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| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spinus tristis American Goldfinch | The American Goldfinch breeds from coast to coast, across the northern two-thirds of the United States and southern Canada. In North Carolina, it occurs in large numbers in the winter, and breeds over most of the state, excepting for the extreme eastern and southeastern parts of the state. Though a "Cardueline" -- now a "Fringillid" -- finch, it is generally not considered as a "winter finch", unlike nearly all other such species (except for House Finch) in the East and Far North. It has an unusual habit of being a very late nester, waiting until Jul and Aug for most of its reproductive activities; thus, distribution in Jun is not necessarily reflective of nesting in a local area. Goldfinches nest in brushy and edge habitats, such as old fields, wooded margins, and thickets. At other seasons, they tend to occur in moderate to large flocks, often with other species; they can be found in weedy fields, open woods and bottomlands (feeding high in trees on seeds such as Sweetgum), thickets, and in residential areas. They are often seen at feeders in cold weather. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S5N | G5 | Breeder over most of the region, and winter resident over the entire province; highly migratory. As a breeder, fairly common in the western third of the region, but mainly uncommon in the central portions, and rare in the eastern portion; absent or very rare in most coastal counties, being especially scarce in the southeastern corner and on the Pamlimarle peninsula. Nests southeast to about Croatan NF, but essentially not elsewhere in Carteret. Does not nest along the immediate coast. At other seasons, common to at times very common over the entire region. Mainly mid-Oct to mid- or late May in areas where it does not breed. Peak single-list counts: 500, Whispering Pines (Moore), 27 Apr 1997. There are certainly higher one-day counts on CBCs. | Permanent resident, with strong migratory movements. As a breeder, fairly common to common over the region. At other seasons, common to at times abundant; variable in numbers from month to month, and from winter to winter. Probably less numerous in winter in the western portions. Peak single-list counts: 500, Muddy Creek Greenway (Forsyth), 10 Nov 2020; 400, Tanglewood Park (Forsyth), 22 Oct 2014; 304, Stone Mountain SP (Wilkes), 5 Apr 2025. There are certainly higher one-day counts on CBCs. | Permanent resident, with strong migratory movements. As a breeder, fairly common to common over most of the region, at most elevations, though not common at high elevations. At other seasons, common to at times very common, though not common at high elevations in winter. Peak single-list counts: 320, Biltmore Estate (Buncombe), 2 Jan 2026; 260, same site, 5 Feb 2026. There are certainly higher one-day counts on CBCs. | None needed, at least from fall to spring. Usually can be found in a given day in summer, though less numerous at that season. | **** | 2026-11-03 | ||
| Spinus pinus Pine Siskin | The Pine Siskin is another "winter finch", but like the Red Crossbill, it also nests in the North Carolina mountains. However, the great majority of the species nests in the boreal forest zone of Canada and the western United States. Relatively few birds nest down the Appalachian Mountain chain, and it was not until a few decades ago that breeding in the state was actually confirmed, though siskins were assumed to nest all through the 20th Century. Away from the spruce-fir zone in the state, where the birds nest, siskins occur somewhere downstate in most winters, sometimes being fairly common to common, but in recent years typically being rare or uncommon. Wintering numbers are considerably down from the large invasions seen in the South back in the 1960's and 1970's. A major invasion reached the state in fall and winter 2020-21. Siskins can be seen in pure flocks, or in flocks of American Goldfinches or occasionally sparrows, House Finches, or Purple Finches. They can be seen in various forests and woodlands (especially feeding in Sweetgum trees), in alder stands along creeks and lake shores, and occasionally in weedy fields, though they tend to stay closer to wooded cover than do the goldfinches. Siskins also visit bird feeders, sometimes in numbers of several dozen birds. | Breeder | Definitive | W | S1B,S3N | G5 | Winter visitor, erratic from season to season; declining. Currently, very rare to rare in some seasons, and locally fairly common in others; several decades ago was common in a few winters. More frequent in the northern portion than the southern portion. Mainly mid-Oct to late Apr. One at a feeder in Nags Head (Dare) on 4 Jul 2021 was quite out of season. Peak single-list counts: ? | Winter visitor, erratic from season to season, declining; apparently an accidental breeder. Currently, rare to at times fairly common; can be nearly absent in a few winters. At times, common in winter in the 1960's and 1970's, but seldom common in recent years. A surprising record is of two adults discovered feeding two fledglings at Durant Nature Park, Raleigh, in a stand of Shortleaf Pines, on 30 May 2009. Also, an adult was seen feeding a juvenile in Chapel Hill (Orange) on 13 May 2019, suggestive of breeding but perhaps not conclusive. Mainly late Oct or early Nov to late Apr; however, many records of lingering birds into Jun and early Jul. Peak counts: 598, Jordan Lake CBC, 4 Jan 2009; 560, Durham CBC, 16 Dec 2012; 558, Chapel Hill CBC, 23 Dec 2012. Peak single-list counts: 445, Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (Polk), 10 Nov 2020; 420, Irwin Creek Greenway (Mecklenburg), 10 Nov 2020; 300-400, Bakers Mountain Park (Catawba), 13 Jan 2009. | Summer resident at higher elevations, and winter visitor elsewhere (but erratic and declining). In summer, uncommon and somewhat erratic at higher elevations (mainly over 4,500 feet) in the spruce-fir zone; very rare lower. At other seasons, can be rare in some winters and fairly common to at times common in others, but not as numerous as several decades ago, when at times it was quite common. Peak single-list counts: 1,000, Graham, 27 Nov 1981; 500, Mount Mitchell SP (Yancey), 24 Oct 2020; 500, Snowbird Mountain Lodge (Graham), 24 Apr 2016; 350, Ridge Junction (Yancey), 14 Oct 2020; 325, Cashiers (Jackson), 27 Oct 1985. | Your best bet is to bird the spruce-fir forests, such as Roan Mountain, Mount Mitchell, or in the Devils Courthouse area, in summer. Getting good views of perched birds can be tricky, and most birds are seen and heard in flight. | ** | 2026-11-03 | |
| Loxia leucoptera White-winged Crossbill | The White-winged Crossbill is another "winter finch", but unlike the Red Crossbill, it is a very rare visitor that is often not seen but two or three times a decade in North Carolina. It breeds in the boreal forest zone of Canada and Alaska, sparingly to New England and other far northern states. In North Carolina, it is most likely to appear, not surprisingly, in the spruce-fir zone in the winter, locations that are often difficult to access because of snow, ice, and closed roads. Away from the higher mountains, it is essentially "casual", though a bird or two occasionally shows up at a feeder. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Accidental to casual, but only along and near the northern coast. There are only three reports. A tame female was seen at the north end of Pea Island by many participants in the Wings over Water Festival on 8 Nov 1997 (Chat 62:139). A small "invasion" perhaps occurred along the northern coast in late 2012, where as many as 7 birds were at Manteo from 21-24 Nov 2012* (Chat 77:38), (Chat 77:6-10); and 6 were noted in flight in Corolla, Currituck, on 22 Nov 2012 (Chat 77:38). Peak single-list counts: 7, see above. | Very rare winter visitor. There are about ten records: one in late Nov, two in Dec, six in Feb, and one in Apr. A few of the records are from feeders. Few records in recent years, the most recent being one at a feeder in northern Wake on 28-29 Nov 2020. Peak single-list counts: 18, Greensboro, 28 Dec 1963 (Chat 28:1); 12, seen and heard in flight on the Durham CBC, 16 Dec 2012; 3 collected in Raleigh on 23 Feb 1907 (T.G. Pearson et al., The Birds of North Carolina [1942]). | Scarce winter visitor. Very rare at high elevations (over about 4,500 feet), and casual at lower elevations. There are about seven records: three in Dec, two in Feb, and one each in Mar and May. Peak single-list counts: a remarkable 250, Roan Mountain (Mitchell), 1 Feb 1970 (Chat 34:3); 66, same site, 20 Feb 1966; 20, same site, 29 Dec 1989 (Chat 55:19); 14, Grandfather Mountain (Avery), 8-29 Dec 2001 (Chat 66:104). | If one visits Roan Mountain or Mount Mitchell SP, during a "winter invasion year" (in the East), in the winter, there is a slight chance of success. | * | 2026-11-03 | ||
| Loxia curvirostra Red Crossbill | The Red Crossbill is another of the erratic "winter finches" in the East. Unlike with most of these winter finches, it does nest in North Carolina (in the higher mountains), though the bulk of the breeding population occurs in the coniferous forests of southern Canada and the northern and western United States. In the winter, Red Crossbills typically remain only in the state's mountains, but every handful of years there is a moderate influx of birds to the remainder of the state. Sadly, such influxes have waned in recent decades; in the 1970's, the species was not unusual even near the coast, but in the past two decades, the species has been hard to find downstate in winter, though there was a notable incursion in winter 2020-21, and a lesser one in 2022-23. Birds are almost always found in conifers, feeding on seeds; thus, pine stands are the usual habitats in winter, but in summer in the mountains, the birds are mainly found in spruce-fir stands, and less so at stands of White Pines (and other pine species) and (formerly) stands of hemlocks. Several recent studies have identified about 12 different song/call types within the species (as of 2023), and a few papers have suggested that some or all of these could represent full species. At least two song types apparently occur in North Carolina. The breeding population in the Southern Appalachians appear to be Song Type 1; this form is supposedly mainly non-migratory and thus remains in the NC mountains year-round. Those that occur in winter in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain are (based on current thinking in 2023) mainly Song Type 12, but there have been experts indicating that Song Types 2 and 3 have also been found. All of these judgments are based on audio recordings of songs and calls. As expected, many birders feel that all of this is very subjective, and even though one Song Type has been elevated to full species -- Cassia Crossbill in Idaho (mainly) -- it appears unlikely that any other types, at least in the East, will be split into newly named species any time soon, owing to very subtle vocal and physical character distinctions and to the continuing uncertainty of the number and distributions of the song types. | Breeder | Definitive | SC | S3B,S3N | G5 | Winter visitor, and apparently accidental breeder; declining. Currently, very rare to rare across the entire region, erratic from winter to winter; no records at all in several recent winters. More likely in the western and northern portions, and very scarce near the southeastern coast. Mainly Nov to Feb. Three juveniles and two adults were seen at Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve (Moore) on 15 May 1976, likely representing a local nesting. Peak single-list counts: 25, Kitty Hawk Woods Coastal Reserve (Dare), in late Dec 2020; 14, Bodie Island (Dare), 30 Dec 1969. | Winter visitor, and accidental breeder; declining. Currently, rare and erratic in winter; formerly rare to uncommon (in the 1970's); practically no records in some recent winters. Odd was the occurrence of a tight group of 11-12 birds at McDowell Prairie Preserve (Mecklenburg) from 7 Dec 2024 - 12 Jan 2025 -- the only report for the entire province that winter! Apparently nested at Raleigh, where three birds, including one that was about 5 weeks old, were collected at Lake Johnson on 6 May 1967. Close to the Blue Ridge Escarpment, 13 seen at Green River Game Land (Polk) on 28 Apr 2024 suggests local nesting there. Peak single-list counts: 60, William B. Umstead SP (Wake), 22 Nov 1969. | Summer resident at higher elevations, and winter visitor to all of the region. In summer, rare to locally uncommon at higher elevations, mainly at spruce-fir forests, generally above 4,500 feet; very rare to rare and erratic in summer down to about 3,000 feet. Summer reports do occur below 3,000 feet, but documentation of nesting is needed to prove nesting at such low elevations, if it occurs at all. Breeding populations seem to be stable. At other seasons, rare and erratic at lower and middle elevations, with numbers declining in recent years. Of considerable interest was a pair seen copulating and nest-building at Carver's Gap (Mitchell) on 12 Feb 2022, seeming very early in the year for such an activity. Peak single-list counts: 100, Black Balsam, along the Blue Ridge Parkway (Haywood), 6 Jun 2004; 80, Great Smoky Mountains NP (Swain), 8 Jun 2025; 75, Carvers Gap (Mitchell), 31 Jun 2024. | Though the species is erratic in summer, it has been somewhat regular in recent years at Mount Mitchell SP and along the Blue Ridge Parkway within a few miles of the entrance road to the park. The parkway in the vicinity of Devils Courthouse, and as far northwest as Richland Balsam, can also be fairly good. Even so, it is easily missed in a day or two of birding in the spruce-fir zone, and even then often all one gets is a view of birds flying overhead giving the "jip-jip" call notes. Seeing birds perched may require much patience! | ** | 2026-11-03 | |
| Haemorhous purpureus Purple Finch | The Purple Finch is one of the several "winter finches" that birders eagerly wait in anticipation to arrive in fall. However, this boreal forest species has declined in the past few decades, and wintering numbers in the East and Southeast have been noticeably smaller. In the 1960's and 1970's, moderate to large numbers appeared in most winters, but in the past decade or two, it has often been scarce, though every few winters it appears as a fairly common or common species. Purple Finches nest in southern Canada and the northern United States, as far south in the Appalachians to Virginia; however, there is as yet no evidence that the species nests in North Carolina. Thankfully, in winter it can appear all across the state, favoring moist hardwood or mixed forests with suitable seeds (Sweetgum, Tuliptree, etc.) high in trees. But, they also frequently appear at bird feeders, consuming sunflower seeds.
NOTE: The species was moved from the genus Carpodacus to the genus Haemorhous in 2012. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S3N | G5 | Winter resident; declining. Generally uncommon and irruptive across the region; can be somewhat rare in a given winter season, and uncommon to fairly common in the next; seldom common in recent decades. Mainly mid-Oct to mid-Apr. The earliest arrival date is 10 Sep and latest departure date is 1 Jun. Peak single-list counts: 115, Jackey's Creek Estates yard (Brunswick), 5 Mar 2021; 90, same site, 7 Feb 2021. There are certainly higher one-day counts on CBCs. | Winter resident; declining. Formerly fairly common, on average -- uncommon in some winters and often common in others, but in recent decades mainly uncommon (to fairly common) and irruptive; typically most numerous in Mar. Mainly mid- or late Oct to mid-Apr. The earliest arrival date is 4 Sep and the latest departure date is 27 May. However, Pearson et al. (1959) report the species noted at Raleigh on the extremely early date of 7 Aug. Peak single-list counts: 156, Riverbend Park (Catawba), 31 Oct 2020; 137, private yard (Orange), 5 Feb 2026; 100, Riverbend Park, 16 Dec 2007. There are certainly higher one-day counts on CBCs. | Winter resident, but declining; possible summer resident (at least formerly). Generally uncommon and irruptive; formerly fairly common to occasionally common. No summer records of potentially breeding birds have been published in The Chat, though Simpson (1992) says "rare and erratic in summer on Roan Mountain, Grandfather Mountain, and at Pecks Corner in GSMNP [Great Smoky Mountains NP]". In addition, "An Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Tennessee" (Robinson 1990) gives three summer season records for Roan Mountain (which straddles the state line) -- 1-15 Jul 1962, 12 May - 7 Jul 1963, and 16-19 Jun 1977. Mainly mid-Oct to mid-Apr. The earliest arrival date is 8 Sep and the latest departure date is 17 Jun (Chat 69:171). Peak single-list counts: an amazing 800 migrating through Black Balsam Gap (Haywood) on 31 Oct 1983 (Chat 48:63). | This species can be difficult to find in some winters, and late winter (Feb or Mar) is usually best. The "tic" call note is usually the best way to find them, often feeding high in trees such as Sweetgum or Tuliptree, along a bottomland. However, they often can be seen at feeders. | ** | 2026-11-02 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Haemorhous mexicanus House Finch | The House Finch, an abundant native species to the western half of the continent, was introduced in New York in 1940. It has rapidly spread southward and westward, and by the late 1960's it first appeared in North Carolina. By a decade later, it was occurring all over the state. Numbers seem to have now stabilized, and it has been a resident over all of the state for the past few decades. At all seasons it favors sites near man -- cities, semi-wooded residential areas, towns, and farms. Birds nest in shrubs and other low vegetation, and feed on the ground or in low vegetation, typically in open or semi-open country. House Finches congregate into flocks in fall and winter, though it is not clear if these flocks represent local birds or whether there is some southward movement of birds from north of the state. Mixed flocks of House Finches in winter often include various sparrows, American Goldfinches, and other species.
