| 50 most recent updates | |||||||||||||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ammospiza caudacuta Saltmarsh Sparrow | This species was split, along with Nelson's Sparrow, from the Sharp-tailed Sparrow in 1995. Whereas the Nelson's has populations in the middle of the continent plus the Northeastern states and Canadian Maritimes, the Saltmarsh Sparrow is the former subspecies that nests along the Atlantic coast from Virginia northward. Though a few birds have been reported in North Carolina marshes in Jun, there is no evidence of nesting here. In fact, juvenile Seaside Sparrows can look quite similar to Saltmarsh Sparrows, and thus some summer reports of Saltmarsh Sparrows might be misidentified. Both the Nelson's and Saltmarsh sparrows winter in salt and brackish marshes along the South Atlantic coast, including North Carolina; both appear to be about equally numerous, though local abundances are still to be worked out. Whether the Saltmarsh Sparrow occurs inland (in migration) is uncertain, as older records of Sharp-tailed did not differentiate between subspecies; however, the coastally nesting Seaside Sparrow, as has the Clapper Rail, been found inland, mainly as tower-kill victims. Thus, there likely are a few inland state records of Saltmarsh Sparrow. NatureServe moved the Global Rank to an alarming G2 in the past few years, and the N.C. Natural Heritage Program has followed suit by moving the State Rank for wintering birds to S2N, which seems too rare for a bird that is not overly scarce in winter in our marshes. In addition, that program is now tracking the wintering population as Significantly Rare (it does not nest in NC). The website editor suggests more common sense and that the species should remain on the Watch List and that the State Rank should be closer to S3N, especially as a number of other Atlantic coast states have an S3 State Rank, and as this species seems to be about equally as numerous in our coastal marshes in winter as the Nelson's Sparrow and the Seaside Sparrow, both with S4 State Ranks. | Nonbreeder (but Possible Breeder) | Definitive | SR [W] | SUB,S2N | G2 | Winter resident; possible breeder, but no confirmation. In summer, 4 were seen at Pea Island NWR, from 21-30 May 1995, with one seen carrying a fecal sac. However, this is a heavily birded site, with no other likely suggestions of nesting, unless one at that refuge on 28 Jul 1996 was a breeding bird. In winter, status tentatively the same as for Nelson's, pending further "research"/study: fairly common to common along the southern half of the coast (south of Cape Lookout), and fairly common northward along the coast. Also, scarce (uncommon?) in brackish marshes fringing the inner portions of Pamlico Sound; poorly surveyed in these "inner" marshes. Away from tidal marshes, status unknown, but likely absent to casual in migration. It is hoped that several tower-killed birds, if residing now in museums, can be (or have been) re-examined to determine if they are Nelson's or Saltmarsh. Mainly mid-Sep to late May, and a few lingering into Jun. Peak counts: | No known records, but a few old records might have referred to this species. | No known records. | The species is usually easy to find, especially at high tide, in marshes at Fort Fisher near the Aquarium or Federal Point, at Fort Macon SP, or along the Morehead City -- Beaufort causeway. However, it can at times be difficult to get any of the three coastal marsh sparrows -- Saltmarsh, Nelson's, and Seaside -- to pop up into a bush if the day is windy, or at mid- or low tide. | *** | 2026-07-21 | |
| Passerina ciris Painted Bunting | The adult male Painted Bunting is certainly the gaudiest-colored of North American songbirds. Thankfully, the species breeds as far north as coastal North Carolina, and it also ranges as far north as Missouri and Kansas. The subspecies that nests along and near the South Atlantic coast has been slowly declining, owing to long-term development of the maritime forests and thickets on the barrier islands and adjacent mainland. Fortunately, the buntings are somewhat adaptable, do not require but a few acres of habitat for a given pair of birds, and nest in wooded edges often close to man. Thus, birds are still fairly numerous along the southern coast. Oddly, a few birds are present in winter in coastal areas north to Buxton (Dare), typically at feeders. No other bird in the East likely has a "wintering" range that extends farther north than its breeding range. Also, despite a seeming decline in the breeding population, the number of birds being seen in the state in winter has been growing at a rapid rate, for unknown reasons. Breeding birds favor maritime thickets, edges of maritime forests, and other wooded edges, always close to salt or brackish water. Wintering birds occur mostly in dense evergreen thickets, such as in residential yards, maritime thickets, and other dense cover, at times mixing with sparrows. Unlike in South Carolina, where buntings nest well inland to the Fall Line, just below Columbia and other sites, the species in North Carolina had not been found nesting farther inland than about Orton Plantation in eastern Brunswick, until a rash of summer records of singing males and a juvenile were noted in Robeson in 2022-23. Thus, the species seems to be spreading inland close to the South Carolina border in recent years. There have also been isolated instances of singing males far inland, even to Raleigh (Wake), often for a few weeks, but there is no evidence of breeding yet. | Breeder | Definitive | SC | S3B | G5 | Summer resident along the southern coast, and sparingly near the South Carolina border at least inland to Robeson, probably Cumberland, and Scotland; also a sparse winter resident/visitor along the coast, even to the Outer Banks. In summer, fairly common to locally common, along the coast and the adjacent mainland, as far north as Marshallberg (Carteret). [Despite seemingly "perfect" habitat, and global warming, it is surprising that the species has not spread northward to nest at places like Ocracoke and Hatteras islands.] A rare and recent breeder in southern Robeson, as singing birds were found at