Ashe -- especially near the confluence of the North and South Forks in the northeastern part of the county. Elsewhere in summer, you might have to go to known specific locales, as well as finding them in winter at known feeders. In migration, they are easiest on the Outer Banks in early fall, right after a cold front. In winter, not difficult to see at feeders, as long as you have permission to visit them. | *** | 2026-11-06 | ||
| Icterus bullockii Bullock's Oriole | The Bullock's Oriole is the western counterpart to the Baltimore Oriole. Originally classified as separate species, these two species were merged as a single species -- Northern Oriole -- for a few decades, as the two hybridize in some areas where their ranges come into contact. Thankfully, more research has prompted the American Ornithologists' Union to re-split the two, back to Bullock's and Baltimore. Bullock's is a very rare visitor, mainly in winter at feeders, to North Carolina; birds have often lingered for a few weeks or even over-wintered. There are at least 35 records, but just one from the Mountains. NOTE: a handful of these records/reports are of females, which can easily be confused with female Baltimore Orioles; thus, it is hoped that all of these reports were correct. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Very rare winter visitor; many records prior to 2010, but with a decline in reports until around 2023. Since then, there were four records during the 2023-24 winter, three more in 2024-25, and about six in 2025-26. There are about 25 records, with at least ten of the birds lingering for several weeks, generally at feeders. Records rather evenly spread from inland towns and cities to the coastal region. The span of dates is 2 Dec to 10 May. Peak single-list counts: 4 (highest number on a single date), Morehead City (Carteret), during the winter of 1959-60; 2, Hertford (Perquimans), 31 Dec 2023; 2, Beaufort (Carteret), 18 Jan 2025. | Very rare winter visitor. There are about 16 records, with 8-9 birds over-wintering. Records are scattered from Raleigh and Fuquay-Varina west to Pittsboro (Chatham), Stallings (Union), Davidson (Mecklenburg), Charlotte, Huntersville (Mecklenburg), Conover (Catawba), and northeastern Gaston. No records yet from the northwestern part of the province (including the heavily populated Triad region). Dates range from 11 Nov to 31 Mar. Unlike in the Coastal Plain, at least 12 of these reports have been since 2005. Peak single-list counts: 1. | One record. An adult male was photographed at a feeder in Murphy (Cherokee) on 13 Oct 2024 (Chat 89:31); this record has yet to be reviewed by the NC BRC. | Your first Bullock's Oriole will likely be seen at someone's feeder, especially near the coast. | * | 2026-11-06 | ||
| Icterus spurius Orchard Oriole | The Orchard Oriole breeding range covers the Eastern Deciduous Forest area of the continent -- nesting mainly in the eastern half of the United States. However, it is not a forest bird, but instead is a bird of groves, open woods and edges, farmland with scattered trees, and other open country with some deciduous trees (for placement of the nest and for foraging). It is one of the earliest-departing species after nesting; most migration takes place in late Jul and Aug, and seldom are birds seen after early or mid-Sep. There are a handful of winter reports, hopefully at least some correct, and all need to be reviewed by the NC BRC, as the species is generally absent from the East by Oct and certainly by Nov; it winters in the tropics. A handful of reports in winter were rejected by CBC editors, or "Briefs for the Files" editors, and never made it to print; details were poor or did not rule out Baltimore Oriole, which does regularly winter in the state. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B | G5 | Summer resident, with no obvious migratory movements. Common in summer, over the province as a whole. It is more numerous in the southern half of the province than the north, but is nevertheless reasonably common in the northern counties (provided there is suitable habitat). However, it is uncommon on the Outer Banks, and is likely absent on some coastal islands as a breeder. Mainly early or mid-Apr to late Aug. Pearson et al. (1959) listed these winter reports for the province: Mount Olive (Wayne) from 19, 26, and 30 Dec (no year given) and Greenville on 1 Jan (no year given). Three other known winter reports: an adult male seen in Manteo (Dare) on 29 Dec 1990 (Chat 56:16); an immature male in a Wilmington yard on 17 Feb 2020 and photographed there on 12 Mar 2020 for corroboration; and one in a yard in Morehead City (Carteret), 3-4 Dec 2021 (Chat 86:63). None of these have been reviewed by the NC BRC, and just because at least one was reported as an adult male, there could be confusion with Baltimore Oriole or some other species (such as Hooded Oriole), especially as the first oriole species is known to winter regularly in the Coastal Plain, and as most Orchards have left the state by early Sep. Quite early was an adult male in Morehead City on 20 Mar 1983; and very late was a juvenile photographed at the Lake Mattamuskeet causeway on 22 Nov 2008. Puzzling was a female oriole photographed at Oleander Memorial Gardens (New Hanover) on 21 Nov 2020, reported on an eBird list as an Orchard Oriole; however, it was reported in (Chat 85:36) as Icterus sp. owing to its "relatively long, down-curved bill" and was "either an Orchard Oriole or a Hooded Oriole. If this bird was an Orchard Oriole, then it was extremely late, as most depart the region by September." Peak single-list counts: 30, Major General Swing Road (Scotland), 16 Jun 2020; 26, New Bern (Craven), 23 Apr 2020; 22, Montague area (Pender), 27 May 2017. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident, with no obvious migratory movements. Generally fairly common in summer in the eastern and central portions, and uncommon in the western/foothills portion of the province. Can also be uncommon in some areas with extensive urbanization or extensive forests. Mainly mid-Apr to late Aug or early Sep. Two winter reports: one at Henderson on 11 and 28 Feb (no year given, in Pearson et al., 1959), and a female or immature male seen at Chapel Hill on 10 Feb 1981 (Chat 45:82). Neither were reviewed by an NC BRC, and thus there is concern that these could refer to Baltimore Oriole or some other species. Peak single-list counts: 18, Harris Lake (Wake), 6 May 2012; 18, Richardson-Taylor Preserve (Guilford), 9 Jun 2019; 17, Neuse River Trail (Wake), 5 May 1984. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident, with no obvious migratory movements. Uncommon in lower elevations, mainly in broad valleys, below 3,000 feet. Increasing slowly in the mountains and by 2025 are nesting more often between 3,000 and 3,500 feet. Very rare to almost absent as a breeder above 3,500 feet. Mainly mid-Apr to late Aug. No winter reports. Peak single-list counts: ? | None needed in the Coastal Plain in spring to early summer, by driving back roads, especially through farmlands. | *** to **** | 2026-11-06 | ||
| Sturnella magna Eastern Meadowlark | The Eastern Meadowlark is the classic grassland bird of the eastern United States. As with nearly all grassland birds on the continent, it has suffered strong declines in numbers, though where suitable pastures are present, it is still common. It is somewhat migratory, but it is found in all North Carolina counties during the year, as a breeder and in winter (though scarce in the mountains at that season). In all seasons, it is a bird of pastures and meadows, without or essentially with no woody seedlings/saplings. It will feed on lawns and in harvested croplands with little cover, but it spends most of its time in grasses from 5-12 inches high. | Breeder | Definitive | S4B,S4N | G5 | Permanent resident, with migratory movements; somewhat declining. Generally common across the region, in all seasons, where there is suitable habitat. Slightly more numerous in winter than in summer. Peak single-list counts: 150, Open Grounds Farm (Carteret), 4 Feb 2015; 150, Alligator River NWR, 4 Feb 2025; 140, Midway Road (Brunswick), 31 Jan 1954. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts or CBCs, with many lists combined. | Permanent resident, with migratory movements; declining. Generally fairly common to locally common across the region, in all seasons, where there is suitable habitat. Formerly common and more widespread prior to about 1980. Peak single-list counts: 150, Neville Farm (Orange), 3 Nov 1974; 140, Guilford County Farm, 17 Dec 2017. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts or CBCs, with many lists combined. | Permanent resident, with migratory movements; somewhat declining. In summer, generally fairly common (formerly common) at low to middle elevations, up to about 3,500 feet; uncommon to perhaps 4,000 feet. Casual at high elevations (even over 6,000 feet) in migration. Much less numerous in winter, when generally uncommon (at best) in the lower elevations (below 2,500 feet), and rare higher. Peak single-list counts: ? | None needed when suitable habitat is found, though it may take a while to find suitable pastures and short-grass fields, which are declining by the year. | **** | 2026-11-06 | ||
| Dolichonyx oryzivorus Bobolink | The Bobolink is in a monotypic genus, with no close relatives among the other icterids (blackbirds and allies). It nests across most of southern Canada and the northern United States, and in recent decades has started to nest in the mountains of North Carolina, despite a global decline in its population. (Most grassland nesting species are declining in North America, owing to loss of habitat to development.) Bobolinks travel in flocks in both spring and fall migration, which occurs across all of North Carolina. In spring, the males move north first, in same-sex flocks, and then the females follow a week later. In fall, they can occur in much larger flocks, of over 100 birds, and at that season the males have lost their gaudy breeding plumage. In summer in North Carolina, Bobolinks nest in somewhat extensive meadows, typically with no woody vegetation; these meadows are often mowed once or twice in summer, and thus some contact with the owners of the meadows by conservationists might be critical to maintain the small nesting population in the state. In migration, Bobolinks also are found in meadows, fields, and other tall grasslands; alfalfa fields are favored sites on spring migration. In fall, the birds are more inclined to occur in wetter fields and some fresh to slightly brackish marshes. There are a few winter reports (such as on CBC's), which may well represent mis-identifications; the species winters in South America. | Breeder | Definitive | SR | S1B | G5 | Transient. In spring, uncommon to occasionally fairly common in the western portions, but generally uncommon over the region. In fall, more numerous, and generally fairly common over the region; at times, common to occasionally very common along and near the coast. Mainly late Apr to late May, and mid-Aug to late Oct. Despite the fairly late date in fall for departing birds, there are no winter (Dec or later) records. Peak single-list counts: 12,100, Alligator River NWR (Dare), 11 Sep 2015; 8,000, Oregon Inlet, 28 Sep 1985; 3,700, Mattamuskeet NWR, 26 Aug 2016; 3,000, North River Farms (Carteret), 6 Sep 2009; 3,000, Alligator River NWR, 10 Sep 2020. | Transient, and accidental nester. In spring, fairly common over the region. In fall, less common than in spring, and generally uncommon across the region. Nested at North Wilkesboro (Wilkes) in 1959; adults and two young were observed. Mainly mid- or late Apr to late May, and mid-Aug to mid-Oct. One seen on the Gastonia CBC (Gaston) on 14 Dec 2019* might be a first believable winter record for the region. Peak single-list counts: 535, Mid-Pines Road area (Wake), 5 May 2023. | Sparse summer resident, and transient. In summer, very rare and local (though nests persistently at a few sites, as long as the habitat is suitable), mainly in the northern counties (south to Watauga); casual and sporadic nester farther south, so far only known from Transylvania and likely Henderson; generally at elevations from about 2,500 to 3,500 feet. Elsewhere, generally uncommon in spring, and rare to uncommon in fall. Mainly late Apr to mid-Oct. Peak single-list counts: in the breeding season, 30 near Beech Mountain in western Watauga, 6 Jul 2021; 20 at Glendale Springs (Ashe), 6 Jun 1999; 18 along Island Ford Road (Transylvania), 19 Jun 2020. | If one knows where the specific nesting meadows are in the mountains, it might be readily found. Otherwise, the best bets are in late Aug or Sep near the coast, where there are extensive fields, damp grasslands, and marshes. The extensive fields at Alligator River NWR are perhaps as good a site as any in the fall. | ** to *** | 2026-11-06 | |