NOTE: The genus name was changed from Carpodacus to Haemorhous in 2012. | Breeder; Introduced | Definitive | SE | G5 | Permanent resident; possibly still increasing. Migratory movements uncertain. Common over nearly all of the region, including on barrier islands where settled by man; probably least numerous on barrier islands where there are no human settlements. First record was at Morehead City in 1972. Peak single-list counts: ? | Permanent resident; population seems to have stabilized in recent decades. Common to abundant over the region, most numerous in cities and large towns. First records, at several towns, in 1966. Peak single-list counts: 903, Belews Lake--Carolina Marina (Rockingham), 16 Aug 2019; all remaining top 10 eBird high counts in NC are also from this site. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts or CBCs, with many lists combined. | Permanent resident; populations probably stabilized in recent decades. Fairly common to locally common in cities at lower elevations (below 2,500 feet), but at best uncommon to fairly common at low elevations away from such large towns and cities, as well as in middle elevation towns (to 4,000 feet), and scarce or absent at high elevations. First record apparently at Swannanoa (Buncombe) in Oct 1975. Peak single-list counts: ? | None needed. | **** | 2026-11-02 | ||
| Coccothraustes vespertinus Evening Grosbeak | Perhaps the epitome of "winter finches" is the Evening Grosbeak, and each fall or early winter, birders in the East wait in anticipation for this highly erratic bird to appear. In the latter part of the 1960's and the 1970's, the species made near-regular appearances every other winter, in good numbers, and even in off years, a few were reported. However, the species has undergone a major population decline in recent decades, and there have been relatively few North Carolina reports in the past two decades. As of mid-2026, eight of the top 10 high state counts came prior to 2000. Many "new" birders have yet to see the species in the state, and it has often been missed by birders conducting Big Years in the state. Fortunately, the winter of 2012-13 produced a mild invasion into the East, with scattered reports again being made in the state. Not until the winter of 2020-21 did the species again invade the state in some numbers; there was a much smaller push in the winter of 2022-23, and a complete lack of reports in the winters of 2023-24 and again in 2024-25, and an almost lack of records (just two) in 2025-26. The species nests across the boreal forest zone of southern Canada and the northern and western parts of the United States. When found in North Carolina, they usually are first noted as single birds or small groups well overhead, giving loud "teer" calls. For the first part of the winter, birds tend to remain in forested areas, both conifer and hardwood, away from towns and residential areas, but by midwinter they start to appear at feeders (at least formerly). | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Erratic winter visitor; strongly declining. Currently, rare to uncommon in "good" winters; rarely even fairly common. Absent to very rare in most recent winters, thus quite a surprise was two photographed on the Outer Banks at Waves (Dare) on 4 Nov 2022. Formerly, was fairly common to at times common in invasion winters, though rare to absent in others. Typically more numerous in the northern portions than in the southern. Mainly early Nov to late Apr; however, a number of May records, and the latest is 1 Jun. A few records as early as Sep. Peak single-list counts: 150, Occoneechee Neck (Northampton), 1 Jan 1978; 100, Orton Pond (Brunswick), 4 Dec 1980. | Erratic winter visitor; strongly declining. Currently, uncommon in invasive winters; rarely fairly common. Can be absent or very rare in many winters now. Formerly, fairly common to common during invasion winters. Mainly early or mid-Nov to late Apr, though numerous May records, and one outlandish report of a male at Chapel Hill on 26 Jul 1978. Peak single-list counts: 600, Pee Dee NWR, 9 Jan 1980; 100, Roanoke Rapids Lake (Northampton,/i>), 11 Feb 1996; 87, private yard (Orange), 27 Apr 2021. | Erratic winter visitor; strongly declining. Currently, uncommon in invasive winters; rarely fairly common. Absent to very rare in many winters now. Formerly, fairly common to at times common during invasion winters. Mainly mid-Nov to mid-Apr. Out of season were two at Beech Mountain on 11 Aug 1979. Peak single-list counts: 200, Roan Mountain, 5 Dec 1993; 100, Tanasee Gap Road (Transylvania), 28 Feb 1996; 100, Snowbird Mountain Lodge (Graham), 17 Apr 1996. | The species is seldom seen in the state in recent years, though there were enough birds at feeders during the winter 2020-21 that everyone who has wanted to see the species has been given that opportunity, even if having to travel for several hours to see the staked-out birds. It is very important to learn the call note, as first detection is normally of a bird or birds calling high overhead. | * | 2026-11-02 | ||
| Anthus rubescens American Pipit | The American Pipit, named the Water Pipit until a few decades ago, nests in the coldest and most barren parts of North America -- Alaska, far northern Canada into the Maritimes, and in alpine tundra areas of the Rockies and Sierras. It migrates from coast to coast to winter in the southern third of the country. In North Carolina, it migrates across the state, but in winter it occurs over the Coastal Plain and much of the Piedmont. Only the Horned Lark, among songbirds, occurs in as barren habitats as does the pipit; plowed fields are favored by pipits, but they also occur on fresh to slightly brackish mudflats, extensive lawns (and sod farms), and a few other very short grass habitats. They almost always occur in flocks in the state, at times numbering over 100 birds; they are usually first noted by their calls while in the air overhead. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S4N | G5 | Winter resident. Along the coast (at least the immediate mainland), mostly fairly common, though can be uncommon on barrier islands; common (at least numerically, but in flocks) in the Tidewater zone and in much of the inland areas, though mainly fairly common toward the Piedmont. Can be very common at times in migration. Mainly mid-Oct to early or mid-Apr; one at Oregon Inlet (Dare) on 7-9 Jun 2013 was exceptionally late. Peak single-list counts: 600, Woodley Station area (Tyrrell), 21 Feb 2025; 550, North Topsail Island (Onslow), 25 Jan 2000; 500, Daws Creek Road (Brunswick), 31 Jan 2014. A report in The Chat of 2,700 in a dusk flight along the Outer Banks on 25 Aug 1965 is obviously incorrect, or else a typographical error. The species does not arrive in the state until about late Sep, and thousands would not be seen in Aug, at any rate. | Winter resident and transient. Fairly common to common across most of the region, in spring and fall migration. Less numerous in winter; fairly common in the eastern and southern portions; generally uncommon elsewhere, being less numerous toward the mountains. Mainly mid-Oct to mid-Apr, and not unusual into early May. One at Jordan Lake (Chatham) on 17 Aug 2017 was a very early date. Peak single-list counts: 1,200, Brent Haigler Road (Union), 24 Jan 2026; 1,000, Union, 18 Mar 2017; 780, Falls Lake (Durham), 4 Nov 2007. | Transient, and very sparse winter visitor/resident. Generally uncommon (to occasionally fairly common) across the region as a migrant in spring and fall, occurring as high as mountain balds at high elevations. In winter, rare to very uncommon in early winter at lower elevations, but very rare to rare nearly everywhere by midwinter; few survive the winter. Very late were two at Hooper Lane (Henderson) on 27 May 2026. Mainly mid-Oct into Nov, and again Mar to late Apr. Peak single-list counts: 400, Henderson, 14 Mar 2001. | You should be able to find pipits in large plowed fields in the Coastal Plain in winter, more likely toward Lake Mattamuskeet and Lake Phelps. | *** | 2026-11-02 | ||
| Passer domesticus House Sparrow | The House Sparrow, introduced from Europe into New York City around 1850, spread quickly across the North American continent, such that it has been established in all states and much of Canada and Latin America since the early parts of the 20th Century. In North Carolina, it is common to very common in urban and farm areas, being scarce only at higher elevations, in deep forested areas, and on some barrier islands. The fairly recent (1960's through 1980's) spread of the House Finch across the East, also from an introduction, seems to have slightly impacted the House Sparrow, though both species are still overly numerous near man. Nonetheless, there seems to be a slight decline in numbers of House Sparrows statewide in recent years, which is good news for any non-native plant or animal species; one must often look for them around fast-food establishments and other places in cities and towns where food is served and is disposed of outdoors. | Breeder; Introduced | Definitive | SE | G5 | Permanent resident; seemingly non-migratory. Common to locally very common across the region, though scarce on some barrier islands and away from cities and towns. Peak single-list counts: 350, Mount Olive area (Duplin), 25 Jul 2024; 200, Duck Park Boardwalk (Dare), 1 Jan 2022; 200, South Topsail Beach (Pender), 29 Oct 2023. Oddly, despite its local abundance in the Piedmont and less so in the Mountains, as of mid-2026 all ten of the state's highest counts have been in the Coastal Plain. | Permanent resident; seemingly non-migratory. Common to locally very common across the region, being most numerous in cities and towns. According to T.G. Pearson's Birds of North Carolina (rev. ed. 1959), the first known appearance in the state was at Raleigh about 1879. Peak single-list counts: ? | Permanent resident; seemingly non-migratory. Fairly common to common across the region, though not numerous above about 4,000 feet, and very rare above 4,500 feet. Most common in towns and cities. According to T.G. Pearson's Birds of North Carolina (rev. ed. 1959), it was first seen in the mountains at Blowing Rock (Watauga) in 1907. Peak single-list counts: ? | None needed. | **** | 2026-11-02 | ||
| Bombycilla cedrorum Cedar Waxwing | The Cedar Waxwing is a very unconventional bird. Its movements for much of the year are somewhat unpredictable, depending on where considerable volumes of berries are present. Even in the breeding season, they can seemingly nest about anywhere in North Carolina, though most of the birds in the state nest in the mountains. Much larger numbers are present in winter than in summer, and flocks often number 50 or more birds. In the breeding season, they tend to nest in open woods and borders, or scattered trees, even in yards; White Pines are favored nesting trees. They do not feed on berries in summer, but at other seasons they roam the countryside -- usually in open woods, yards, and other sites where hollies, Red Cedars, and other berry-bearing trees (less so shrubs) are found. | Breeder | Definitive | S4B,S5N | G5 | Winter resident, and sparse and very erratic breeder. Generally common over the entire region, but as it occurs in flocks, numbers can be a bit unpredictable. Rare in summer, probably mainly as a visitor, over much of the region (even along the coast), with a few confirmed nestings, even in coastal counties. Such nestings are one-time-only occurrences and should not be construed to indicate the sites lie within the consistent breeding range. Mainly mid-Sep to mid-May, and scattered into early Jun; many records from Jul-Sep. Peak single-list counts: 3,000, Pea Island NWR, 16 Feb 2003; 1,500, Fort Fisher (New Hanover), 26 Jan 2014; 1,000, several other locations and dates. | Winter resident, and sparse summer resident (breeder). In migration and winter, generally common, but in flocks. Uncommon into early summer (Jun), but rare in Jul and Aug; breeding is rare and erratic (seldom in the same site from year to year). Most impressive was a count of 33 birds in Tanglewood Park (Forsyth) on 20 Jun 1985; this represented eight nesting sites and 17 juveniles. Mainly late Sep to mid-May, and not rare to late Jun. Peak single-list counts: 1,500, Franklin Center (Durham), 13 Mar 2023; 1,030, Wilson-Mitchell Courtyard (Orange), 14 Feb 2020; 1,000, several other locations and dates. | Permanent resident, with considerable migratory movements. As a breeder in summer, generally fairly common across the entire elevation range, even into the spruce-fir zone; probably less common at the lowest elevations (below about 2,000 feet). In winter, quite erratic from week to week; generally uncommon to fairly common over much of the region. Peak single-list counts: Mouth of Mud Creek (Henderson), 7 Nov 2024; 1,000, Asheville yard, 1 Mar 2022. | Though often common in winter downstate, it could be missed in a day of birding because it occurs in flocks. However, they would be hard to miss over a several-day period. | *** | 2026-11-02 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Turdus migratorius American Robin | The American Robin has been a true success story over the past 50 years. Historically, it was apparently associated with northern coniferous forests, but it has adapted to man's presence about as well as any native bird. Hardly any yard with a sizable lawn seems to lack a pair of them nesting nowadays, especially in the Piedmont and mountains. And, they have greatly spread eastward, to the coast, as breeders in the past two decades. They still occur in the spruce-fir zone in the state, but that is a secondary habitat now. As common as the species is in summer, its numbers are augmented greatly in winter, though robins gather into large flocks at that season, and thus can be locally scarce. Breeding habitats are mainly (now) around lawns, such as in yards or around farmyards; it does not nest in most forested areas, though they can be seen foraging there at times, especially after the young are raised. In migration, robins are often abundant across the state; in winter, robins are quite abundant near the coast, and less so farther inland. In late fall and in winter, robins occur wherever there is an abundance of berries, especially in pocosins, moist forests, and in swamps; thousands can be seen in a few hours. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S5N | G5 | Permanent resident, with migratory movements. In summer, common to very common in the western third of the province, common in the central portions, and fairly common (and increasing) in the eastern portions. Very rare as a breeder on Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. In migration and winter, abundant (though in flocks) in the coastal and Tidewater areas; common to locally abundant elsewhere, though not abundant in the Sandhills. Peak single-list counts: 50,000, Alligator River NWR, 30 Dec 2021; 20,000, same site, 10 Dec 2024; 17,000, same site, 30 Dec 2013. | Permanent resident, with migratory movements. In summer, very common across the region. Very common to abundant in migration. In winter, common to locally very common in the eastern and southern portions, fairly common to often common in the central portions, and fairly common in the western parts. Quite erratic in winter, and can be uncommon for a few weeks at a time, in severe weather. Peak counts: 500,000 on the Chapel Hill CBC on 1 Jan 1962. Peak single-list counts: 30,000, Jordan Lake (Chatham), 18 Dec 2022; 7,600, Charlotte Rail Trail (Mecklenburg), 4 Feb 2026. | Permanent resident, with migratory movements. In summer, very common at nearly all elevations; nests to the tops of the highest mountains. In winter, generally uncommon in the lower and middle elevations, and rare over perhaps 4,500 feet. Peak single-list counts: 50,000, Cullowhee (Jackson), 16 Dec 2013; 9,800, private yard (Henderson), 25 Jan 2025, with 8,000 there on 27 Jan. | None needed. | **** | 2026-11-02 | ||
| Hylocichla mustelina Wood Thrush | The Wood Thrush is one of the characteristic breeding birds of the Eastern deciduous forest. Its range does not extend from coast to coast like its near relatives, the Catharus thrushes, nor is it found in coniferous woods. It nests in all 100 counties in the state; sadly, however, it has been on a moderate decline across its range in the past one or two decades. Formerly considered "common" across the state, and one of the several most numerous breeders in hardwood forests, including wooded residential areas, it is now best called only "fairly common at best". It has disappeared from many wooded neighborhoods where present only five to ten years ago. Reasons for the decline have been suggested to be cowbird parasitism, loss of small snails (food) due to acid deposition, loss of wintering habitat, and maybe other factors. Loss of breeding habitat cannot be blamed, as other formerly common associates of hardwood forests -- Red-eyed Vireo, Acadian Flycatcher, and Ovenbird, among a few other highly migratory species -- are still common. Breeding habitat in the state must contain a moderate scatter of saplings or small trees, shrubs, and a rich herb layer; the canopy is typically hardwoods, but it can also be a mix of pines and hardwoods and occasionally just pines and other conifers (such as a mature pine stand but with moderate understory growth of hardwood trees). It favors moist sites to dry ones, and it can even nest in residential areas as long as there are woodlots nearby. There are a handful of winter reports, some by experienced observers, though some reports are open to question, as the species is typically gone from the state by mid-October. | Breeder | Definitive | S4B | G4 | Summer resident, strongly declining. Formerly (prior to perhaps 2000) common across most of the province, but absent on many or most coastal islands, and not common close to the coast, such as on the Pamlimarle Peninsula. Now uncommon to fairly common across that same range, and uncommon toward the coast. Mainly mid-Apr to early Oct. Two winter reports: 1, Wilmington, 30 Dec 1995; 1, Buxton Woods (Dare), photographed on 1-2 Feb 2026. Peak single-list counts: 26, Vanceboro area (Craven), 9 May 2018. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident, strongly declining. Formerly common, to even very common in some areas; now only uncommon to fairly common, across the province. Mainly mid-Apr to early Oct. Four winter reports, from 9-30 Dec, in Halifax, Durham, Guilford, and Surry. Peak single-list counts: 40, Private site (Chatham), 1 Oct 2024; 25, Worlds Edge Road (Polk), 11 Sep 2019. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident, declining. Formerly common up to about 4,500 feet, and scarce to 5,000 feet; now only fairly common at best to 4,500 feet, and quite rare to 5,000 feet. One was photographed on 7 Nov 2024 near Brevard (Transylvania) for a quite late date. Mainly mid-Apr to early Oct. Peak single-list counts: 50, Ridge Junction (Buncombe), 21 Sep 2003; 49, New River SP -- New River Access (Ashe), 1 Oct 2021; 39, Blue Ridge Parkway (Watauga), 18 May 2015. | Before 2000, this was a "gimme", but now it can be missed in a morning of birding even in prime habitat. Even so, a half-day spent in most state parks in the Piedmont, for example, should turn up one to several birds. | *** | 2026-11-02 | ||