a handful of sites in summer 2023 and a juvenile was photographed; may also breed in neighboring southern Scotland and Columbus. Only one or two known far inland records of a potential breeder: an adult male was singing [a song similar to that of an Indigo Bunting] as if on territory at the Wilson Educational Forest (Wilson) from 27 Apr into late summer 2015; no female or nesting evidence was seen. In addition, the same adult male was singing on territory in summer 2016 and 2017, and an adult female was seen there from 29 Jun - 1 Jul 2016, but no evidence of breeding was noted. An adult male was singing constantly at Fayetteville in Jun 2024, though no female was reported. In winter, rare along the coast and nearby mainland, sparingly as far north as Buxton; often at feeders. Formerly not considered as a regular winter "resident", but as there are now well over 100 such records, and they span the entire period, it is clear that it can now be called a winter resident. Away from coastal/tidal areas, essentially a very rare visitor, with about 13 records, mainly in winter. Mainly mid-Apr to mid-Oct, but numerous winter records. Peak counts: winter -- 10+, in a yard in Straits (Carteret), in Feb 2018; 8 (7 of which were banded) at a feeder in Manteo (Dare), throughout the winter 2015-16. Note that at least 60 individuals were reported in Carteret during the winter of 2020-21, most at feeders -- including counts of 9 in two yards around Morehead City. | Very rare (but increasing) visitor, scattered over the year; a few reports of males singing on territory but without reports of an accompanying female. Over 55 records, nearly all of single birds. A number of these are from feeders, even in winter. Most unusual was an adult male singing as if on territory in Guilford from 18-20 May 2018; presumably it did not find a mate. Similarly, an adult male was singing on territory at Raleigh (Wake) from 17 Jul into mid-Aug 2022; no female was ever seen, but an immature male was seen and noted singing at the same site on 18 Jul. This adult male returned to the Raleigh site in spring 2023, first noted on 25 Apr, remaining to 10 Aug; no female was ever reported. The adult male returned to the Raleigh site in late spring and summer of 2024 and in summer of 2025, still without a female reported. An immature male was noted singing at Mineral Springs (Union) on 13 May 2022. Peak counts: 2, Raleigh, 18 Jul 2022. | Casual visitor. The only known records are one at a feeder in Asheville, 9-12 Mar 2004; a female or immature male photographed at a feeder at Snowbird Mountain Lodge (Graham) on 13 May 2021* (Chat 85:130); and an adult male photographed at a feeder in Asheville from 1-5 Apr 2022* (Chat 86:87-88). | Should be easily found along the southern coast in late Apr, May, and Jun, at places such as Fort Macon SP, the Fort Fisher Aquarium area, around the Carolina Beach SP marina, at Bald Head Island, and other places on southern islands. | *** to **** | 2026-05-22 | |
| Passerina cyanea Indigo Bunting | The Indigo Bunting is one of the most successful of Eastern songbirds. It has been expanding its breeding range westward, into the range of the Lazuli Bunting, where some interbreeding has occurred. It is also one of the most abundant breeding birds in the East, including North Carolina, thanks to quickly adapting to wooded borders and ecotones. And, each winter there are one or two sightings of stragglers, though the species essentially winters in the tropics. Indigo Buntings nest primarily along forest borders, overgrown fields, and other brushy places; in fall, flocks can often be seen in weedy fields with sparrows. It is probably the most persistent singer of all of our songbirds during the heat of a summer day, even in Jul into Aug. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B | G5 | Summer resident, and scarce straggler into winter. In summer, very common across the province, except mostly uncommon on barrier islands. In winter, about 15 records, all but two near the coast. Mainly mid-Apr to early Nov. Peak counts: | Summer resident, and scarce straggler into winter. Very common in summer, throughout the region. Mainly mid-Apr to mid- or late Oct. About 10 winter records (3 from the winter of 2015-16). Peak counts: | Summer resident. In summer, very common throughout, up to about 4,500 feet, and uncommonly to 5,500 feet; a few even to the highest elevations, where recently established. No winter records. Mainly late Apr to mid-Oct. Peak counts: | None needed. | **** | 2026-05-22 | ||
| Passerina amoena Lazuli Bunting | The Lazuli Bunting breeds in the western half of North America and winters mainly from Mexico southward. It is accidental in the state: three confirmed records, with one or two others currently under review. An immature male was seen and photographed by numerous observers at Fort Macon SP (Carteret) from 22 Mar - 2 Apr 1996* (Chat 62:183-84), (Chat 61:262). A male of indeterminate age was photographed at a feeder in Jamestown (Guilford) on 2 Apr 2013* (Chat 77:98), (Chat 78:8-13). Lastly, an apparent male was photographed at a feeder in Carteret from 19-21 Aug 2019* (Chat 85:139). One was reported just west of Boone (Watauga) on 9 May 2021 (Chat 85:130); this report is currently being reviewed. Another report -- of one photographed in a suburban area of western Wake on 10 May 2022 (Chat 86:87) -- is being reviewed by the NC BRC as well. Photos of the 2013 and 2019 birds are on the Carolina Bird Club Photo Gallery; both are at feeders, and though the quality of the photos are rather poor, they were good enough (along with written details) for NC BRC acceptance. A male transitioning to breeding plumage was photographed at a feeder in Jacksonville (Onslow) from 13-28 Feb 2026 (Chat 90:68); photos are on the Photo Gallery, and the report is expected to be reviewed in 2026. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SA | G5 | Three records, with two accepted (see above) and one expecting a review. | One accepted record (see above); another from 2022 is to be reviewed. | No confirmed records, but one under review. | 1/2* | 2026-05-22 | |||