| Catharus guttatus Hermit Thrush | The Hermit Thrush is the only Catharus thrush that winters in the United States, even though several other species in that genus are reported (likely incorrectly) in the state in winter every few years. However, like others in the genus it breeds across most of the boreal forest zone of Canada and south through the Rockies and much of the Appalachians. In North Carolina, it was first noted in summer in the late 1970's, and now it occurs in summer in nearly all of the spruce-fir zones, though total numbers are still small. Why such a species would be clearly moving south, in the face of "global warming", is unclear. It winters over all of the state, and numbers seem to be slightly increasing, probably owing to warmer winters in the past few decades. At this season, it requires some or much evergreen cover in forests, most often broadleaf evergreens, such as American Holly, Redbay, Wild Olive, gallberries, and even Chinese Privet -- these species also have berries that are ripe in winter and thus not only provide cover but food, as well. | Breeder | Definitive | SR | S3B,S5N | G5 | Winter resident. Formerly fairly common, but now common over the eastern half of the region, and fairly common in the western portions. Mainly mid-Oct to late Apr, rarely into early May. Peak single-list counts: 42, Funston Road (Brunswick), 3 Jan 2009; 35, Gull Rock Game Land (Hyde), 29 Dec 1995; 35, Southport (Brunswick), 4 Jan 2009. There are certainly higher one-day counts on CBCs. | Winter resident. Fairly common over the southeastern half or two-thirds of the province, but uncommon in the northwestern and foothills portions. An increase in numbers in the past few decades, though not quite common anywhere in the region. Mainly mid-Oct to very late Apr. Peak single-list counts: 28, Mason Farm Biological Reserve (Orange), 21 Dec 2003. There are certainly higher one-day counts on CBCs. | Summer resident at high elevations, and winter resident throughout. In summer, uncommon to locally fairly common and increasing in the spruce-fir zone down to about 5,000 feet; occurs as far southwest as Great Smoky Mountains NP. However, one singing on Hooper Bald (Graham) on 13 Jun 2020 is west of the known breeding range. Now beginning to nest in mixed hardwood-spruce stands and rarely even in pure hardwoods, down to at least 4,400 feet. Suspected breeding in the state was finally confirmed by location of an active nest at Bald Knob (Yancey) in Jul 2011 (Chat 75:137-146); several additional nesting records have been obtained in recent years. Otherwise, uncommon winter resident in the lower and middle elevations, becoming somewhat scarce by late winter. Mainly mid-Oct to late Apr or early May. Peak counts: 68 singing birds in late May 2016 on the Black Mountains Spring Bird Count. Peak single-list counts: 30 along Wilson Boundary Road (Yancey), 2 Jun 2017. | This species is reasonably easy to find in winter in forests near the coast that have much broadleaf evergreen cover. Places such as Alligator River NWR and Mattamuskeet NWR are good. In summer, a few should be heard in Mount Mitchell SP, Roan Mountain close to the Appalachian Trail, Grandfather Mountain, and Clingman's Dome. Most stands of spruce-fir now have the species as a breeder. | *** to **** | 2026-11-02 | |
| Catharus ustulatus Swainson's Thrush | The Swainson's Thrush is another thrush that nests across the boreal forest zone of Canada, south into the Rockies and part-way down the Appalachian chain. Interestingly, despite "global warming", the range in the Appalachians has slowly been moving southward, such that a few singing males (and hopefully females) are now present in several spruce-fir forests in North Carolina. However, despite the likelihood that it currently nests, no conclusive evidence has yet been found. Interestingly, the Hermit Thrush also occupies essentially all of the spruce-fir stands where the Swainson's occurs, and the Veery occurs with them or at least occurs just below them in elevation. How these similar thrushes partition the micro-habitats within the spruce-fir zone is an unanswered question. Across the rest of the state, this is an uncommon to at times fairly common migrant (slightly more numerous than Veery, and definitely more numerous than Gray-cheeked and Bicknell's). Like them, it occurs mainly in mature hardwood forests, with a moderately dense understory and shrub zone. There are a number of winter reports, but only one seems to be corroborated by photographs (but no specimens); few if any have been studied by experienced birders, and reports between early Dec and 15 Apr are likely not valid. | Breeder | Definitive | SR | S1B | G5 | Transient. In spring, uncommon in the western portion, but rare in the central and eastern portions. In fall, generally uncommon throughout. Mainly early to mid-May and mid-Sep to mid-Oct. One was quite late at Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area (Carteret) on 24 Nov 2018, as was another photographed at Airlie Gardens (New Hanover) from 22-26 Nov 2024. Perhaps the only "winter" record seems to be one at Airlie Gardens on 6 Dec 2020. Peak single-list counts: ? | Transient. Uncommon to fairly common across the region, both in spring and fall; probably more numerous in fall, but as it does not sing in fall, it is easily overlooked. Mainly late Apr to late May, and mid-Sep to mid-Oct. One photographed at Cowans Ford refuge (Mecklenburg) on 25 Nov 2019 was extremely late, but a first in winter was one noted in Durham from 3-18 Dec 2020. Peak single-list counts: ? | Very rare summer resident, but declining since about 2020, and very few are now present in the breeding season. Almost certainly is breeding (both pre-1900 and after a lapse of over 100 years, post-2000) at a few sites; transient throughout. A few birds occur(red) in the breeding season in the Black Mountains (Mount Mitchell and along the adjacent Blue Ridge Parkway), Roan Mountain area, and Grandfather Mountain. A nest was reported on Craggy Mountain (Buncombe) on 20 May 1896. However, by 2024, the species seems to be nearly gone as a breeder, with just a single summer report. Uncommon to fairly common in both spring and fall, but more numerous in fall; can be common to occasionally very common after cold fronts in fall, at higher elevations. Mainly early to late May, and mid-Sep to mid-Oct. Two winter records, with photographs -- Beaver Lake (Buncombe) from 2-6 Jan 2019* (Chat 83:63), and one literally on the Blue Ridge Parkway (Buncombe) on 13 Dec 2025. Peak counts: in the breeding season, up to 6 singing males in the Black Mountains (Yancey) from 1 Jun - 17 Jul 2013. Peak single-list counts: 2,500, Ridge Junction (Yancey), 6 Sep 2018; 1,000, same site, 13 Sep 2016; 400, Balsam Gap (Buncombe), 16 Sep 2019. All of the ten highest state counts have been in fall along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the same general area. | Finding the species in migration is always "chancey", so you need to bird at parks or refuges in the first half of May, or from late Sep to mid-Oct. They are more vocal in spring, when males sing in migration. You might want to try stopping at overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Jun, in the vicinity of the road to Mount Mitchell SP. Birding along the Parkway in late Sep the day after a cold front can often produce a dozen or more birds. | ** to *** | 2026-11-02 | |
| Catharus minimus Gray-cheeked Thrush | The Gray-cheeked Thrush was already a difficult species to identify -- separating it from Swainson's and Hermit thrushes and Veeries -- when the American Ornithologists' Union decided to make a controversial split of the Bicknell's Thrush from the Gray-cheeked in 1995. Thus, the south-easternmost population of the former Gray-cheeked Thrush "is no more", and reliably separating these two species often involves mist-netting. Gray-cheekeds nest across the northernmost conifer zone of Canada, preferring stunted trees scattered with muskegs/bogs. They do migrate through North Carolina in both spring and fall, generally avoiding most of the Coastal Plain; however, it has always been uncommon at best in the state. True numbers are best recorded through mist-netting or nocturnal flight calls. How many "Gray-cheekeds" reported now are actually Bicknell's is open to question, though the latter is believed to be quite scarce and limited mainly to the Coastal Plain (in migration). Gray-cheekeds (as well as other thrushes) are usually seen in migration in hardwood forests, preferably somewhat moist, with a moderate understory and shrub layer. Like with the Swainson's Thrush, Wood Thrush, and Veery, winter reports have been made in the state, nearly all by inexperienced persons, with little or no documentation. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient. Occurs over most of the province in spring and fall, but scarce. In spring, generally rare to uncommon in the western portions, and very rare to rare farther eastward. In fall, less often recorded (more secretive and ought to be at least as numerous as in spring), but likely rare to very uncommon across the region. Mainly early to late May, and mid-Sep to mid-Oct. Peak single-list counts: 16, private yard (Hyde), 12 Oct 2023; 8, Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center (Johnston), 3 Oct 2006.
NOTE: As the recently-split Bicknell's Thrush is now known to be essentially found only in the state's Coastal Plain, the above summary relates to the "Gray-cheeked Thrush" complex (Gray-cheeked plus Bicknell's). It would be impossible to go back and review all of these records to determine which were actually Bicknell's and which were Gray-cheeked (current/strict sense). | Transient. Occurs across the region in both spring and fall; mostly uncommon and easily overlooked. Many more published records in spring than in fall, but in reality, such is not the true abundance (and not nearly rare enough to have all reports published). Mainly early to late May, and late Sep to mid-Oct. Peak single-list counts: ? | Transient. Rare to uncommon in both spring and fall, at least at low to middle elevations, and probably also at high elevations in fall. Mainly early to late May, and mid-Sep to mid-Oct. Peak single-list counts: 32, Snowbird Mountain Lodge (Graham), 24 Sep 2019; 25, Ridge Junction (Buncombe), 21 Sep 2003; 12, private yard (Buncombe), 29 Sep 2018; 12, private yard (Henderson), 29 Sep 2024. | Birders afield several times a week in spring and fall in the Piedmont or low mountains often find one to several in a year; as with most true songbird migrants, they can drop down at night just about anywhere. The best places to look are in fairly rich to mesic, mature hardwood forests, such as in some state parks in the Piedmont. | ** | 2026-11-02 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Catharus fuscescens Veery | The Veery is one of five very similar-looking "small" thrushes, in the genus Catharus. It is named after its song, which contains several "veer" sounds; however, maybe it should be named Veery Thrush, to be "in line" with the other thrush names. It breeds in the northern coniferous zone from the Canadian Maritimes to British Columbia, as well as down the spine of the Appalachians to northern Georgia. Thus, as a breeder in North Carolina, it is restricted to middle and high elevations, though it does pass through nearly all of the state in migration. Unlike a few other Catharus thrushes, its breeding range and abundance in the mountains has remained reasonably constant over the past few decades. Its habitats are cool forests -- spruce-fir stands, mixed spruce and hardwoods, northern hardwoods, and some cove forests; conifers are not a requisite in a territory. These sites are usually moist and have a dense herb layer. In migration, birds are most often found in hardwood forests, but are easily overlooked and relatively quiet, especially in fall. | Breeder | Definitive | S4B | G5 | Transient. Generally uncommon and easily overlooked, over the western two-thirds of the region; less common near the coast, more likely in fall. Mainly early to mid-May, and early Sep to early Oct. Peak single-list counts: ? | Transient. Generally uncommon in spring and fall, but can be fairly common in the western half, at least at times in both spring and fall. Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and late Aug to early Oct. Peak single-list counts: ? | Summer resident and transient. In summer, fairly common to common and widespread at middle and higher elevations, above 3,500 feet; uncommon and local down to about 3,000 feet. In migration, uncommon to fairly common. Mainly late Apr to mid- or late Sep. However, singing is delayed in this species, and birds on territory often do not start singing until around 10 May. Remarkable was the state's first winter report -- one photographed just north of Murphy (Cherokee) on 7 Dec 2021* (Chat 86:62); photos are on the Carolina Bird Club Photo Gallery, and this record has been accepted by the NC BRC (Chat 87:25). Peak single-list counts: 100, Ridge Junction (Yancey), 13 Sep 2016; 50, same site, 6 Sep 2018; 46, Balsam Gap (Buncombe), 28 May 2011. | The Veery should be easily found (at least heard singing) in most forests above about 4,000 feet, and the higher in elevation the mixed hardwood-conifer forest the better. | *** to **** | 2026-11-02 | ||
| Sialia sialis Eastern Bluebird | No bird species in North America has benefited more by direct citizen action than has the Eastern Bluebird. This species was in decline back in the 1950's and 1960's, though it was still considered "fairly common" across its range and in much of North Carolina; for example, the bird list for Wake County in 1969 (Chat 33:53-71) called the species "fairly common". However, citizens have erected many thousands of bird boxes designed specifically for bluebirds, and the species has readily adapted to them, such that relatively few of the birds now nest in natural cavities such as old woodpecker holes or knotholes. Over the past few decades, we have seen quite an increase in the species, and it is now certainly "common" if not "very common" over most of the state, such that a drive in the country through farmland can easily yield 10 or more birds in a morning. It is a permanent resident in the state, with the breeding population seemingly augmented slightly by migrants from farther north; sometimes flocks of 20-30 birds are seen in the winter. Habitat in both seasons is generally fairly open country, with scattered trees or groves, and fences and phone lines for perching. This "open country" can be farmlands, but also open residential areas, as long as the area is not a forest; often occurs in open Longleaf Pine stands. In winter, bluebirds gather into small flocks, up to 20 or more birds, and often troop around farmland (plowed fields and pastures) and even open pinewoods, often with Chipping Sparrows, Pine Warblers, and other songbirds. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S5N | G5 | Permanent resident, with some migratory movements; slightly increasing. Over most of the province, common to locally very common in summer, and common to often very common in winter. However, it is scarce near the northern coast (such as forested areas on the Pamlimarle Peninsula), and it generally avoids the barrier islands, even in migration (rarely seen on Hatteras or Ocracoke islands). Peak single-list counts: 137, Southern Pines area (Moore), 22 Dec 2013. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts or CBCs, with many lists combined. | Permanent resident, with some migratory movements; slightly increasing. Common to locally very common at all seasons, and somewhat more numerous in winter, when often very common. Peak single-list counts: 200, Guilford County Farm, 23 Dec 2023; 170, Muddy Creek Greenway (Forsyth), 26 Oct 2011; 150, Eno River SP (Orange), 14 Dec 2021; 150, several additional sites and dates. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts or CBCs, with many lists combined. | Permanent resident, with migratory movements; slightly increasing. Common over most of the region in summer, up to about 4,500 feet; scarce up to 5,500 feet. In winter, fairly common in the lower and middle elevations, and scarce to uncommon at higher elevations. (The species is less common in the mountains in winter than in summer, the reverse of the status downstate, at least in the eastern half of the state.) Peak single-list counts: ? | None needed. | **** | 2026-11-02 | ||
| Mimus polyglottos Northern Mockingbird | The Northern Mockingbird may well be the most conspicuous of our songbirds, at least in the breeding season. This species nests across the southern two-thirds of the United States, and is slowly moving northward, as they quickly adapt to open yards and towns. It is essentially a permanent resident in most areas, including North Carolina; there is an imperceptible migration, though flocks have been seen along the coast in fall. It also nests across the state but is not common in most of the mountains. Elsewhere, downstate, it can scarcely be missed in a morning of birding. Habitats tend to be open sites near man, such as farmyards, residential areas, towns, and cities; they also occur in some early successional habitats, like brushy fields and clearcuts. In winter, mockingbirds are well known for guarding bushes and trees covered in berries, such as hollies; they are very aggressive in attempting to drive away flocks of Cedar Waxwings and American Robins trying to "steal" their (the mockingbird's) winter stash. | Breeder | Definitive | S5 | G5 | Permanent resident, with only a poorly seen migration, noticeable mainly along the coast in fall. Common to very common, and conspicuous, across the entire region, even along the Outer Banks. Peak single-list counts: 100, Calvary Memorial Cemetery (New Hanover), 16 Sep 2011; 92, Montague Breeding Bird Survey (Pender), 1 Jun 2024; 78, Fort Fisher (New Hanover), 5 Oct 2011. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts or CBCs, with many lists combined. | Permanent resident; migration imperceptible. Common to very common across the region, except slightly less numerous in the foothill ranges. Peak single-list counts: 55, Silk Hope area (Chatham), 20 Jun 2010. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts or CBCs, with many lists combined. | Permanent resident; migration imperceptible. Fairly common to common below about 2,000 feet, such as in the southwestern-most counties. Fairly common up to about 3,000 feet; uncommon up to about 3,500 feet. One record from Carvers Gap at Roan Mountain (over 5,000 feet) on 22 Sep 2004. Peak single-list counts: ? | None needed. | **** | 2026-10-30 | ||
| Toxostoma rufum Brown Thrasher | The Brown Thrasher is the largest of the three breeding mimic-thrushes in the state, and its range in the state is somewhat intermediate between that of the Northern Mockingbird and Gray Catbird. The former occurs across the state in winter, whereas the Gray Catbird is found in winter essentially in the Coastal Plain. As with the other two, Brown Thrashers nest in all 100 counties, but it winters mainly in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont, though small numbers do occur in the lower mountains in winter. As with the other two, thrashers breed in residential areas and farmyards, favoring hedgerows and other dense cover; however, this species breeds in most extensive clearcuts and other overgrown fields with saplings and shrubs. In winter, they occur in the same types of habitats as in the breeding season, but they become quite secretive, skulking about inside and under dense and usually evergreen shrub and thicket cover, even inside some forests. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S5N | G5 | Permanent resident, with some migratory movements. Except in winter, common across most of the region, though only fairly common on barrier islands such as Hatteras and Ocracoke. In winter, fairly common over most of the province, being slightly more numerous near the coast. Peak single-list counts: 40, Greenfield Lake (New Hanover), 24 Sep 1990; 31, Montague Breeding Bird Survey (Pender), 1 Jun 2024; 27, New Bern area (Craven), 11 Jun 2021. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts or CBCs, with many lists combined. | Permanent resident, with migratory movements. Except in winter, generally common across the eastern and central portions, but fairly common in the foothills. In winter, fairly common along the eastern and southern portions, but uncommon (in midwinter) in the remainder of the region; can be scarce in some areas after severe weather events. Peak single-list counts: ? | Permanent resident, though scarce in winter. Fairly common to common in summer in the lower and middle elevations, up to about 4,000 feet; sparingly higher. In winter, rare to uncommon by midwinter in the lower elevations, and quite rare above about 2,500 feet. Peak single-list counts: ? | None needed (in summer). | **** | 2026-10-30 | ||
| Dumetella carolinensis Gray Catbird | The Gray Catbird breeds over nearly all of the United States and southern Canada. It is a familiar yard bird in North Carolina, though it is a bit particular. No other state songbird seems to like as dark and damp conditions; it is most active in early morning and again late in the day. It breeds across the entire state, but it retreats mostly southward in fall, such that wintering birds are essentially limited to the Coastal Plain. Favored breeding habitats are dark and moist -- high elevation thickets and wooded edges, dense shrubbery in yards, pocosins, and maritime shrub thickets. In much of the state in summer, it is scarce away from cities and towns! In winter, it requires dense evergreen thickets with an abundance of berries -- pocosins, privet thickets in moist forests, dense wooded edges, and maritime thickets. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S5N | G5 | Permanent resident, with migratory movements. Along the northern and central coast, and in the Tidewater zone, common in summer; fairly common farther south near the coast. Inland, generally fairly common, though mainly restricted to wooded residential areas; scarce away from towns. In winter, little change in the Tidewater and the coast (common); however, farther inland, fairly common in central areas, but uncommon in the western portions; may not overwinter in some areas close to the Fall Line. Peak single-list counts: 325, Fort Fisher (New Hanover), 3 Oct 2011; 300, Cape Lookout, 5 Oct 2014; 110, North River Farms (Carteret), 26 Sep 2021. | Summer resident, and scarce winter visitor (straggler). In summer, fairly common on the whole, but mainly restricted to wooded residential areas of cities and towns (where it can be common in some such places); scarce in rural country and thus not numerous in many counties. Can be common in migration. In winter, rare in Dec, and very rare in Jan and Feb, and essentially not overwintering; mainly in the eastern and southern portions of the province. Mainly mid-Apr to mid- or late Oct. Peak single-list counts: ? | Summer resident, very scarce into early winter. In summer, common to very common in middle to high elevations, and common in the lower elevations; more numerous in the Mountains than downstate in summer. Very rare to rare in low elevation valleys into early winter, but essentially does not overwinter. Mainly mid-Apr to mid-Oct. Peak single-list counts: 100, Jackson Park (Henderson), 23 Sep 2015; 75, same site, 9 Oct 1999. | None needed in the Mountains in summer, and near the coast for most of the year. | **** | 2026-10-30 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Sturnus vulgaris European Starling | This non-native species -- a native of the Old World -- was unfortunately introduced in New York City in 1890. Of course, the European Starling has spread across most of the continent and has been abundant in most areas, typically in cities, towns, and farmyards, for many decades. According to Pearson, Brimley, and Brimley's Birds of North Carolina (rev. ed. 1959), it was first seen in the state in Pender on 19 Dec 1919, and next seen at Manteo (Dare) and other places in 1922. This reference book states that they were first noted in the Piedmont at Raleigh on 19 Apr 1923. Because starlings nest in cavities, not constructed by themselves, they have had a negative impact on a handful of native bird species that nest in cavities, such as the Red-headed Woodpecker. Starlings join blackbirds in huge roosts in winter; at times in the state, these roosts may number over a million birds. Though numbers seem to have leveled off in the past few decades, they still remain too abundant for nearly all birders and non-birders alike. | Breeder; Introduced | Definitive | SE | G5 | Permanent resident. Abundant across the region, at all seasons. Gathers into huge roosts in winter. Peak single-list counts: 125,000, Barco (Currituck), 16 Nov 2025; 19,141, Goose Creek SP (Beaufort), 16 Dec 2012; 5,000, Eagles Island (Brunswick), 18 Oct 1991. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts or CBCs, with many lists combined. | Permanent resident. Abundant across the region at all seasons, except less numerous in the foothills. Peak single-list counts: 30,000, Iredell site, 16 Jan 2014; 10,000, Vale (Lincoln), 7 Oct 2021; 5,000, Winston-Salem landfill, 4 Jan 2013. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts or CBCs, with many lists combined. | Permanent resident. Very common to abundant at all seasons in the lower elevations, to about 3,000 feet; less common at higher elevations, and thankfully scarce above about 5,000 at all seasons. Peak single-list counts: 10,000, Cane River Park (Yancey), 13 Jan 2022; 5,000, Buncombe County landfill, 1 Dec 2017. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts or CBCs, with many lists combined. | None needed. | **** | 2026-10-30 | ||
| Thryothorus ludovicianus Carolina Wren | The Carolina Wren, the state bird of South Carolina, is one of the better known birds in North Carolina, as it is one of the few that sings all year, occurs in residential areas, and is a common and conspicuous (for a wren) bird. It is quite inquisitive, nesting in nooks and crannies in buildings and other odd places; in the "wild", nests are built most often near the base of a tree or in a cranny along a stream bank. It is completely nonmigratory and occurs in all areas of the state. Habitats are very widespread in forested or semi-forested areas, but they usually favor dense tangles or shrub/sapling layers (evergreen in winter), such as beneath a canopy of pine or mixed woods. They also occur in wooded residential areas, as long as there are dense/evergreen shrubs present. | Breeder | Definitive | S5 | G5 | Permanent resident; nonmigratory. Common to very common across the entire region, even on barrier islands, as long as there are shrub thickets. Peak single-list counts: 121, Alligator River NWR, 29 May 2016; 107, same site, 27 May 2017; 77, same site, 4 Jun 2018; 75, Bald Head Island (Brunswick), 1 May 2011. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts or CBCs, with many lists combined. | Permanent resident; nonmigratory. Common to very common over the entire province. Numbers can be depressed slightly during and after severe winters or heavy snowfalls, though still relatively common. Peak single-list counts: 99, Orange yard, 1 May 2010. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts or CBCs, with many lists combined. | Permanent resident; nonmigratory. Common over the province up to about 4,500 feet, and sparingly up to about 5,000 feet; can wander after breeding to higher elevations. Numbers are often depressed after severe winter weather, though even so, at least fairly common. Peak single-list counts: ? | None needed. | **** | 2026-10-30 | ||
| Cistothorus palustris Eastern Marsh-Wren | The Eastern Marsh-Wren was originally named the Long-billed Marsh Wren, thus causing some confusion with the Short-billed Marsh Wren, which was changed to Sedge Wren at the same time that the former species had its common name shortened to Marsh Wren. However, in 2026, this species was again re-named, as the Eastern Marsh-Wren (see below). The Eastern Marsh-Wren breeds from coast to coast, but because it nests in naturally localized and uncommon habitats, it has evolved a number of subspecies; in 2026, former Western subspecies were split off as a new species -- the Western Marsh-Wren. The Eastern Marsh-Wren nests both in freshwater marshes to the north of North Carolina, but also in brackish marshes south to central Florida. Despite it nesting in freshwater marshes over much of its range, it has never done so in inland marshes in our state, staying close to tidal water in summer. In the breeding season in the state, Eastern Marsh-Wrens favor extensive brackish marshes, though they occur in fresh (actually very slightly brackish) marshes in the Currituck Sound area. In migration, it occurs statewide, and in winter it occurs over much of the Coastal Plain, and sparingly into the eastern and southern Piedmont (though actual overwintering there is uncertain).
In 2026, the AOS split the Marsh Wren into an Eastern-breeding species -- Eastern Marsh-Wren, retaining the original scientific name, and a Western-breeding species -- Western Marsh-Wren (Cistothorus paludicola). There are no NC records of the latter species. | Breeder | Definitive | S3B,S4N | G5 | Permanent resident in coastal areas, with migratory movements; transient and scarce winter resident farther inland. In summer, fairly common to locally common along the coast and margins of Pamlico Sound; scarce in some areas, such as much of the Outer Banks. In Tidewater, a very local breeder, mainly along Pamlico Sound. Farther inland, uncommon and easily overlooked transient in both spring and fall, and rare in winter. Boundaries of the winter range are poorly known, as few birders spend time around freshwater marshes in the region. Inland, mainly mid-Sep to early May; scarce in late winter. Peak single-list counts: 111, heard along NC 12 through Cedar Island NWR (Carteret), 20 Jul 2017; 64, Gull Rock Game Land (Hyde), 29 Dec 2014; 56, Washington Baum Boat Ramp on Roanoke Island (Dare), 8 July 2013. | Transient, and straggler into winter (few overwinter). Rare to locally uncommon in spring and fall across most of the region (though actually not really rare, but just secretive and overlooked). Very rare to rare in early winter in the eastern and southern portions, but few overwinter. A bird at Lake Brandt (Guilford) from 3-5 Jul 1987 built a dummy nest, but no female was ever observed. Mainly late Mar to early May, and early Sep to early Nov. Peak single-list counts: 100 (after Hurricane Flossy), Greensboro, 29 Sep 1956. | Transient. Rare (but easily overlooked) in low elevation valleys; casual to very rare at higher elevations. Mainly mid-Apr to mid-May, and late Aug to late Oct. Late was one at Swannanoa (Buncombe), 5-6 Nov 2018; and another was very late near Brevard (Transylvania) on 23 Nov 2022. Perhaps this same Brevard bird lingered to 18-19 Dec 2022, when it became apparently just a second mountain winter record. One in Henderson on 28 Feb 2004 might have been a very early migrant. Peak single-list counts: ? | The marshes along NC 615 through Great Marsh at Mackay Island NWR abound with them in summer. However, more easily accessible sites include Roanoke Island near Wanchese. In winter, North River Marsh along US 70 is a good area. | *** | 2026-10-30 | ||
| Cistothorus stellaris Sedge Wren | Called the Short-billed Marsh Wren many decades ago, the Sedge Wren is now restricted just to North America; a similar taxon in South America -- formally lumped with Sedge Wren -- has been split out as the Grass Wren (C. platensis). As a result, Sedge Wren has a new scientific name -- C. stellaris. In North America, the Sedge Wren is generally uncommon and somewhat declining, as its marshy habitat in the Midwest is being drained and destroyed; some birds also nest east of the Appalachians, but to the north of North Carolina. A few summer birds have been reported, singing as if on territory, mainly near the coast, but breeding has never been proven in the state. Also, these appear to be "one-time-only" occurrences. Thus, it is clearly called a "nonbreeder" for now. Thankfully, the species winters along and near the coast, and is a transient inland. Wintering birds favor brackish and often shrubby marshes, such as the upper ends of tidal marshes, especially where there are shrubs such as Waxmyrtle and various woody composites. They also occur away from coastal marshes, but again where marshes tend to have a few scattered shrubs. Despite a global decline, such a decline in wintering birds in our state does not seem evident. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SUB,S4N | G5 | Winter resident eastward, but otherwise a scarce transient. Generally fairly common, to locally common, in winter along the coast and in the Tidewater zone close to Pamlico Sound; farther inland, probably rare but regular over the central portion of the region, but likely does not overwinter in the western portions. (Winter range is hard to define, as the species is secretive, and birders need to target marshy areas; also, as winter progresses, "abundance" decreases by the end of winter.) Scarce and hard to find in migration. A few summer records near the coast, but probably of males looking for mates; no records even close to suggest breeding. Published report of 12 or more birds singing in late Jul 1982-83 at Pamlico Point marshes (Pamlico) is stunning, as well as unprecedented; additional corroboration by other observers would have been helpful. Another "interesting" summer report was of 5 birds singing at the Voice of America facility in northwestern Beaufort [incorrectly listed as Washington in (Chat 85:163)] on 28 Jul 2021. Mainly late Sep to early May. Peak single-list counts: 50, North River Marsh (Carteret), 20 Dec 2011; 31, North River Farms (Carteret), 16 Dec 2012; 26, Portsmouth Island village (Carteret), 31 Dec 2007. | Transient, and occasional straggler into winter. Generally rare (or at least secretive enough that it is rarely recorded) across the region, both in spring and fall. Less rare in the eastern portion, but still a good find. Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and late Aug to late Oct; at least 15 records in Dec and Jan, with a stunning 7 birds on the Lake Norman CBC, 19 Dec 2004. Three at McDowell Nature Preserve (Mecklenburg) on 12 Jan 2023 was an excellent count for midwinter. One at Jordan Lake (Chatham) on 9 Feb 2025 was remarkable for that month. Likely does not overwinter (survive the entire winter) in the region. Peak single-list counts: ? | Transient. Very rare (no records for many counties) to rare in spring and fall, mainly limited to low mountain valleys. However, in spring 2026 there were reports from eight counties, an excellent number, as often there are no reports for the province in a given spring season. Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and late Aug to late Oct. Peak single-list counts: ? | The species is fairly easy in fall and winter in shrubby marshes, such as at Bodie Island (near the Lighthouse Pond boardwalk) and along the western side of NC 12 north of the lighthouse entrance road. | *** | 2026-10-30 | ||
| Nannus hiemalis Winter Wren | The Winter Wren underwent a taxonomic change in 2010, when the American Ornithologists' Union split the former continent-wide species into two species. The Western forms are now the Pacific Wren, and the birds nesting in the eastern half of the continent remain the Winter Wren, but with a new scientific name (formerly Troglodytes troglodytes, and now T. hiemalis). In the East, they nest down the spine of the Appalachian Mountains, and thus in North Carolina are confined to our mountains in summer. It occurs statewide in other seasons; thus, it is found in all 100 counties in winter. This tiny ball of brown feathers can be hard to spot, at least in summer; their very long and beautiful song is often heard, but tracking down the bird can be difficult. Breeding habitats are in cool habitats -- spruce-fir forests or where mixed with hardwoods, hemlock (formerly) forests, and cove forests with White Pine or dense rhododendron stands. The breeding population appears to have expanded down-slope from the higher mountains over the last few decades; however, record-keeping 50 or more years ago was not thorough enough to know for certain that these middle elevations were devoid of Winter Wrens in summer. In winter, the birds require dense cover within 3 feet of the ground, in a variety of forest types. They stay close to brush piles, thickets, stream banks, and fallen trees at this season. During and after severe winter weather, which kills a number of these birds, the species is often uncommon and can be hard to find.
In 2026, the AOS changed the genus name from Troglodytes to Nannus, for this species and the Pacific Wren. | Breeder | Definitive | W | S3B,S5N | G5 | Winter resident. Fairly common to common in the Tidewater zone and near the northern and central coast; uncommon to fairly common along the southern coast. Farther inland, fairly common, being slightly less numerous toward the south. Mainly early or mid-Oct to early Apr. Peak single-list counts: ? | Winter resident. Fairly common over most of the region; less common toward the foothills, where it can be uncommon. Mainly mid-Oct to late Mar or early Apr. Peak single-list counts: 26, Knap of Reeds area (Granville), 15 Dec 2002; 25, White Oak Creek area (Chatham), 10 Nov 2019; 22, Knap of Reeds area, 19 Dec 1999. There are certainly higher one-day counts on CBCs. | Summer resident in parts of the region, and winter resident regionwide. In summer, fairly common above 4,000 feet, and uncommon and local down to about 3,000 feet. Can be common in some spruce-fir stands at the highest elevations. In winter, generally uncommon across the region, and absent at the higher elevations. Peak single-list counts: 40, Wilson Boundary Trail between Stepps Gap and Balsam Gap (Mitchell/Yancey), 14 Jun 2021; 39, same site, 10 Jun 2020; 26, same site, 30 May 2022. | In summer, you should not have trouble hearing the species in most spruce-fir stands, though they can be difficult to actually see. In winter, they are not hard to find in many forested areas, such as on the Pamlimarle Peninsula. | *** | 2026-10-30 | |
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Troglodytes aedon Northern House Wren | Northern House Wrens breed from coast to coast across the United States and southern Canada, though they generally avoid the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains for breeding. They are highly migratory, and birds winter in good numbers in the Coastal Plain, whereas they mainly depart their breeding grounds in the mountains and Piedmont by late fall. This species has undergone a notable breeding range extension in the Southeast; the first nesting in the state's Piedmont was in 1922, and birds spread eastward to the Fall Line by the 1960's or 1970's. A few even nest in recently burned pocosins in the lower Coastal Plain, leaving a gap in the range farther to the west. Breeding habitats are almost always near man, as the birds now use bird houses and gourds almost exclusively for nesting sites. They occur in farmyards, small towns, and partly open residential areas; in many areas of the Piedmont, they occur only in cities and towns as breeders. Migrants and winter residents occur in dense tangles in open or edge habitats -- brush piles, wooded edges, brier patches, weedy fields with some woody vegetation, etc., usually away from man. They can be quite secretive in winter, but their chattering calls give away their location.