| Passerina caerulea Blue Grosbeak | The Blue Grosbeak breeds across the southern half to two-thirds of the United States, and winters in the tropics. Over the past few decades, its breeding range has slowly moved northward, and over that time its overall numbers have increased somewhat in the South. It nests throughout the Coastal Plain and Piedmont of the state, but it is scarce in the mountains, as it is a "hot weather" species. It is one of the more numerous breeding birds near cropland margins, and birds will feed in cornfields and other fields of row crops (though not nesting there). Favored habitats are abandoned fields with saplings and shrubs, drier thickets, and wooded margins; it does not nest in forested areas. There are scattered winter records, but for some odd reason, there have been very few such reports in recent years, despite global warming. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B | G5 | Summer resident, with a few winter records. Common in summer across most of the province, but can be only fairly common and more local close to the coast. Generally uncommon breeder on coastal islands. In winter, about 6 records. Mainly mid- or late Apr to late Oct, sparingly into winter. Peak counts: | Summer resident, with about 16 winter records. Common over the eastern and central portions, and fairly common in the western portions; scarce in the foothills. In winter, very rare straggler in the eastern half of the region. Mainly mid- or late Apr to mid-Oct, sparingly into winter. Peak counts: | Summer resident at low elevations; little migratory movement through the region. In summer, uncommon at low elevations, mainly in the southern half of the province, below 2,500 feet; probably more numerous in Cherokee than elsewhere. Rare to about 3,000 feet, and likely does not nest in most of the northern (north of Buncombe) mountain counties. Several were seen around Stratford (Alleghany) on 29 Jun 2014, indicating that (at least locally) it might not be rare in a few areas near the VA border. A male singing above 5,000 feet along Yellow Mountain Gap Trail (Avery) on 25-26 May 2024 was probably a wandering bird looking for a mate. Also, Pearson et al. (1959) state that there is a nesting record for "Blowing Rock (4100 ft.)", which is remarkable for the elevation, but it must be considered as an "accidental" breeder there. Mainly late Apr to mid-Oct; no winter reports. Peak counts: | None needed in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. | **** | 2026-05-22 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Pheucticus melanocephalus Black-headed Grosbeak | The Black-headed Grosbeak, the Western counterpart of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak, is a casual to very rare visitor to North Carolina and other Eastern states. As of 2025, there are about 16 records, mostly of females/immatures. Nine of the records are from Jan through Apr, with five of these birds lingering from one to four months. The latest date in spring is 11 May and the earliest date in fall is 30 Sep. Despite the large and increasing numbers of feeders in the state in winter, the species went unreported in the state between 2007 and 2016. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Casual visitor. There are seven records: one in Wilmington, 8-16 Apr 1969 (Chat 33:4); one at Bodie Island on 30 Sep 1974 (Chat 39:1); one in Pinehurst (Moore), 26 Dec 1974 - 18 Apr 1975 (Chat 41:3); an adult male in Duck (Dare) on 25 Oct 1975 (Chat 40:2); one in Morehead City, 19 Mar - 21 Apr 1984 (Chat 48:102); a first winter male at a feeder in Elizabeth City, 6 Feb - 22 Apr 2003 (Chat 68:3); and a female photographed in Wilmington, 17 Oct 2019 (Chat 84:28). | Casual visitor. There are eight records: one in Greensboro, 6 Jan - 12 Apr 1964 (Chat 28:2); a male in Reidsville (Rockingham), 19 Jan - 10 May 1975 (Chat 39:3); one in Winston-Salem on 1 Nov 1983 (Chat 48:62); one in High Point on 6 May 1984 (Chat 48:102); an adult male photographed in a yard in Weddington (Union), 22 Nov 2016; an immature male at a feeder in Charlotte from 11-17 Mar 2018; an immature male at a feeder in Albemarle (Stanly) on 30 Apr 2025; and a male in a Wake yard on 14 Feb 2026. | Casual/accidental, with just one record: a breeding-plumaged male was photographed at a feeder on 11 May 2007 at Boone* (Watauga) (Chat 79:184) (Chat 80:15). | 1/2* | 2026-05-22 | |||
| Pheucticus ludovicianus Rose-breasted Grosbeak | The Rose-breasted Grosbeak is a bird of the cooler hardwood and mixed forests of the eastern parts of the continent, ranging south through the Appalachians. Thus, it breeds in essentially all of the mountain counties in North Carolina, but otherwise it is found only in spring and fall in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain. The species seemed to have undergone a slight population decline, at least in the state's mountains, in the 1990's and early 2000's, but the population has rebounded somewhat. It is a classic bird of the "northern hardwood forest" -- breeding in mature stands of northern hardwoods, some cove forests, and other cool forests where a few conifers are mixed with the hardwoods. Birds are easily seen in early May when the hardwoods are still just leafing out. In migration downstate, grosbeaks are seen in a variety of hardwood forests and woodlots, usually in small groups, or mixed with other migrant species. They winter in the tropics, though as with most such songbirds, there are a few winter records for North Carolina, typically at feeders. | Breeder | Definitive | S3S4B | G5 | Transient. In spring, rare to uncommon along the western margin of the province, but generally rare over the region. In fall, uncommon over most of the region, being more likely to be seen along the immediate coast than farther inland. At least 15 winter records, all but two from coastal areas. Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and mid-Sep to mid-Oct. A female photographed at a feeder in New Bern (Craven) on 21 Jun 2018 was essentially a month late in departing. Peak counts: 6, on two dates. | Transient. In spring, uncommon to at times fairly common in the western portion, but uncommon over most of the province. In fall -- more numerous than in spring, being uncommon to fairly common over the region. Apparently nine winter records, if all were correctly identified; brown-plumaged Purple Finches have been called as female Rose-breasted Grosbeaks on a number of occasions (and vice-versa). A few summer records, often lingering at feeders into Jun. Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and mid-Sep to mid-Oct. Peak counts: | Summer resident and transient. Fairly common (and common in a few ranges) in summer at middle to higher elevations, generally between 3,500 and 5,000 feet; uncommon down to about 3,000 feet and to 5,500 feet. Fairly common in spring migration, and common in fall, at most elevations; can be seen in large numbers for a day or two after cold fronts in fall. About six winter records, all in the southern half of the mountains (Buncombe, Madison, and Transylvania). Mainly mid- or late Apr to mid-Oct. Peak counts: 550, in flight over Balsam Gap in northeastern Buncombe, 21 Sep 2016; 400 at that gap, 24 Sep 2023; 200, Blue Ridge Junction along the Blue Ridge Parkway, 21 Sep 2003; 160+, Carvers Gap (Mitchell), 23 Sep 2013. | You should be able to find the species in a morning of birding along the Blue Ridge Parkway at elevations above 3,500 feet (but below the spruce-fir zone), from late Apr into jun, and then again in fall. | *** to **** | 2026-05-22 | ||
| Piranga ludoviciana Western Tanager | The Western Tanager is a rare visitor and over-wintering "resident" in North Carolina, but it occurs essentially annually now. It has most often been seen near the coast and on the adjacent mainland, and is much rarer farther inland. The vast majority of the sightings occur between Dec and early May; there are also a few sightings throughout the fall. Thankfully, it has a proclivity for visiting feeders, such that a birder has a good chance of seeing a "staked-out" tanager within a given decade, even though very few birds are found in the state in a given winter. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Scarce "transient" and winter visitor, with over 115 records. Very rare to rare in winter along the coast and slightly inland (on the mainland); very rare in the central part of the region, and casual to very rare in the western portion, including the Sandhills. Many of these are birds appearing at feeders, lingering for weeks at a time, even spending the entire winter on occasions. Mainly mid- or late Nov to late Mar, sparingly to early May, once to 29 May, and once to 1 Jun. An adult male (seen by an excellent observer) in the Sandhills Game Land on 10 Aug 1974 is remarkable. Peak counts: 3, Wilmington feeder, 21 Feb 2025; 2, on four occasions -- Manteo, Morehead City, New Bern, Pinehurst, and Southern Shores (Dare). | Scarce "transient" and winter visitor, with about 52 records, typically at feeders. Very rare visitor, mainly from early Dec to early May, with one record for 8 Oct. Even earlier was one at Lake Higgins (Guilford) on 13 Sep 2023. Only five or six of the birds stayed for a week or more, and four of them over-wintered (in Charlotte, Davidson [Mecklenburg], Forsyth, and Raleigh). Most notable was one seen in the foothills feeding on dogwood berries (and not at a feeder), at Lake James SP (McDowell), from 3 Dec 2014 - 8 Jan 2015. Peak counts: 2, Apex (Wake), winter of 2021-22; 2, Charlotte, 16 Feb 2026. | Casual visitor. Only about six records, though only one since 1991. Oddly, the dates are "strangely" across the board -- 31 May, "Jun", 19 Jul, 25 Sep, 3 Jan, and 4 Jan. Quite remarkable was the report in Pearson et al. (1959) of a pair seen at Waynesville (Haywood) in Jun 1944. It is hoped that these were all correctly identified; interestingly, none were at feeders. | You likely will see your first in the state at a feeder near the coast. A handful are now occurring at feeders well inland, often lingering for weeks at a time. | * to ** | 2026-05-22 | ||
| Piranga olivacea Scarlet Tanager | Certainly one of the most beautiful birds in North America, the Scarlet Tanager is a classic bird of the Eastern deciduous forest, though it is scarce as a breeder in the Deep South. Fortunately, this species spread southward and eastward in the 1960's and 1970's as a breeder, to include not only North Carolina's mountains and foothills (where it had long been a breeder) but also the entire Piedmont and much of the northern half of the Coastal Plain. To date, it still does not nest in the southeastern third to half of the Coastal Plain (or is very rare and sporadic), but it does at least pass thru in migration, if uncommonly. Breeding habitat is typically mature hardwood forest, favoring somewhat mesic sites on slopes, though it does breed in bottomlands, in some drier oak forests, and in some areas where mixed with scattered conifers. Unlike with the Summer Tanager, it seldom breeds in wooded residential areas, at golf courses, or other woodlots near human habitation. Not surprisingly, it winters in the tropics, though there are a scattering of winter reports for the state. However, there are apparently no photos of birds in the winter, unlike with Summer and Western tanagers; thus, photographs are strongly encouraged to fully document this species in the winter season. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B | G5 | Summer resident, and transient. In summer, currently uncommon to locally fairly common in the northwestern portion of the province, such as in the Roanoke River floodplain and slopes; rare to uncommon from the Great Dismal Swamp area southwestward though the central portion of the province, to the Sandhills; rare eastward to the central part of the region. Essentially absent (apparently) from the Pamlimarle Peninsula (Tidewater area south of Albemarle Sound), Croatan National Forest, and other southern Coastal Plain areas, though there are isolated summer reports from these areas; absent along the coastal strip. In migration, rare to uncommon in fall, and rare in spring; along the coast, usually seen only in the fall. Mainly mid-Apr to mid-Oct. The only winter reports appear to be one at Wilmington on 10 Feb (no year given, in Pearson et al., 1959), and one at Alligator River NWR, 