NOTE: The AOS (formerly AOU) in 2024 split out a number of species from the former House Wren, including one ranging over most of Latin America and several in the Lesser Antilles. Thus, they added the modifier "Northern" to the name. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S5N | G5 | Winter resident, transient, and sparse and local summer resident. As a summer resident, uncommon in towns along the extreme western edge of the region, close to the Piedmont -- such as Enfield, Selma, Fayetteville (regular?), and the Sandhills. Recently has nested or been found on territory in Greenville, Wilson, and Kinston -- well into the central part of the province. Also, rare to uncommon, local, and sporadic (not at consistent sites) at large pocosin areas, generally where recently burned; occurs from the Pamlimarle Peninsula southwest toward Green Swamp (Brunswick). In 2023 and 2024, nesting evidence has been found on the Outer Banks of Currituck and northern Dare. Not known to nest over most of the province. Common but secretive and easily overlooked migrant. In winter, common in coastal areas, fairly common to locally common in the Tidewater zone; fairly common farther inland in the southern half, including the Sandhills; uncommon near the Virginia border. Mainly early Oct to mid-Apr. Peak single-list counts: 27, Alligator River NWR, 13 Oct 2023; 26, North River Farms (Carteret), 13 Oct 2019; 26, Kitty Hawk Woods (Dare), 18 Nov 2023. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident, transient, and winter visitor/resident. Breeds across the entire province, but fairly common only in cities and towns. In the eastern portions, very rare to rare elsewhere (away from cities and towns); farther westward, more often found in farmyards and residential areas away from cities and towns. Fairly common (if not common but secretive) migrant. In winter, uncommon in early winter in the eastern and southern portions, and rare farther west; however, by late winter, few birds probably survive anywhere in the region. Probably best called a rare winter resident along the eastern and southern portions, and absent to very rare elsewhere. Mainly early or mid-Apr into Nov. Peak single-list counts: 22, yard in Orange, 1 May 2010; 21, site in Mecklenburg, 27 Apr 2013. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident, transient, and sparse in winter. Breeds across the region; fairly common over most of the region (and can be common in Ashe), but generally uncommon in the southwestern counties (at least in rural country). Nests up to about 5,500 feet, but two nests at Mount Mitchell State Park (Yancey) in 2013 were at elevations of 6,190 feet and 6,300 feet. Widespread migrant. In winter, rare to uncommon in early winter in low elevation valleys, but essentially gone by late winter. Not considered a winter resident. Mainly mid-Apr to late Oct. Peak single-list counts: ? | Normally not hard to find in summer in most residential areas in cities and towns in the mountains and Piedmont. Driving around in the countryside of counties in the northern mountains in summer will produce some birds, also. | *** to **** | 2026-10-30 | ||
| Polioptila caerulea Blue-gray Gnatcatcher | The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is the only member of its small family found in the eastern half of the continent. It is barely larger than the two kinglets, though it has a completely different range and habitats from them. The gnatcatcher is a characteristic bird of hardwood forests, preferably moist ones, but it does nest in dry hardwood and mixed forests, as well. It nests over the entire state, though it can be hard to find in some of the higher mountain counties (in the north). It also winters over much of the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains, with the northern end of its range in coastal North Carolina. In winter, it favors broadleaf evergreen forests, such as maritime forests, or mixed-pine hardwood forests. Because of generally warmer than usual winters over the past several decades, winter survival has increased, and the overall species population appears to be slightly increased. Certainly, its winter range and population in the state has increased, though it is still uncommon and often a good find on CBC's. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S2N | G5 | Summer resident regionwide, and a sparse winter resident in part of the region. Common (to locally very common) and widespread in summer, though can be scarce on some coastal islands. In winter, uncommon (slightly increasing) along the southern coast, where some birds undoubtedly survive the winter. Rare to uncommon in early winter as far north as the central coast and the Lake Mattamuskeet area, and rare elsewhere along the northern coast and Tidewater; overwintering unlikely. Farther inland in winter, very rare to rare, mainly in early winter, and not likely overwintering. Mainly mid- or late Mar into Oct. Peak single-list counts: 75, Black River (by canoe or kayak) (Bladen), 12 Apr 2017. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident, with stragglers into winter. In summer, generally common to at least locally very common, over the region, presumably slightly less numerous in the foothills. Rare in early winter, mainly in the eastern and southern portions, but very few likely survive the winter. Mainly late Mar to late Sep, though many records into early Jan. Peak counts: 394, Jordan Lake spring count, 7 May 2000. Peak single-list counts: 190, Tract 15 of the Durham Spring Count, 24 Apr 2016; 88, Brickhouse Road (Granville), 5 May 2020; 87, Red Mill Road (Durham), 10 May 2025. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on Spring Bird Counts, with many lists combined. | Summer resident. Fairly common in lower elevations, at least in broad valleys below 2,500 feet; uncommon to fairly common to about 3,500 feet; rare to 4,000 feet. Mainly late Mar to mid-Sep. One midwinter record -- one seen and photographed at Lake Junaluska (Haywood), 15 Dec 2016 and again 5-11 Jan 2017. Another was notable at Mills River Park (Henderson) on 31 Dec 2019, as was one in far northern Watauga, where photographed at Boone on 15 Dec 2023. Peak single-list counts: ? | None needed. | **** | 2026-10-29 | ||
| Certhia americana Brown Creeper | The Brown Creeper is a unique bird in the Western Hemisphere; the other members of this small family occur in the Old World. It nests and winters from coast to coast, though it is highly migratory. In our state, it nests in the middle and higher elevations of the mountains; it winters statewide. As it nests essentially only beneath loose bark on tree trunks -- no other North American bird does that -- it requires mature forests, usually spruce-fir, but also in mixed forests, as long as the micro-climate is cool. In winter, they almost always occur in mixed species flocks led by chickadees and titmice, foraging through a variety of forests and woodlands, favoring a mix of pines and hardwoods. Creepers spiral upwards along tree trunks, usually staying on the shady side of the trunk, and then after a minute or two on one tree, fly down toward the base of another tree. Though nesting populations appear somewhat stable over the decades, for whatever reason this and a few other "spruce-fir" nesters have occupied sites well below that zone in the breeding season in recent years. | Breeder | Definitive | SC | S3B,S5N | G5 | Winter resident. In winter, fairly common (but quiet and easily overlooked) in the western half of the province, uncommon to fairly common in the Tidewater zone, but uncommon in the coastal and southeastern areas. Along the Outer Banks, most numerous in fall, decreasing in winter. Mainly early Oct to late Mar or very early Apr. Peak single-list counts: 47, Duck Park boardwalk (Dare), 15 Oct 2025, with 18 there on the following day. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on CBCs, with many lists combined. | Winter resident. Fairly common (but quiet and easily overlooked) over most of the province. Mainly mid-Oct to early Apr. One at Greensboro on 16 Aug 2001 was quite out of season. Peak single-list counts: 13, Falls Lake (Durham), 15 Dec 2013; 12, Knap of Reeds Creek (Granville), 19 Dec 1999; 12, Barksdale Drive (Wake), 16 Dec 2006. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on CBCs, with many lists combined. | Breeder at higher elevations, and winter resident. Uncommon and somewhat local as a breeder, mainly above 4,500 feet; less numerous down to about 3,000 feet in a few cool micro-climates. In winter, uncommon to locally fairly common at low elevations, less common in middle elevations. Winter birds arrive in early Oct and depart by early or mid-Apr. Peak single-list counts: 20, Balsam Gap (Buncombe), 28 May 2011; 14, Mount Mitchell SP (Yancey), 25 May 2018; 12, several other locations. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on CBCs, with many lists combined. | The species is quite widespread, but it occurs in fairly low density, across most of the state in winter. Most parks and refuges hold a few; look and listen carefully in the chickadee flocks. In the breeding season, Mount Mitchell SP, and the Blue Ridge Parkway between Richland Balsam and Devils Courthouse, are places to look and listen for them. | *** | 2026-10-29 | |
| Sitta canadensis Red-breasted Nuthatch | The Red-breasted Nuthatch is the only one of the four nuthatches in North America that is strongly migratory; the others migrate little if at all. Unlike most migratory species, which conduct regular and predictable migrations in spring and fall, this species behaves like several "winter finches" -- it moves far to the south, covering all of North Carolina, in some autumns and winters, and essentially stays close to its breeding range in others. Thankfully, it nests southward into the higher mountains of North Carolina; thus, birders are guaranteed of seeing it every year, at least in summer. The breeding population is rather stable from summer to summer, but downstate, the birds can be rare to locally absent in some winters, to fairly common or occasionally common in others. It is nearly always seen in conifers, preferably spruce or fir, and formerly hemlocks (mostly dead or dying now), but they can even be seen in Longleaf Pine stands. Favored breeding habitats are spruce-fir stands, but they also occur in remnant hemlock or White Pine stands, usually where the micro-climate is cool. In recent years, for some odd reason (as summers have been getting warmer), a few birds appear to be moving into dry pine habitats in the foothills and are presumably nesting. Downstate, favored habitats are conifer or mixed conifer-hardwood stands, even in Virginia Pine stands. They almost always "troop" around in mixed-species flocks in the winter season, and often come to bird feeders. | Breeder | Definitive | W | S3B,S4N | G5 | Fall transient and winter visitor (little northbound movement noted); very erratic from year to year. In better seasons, can be fairly common to occasionally common in fall along the coast, and fairly common in winter. In off-years near the coast, uncommon at best in fall, and often rare in fall and in winter. Farther inland, uncommon to at times fairly common in winter in the better years, but usually rare (at best) in others. Inland, most numerous in the Sandhills, but cyclical there, also. Mainly early or mid-Sep to mid-Apr, but often scarce by late winter. Peak counts: 138, Kitty Hawk CBC, 19 Dec 2020; 76, Kitty Hawk CBC, 15 Dec 2012. Peak single-list counts: 50+, Carvers Creek SP (Cumberland), 20 Oct 2012; 50+, Bodie Island lighthouse entrance road (Dare), 2 Nov 2012; 38, same site, 5 Jan 2021. | Fall transient and winter visitor (little northbound movement noted); very erratic from year to year. In better seasons, fairly common to occasionally common; however, more often than not, rare to uncommon across the province; locally absent in a few winters. Apparently nested (accidentally) in Rockingham in 1975; a juvenile was being fed by adults on 7 Jun. Five birds at three locales in South Mountains SP (Burke) in early Jun 2008 also might have suggested potential (accidental) nesting; one to several have continued there for at least three additional years. Perhaps a slight decline in recent decades; seldom common since about 1980. Mainly mid-Sep to mid-Apr. Quite unusual was one that lingered through the entire summer in Durham in 2014. Another stayed all summer (at least to 28 Jul) at a feeder in Chatham in 2024, and it was seen again on 5 Jul 2025. Peak counts: ?; oddly enough, none of the 10 highest NC eBird list counts were from the Piedmont. | Summer resident and winter visitor; very erratic outside the breeding season. In summer, fairly common at high elevations (over 4,500 feet); uncommon down to about 3,000 feet in a few cool micro-climate areas. In the past few years, small numbers have appeared down to about 1,500 feet, even in dry stands of pines, such as Virginia Pines and Shortleaf Pines. At other seasons, at least below the breeding range, fairly common in some winters, and rare to uncommon in others. It also winters within the breeding range; thus, found at most elevations at that season. Breeding status has held steady or slightly declined in recent decades. Peak single-list counts: 63, Roan Mountain (Mitchell), 11 Nov 1993; 50, Mount Mitchell SP (Yancey), 21 Sep 2024; 47, Roan Mountain, 7 Jul 2025. | The birds are too erratic in fall, winter, and spring to offer tips; thus, look for them in summer. A trip to Mount Mitchell SP, the Roan Mountain area, and the Blue Ridge Parkway between Devils Courthouse and the Heintooga Road area are consistently good. | *** | 2026-10-29 | |
| Sitta pusilla Brown-headed Nuthatch | The Brown-headed Nuthatch, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, and the Bachman's Sparrow are the signature birds of the mature, open Longleaf Pine stands of the Coastal Plain of the Southeast. Unlike those two, however, the nuthatch occurs in the Piedmont (in large numbers), whereas the woodpecker and the sparrow are essentially restricted to the Coastal Plain. Unlike the Red-breasted and White-breasted nuthatches, the Brown-headed is completely nonmigratory. It occurs in North Carolina throughout the Coastal Plain, essentially throughout the Piedmont, and in a few of the southern mountain counties, at lower elevations (as a recent colonizer). Favored habitats are mature and open Longleaf Pine stands, such as savannas, flatwoods, and drier sandhills; however, they also are at least locally common in open Loblolly, Shortleaf, and Pond Pine stands, less so in Virginia Pine. In the Piedmont, the birds are not numerous in mature Loblolly Pine stands, but favor thinned or more open pine stands, such as in residential areas, golf courses, margins of lakes and ponds, and edges. Mountain populations are in open Shortleaf Pine stands, for the most part. In the winter, as with other nuthatches, most are found with chickadees, titmice, warblers, Brown Creepers, and Downy Woodpeckers in mixed-species flocks. | Breeder | Definitive | S5 | G4 | Permanent resident; nonmigratory. Common in the Sandhills and other areas in the southern portions dominated by Longleaf Pine (i.e., north to Fort Bragg and Croatan National Forest). Fairly common to common in the northern two-thirds of the province, with the exception of being absent in Buxton Woods and a few other coastal island forests. A small group was regularly seen at Ocracoke Island (Hyde) in Oct-Nov 2025 in a pine stand; were these wandering birds from the mainland? Peak single-list counts: 55, Sunny Point Road SE (Brunswick), 1 Jan 2023; 50, Oyster Point Campground (Carteret), 27 Jul 2013; 50, Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve (Dare), 12 Dec 2020. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on CBCs, with many lists combined. | Permanent resident; nonmigratory. Common along the extreme eastern and southern portions, but mostly fairly common in the remainder of the southeastern two-thirds of the province; uncommon in the northern and western third of the province (i.e., west of Forsyth and Mecklenburg), including the foothills. Peak single-list counts: 45, upper Harris Lake (Wake), 3 Jan 2011, and 44 in the nearby area on the day before. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on CBCs, with many lists combined. | Scarce permanent resident, but slowly increasing; apparently nonmigratory. Formerly did not occur/breed in the province; first records around 1970. Currently, locally uncommon in Buncombe, mainly within a few miles of the French Broad River. A few records in Madison close to the river. Also, rare to locally uncommon in the southwestern corner of the region, in Macon, Clay, Graham, and Cherokee. Seemingly very rare in additional southern counties were individuals in fall 2024 reported in Haywood and Transylvania. Almost certainly a stray in the northern counties, where one was seen at a feeder in Boone (Watauga) on 26-27 May 2020. Peak single-list counts: 8, Lake Chatuge (Clay) area, 25 May 2002. | This species is almost always found in a morning of birding in Longleaf Pine forests. Weymouth Woods preserve near Southern Pines, the Sandhills Game Land, Holly Shelter Game Land (US 17 side), and Croatan National Forest (Millis Road Savanna) are good places. | **** | 2026-10-29 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Sitta carolinensis White-breasted Nuthatch | The White-breasted Nuthatch breeds from coast to coast, but it is most common and widespread in the eastern half of the country. It is a characteristic bird of mature hardwood forests, both in wetlands and in uplands, but it can be found in pine forests. It is mostly nonmigratory, though some birds do move south in fall; it is somewhat more numerous in the state in winter than in summer. Though it has a statewide distribution, this nuthatch is scarce near the coast, and locally absent on many forested islands. Favored habitats are old-growth upland hardwood forests, even in residential areas, but it also occurs in swamps, bottomlands, mixed forests, and even in some Longleaf Pine stands. In winter, individuals typically join mixed-species flocks led by Tufted Titmice and Carolina Chickadees. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S5N | G5 | Permanent resident, with noticeable migratory movements. Uncommon to fairly common in the western and central sections as a breeder, and fairly common in winter; but rare to uncommon in the Tidewater zone and in coastal counties at all seasons (can be absent in some areas). However, it can be fairly common in the Dismal Swamp area. Essentially absent in coastal forests, though there are a few winter records. Peak single-list counts: 39, Weymouth Woods Preserve (Moore), 27 Dec 2020; 25, same site, 30 Oct 2021. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on CBCs, with many lists combined. | Permanent resident, with some migratory movements. Generally fairly common across the province in the breeding season; fairly common to common in winter. Slightly more numerous in the western half of the province than in the eastern. Peak single-list counts: 30, Crowders Mountain SP (Gaston), 17 Oct 2022; 27, Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve (Wake), 26 Nov 2012; 25, Muddy Creek Greenway (Forsyth), 8 Mar 2025. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on CBCs, with many lists combined. | Permanent resident; migratory movements not obvious. Generally fairly common at low to mid-elevations, up to about 5,000 feet; scarce to 5,500 feet. Moves downward from higher elevations in winter. Peak single-list counts: 30, Fairview north (Buncombe), 15 Dec 2012; 25, Asheville, 28 Dec 2024; 24, Mill Ridge Trailhead Area (Madison), 16 Dec 2025. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on CBCs, with many lists combined. | Very widespread at all seasons; though nowhere really common, it should be seen in most days of birding in most parks across the state, except in the lower Coastal Plain. It often can be easier to find in such areas in winter, as many mixed-species flocks contain a pair of White-breasted Nuthatches. | *** | 2026-10-29 | ||
| Corthylio calendula Ruby-crowned Kinglet | The Ruby-crowned Kinglet, like the Golden-crowned, is a tiny bundle of energy, having to constantly feed in winter to have enough fat storage to survive cold winter nights. Both kinglets breed in the coniferous forest zone in Canada and in western mountains; surprisingly, the Ruby-crowned does not nest down the Appalachians. However, it is highly migratory and winters over most of the southern half of the country. It winters all across North Carolina, though it is rare by midwinter in the northern mountains, with few making it through the winters over much of the mountains. In migration, it can be found in many wooded habitats, even in deciduous forests, but in winter it needs some evergreen cover -- pine or mixed forests, and coastal broadleaf evergreen forests and thickets, even in wooded residential areas. It can occur in deciduous forests in winter if there is an evergreen understory or shrub zone. It is a characteristic species of the mixed species flocks, often numerous in early winter, but by late winter, numbers have been reduced by cold/severe weather. There have been several recent occurrences of singing birds in the spruce-fir zone in the high mountains, where breeding would be unlikely this far south of the known breeding range. However, when such a summer bird is noted, it would be important to follow it carefully to see if it shows breeding evidence.