2 Jan 2005 (Chat 69:85). Peak counts: | Summer resident, with migratory movements. Currently, fairly common in summer over most of the region, though uncommon in some of the more heavily urbanized counties. Formerly did not breed over much of the Piedmont (e.g., not a breeder in Wake by the middle to late 1960's) (Chat 33:53-71). Can be fairly common to at times common in fall migration. Mainly mid-Apr to mid-Oct; four winter reports -- one at North Wilkesboro, 30 Jan - 2 Feb 1972; one at Greensboro, 28-29 Dec 1988; an "adult male" at Raleigh on 26 Feb 1996 -- presumably in basic plumage and not in breeding plumage; and a male in winter plumage near the South Yadkin River (Davie) on 18 Dec 2025. Peak counts: | Summer resident, with migratory movements. Fairly common to common in summer, up to about 5,000 feet; seldom above that elevation. Can be common in migration, more likely so in fall. Mainly mid- or late Apr to mid-Oct. One photographed in Asheville (Buncombe) on 27-28 Nov 2024 was quite late. One winter report -- a female seen at Maggie Valley (Haywood) on 2 Jan 2015 (Chat 79:106). Peak counts: | The species should be heard and seen in a morning of birding in the mountains and most of the Piedmont, from the latter parts of Apr into Jun. | *** to **** | 2026-05-22 | ||
| Setophaga townsendi Townsend's Warbler | This close relative of the Black-throated Green Warbler breeds only from Alaska to the northwestern portion of the Lower 48 States; it winters along the Pacific Coast and southward into Mexico. Though it would seem an unlikely candidate to stray to the Eastern states, most such states do have records. Thankfully, as of 2025, North Carolina has around 20 records, nearly all from the coast but a few now are from inland provinces. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SA | G5 | Now a very rare stray, mainly in fall, with 12-14 published reports; all but a few are coastal, and the others are from Tidewater areas. Four have been reviewed and accepted by the NC BRC: one photographed on the northern dike of North Pond at Pea Island NWR (Dare) on 7 Nov 1992* (Chat 61:274-75); one specimen salvaged from a boat offshore on 20 Sep 1999* (Chat 66:4); one photographed at North River Preserve (Carteret) from 30 Sep - 3 Oct 2018* (Chat 83:36); and one photographed in a yard in Hatteras (Dare) on 23-24 Sep 2020* (Chat 85:38). There is also one un-reviewed report from the Elizabethan Gardens, Roanoke Island (Dare) on 27 Apr 2000 (Chat 64:157). A recent report, not yet reviewed, was one photographed at Duck (Dare) on 28-29 Sep 2019 (Chat 84:27). Though the report was made by an experienced observer, with probably little reason to doubt it, the report was not reviewed because no detailed description of the bird was ever made available to the NC BRC. Photos of the North River Preserve bird are on the Carolina Bird Club Photo Gallery. One was photographed in Colington Harbour (Dare) on 22 Jan 2023 (Chat 87:44), for a first state winter record; and presumably this same bird was photographed there on 13 Mar 2023 (Chat 87:62), suggesting that it survived the winter. As with a few other reports listed above, this Colington Harbour bird has not yet been reviewed by the NC BRC. In fall 2023, singles were photographed at Run Hill State Natural Area (Dare) on 16 Sep* (Chat 88:55), this or another bird nearby at Duck Park on 16-17 Sep*, and near the Bodie Island lighthouse (Dare) on 30 Sep* (Chat 88:20), (Chat 88:55-57). One was not described, but accepted by an eBird reviewer, at Hatteras Point (Dare) on 12-13 Sep 2025 (Chat 90:33). This preponderance of recent records from the northern portion of the Dare Outer Banks makes one wonder if just one bird has been responsible for records over these last two winter to fall seasons. On the nearby mainland, one was photographed at Alligator River NWR (Dare) on 16 Mar 2024 (Chat 88:80). One was seen and well-described in Pamlico on 20 Dec 2025 (Chat 90:67). | Three records yet voted on, and one voted on with an Unresolved status. An adult male was photographed in a Charlotte (Mecklenburg) yard on 19 Mar 2025 (Chat 89:129); supposedly it had been reported in the yard for a few days earlier, but no data are available. Another adult male was photographed near Chapel Hill (Orange) on 3 Apr, also in 2025 (Chat 89:129). An adult male was photographed at a feeder in Charlotte on 23 Jan 2026 (Chat 90:67). These have yet to be reviewed by the NC BRC. One reported in Chatham in Oct 2024 received a split vote and has an Unresolved status; it may or may not be voted on again at a later date (Chat 90:6). | The only record is of a first-year female photographed at the Richland Balsam Overlook, along the Jackson/Haywood line, on 13 Sep 2014* (Chat 79:14), (Chat 79:53). Photos are on the Carolina Bird Club Photo Gallery. | 1/2* | 2026-05-19 | |||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Setophaga coronata Yellow-rumped Warbler | The Yellow-rumped Warbler, often called the "Butter-butt", is arguably the most abundant warbler on the continent. The Western half of the species is the "Audubon's Warbler" subspecies (formerly a full species and arguably should be re-split), and the subspecies in the East is the "Myrtle Warbler". The species winters in large numbers in the southern half of the United States, and is (by far) the most numerous warbler wintering in North Carolina. Though numbers along the coast have markedly declined in recent decades (despite little change in habitat), it remains a common to abundant winter bird, often the most common passerine seen on a coastal CBC. Farther inland, it winters in smaller numbers the farther west one goes, and is scarce in midwinter in the mountains. Amazingly, despite "global warming", the species has moved south in the Appalachians as a breeder (since 1985), and a few pairs now nest at several sites in the spruce-fir zone, favoring edges and stunted spruce or fir areas rather than forest interiors. In winter, it favors Waxmyrtle thickets, shrubby edges of marshes (with cedar or Waxmyrtle), pocosins, swamps, bottomlands, and many other wooded or shrubby areas. It often joins chickadees and titmice in mixed species flocks.
There are over a dozen records of "Audubon's Warblers" in the state, though there is just one record from the mountains. Three have been reviewed and accepted by the NC BRC, one with photos. | Breeder | Definitive | SR | S1B,S5N | G5 | Winter resident. Along the coast and in Tidewater near sounds, abundant in winter, particularly on the Outer Banks. Smaller numbers westward, but common over the remainder of the province, and at times very common in migration. Mainly late Sep to early May; a few Jun, Jul, and Aug records. Peak counts:
The 9+ known reports -- at least since 1980 -- of "Audubon's Warbler" are: one seen at Sanderling (Dare) on 19 Jan 2020 (Chat 84:56-72); one seen at Alligator River NWR (Dare) on 9 Nov 2007 (Chat 72:21-39); a male in breeding plumage at Merchants Millpond SP (Gates) on 21 Apr 2007* (Chat 72:7-10) -- reviewed and accepted by the NC BRC; a female seen at the Frisco (Dare) airstrip on 19 Jan 2003 (Chat 67:60-75); one among hordes of "Myrtle" Warblers on the Cape Hatteras (Dare) CBC on 27 Dec 2001 (Chat 66:94-104); one at Lake Mattamuskeet (Hyde) on 15 Jan 2000 (Chat 64:100-109); a "female with a very obvious, bright yellow throat" was seen in Edgecombe on 25 Apr 1993 (Chat 58:58-68); a male in partial breeding plumage -- "yellow throat above black breast; more black on head than other Yellow-rumps in flock; bright yellow rump" seen at Wilmington (New Hanover) on 11 Apr 1986 (Chat 51:52-56); and one photographed at the south side of Oregon Inlet on Pea Island NWR (Dare) from 21 Nov - 4 Dec 2021 (Chat 86:44). | Winter resident, with noticeable migratory movements. In winter, common in the southeastern half, and fairly common in the northwestern portion, but can be scarce in the foothills by midwinter. May be very common in migration in spring and fall across the region. Mainly late Sep to early or mid-May. One in southern Union on 6 Jul 2021 was completely out of season. Peak counts:
There are about 6 records of "Audubon's Warbler", though 3 refer to the same bird seen in a Chapel Hill yard for three consecutive winters. The records since 1980 are: a male in breeding plumage at Cary (Wake) on 24 Apr 2010 (Chat 74:82-96); a female at a yard in Chapel Hill (Orange) on 15 and 29 Oct 2006 (Chat 71:12-28); one at the same Chapel Hill feeder was noted for a week or more from 24 Jan 2006 on (Chat 70:44-58); one noted at Cane Creek Park (Union) on 8 Dec 2005 (Chat 70:44-58); at the same Chapel Hill feeder on 18-19 Jan 2005* (Chat 69:73-87) -- photos accepted by the NC BRC; one seen at Lake Betz (Wake) on 23 Jan 2026 (Chat 90:67). | Very sparse (and recent) breeder, widespread transient, and winter resident/visitor. In summer, rare (though slightly increasing) at the highest elevations, in the spruce-fir zone; one to three pairs have recently been present (and confirmed as breeders) at Roan Mountain, at Mount Mitchell SP, and in the Great Smoky Mountains NP (at Clingmans Dome and Mount Kephart). Also numerous recent summer records along Black Balsam Road in southern Haywood, suggestive of breeding there. Finally found at Grandfather Mountain in the breeding season on several dates in Jun 2014. Apparently first noted in summer at Richland Balsam (Haywood/Jackson) on 3 Jul 2020 -- male and female seen. Increases were noted in 2018 at several sites, with an excellent six singing males at Clingmans Dome on 7 Jun and four along Black Balsam Road throughout the summer. In spring, a common migrant over the lower and middle elevations, less numerous in higher elevations. In fall, fairly common throughout. In winter, mainly uncommon in the lower elevations (below 3,000 feet), and rare higher; can be very scarce by late winter. Mainly late Sep to early or mid-May. Peak counts:
There is just one record of "Audubon's Warbler" for the province -- one photographed at the UNC-Asheville campus (Buncombe) from 27 Jan - 18 Feb 2023* (Chat 87:44), (Chat 88:55). | None needed near the coast in winter. | **** | 2026-05-19 | |
| Setophaga caerulescens Black-throated Blue Warbler | Compared with most warblers, the Black-throated Blue has a relatively small breeding range, found in extreme southeastern Canada and northeastern United States, down the Appalachians to Georgia. Thankfully, within this range it is generally common, and it is certainly so in North Carolina, being an easily heard and seen bird of the middle and higher mountains. As it winters in the West Indies, it migrates through the remainder of the state in spring and fall. Breeders require a fairly dense shrub/sapling layer within a cool montane forest, though the canopy composition can be spruce-fir, pure hardwoods, hemlock (formerly), or White Pine. As evergreen rhododendrons and Mountain Laurel are abundant in cool forests, the Black-throated Blue finds an abundance of suitable habitat for nesting -- mainly above 3,000 feet. Migrants are typically found in the understory or shrub layers, usually hardwoods, within various forest types. | Breeder | Definitive | S4B | G5 | Transient, and casually into early winter. In spring, uncommon to fairly common in the western portions, but uncommon in the central and eastern portions; even so, it is one of the more "frequent" of the coniferous forest migrants in the region. In fall, uncommon to fairly common throughout, more likely on the coast (where migrants pile up during migration). Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and early Sep to mid-Oct, sparingly into Nov. Casual to very rare along and near the coast in Dec and early Jan. Out of season, probably an overwintering individual, was a male photographed on 4 Mar 2017 in Aberdeen (Moore). Peak counts: 91, "Outer Banks", 7 Oct 1978. | Transient, and sparse breeder (currently?) in foothill ranges. Fairly common over the region in spring, but uncommon to fairly common in fall; definitely more numerous (or obvious) in the spring season. Reported to be present in summer in the Brushy Mountains as of 1967 (Chat 32:1-4); however, no specifics were provided, and present-day status there or in the South Mountains is uncertain. Casual into Dec and Jan, essentially only along the eastern edge of the region. Notable was one photographed at a feeder near Hillsborough (Orange) for a week in early Jan 2014, as was one at a Chapel Hill (Orange) feeder from 30 Dec 2020 - 21 Feb 2021. A male spent from 7 Dec 2025 - 12 Feb 2026 at a feeder in Greensboro (Guilford). Mainly mid- or late Apr to mid-May, and early Sep to mid-Oct; a few winter records. Peak counts: | Summer resident, and transient. In summer, common and relatively widespread over the province, mainly between 2,500 and 5,500 feet; rarely to 2,000 feet. Probably a fairly common migrant in spring and uncommon in fall, at low elevations. Mainly mid-Apr to mid-Oct. Remarkable was a male in Transylvania, from 20 Nov 1995 - 10 Jan 1996. Peak counts: | The species is hard to miss in several hours of birding at middle to somewhat high elevations in the mountains in summer. Stopping at overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway, or taking many trails on National Forest land, should turn up 5 or more singing males in a morning. | **** | 2026-05-19 | ||