Note: In 2021 the AOS Check-list Committee moved this species into its own genus -- Corthylio. It is quite different from the Golden-crowned Kinglet and other Eurasian kinglets, all of which remain in the genus Regulus. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S5N | G5 | Winter resident. Common to occasionally very common (in early winter) over the region; fairly common on coastal islands. Mainly late Sep to late Apr. Peak single-list counts: 118, Becker's (Cumberland), 18 Dec 1994; 100, Croatan Wetland Mitigation Bank Area (Craven), 28 Mar 1982; 98, County Line and Perrytown (Craven), 16 Dec 2024. There are certainly higher one-day counts on CBCs. | Winter resident. Common, to sometimes very common, in early winter, across the eastern and southern half of the province; fairly common in midwinter in the northwestern parts, though uncommon in the foothills and the northwestern corner. Numbers consistently decline during the winter, as cold weather reduces the population. Mainly late Sep to early May. Peak single-list counts: 180, Harris Lake (Wake), 2 Jan 2005; 138, Duke Forest (Durham), 19 Dec 1993; 120, Big Woods Road (Chatham), 5 Jan 2020. There are certainly higher one-day counts on CBCs. | Winter resident and transient. Fairly common transient in spring and fall; generally uncommon in the lower elevations in winter, and can be rare by late winter; rare in the northern half of the mountains in early winter, but few remain through the winter. Mainly mid-Sep to late Oct, and early Apr to early May. There are a few summer records from the spruce-fir zone -- Grandfather Mountain (twice), Roan Mountain (twice), Mount Mitchell (three times), Mount Pisgah (once), and Clingman's Dome (once), even of singing birds, but there is nothing close to suggesting breeding in the state. Peak single-list counts: ? There are certainly one-day counts in the mid-double-digits on CBCs. | None needed. | **** | 2026-10-28 | ||
| Regulus satrapa Golden-crowned Kinglet | The Golden-crowned Kinglet is one of the smallest passerines in the country, even slightly smaller than the Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Both kinglets breed across the boreal parts of the continent, but only the Golden-crowned nests in the Appalachian chain. In North Carolina, it is a characteristic bird of the spruce-fir forests, but it also nests farther down-slope where there are stands of White Pines and formerly hemlocks. Because of the recent loss of hemlocks, and perhaps because of global warming, the nesting population seems to be on a slow decline. The species is a common and widespread winter resident all across the state, being least numerous in the southeastern corner of the state. At that season, kinglets favor pine forests or mixed pine-hardwood forests, and they are often the most common member of the mixed species flocks that roam through such forests. | Breeder | Definitive | W | S3S4B,S5N | G5 | Winter resident. Common over nearly all of the region, though only fairly common near and along the southern coast. Scarce in some areas on coastal islands; in fact, most numerous on many islands in Oct, after cold fronts. During and after severely cold weather, becomes less common. Mainly early Oct to early Apr. One at Manteo (Dare) from 10-21 Jun 2010 was inexplicable! Peak single-list counts: 80, Currituck Banks National Estuarine Research Reserve, 17 Oct 2024. There are certainly higher one-day counts on CBCs. | Winter resident. Common to very common across most of the region; one of the more numerous birds in winter in many areas. During and after severe winter weather, can become quite scarce. Mainly early or mid-Oct to early Apr. Peak single-list counts: 165, Harris Lake (Wake), 2 Jan 2005; 162, Duke Forest (Durham), 19 Dec 1993; 145, Falls Lake (Durham), 15 Dec 2013. There are certainly higher one-day counts on CBCs. | Permanent resident in much of the region; breeds in higher elevations, and winter resident elsewhere. In summer, common but apparently slightly declining, above about 4,500 feet; uncommon down to about 3,000 feet, in a few pockets of cool micro-climate. Winter resident across the region; generally common at low to mid-elevations, and fairly common at higher elevations. During and after severe weather, can become quite scarce. Peak single-list counts: 120, Roan Mountain (Mitchell), 15 Sep 2020. There are certainly higher one-day counts on CBCs. | None needed. | **** | 2026-10-28 | |
| Petrochelidon fulva Cave Swallow | Hardly any bird has expanded its breeding range in the United States in recent years as has the Cave Swallow. A few decades ago, one had to go to a select few culverts in south Texas to be sure to find them. However, they are now nesting over much of the majority of that state, and migrants often end up heading eastward to the Atlantic coast, rather than southward. The first state record did not come until 1987; but since 2000, they have been routinely recorded along and near the North Carolina coast, always in late fall or early winter, though few if any are able to survive the entire winter. Because this flight occurs long after Cliff Swallows are gone, one never has a chance for direct comparison of the two; however, this makes mis-identifications unlikely. Cave Swallows are often seen in flocks of Tree Swallows, but at times are found by themselves - most are seen close to tidal water, such as flying down beaches or sounds in "southbound" migration, but some are seen around catfish ponds and other lakes and impoundments near the coast. Fall and winter 2023-24 had barely one or two reports, but fall 2024 into the winter had dozens of reports, mostly along the immediate coast. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Fall transient, and straggler into early winter, essentially along the coast; greatly increasing in numbers and records through about 2012; however, numbers have leveled off or declined since about 2015, except for a boom again in fall and early winter 2024. Currently, rare to (at times) uncommon along the coast, as well as in Tidewater. The only far inland record is six at the Goldsboro (Wayne) Water Treatment Plant on 14 Nov 2025. Mainly very late Oct or early Nov to mid-Dec, and sparingly into early Jan. Other records are one near Sneads Ferry (Onslow) on 5 Feb 1995; two at Carolina Beach SP (New Hanover) on 21 Mar 2023; five at Cape Hatteras Point (Dare) on 5 Apr 2025; one photographed at Cedar Island NWR (Carteret) on 25 Apr 2026; and one at Pea Island NWR on 19 May 1995, seen by excellent observers. Peak single-list counts: 85, Tidewater Research Station in Roper (Washington), 17 Nov 2007 (Chat 72:34-35); 60, Sunset Beach (Brunswick), 12 Dec 2024; 33, North Topsail Beach (Onslow), 8 Nov 2012 (Chat 77:30). | Casual, with four records: a single bird seen at Troutman (Iredell) on 20 Dec 1999 (Chat 64:106), (Chat 65:85); a single bird over the UNC soccer fields in Chapel Hill, 1 Nov 2011 (Chat 76:33); a juvenile photographed at Cane Creek Reservoir (Orange), 2 Dec 2015 (Chat 80:90); and two at Falls Lake (Durham) on 2 Dec 2024 with one still present as late as 12 Dec. | Casual in migration, with reports having yet to be reviewed by the NC BRC. One was photographed and observed by several birders at Ecusta Pond (Transylvania) on 26 Mar 2020 (Chat 84:99). This is a remarkable record if accepted, as not only was there no previous mountain record, but no previous spring record for the state. Another individual was reported at this same pond, this time on 10 Mar 2022 (Chat 86:85); this also is expected to be reviewed by the NC BRC. At this same pond, one was found on 22 Oct 2024. Perhaps the same bird was again noted there on 20 Mar 2025, and one was photographed there on 12-13 Mar 2026. | There are no consistent spots for seeing fall and early winter migrants, as they can be seen flying along the beaches and sounds along the southernmost coast, usually with Tree Swallows. In late fall and winter 2024-25, a consistent site was Twin Lakes at Sunset Beach (Brunswick), where a few dozen birds roosted on house rooftops for several weeks. | * to ** | 2026-10-28 | ||
| Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Cliff Swallow | The Cliff Swallow nests from coast to coast across the continent, and it is much more abundant in the Western states than in the East, because it traditionally preferred dry cliff habitats, often far from water. Because it does not have to nest in horizontal cavities, but it often builds a globular nest made of mud, plastered to a nook or crevice, it has adapted readily to man-made structures. In the East, essentially all nest sites are on man-made structures, usually under a bridge over an arm of a lake or over a river, or on a dam of such a lake; in some cases, they nest on the outsides of barns and other buildings. They also nest underneath bridges over other roads. Because of this adaptation to man, the Cliff Swallow range and abundance continues to expand in North Carolina -- it was completely absent as a breeder until the late 1960's -- and it now nests across much of the mountains and Piedmont, and very locally in the eastern Coastal Plain. When in the state, it is usually seen foraging over lakes/reservoirs, though a few sites are located away from water. Though the species departs the United States in winter, the state has one documented (with photos) winter record. | Breeder | Definitive | S4B | G5 | Transient, and very sparse and local breeder mostly near the coast; expanding its range in recent years and likely will be found breeding in more interior counties. Over the region as a whole, rare to uncommon spring migrant; and rare to uncommon over most of the region in fall, except uncommon toward the coast. Has nested (as of 2022) in Dare, Pamlico, Craven, Carteret, New Hanover, Onslow, and Pender, all close to tidal water; oddly, it perhaps has only been reported nesting farther inland in Pitt. Occurs primarily in May, and late Jul to early Sep. No records from Oct to mid-Nov; a report of one at Wrightsville Beach, by experienced observers, on 27 Nov 1959 may well have been correct, but in recent years, all Nov records refer to the very similar Cave Swallow (which was extremely rare in the United States in 1959). Absolutely remarkable was one photographed at Alligator River NWR on 4 Jan 2016 (Chat 80:90). Another was very early on 12 Mar 2017 in Carteret. Peak single-list counts: 155 nests at Havelock (Craven), 13 Jun 2014; about 140 nests where NC 101 crosses Core Creek (Carteret), 4 Jun 2018, and 125 active nests there on 21 Jun 2020; 98 nests at the Havelock site in 2009; 40 nests at the Trent River in New Bern (Craven), 10 Jun 2016. | Summer resident, with noticeable migratory movements; slightly increasing as a breeder. In summer (as a breeder), locally fairly common near reservoirs (such as Falls, Jordan, and Norman) and along some large rivers, but rare in many counties. Nests east to Roanoke Rapids Lake, Falls Lake, and under bridges over the Pee Dee River (Anson--Richmond). In migration, at best uncommon in both spring and fall. Mainly very late Apr to early Sep; promptly absent after Sep. One was remarkably late at Lake Brandt (Guilford) on 15 Nov 1997. Peak single-list counts: 9,000, Pee Dee NWR (Anson), 11 Aug 2017; 650, Old US 421 River Park (Forsyth), 9 Apr 2017, and 650 again there on 14 May; 520, Otis Johnson Road (Chatham), 11 Aug 2024. | Summer resident, with migratory movements. In summer (as a breeder), mostly uncommon and local; not widespread, as suitable large bodies of water are not numerous. Nests mostly under bridges over wide rivers, such as along the French Broad River. Rare to uncommon as a migrant. Mainly early May to late Aug or early Sep. Peak single-list counts: 400, Little Tennessee River Greenway (Macon), 28 May 2025; 400, same site, 4 Jun 2026; 200, Hooper Lane (Henderson), 10-11 Sep 1997, an excellent count for so late in the season. | Though numerically not a common bird in the state, they are practically impossible to miss in May or Jun at colonies in the Piedmont, at reservoirs (stop close to bridges) such as Gaston, Falls, Jordan, etc., or under bridges over the Pee Dee or Yadkin rivers. | **** | 2026-10-28 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow | The Barn Swallow, like most swallows, breeds from coast to coast, well into Canada; like most of them, they completely leave the states for places as far south as Argentina. It nests in all 100 counties in North Carolina, but it essentially did not breed in the state until the 1950's. In fact, the finding of nests at Blowing Rock (Watauga) and Roaring Gap (Alleghany) in 1952 were worthy of "Briefs for the Files" in The Chat! It has increased as a breeder since then, though now that all of the southeastern counties are "occupied", it is no longer easy to note population increases. At any rate, it is, by far, our most widespread and common breeding swallow. They nest on horizontal surfaces, usually man-made, such as beneath bridges (both over water and over highways) and inside vacant buildings. Most territories tend to have some open water; however, many nest under highway overpasses, seemingly well away from water. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B | G5 | Summer resident, with migratory movements. Common breeder over the entire province (except near extensive forests), even on the Outer Banks. Mainly mid- or late Mar to late Oct, very rarely to early Jan (a handful of CBC records) along and near the coast. A few apparently overwintered at a quarry at New Bern in 1986-87. Three at Sunset Beach (Brunswick) on 13 Jan 2022 were also notable for midwinter, and at that same site as many as three were seen off and on from 8 Dec 2024 - 11 Feb 2025. There were three mid-Jan 2026 records near the northern coast. Can be very common to briefly abundant in migration. Peak single-list counts: 5,000, Holden Beach (Brunswick), 12 Aug 2013; 3,000, same site, 1 Sep 2017; 2,000, Eagles Island (Brunswick), 20 May 1991; 821, Mackay Island NWR (Currituck), 5 Sep 2021. | Summer resident. Common breeder throughout the region, and at times very common (at least near reservoirs) in migration. Mainly late Mar to late Sep or early Oct. A few early winter records, of stragglers. Peak single-list counts: ? | Summer resident. Common breeder at low and middle elevations, to about 4,000 feet; uncommon to perhaps 5,000 feet. Mainly late Mar to early Oct. Peak single-list counts: 900, Everett Sod Farm (Transylvania), 5 Sep 2022; 500+, Hooper Lane (Henderson), 13 and 17 Jul 2014. | None needed. | **** | 2026-10-28 | ||
| Stelgidopteryx serripennis Northern Rough-winged Swallow | This species, long known as the Rough-winged Swallow, had to have its common name changed several decades ago when the southern population (in the Neotropics) was split off as a separate species -- the Southern Rough-winged Swallow. Because the serrations on the wing are invisible to birders, it would seem better to just completely re-name both (with no more than three words). At any rate, this swallow -- like nearly all of those on the continent -- has a range from coast to coast, and it presumably nests in all 100 counties in the state, though it can be scarce near the coast. This scarcity is due to a paucity of vertical banks, as most nesting sites in the state are placed in banks that are 10 or more feet high. These banks are usually along the shore of a lake, but road-cuts, quarries, and other places will suffice, and they also nest in holes in man-made structures such as under bridges. They forage over nearby open areas, often around a lake or pond. As with the Purple Martin and Tree Swallow, they arrive well into Mar, and like the martin, they disappear by Aug, rarely lingering into early winter. However, with our warming winters in recent years, there has been a proliferation of birds lingering into the fist part of the season, at least into late Dec. | Breeder | Definitive | S4B | G5 | Summer resident. Fairly common over the inner two-thirds of the province, but uncommon to locally fairly common in Tidewater, and generally uncommon in coastal counties (and can be absent on coastal islands). Mainly mid-Mar to mid-Aug; often not arriving until Apr near the coast. Very rare straggler into Dec, and four records in Jan (as of 2023): at a quarry at New Bern on 14 Jan 1989, at a water treatment plant at Goldsboro on 29-30 Jan 2008, at a similar site at Ocean Isle Beach on 1 Jan 2010, and in Wilmington on 1 Jan 2011. Peak single-list counts: ? | Summer resident. Fairly common over nearly the entire region, perhaps slightly more frequent near reservoirs and in the foothills (where there are roadcuts). Mainly mid-Mar to late Aug, very rarely into Oct, and rarely arriving as early as late Feb. Increasing straggler into early winter, with at least ten records: one on the Chapel Hill CBC, 24 Dec 2006; one at Lake Brandt (Guilford), 18 Dec 2013; one at Lake Crabtree (Wake), 10 Dec 2017; one at Angus Barn Pond (Wake), 21 Dec 2022; one on the Charlotte CBC, 26 Dec 2022; and one at Lake Crabtree, 31 Dec 2022. In Dec 2023 individuals were seen at two sites in Wake and one in Mecklenburg. One was seen in Durham on 26 Dec 2025. Peak single-list counts: 200, Riverbend Park (Catawba), 23 Mar 2020; 200, same site, 21 Apr 2024; 150, Lake Crabtree County Park (Wake), 26 Apr 2015; 140, Stagecoach Road (Durham), 13 May 2017. | Summer resident. Fairly common over the region, up to about 4,000 feet, and sparingly up to about 5,500 feet. Primarily late Mar to Sep, very rarely into Oct. Highly notable was one photographed at Ecusta Pond (Transylvania) on 11 Dec 2019, apparently a first mountain winter record; another was seen at that same site on 9 Dec 2021. Peak single-list counts: 300, Jackson Park (Henderson), 28 Aug 2013; 200, Lake Junaluska (Haywood), 4 May 2013; 150, Biltmore Estate -- Lagoon (Buncombe), 12 Apr 2025. | The species is normally seen in a day of birding in most sites away from coastal counties. The best places are large reservoirs, where most have a few swallows flying around near the shorelines from time to time. | *** | 2026-10-28 | ||
| Progne subis Purple Martin | Probably no bird in the United States relies on man as does the Purple Martin. Prior to man providing them homes with bird houses and gourds, these largest of our swallows nested in tree cavities. Martins no longer nest away from man; essentially all nest in man-made structures. Another fascinating feature of martins is their time of residency in the states. They often arrive in North Carolina by late Feb, well before the last of the sub-freezing temperatures, making foraging on flying insects sometimes a challenge. And, they gather after breeding into a few huge flocks of tens of thousands of birds, heading southward before the end of Aug, though some are seen into Sep. Birds are practically never seen in the state from Oct through Jan. Martins nest over nearly all of the state, except in the higher mountains; their habitat is dependent on where houses and gourds are placed. Favored areas contain much open country, such as farmyards and pastures, and a lake or pond is always a bonus. Sadly, the species has shown a decline in the state, especially as a breeder, and birds often are not arriving now until Mar. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B | G5 | Summer resident, somewhat declining. Generally common in the eastern portions -- near the coast and in Tidewater; generally fairly common, to locally common, over most of the inner portions. There is a post-breeding concentration of up to about 40,000 birds for a few weeks (late Jul to mid-Aug) that roost under the old US 64 bridge over Croatan Sound, near Manns Harbor (Dare). Mainly early Mar to early or mid-Sep. One female at Pea Island NWR on 18 Nov 1979 was exceptionally late. Peak single-list counts: 110,000, Manns Harbor bridge, 28 Jul 2018; 40,000, same site, 21 Jul 2005; 10,000, same site, 8 Aug 2015; 7,000, Fayetteville, 24 Jul 1987. | Summer resident, declining. Fairly common on the whole for the region, but in reality it is variously locally uncommon to locally common, depending on locations and abundance of suitable martin boxes and gourds. Mainly early Mar to mid-Aug, rarely into Sep. One photographed at Jordan Lake (Chatham) on 8 Oct 2023 was very late, as there is hardly any state documentation after Sep. Peak single-list counts: 200,000 estimated at a roost in Greensboro (date not given, but pre-1942); 40,000, roosting at the Unifi Plant in Yadkinville (Yadkin), 6 Aug 2014, with 20,000 there on 8 Aug; 6,000, Concord (Cabarrus), 6-8 Aug 2018; 3,000, Durham, 23 Jul 1970. | Summer resident. Generally uncommon to locally fairly common at low elevations, up to about 3,000 feet. Quite scarce above 3,000 feet, and probably absent above 4,000 feet. Migrants can occur at higher elevations. Mainly late Mar to mid- or late Aug. Peak single-list counts: ? | Usually easy to find on the Outer Banks in the early summer. The birds are not "miss-able" at the old US 64 Croatan Sound bridge in early August. | **** | 2026-10-28 | ||