| Setophaga americana Northern Parula | The Northern Parula is a bird saddled with an awful common name, and this is even more so now that it and its close cousin, the Tropical Parula, are no longer in their small genus (Parula). They have now (in 2011) been dumped into the very large genus that was formerly Dendroica, but is now Setophaga. All these other Setophaga species except American Redstart have the last name as "warbler". At least, the species has not been lumped or split, so maybe it doesn't matter what its name is, other than how people pronounce "Parula". This species nests over nearly all of the eastern United States and Canada, and not surprisingly it nests in all parts of North Carolina. In the state it favors swamps and bottomlands, especially where Spanish Moss or Usnea lichen (old man's-beard) are common (for nest placement). Away from such habitats, it occurs in other moist forests and woodlands, such as cove forests; occasionally it does nest in drier forests, as long as one of these plants is present. Most Northern Parulas winter south of the United States, though there are a handful of state records of early winter stragglers. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B | G5 | Summer resident. Over most of the region -- common, to very common in several of the larger river floodplains; however, uncommon to fairly common in large nonriverine forests, and apparently absent at Buxton Woods near Cape Hatteras. Very rare straggler into early winter, mainly along the coast; at least 25 records from mid-Dec to early Jan, mostly on coastal (or Mattamuskeet NWR) CBC's. Quite notable for the latter half of winter was a photographed bird that visited a feeder in Vass (Moore) from 17 Jan - 27 Feb 2015 (Chat 79:104); a few others near the coast have been reported in recent years in late Jan and Feb. Mainly late Mar (and now arriving often by mid-Mar) to mid-Oct. Peak counts: | Summer resident, with noticeable migratory movements. In summer, fairly common over most of the province, but common in some wide floodplains, such as along the Cape Fear River system and around Falls and Jordan lakes. Uncommon in much of the western half of the province, as suitable habitat is locally scarce. Can be common at times in migration. Mainly late Mar to mid-Oct, casual to now very rare to mid-Jan (mostly in the eastern portions -- at least 14 records after mid-Dec). One on the UNC campus in Chapel Hill, 26 Dec 2016 and again 10-25 Feb 2017 almost certainly overwintered, a likely first for the province. Another essentially over-wintered at a feeder in Raleigh, 30 Dec 2019 - 31 Jan 2020. Another definitely over-wintered at a feeder in Chatham from 30 Dec 2023 - 27 Feb 2024. Peak counts: | Summer resident, with noticeable migratory movements. Uncommon to fairly common at lower to middle elevations, up to about 5,200 feet. Fairly common to common in migration. Mainly early Apr to mid-Oct. No winter reports. Peak counts: | It is hard to miss in the Coastal Plain in spring or summer if birding close to rivers, such as the Roanoke, Neuse, or Lumber. | **** | 2026-05-19 | ||
| Geothlypis tolmiei MacGillivray's Warbler | Casual visitor, so far only in the Coastal Plain in fall and winter, except for a Piedmont record in winter 2025-26. There are four accepted records of this Western species, with two of them found near Lake Mattamuskeet (Hyde), separated by about 9 years and 10 miles. One freshly road-killed individual was found on 6 Nov 1998*; the specimen is preserved at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (Chat 65:108-112), (Chat 65:85). The second bird was found on the Lake Mattamuskeet CBC on 29 Dec 2007, and was relocated by several observers and photographed on 1 Jan 2008* (Chat 73:2). The third was a sight record in Manteo, (Dare), on 11-12 Oct 2012* (Chat 77:6-10), (Chat 77:33). The fourth was one photographed and seen by many people at Duck (Dare) from 3 Dec 2020 - 30 Jan 2021* (Chat 85:75). Photographs of the Mattamuskeet 2007-08 bird and the Duck 2020-21 bird are posted on the Carolina Bird Club Photo Gallery. One photographed at Lake Norman (Mecklenburg) on 1-2 Dec 2025 and again on 18 Jan 2026 (Chat 90:66) has yet to be reviewed by the NC BRC; this is the first record away from the coast. Another was well photographed in the inner Coastal Plain at Old Waynesborough Park (Wayne) from 27 Dec 2025 - 22 Jan 2026 (Chat 90:66); it also has yet to be reviewed by the NC BRC. Photos of each of these 2025-26 records are also on the Photo Gallery. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SA | G5 | Five records (see above). | One record (see above). | No records. | 1/2* | 2026-05-19 | |||