| Tachycineta bicolor Tree Swallow | The Tree Swallow is by far the most cold-hardy swallow in North America, being the only one to winter in substantial numbers in the southern part of the country. Fortunately, the species switches much of its diet to feeding on berries, particularly Waxmyrtle berries, though the birds certainly feed on flying insects during mild winter spells. The species nests over much of the continent, and its breeding range has expanded southward in recent decades, to include North Carolina. Currently, it nests in the Mountains, and sparingly but increasingly in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. It nests singly in cavities, such as in bluebird boxes or holes in dead trees at lakes; fresh water ponds or lakes are essential in a territory. In winter, birds occur along and near the coast, and they winter near open water areas where there are stands of Waxmyrtle (or Red Cedar) nearby. At the latter season, the birds can occur in large flocks, of up to several thousand birds, rarely up to 100,000 birds, and thus can be locally absent in other places. | Breeder | Definitive | S3B,S4N | G5 | Breeder and winter resident, with noticeable migratory movements; scarce but increasing as a breeder. Breeds mostly at a few sites near the coast, including in Tidewater; nested for the first time in the Sandhills in 2015. The most consistent site appears to be Mackay Island NWR (Currituck). Has nested far inland in Halifax in 2011-2013. Nesting has also occurred in Dare, Mattamuskeet NWR, Beaufort [county], Eagle Island (Brunswick), and at McKinney Fish Hatchery (Richmond). The N.C. Bird Atlas shows confirmed nesting south to Carteret, Wayne, Cumberland, and Hoke. In winter, uncommon to locally abundant (such as at Lake Mattamuskeet) in Tidewater and along the coast; sporadic in occurrence, and can be absent in suitable habitat for weeks at a time. Common to at times abundant in migration in these same areas. Farther inland, mostly uncommon to briefly and locally common transient; rare visitor in winter. Inland, mainly mid-Mar to mid-May, and late Jul into Oct. Peak single-list counts: 100,000, Eagle Island near Wilmington, 6 Nov 1987; 100,000, Manns Harbor (Dare), 20 Feb 2016; 100,000, same site -- Mashoes Road, 18 Nov 2023; 40,000, several other sites and dates. | Transient, and sparse breeder, slightly increasing as a breeder. In summer, rare to locally fairly common, mostly at reservoirs (nests in dead trees in standing water, such as at Jordan and Falls lakes), but now using bird boxes over much of the province; absent in some or many counties, and can be sporadic from year to year. Uncommon to often common transient in spring; generally uncommon in fall; most numerous around larger reservoirs. Mostly mid-Mar to mid-May, and late Jul into Oct. Peak single-list counts: 2,000, Salem Lake (Forsyth), 6 Apr 1996. | Summer resident, with migratory movements; increasing as a breeder. Uncommon to fairly common breeder at low elevations, especially in broad valleys near water; uncommon at middle elevations, up to perhaps 4,000 feet; rare to absent above that elevation in summer. Can be a fairly common migrant (but at times common); mainly late Mar to late May, and mid-Aug into Oct. Peak single-list counts: an estimated 29,000, Ecusta Pond (Transylvania), 11 Oct 2022, with about 26,800 there on 7 Oct; 21,400, same site, 13 Oct 2019; 20,500, same site, 21 Oct 2021. | The species is most easily seen at large lakes toward the coast in the cooler months. Though never a 100% surety, you should be able to find birds in late fall and winter around Lake Mattamuskeet or the nearby impoundments. | *** to **** | 2026-10-28 | ||
| Riparia riparia Bank Swallow | The Bank Swallow has a range that not only encompasses most of North America (and wintering south to South America), it is also found in Europe, where it has the annoying name of Sand Martin. (We in the New World reserve the name "martin" for the larger swallows of the genus Progne, which are absent in Europe. Thus, there should be strong reasoning to keep this species as "Bank Swallow" if and when the time comes to standardize common/English names around the world.) North Carolina lies at the southeastern edge of the breeding range, and there have only been two confirmed nesting sites, one of which has now eroded away. They nest in taller banks than do the Northern Rough-winged Swallow, usually 20 feet or higher, and they nest in colonies (the latter species nests solely or in groups of two or three pairs). The sole remaining colony is (if still present) at a quarry in the mountains. Thankfully, the species does migrate over most of the rest of the state, so it passes through all counties annually, though in small numbers. Migrants are usually seen near fresh water -- reservoirs and natural lakes, and ponds -- frequently mixing with other swallows to sit on phone lines. | Former Breeder | Definitive | SR | S1B | G5 | Transient. In spring, generally uncommon (but as it occurs in flocks, can be sporadic from week to week) in the western portions, but generally rare to uncommon in the eastern portions; in fall, generally uncommon in the western portions, and fairly common more coastally. Mainly mid-Apr to late May, and mid-July to mid-Sep; absent by early Oct (no known records). However, there is one Nov record and several remarkable Dec records for a quarry at New Bern, in 1991 and 1993, with the latest date being 21 Dec. Peak single-list counts: 350, Buckhorn Reservoir (Wilson), 1 Sep 2006; 75, same site, 3 Sep 2016; 50, unspecified site (Dare), 11 Sep 2015. | Transient, and accidental (at least former) breeder. Nested along the Roaring River near Ronda (Wilkes) from 1977-78, with a maximum of 20 nest burrows (Chat 42:83-84); however, this bank has eroded away, and thus the colony is long gone. Might possibly nest on occasions at one or two sites (Hyco Lake, Lake Gaston) near the VA state line. In migration, generally uncommon (though can be numerous on occasions) in spring across the region; in fall, slightly less numerous, but still uncommon, and declining to rare to quite uncommon currently. Mainly mid-Apr to late May, and late Jul to mid-Sep. Peak single-list counts: 36, Jordan Lake (Chatham), 6 May 1984. There are likely higher counts on Spring Bird Counts, which combine several lists. | Transient, and breeder (currently?) at one site. Rare to uncommon in both spring and fall. Nested at a quarry in Avery; first noted there in 1992, and last checked in 2007, when several pairs were seen. There have been no breeding evidence reported in the province since then. Mainly mid-Apr to late May, and late Jul to late Sep. One at Ecusta Pond (Transylvania) on 25 Mar 2023 was quite early. Peak single-list counts: 50, Hooper Lane (Henderson), 11 Sep 1997; 44, Ecusta Pond (Transylvania), 20 May 2020; 30, Hooper Lane, 5 Jul 2000. | Finding this migrant can be tricky, as individuals often do not remain long in one place and often are constantly on the wing. The best places are some of the larger reservoirs, in the first half of May; or, near coastal impoundments or Tidewater lakes in Aug. Chances are better during stormy weather or immediately after a front, especially amid flocks of more common swallows such as Tree and Barn. | ** | 2026-10-28 | |
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Eremophila alpestris Horned Lark | The Horned Lark has one of the widest breeding ranges of any passerine on the continent; it is also the only native species of lark that nests in North America. It avoids breeding in the extreme Southeast, as it is a cold-hardy species. It also nests in as barren (devoid of plants) habitats as practically any songbird, and this is especially true in the East. Though it nests sparingly across most of North Carolina, it is mostly local or scarce, except in some areas of the Coastal Plain, where not uncommon in some areas. Numbers are increased somewhat in winter, though it is still generally uncommon. At all seasons, Horned Larks are found in short grass areas -- nearly bare croplands (prior to planting or growth of crops), airports, sandy barrens, etc. In fall and winter, they also occur in plowed fields, at times in sizable flocks. | Breeder | Definitive | S4B,S4N | G5 | Permanent resident, with the population increased in winter. In summer, uncommon to fairly common, at least locally, in the western and central sections, but locally rare to absent in Tidewater and in most coastal counties. In winter, locally common in the northern third of the province, southeast to the Lake Phelps area; status similar to summer elsewhere (i.e., most of the migrants into the region seem to occur only in the northern regions), except the occasional bird is found in winter toward the coast. There is a localized year-round population at North River Farms in central Carteret. Peak counts: 1,000, Occoneechee Neck (Northampton), winter 1976-1977. Peak single-list counts: 280, Mattamuskeet NWR, 30 Nov 2018; 204, Creswell (Washington), 30 Dec 2023; 150, Stingy Road (Camden), 26 Jan 1996; 150, including many juveniles, North River Farms (Carteret), 21 Jul 2002. | Permanent resident, with migratory movements; declining, with loss of suitable habitat. Rare and local summer resident, seemingly absent in some counties, such as Durham and Orange. In winter, rare to locally uncommon over the region; migrants arrive in Oct or Nov, and depart by Mar. Peak single-list counts: 200, Dinkins Bottom (Yadkin), 7 Dec 2010; 132, Brown Creek Valley area (Union), 20 Feb 2021; 130, Raleigh, 2 Feb 1978. | Permanent resident, with migratory movements; scarce and not well known. Very rare to rare, and local breeder, such as on grassy balds. Some arrive in winter, at plowed fields in extensive farmland in valleys, but rare to uncommon, and local. Peak single-list counts: 300, Hooper Lane (Henderson), 21 Jan 1996. | Your best bet is to drive back roads, and make numerous stops, at extensive farmland, in Coastal Plain counties such as Robeson or Edgecombe, in Apr, May, or early Jun; listen for the tinkling song, especially where the soil is sandy (i.e., where cotton will be planted). Otherwise, in winter, look in northern Coastal Plain counties such as Halifax where there are very extensive plowed fields, and scan and listen for calls. Hooper Lane north of Hendersonville has also been reliable in winter. The birds are easier to find in the breeding season, as they are not as local at that season. | *** | 2026-10-28 | ||
| Baeolophus bicolor Tufted Titmouse | The Tufted Titmouse is the Carolina Chickadee's close cousin, even though chickadees and titmice were split into different genera in the late 1990's; previously, both groups were in the genus Parus. Like that species, it occurs across the Eastern half of the country, is essentially non-migratory, and nests in all 100 North Carolina counties. Unlike the chickadee, it tends to be scarce toward the immediate coast, and is scarce or absent in some forested areas on islands. In recent years, it seems to have "colonized" Bogue Banks, where the chickadee has long been a breeder. It is often the first bird to investigate a new bird feeder, and it is a nucleus species, along with the Carolina Chickadee, in winter flocks of birds that move through pine and mixed forests. It prefers somewhat more hardwood-based forests than does the chickadee, and tends to be scarce in pine stands except in winter. But, they can be found in most hardwood or mixed forests, often in residential areas, across the state. | Breeder | Definitive | S5 | G5 | Permanent resident; non-migratory. Common to very common resident across the province, though mostly uncommon to fairly common within a few miles of salt or brackish water. Absent from Buxton Woods and Bodie Island, not common on Bogue Banks, and not common in some refuges and parks on the Pamlimarle Peninsula. Peak counts: 65, Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center (Johnston), 21 May 2014; 60, Jackson (Northampton), 3 May 2012. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on CBCs, with many lists combined. | Permanent resident; non-migratory. Common to very common across the province. Peak counts: 357, Jordan Lake spring count, 7 May 2000. Peak single-list counts: 75, Stagecoach Road (Durham), 26 Mar 2016; 68, Durham city area, 15 Dec 2013; 64, Pee Dee NWR (Anson), 31 Dec 2011. | Permanent resident; non-migratory. Common up to about 4,500 feet, and ranges sparingly up to about 5,500 feet, very rarely higher. In winter, moves downward from the higher elevations. Peak single-list counts: 62, upper Broad River (Buncombe), 15 Dec 2012; 59, Glady Fork area (Transylvania), 16 Dec 1995. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on CBCs, with many lists combined. | None needed. | **** | 2026-10-28 | ||
| Poecile atricapillus Black-capped Chickadee | The Black-capped Chickadee is one of the most common and familiar species to people in Canada and the northern portions of the United States, but in North Carolina, one must normally travel to the Great Smoky Mountains NP, or the southwestern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, to find a Black-capped Chickadee. In the national park, it is somewhat widespread at the higher elevations, even in hardwoods; however, it is restricted to the spruce-fir stands, or where mixed with some hardwoods, farther southeast toward the right-angle bend in the Parkway, near Devils Courthouse. In fact, chickadees at this southeastern end of the state range seem to have some characters of the very similar Carolina Chickadee; thus, the husky "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call heard in the Smokies is often replaced by a less husky and higher call at the end of the range (and therefore closer to a Carolina call). However, the song of these "iffy" birds is the two- or three-note "fee-bee" or "fee-bee-bee" whistle of the Black-capped, though seemingly higher-pitched than in the Smokies. (Carolina's song is clear four-note "fee-bee fee-bay", quite different from the Black-capped song). Thus, these birds have probably rightly been called Black-capped Chickadees. This southern Appalachian range is quite disjunct from the rest of the range, from central Virginia northward. Thus, the species is surprisingly absent from the spruce-fir forests on Mount Rogers, VA, and Grandfather Mountain, Roan Mountain, and the Black Mountains in NC. Nonetheless, there are a few records from each of these ranges in the summer, most made by experienced observers; however, there are no nesting records from these areas, and these must be considered of strays. Black-capped Chickadees are somewhat migratory, and they occur sparingly in the VA Piedmont in winter, where they do not nest. Thus, some of these strays could have been winter migrants that stayed into the nesting season. | Breeder | Definitive | SC | S3 | G5 | No records. | No confirmed records. There are the occasional reports of "Black-capped Chickadees" from the province, but these are generally made by inexperienced observers. As noted above, the species is partially migratory, and birds do occur in some areas in VA in winter where they do not breed. Thus, a rare winter stray in the Piedmont of NC would be possible. However, photos and/or recordings would be needed to confirm a first record for the province. | Permanent resident, apparently with no migratory movements (though birds do move slightly down-slope in winter), only conclusively in the southwestern portion of the province. Fairly common above about 4,500 feet in Great Smoky Mountains NP; uncommon farther southeastward to Devils Courthouse, not far from the spine of the Great Balsams (and the Blue Ridge Parkway), mostly above 5,000 feet (or at least where there are spruce-fir stands). Essentially absent elsewhere at all seasons, though there are sporadic reports (likely misidentifications?). There are several scattered records for Grandfather Mountain, Roan Mountain, and the Mount Mitchell area; plus a count of four birds along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, at 3,600 feet, on 17 Dec 1989. These records northeast of Devils Courthouse must be considered as strays, very rare winter visitors, etc. There have been no consistent summer reports from these sites, despite excellent nesting habitat. Peak single-list counts: 20, Blue Ridge Parkway (Jackson), 11 Aug 2019; 20, Great Smoky Mountains NP -- Charlies Bunion Trail (Swain), 10 Aug 2025; 17, same site, 4 Aug 2015; 17, Kuwohi Road (Swain), 13 Aug 2018. | If you are coming from most of the state to look for the species, stop first at overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway starting at Devils Courthouse, and walk any trails or along the parkway. Your best best, however, is the Heintooga Road, at the southeastern edge of Great Smoky Mountains NP. Stop anywhere along the road where there are spruce-fir stands. This road normally has little traffic, and seldom fails to produce the birds. You shouldn't have to brave traffic jams along the busy US 441 to reach Newfound Gap or Clingmans Dome to find a chickadee. | *** | 2026-10-28 | |
| Poecile carolinensis Carolina Chickadee | The Carolina Chickadee is one of the best known species in the state, as it occurs statewide, and nests in all 100 counties. It is absent only from the highest mountains and the Outer Banks (and other islands with no forests). It is one of the relatively few songbirds in the state that is completely non-migratory. Year-round habitat is middle-aged to mature forests and woodlots, both in residential areas and in more remote areas. It favors some conifers in the forest, especially in winter; however, they range from swamp forests to drier forests. Nearly all bird feeders in wooded areas are visited by chickadees. It is a nucleus species, along with the Tufted Titmouse, in the mixed-species flocks that roam the pine and mixed forests in winter. | Breeder | Definitive | S5 | G5 | Permanent resident; non-migratory. Common to very common, and widespread, across the region, except absent on barrier islands lacking forests. Mysteriously absent from Buxton Woods, which contains excellent habitat for the species, though there are one or two records. There are also a few records for the Cape Lookout area, presumably representing strays from the nearby mainland. Peak single-list counts: 84, Greenfield Lake (New Hanover), 3 Jan 2015; 75, same site, 21 Dec 2016; 70, Nags Head Woods area (Dare), 19 Dec 2020. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on CBCs, with many lists combined. | Permanent resident; non-migratory. Common to very common, and widespread, across the province. Peak counts: 283, Jordan Lake spring count, 7 May 2000. Peak single-list counts: 84, Orange, 1 May 2010; 75, Stagecoach Road (Durham), 26 Mar 2016; 69, Jordan Lake area (Chatham), 18 Sep 1999. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on CBCs, with many lists combined. | Permanent resident; non-migratory. Common to very common, and widespread, up to 5,500 feet, to occasionally 6,000 feet, except in areas occupied by the Black-capped Chickadee. Thus, in much of the Great Smoky Mountains NP, the Plott Balsams, and the Great Balsam Mountains southeast toward Devils Courthouse, the species ranges up to about 4,500 feet -- or to the elevation occupied by the Black-capped (the two species do not occur in the same area). Peak counts: 67, Asheville, 21 Dec 2014. Note that there are certainly higher one-day totals on CBCs, with many lists combined. | None needed. | **** | 2026-10-28 | ||
| Corvus corax Common Raven | The Common Raven is considered to be the largest passerine in the world. It also is the one occurring farthest north, braving the harshest winters in the Arctic. It nests from coast to coast, and far southward in various mountain ranges. In North Carolina, it is primarily limited to the mountains. However, 100 or more years ago, it occurred sparingly toward the coast, and certainly must have nested on cliffs in Harnett, at aptly named Raven Rock State Park. Since about 1990, the species has slowly moved eastward across most of the Piedmont, nesting in a few scattered sites (mainly quarries), and often being observed along interstate highways looking for roadkill. Its status in the Piedmont is still quite uncertain -- are most of these sightings of immature birds, not yet nesting? For breeding, the raven always nests on horizontal surfaces -- usually ledges on cliffs, but also on quarry ledges and even in rafters of large buildings. They forage across very large areas, and seem more obvious in early morning when they fly over highways looking for overnight roadkills before traffic gets heavy, or rummage at garbage areas in parks before crowds arrive. They are quite shy and keep a good distance from man, typically feeding in more remote locations. | Breeder | Definitive | W | S3 | G5 | Formerly (prior to 1932), accidental/casual visitor to the coast: 2, Beaufort (Carteret), 4 Jun 1892; 4, Knotts Island (Currituck), 14 Nov 1931. In "recent" years, a casual to very rare visitor: one, Creswell (Washington), 1 Jul 1958; one off and on in the Greenville area in summer and fall 2005 to summer 2007; one at Whispering Pines (Moore), 29 Apr 2005; two on the Alligator River NWR CBC, 30 Dec 2010; one over I-95 in Wilson, 1 Nov 2020, and probably the same individual over nearby Buckhorn Reservoir on 2 Nov. Remarkable was one photographed and seen by many people at the Oregon Inlet campground (Dare) on 17 Apr 2021 and at the adjacent fishing center on 19 Apr 2021; it or another bird was noted farther south at Cape Hatteras Point on 22-24 Apr 2021* (Chat 85:127). This is likely a first record for the immediate coast in about 90 years. This record has been accepted by the NC BRC. In 2022, one was seen in flight over Cape Hatteras Point on 29 Apr, and perhaps the same bird was photographed on a telephone pole at Salvo (Dare) on 15 May. One was seen in flight at nearby Avon on 18 Mar 2025. | Present, but scarce, all year over much of the province, occasionally breeding; mainly since about 1990, with reports continuing to increase. Very rare and local breeder, east certainly to Greensboro and Charlotte; also in Winston-Salem; suspected of nesting in Wake and a few other counties. Otherwise, rare (in terms of overall numbers) but often noted year-round visitor, east to Wake and western Johnston; records greatly increasing, particularly in the Triangle area (where birders are very numerous). Does not flock; usually seen as singles. Peak single-list counts: 25, Hanging Rock SP (Stokes), 26 Sep 2019: 25, same site, 14 Feb 2020; 24, in flight over Dan River Game Land (Rockingham), 24 Oct 2022; 19, Greensboro CBC, 18 Dec 2004; 18, Dan River Game Land (Rockingham), 23 Dec 2018; 14, Pilot Mountain hawk watch, 14 Sep 2011. A count of 35 at Siler City (Chatham) in Dec 2022 seems far too high at that eastern locale to be correct. | Permanent resident, with migratory movements rather imperceptible. Little distributional change over the decades, and not obviously increasing in numbers as a breeder (perhaps because most suitable cliffs are already occupied?). Generally uncommon, but often seen (at a distance) or heard where present, mainly above 3,000 feet, and occurs to the tops of the highest mountains. Peak single-list counts: 36, Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center (Haywood), 7 Jun 2012; 30, Balsam Mountain (Swain), 12 Jul 2004; 25, Grassy Ridge Bald (Mitchell), 25 Nov 2016. | Though uncommon number-wise in the mountains, it can be heard calling at long distances, so not hard to encounter. Your best bets are stopping at the Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks at the higher elevations, such as close to Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell, Devils Courthouse, or Richland Balsam, and listen and scan the skies for them. | *** | 2026-10-28 | |
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Corvus ossifragus Fish Crow | Unlike the American Crow, the Fish Crow is poorly known to the layman -- "There are two kinds of crows in the state?". Until the 1960's, this might have been understandable, as this species was known only as a common permanent resident in tidal areas. For whatever reason, numbers started spreading inland into the upper reaches of the Coastal Plain by the mid-1960's, including a few spots along the Piedmont Fall Line. Even now, Fish Crows continue to slowly move farther inland, such that birds now are breeding in all of the Piedmont. It is now being seen sporadically in the Mountains, but nesting has not yet been confirmed though birds are undoubtedly doing so. However, the species tends to withdraw back to the Coastal Plain (eastward or southward) for a couple of months in winter. Near the coast, and in many inland areas, they are closely tied to open water -- coastal islands, edges of forests near sounds, and woods adjacent to reservoirs. However, after initial establishment, they often move away from water and feed at landfills and in residential areas, to feed on bird eggs and nestlings, as well as other food off the ground. They avoid feeding in farmland and other cropland, at least in the Piedmont, leaving these areas to the American Crow. Birds nest in evergreen cover of pine stands, broadleaf evergreen forests and thickets, etc. In fall and winter, they typically gather into larger flocks (often over 100 birds) than are the flocks of American Crows; the two species seldom occur in the same flock. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S5N | G5 | Permanent resident over most of the area, with migratory movements. Generally, common to locally very common along the coast and in Tidewater, and now common inland. Can be locally uncommon in some inland areas in winter, especially in the northwestern portions. Because it gathers into large flocks in winter, it can be locally scarce for various periods, even in some coastal areas. Peak single-list counts: 10,000 at a roost north of Engelhard (Hyde), 14-16 Feb 1987; 6,020, Fort Fisher (New Hanover,/i>), 3 Jan 1987; 4,000, same site, 31 Dec 1988; 3,000, roost near Warsaw (Duplin), 23 Dec 2021. | Summer resident, remaining into late fall, and sparingly winters in the eastern portions; still slowly increasing. In the warmer months, common in the eastern and southern portions, but uncommon and local toward the foothills. Unpredictable in winter, depending on the severity of the weather. Peak single-list counts: 207, Ringwood (Halifax), 13 Oct 1986. A count of 700 in Charlotte in early Feb 2026 seems to be much too early in the season for such a number and likely refer to American Crows; there were no other counts in that area in Feb 2026 with more than just 1-2 birds. | Greatly increasing visitor at all seasons and presumed local breeder; a recent arrival, since 2006. Now surely nesting at a few places, but no active nest has been found; an adult was seen carrying food in Cherokee in 2025. In recent years, from 2019 and later, there are quite a few records for the northern Mountains, mostly from Watauga. A count of 9, possibly including juveniles, was noted in Boone (Watauga) on 15 Jul 2021; no conclusive breeding evidence exists for this province, though it would be little surprise if such evidence were found in the next few years. In fact, in spring 2024 and spring 2025, the species was reported on eBird lists from all 17 counties in the province. In summer 2024, adults carrying food were seen in Buncombe. A few birds are now (2026) overwintering as far north as Watauga. Peak single-list counts: 9, see above; 8, Henderson, 12 May 2009. | Easy to find, and not local, in the breeding season, in most of the Coastal Plain, especially around salt or brackish water. Typically easy to find in the warmer months in many Piedmont cities and large towns. | **** | 2026-10-28 | ||
| Corvus brachyrhynchos American Crow | The American Crow, formerly named the Common Crow, is so common and conspicuous across the entire state that it needs little comment. Despite their abundance, they become remarkably secretive when nesting, and finding an active nest is not easy. They nest normally in medium growth to fairly dense mixed pine/hardwood forests (nest is typically built in a pine tree), but they forage in nearby croplands, pastures, residential areas, and other open areas such as landfills. They often form sizable flocks in fall and winter, up to dozens of birds. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S5N | G5 | Permanent resident, with migratory movements; apparently increasing. Very conspicuous except when nesting. Very common in summer, and very common to abundant in winter, over essentially all of the province. Less common on the Outer Banks and other coastal islands, and can be scarce at times there. Peak single-list counts: ? | Permanent resident, with migratory movements; apparently increasing. Very conspicuous except when nesting. Very common in summer, and very common to abundant in winter, over essentially all of the province. Peak single-list counts: 1,200, Winston-Salem, 24 Jan 2022; 1,000, several other dates in this city and in Greensboro. | Permanent resident, with migratory movements; apparently increasing. Very conspicuous except when nesting. Common at all seasons, up to about 4,000 feet; uncommon higher, and occasionally noted even above 6,500 feet (i.e., black corvids at high elevations are not necessarily Common Ravens; crows often outnumber them). Peak single-list counts: ? | None needed. | **** | 2026-10-28 | ||
| Cyanocitta cristata Blue Jay | The Blue Jay is one of our best known birds, breeding across the eastern half of the country, and certainly doing so in all 100 counties of the state. It also has noticeable spring and fall diurnal migrations, with small flocks moving just over treeline to the northeast in spring and southwest in fall. At all seasons, the species favors mature hardwood or mixed forests and woodlands, typically somewhat open, such as wooded residential areas; forests with a considerable number of oaks are preferred. Drier forests are also preferred over swamps. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S5N | G5 | Permanent resident, with some migratory movements. Common and conspicuous across the province; however, absent as a breeder, and usually in winter, on coastal islands. Uncommon on the Outer Banks in migration, but can be fairly common in migration along the southern coast. Peak single-list counts: 500, Carolina Beach, 29 Sep 1962; 300, Fort Fisher (New Hanover), 5 Oct 2020; 200, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (Dare), 18 Oct 2017. | Permanent resident, with noticeable migratory movements. Common and conspicuous across the province, and often very common in spring and fall. Noticeable flights in Apr and early May, and late Sep to mid-Oct. Peak single-list counts: 323, Riverbend Park (Catawba), 27 Sep 2020, with 231 counted there the day before; 250, Catawba, 15 Apr 2002; 227, Stone Mountain SP (Wilkes), 18 Apr 2025. | Permanent resident, with very noticeable migratory movements. Common breeder to over 5,000 feet, but absent above about 5,500 feet. In winter, generally fairly common at lower and middle elevations; uncommon above perhaps 4,000 feet. Strong movements in late Apr and May, and in Sep - Oct, when it can be very common. Peak single-list counts: 189, Ridge Junction (Yancey), 3 Oct 1999. | None needed. | **** | 2026-10-28 | ||
| Lanius ludovicianus Loggerhead Shrike | The Loggerhead Shrike was historically rare to absent as a breeding species in the East, but with the opening up of the forests for farmland, it, the Eastern Meadowlark, and the Brown-headed Cowbird moved in from the Midwest as nesting species. However, starting in the 1970's, the shrike has undergone a steep population decline over most of its range, and many states have it on their rare species list. The decline can be attributed to loss of farmland to development and succession (as farms are abandoned), cleaner farming practices, perhaps severe winters, and undetermined factors such as prey decline, decline in thorny tree species, use of pesticides, disease, etc. The decline has seemly stopped or slightly slowed in recent years, and birds are even being found slightly farther east in the nesting season than previous seen. Shrikes nest in the western and southern parts of the Coastal Plain, but only sparingly now in the Piedmont; and the wintering range is similar, though there is likely some increase of birds in winter than summer (at least in the Coastal Plain). Favored habitats are extensive pastures and farmland, with thorny trees or shrubs or barbed wire fences (for impaling prey). Sandy soil areas are favored over wetter or more clay-like soils. | Breeder | Definitive | SC | S3B,S3N | G4 | Permanent resident, with migratory movements. Nests east to about Roanoke Rapids, Washington, and Wilmington -- thus essentially absent from the northeastern 40% of the region, and also absent in most coastal counties except Brunswick and New Hanover. However, remarkably far to the northeast was an adult seen carrying nesting material near Murfreesboro (Hertford) on 24 Jun 2023. (The species nested in Carteret in 2011, and again in 2021, for perhaps the only time since 1975). Winters over this same range, with a few birds being seen slightly farther east, sporadically to the Lake Mattamuskeet area and to Carteret. Year-round, uncommon to fairly common in counties bordering South Carolina (such as Scotland, Robeson, and Columbus); slightly less numerous in the Sandhills and central counties; rare to uncommon in the northern portions. Peak single-list counts: 11, Windblow (Richmond), 9 Feb 2025; 9, same site, 18 Aug 2024; 9, Halifax, 28 Jul 2013. Certainly there were higher single-party counts well before 2000. | Permanent resident, with slightly noticeable migratory movements. Formerly (prior to about 1975) nested over nearly all of the province. Currently, mostly rare to locally uncommon only in counties along the SC border with much farmland, such as Cleveland and Union; otherwise, rare in the southern half, and very rare to absent in the northern half. It no longer nests in counties along the VA border, at least west of Granville, as well as in most central counties, though a confirmed breeding record was noted in Davie in 2023. The wintering range is similar. Peak single-list counts: 10, Dutchmans Creek Lake (Davie), 11 Jun 2024; 8, Richfield-Millingport Road (Stanly), 29 Dec 1967; 8, Zion Church Road (Union), 16 May 2024. Certainly there were higher single-party counts well before 2000. | Transient and winter visitor/resident, and likely former breeder. Now a very rare transient in the lower elevations, and a very rare and local winter visitor -- mainly in Ashe, Alleghany, Henderson, and Transylvania. There are a few recent summer records, but none for conclusive breeding. Primarily Dec to Mar, but scattered records over the year. Peak counts: 3, New River SP CBC, 21 Dec 1991. | Your best bet is to drive secondary roads in Robeson or Scotland counties, where the species is still numerous enough to see a few in a day. Driving roads south from US 74 to the Lumber River SP is a good area. Shrikes can still be seen regularly as far north as Edgecombe, southern Halifax, and Martin in the northwestern Coastal Plain. | ** to *** | 2026-10-27 | |
| Vireo altiloquus Black-whiskered Vireo | For a species that nests in the West Indies and north to the western and southern coasts of Florida, one might expect at best only one or two state records for this cousin of the Red-eyed Vireo. However, the Black-whiskered Vireo "overshoots" its breeding range enough in spring that sharp-eyed or sharp-eared birders can recognize it from the very common Red-eyed. Amazingly, there are over a dozen state records, all from the Coastal Plain in spring or early summer. This is in stark contract to South Carolina, which, despite lying closer to Florida, has just three records for the species (as of 2024). | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Now a very rare overshooting stray along and near the coast, in spring; a remarkable 17+ records so far. One was seen at Wrightsville Beach (New Hanover) on 1 Apr 1960 (Chat 25:17-18); one was near Masonboro Sound (New Hanover) on 8 May 1983 (Chat 47:110); a bird acting territorial at Cape Lookout (Carteret) was present from 23 May - 2 Jul 1994 (Chat 59:87); one was seen in Beaufort (Carteret) on 6 May 1994 (Chat 60:140); another was at Cape Lookout on 20 May 2000 (Chat 64:156); one was found at Bald Head Island (Brunswick) from 6-22 Jun 2001 (Chat 66:33); and one was in Manteo (Dare) on 29 Jun 2006 (Chat 71:3). One was observed singing at Morehead City (Carteret) from 17-20 Jun 2019 (Chat 83:117); and one was photographed at Duck (Dare) on 1 May 2020 (Chat 84:99). Singles were seen in coastal Dare at Buxton on 30 Apr 2021 and likely the same not far away on 30 Apr; supposedly a different one was seen on the Hatteras Inlet peninsula on 6-15 May 2021 (Chat 85:127). Probably a different bird from the 2021 one was seen at Cape Hatteras Point on 4 May and 14 May 2022. A singing bird was photographed at Beaufort (Carteret) on 16-17 Jun 2023. Along the central coast of Dare in spring 2024, seemingly a single bird was noted singing at Oregon Inlet on 9-11 May, Bodie Island on 23 May, and at a Nags Head golf course from 25 May - 10 Jun! A few report in spring 2025 on the Dare Outer Banks lacked details. One found along Billfinger Road in Croatan National Forest (Craven) on 13 Jun 2009 is the only somewhat inland record (Chat 73:162). Singles, if different birds, were seen and heard singing in Carolina Beach SP (New Hanover) on 17 Apr and again from 15-18 May 2026. Peak single-list counts: 2, Carolina Beach SP, 16 May 2026; all other reports of single birds. | No records. | No records. | If one is birding along the southern coastline in May or early June, especially on islands, it doesn't hurt to learn or be familiar with the song of the Black-whiskered Vireo. Many of the state records were of birds that were first heard singing, and the observers either recognized the species from the song, or realized that these were not likely Red-eyed Vireos and needed visual confirmation. | * | 2026-10-27 | ||