| Leiothlypis ruficapilla Nashville Warbler | The Nashville Warbler, along with the Tennessee Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, and several Western associates, were moved from Vermivora to the hard-to-pronounce Oreothlypis genus in 2010. Confusingly, in 2019 the species was moved again -- to the genus Leiothlypis, just as tricky to pronounce! Nashvilles breed in two separate areas -- the northwestern states, and much of the northeastern states and eastern Canada. It nests south to West Virginia, and almost certainly in western Virginia; thus, a report of a singing bird in the North Carolina mountains in summer 2013 was not a complete surprise. Birders should be aware of, and look for, the species again in the high mountains in upcoming summers. Its primary migratory routes lie to the west of the Appalachians. Thus, it is more familiar to North Carolina birders in the mountains than downstate, but birds do migrate to the coast in fall in small numbers. While in the state, it is found in spring mostly in the canopy of deciduous trees in forests and woodlands; however, in fall it can be found there but also in shrubby thickets and even in weedy fields, where it can be easily confused with Orange-crowned Warblers. And, this confusion extends into early winter, as a few Nashvilles linger through Dec, mainly near and along the coast. In the summer in the Appalachians, it is restricted to areas of spruce and fir, typically in young or stunted stands and along the edges of spruce-fir forests, including the margins of bogs. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient, and scarce straggler into early winter. Very rare in spring (essentially avoiding the region), and rare to uncommon (and easily overlooked) in fall. There are a number of early winter records near the coast, but these birds probably do not overwinter, though one was seen on 15 Jan 2022 in Pasquotank and another was photographed at Fort Macon SP (Carteret) from 18-20 Jan 2025. An exceptional record for mid-winter was one seen at the NC Aquarium (New Hanover), from 23 Jan - 2 Feb 2019. One was seen at Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary (Currituck) on 24 Jan 2021. Another seen in winter 2024-25 at Buxton Woods (Dare) was presumably the same bird as noted there on 13 Apr. Perhaps the only midwinter record well inland was one photographed in Cumberland on 26 Jan 2026. Mainly mid-Apr to mid-May, and mid-Sep to mid-Oct, sparingly to early Jan. Peak counts: 5, Duck (Dare), 14 Oct 2022. | Transient, and a very scarce straggler into early winter. In spring, rare in the western and central portions, and very rare in the eastern portion; in fall, uncommon throughout the region. A good handful (at least ten) of early winter records. Remarkable was one photographed at a bird bath in Cabarrus, 23 Feb 2017. Mainly from late Apr into early May, and early Sep to early Nov, with the majority of reports falling in Sep and early Oct. A few records into early Jan. Unique for the region was one that overwintered at Apex Community Park (Wake), noted often from 7 Jan - 19 Mar 2023. One photographed in Greensboro on 5 Apr 2020 and another seen in Cary (Wake) on 10 Apr 2013 were very early. Peak counts: | Transient; one recent record of a potential breeding bird. Rare to occasionally uncommon in spring, and uncommon in fall; mainly in the lower and middle elevations. Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and late Aug or early Sep to mid-Oct. One singing bird was noted on Roan Mountain (Mitchell) on 26 Jun 2013. One photographed in southwestern McDowell on 16 Nov 2022 was quite late. One winter record: one photographed at Biltmore Estate (Buncombe) on 12 Dec and on 29 Dec 2022. Peak counts: ?, but a single observer count of 5 at Biltmore Estate on 14 Oct 2020 was a quite high tally. | Pure migrant species can be hard to pin down in time and place, depending on cold fronts in fall, etc. Parks such as Jackson Park in Hendersonville are good places to look for the species. Your chances are better in fall than in spring. | ** | 2026-05-19 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Leiothlypis celata Orange-crowned Warbler | The Orange-crowned Warbler breeds nearly from coast to coast, but essentially in the Western states and the Canadian boreal zone. It is one of the few warblers that winters in large numbers in the United States, and moderate numbers spend the winter in the North Carolina Coastal Plain. With increasingly warm winters in recent years, more birds are surviving the winter even into the eastern and southern Piedmont. It is not as well known to state birders as many warblers, as its plumage is a plain olive or dull greenish (all year), it can be secretive (difficult to see well) in winter, and its identification is often made by its call note, which is a sharp chip that sounds like a Northern Cardinal. Mainly experienced birders make identifications by this call only. While in the state, in winter it favors dense broadleaf evergreen cover of shrubby thickets, wooded borders, marsh edges, and maritime thickets and forests -- though it does come to bird feeders. Migrants typically occur in deciduous forests (often in the canopy) and in thickets.
In 2010, the species was moved from the genus Vermivora to Oreothlypis. However, this species was moved from the genus Oreothlypis to Leiothlypis in June 2019 by the AOS -- a second "change of address" in ten years! | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S3N | G5 | Winter resident, and poorly known transient. In winter, fairly common along the coast (i.e., coastal counties) and in the southern and coastal portions of the Tidewater zone. Farther inland, smaller numbers westward, and thus uncommon in most areas, and rare by late winter near the Piedmont. Migration is somewhat imperceptible. Mainly mid-Oct to mid-Apr. Peak counts: | Transient, and scarce winter visitor/resident. In migration, generally rare to uncommon (or easily overlooked, as the song is a dull trill that is usually passed over as some other species); slightly more numerous in fall, but even more quiet at that season. Rare to very uncommon but increasing in winter sightings across the region, and some birds now overwinter, especially in the eastern and southern portions. Mainly mid-Oct to late Dec, and late Mar to early May. Peak counts: | Transient. Rare in both spring and fall in the lower elevations, and very rare above 2,500 feet; as with other regions, it is easily overlooked. Mainly late Mar or early Apr to early May, and early Oct into Nov. Very rare in winter; known records are a female collected near Weaverville (Buncombe) on 15 Jan 1894; one seen at Swannanoa (Buncombe) on 29 Dec 1931; one seen in Henderson on 28 Dec 2003; two on the Franklin (Macon) CBC, 2 Jan 2016; one at Mills River Park (Henderson), 23 Jan 2021; and one at Lake Julian (Buncombe), 17 Feb 2021. In winter 2025-26 there were three records in Buncombe and two in Henderson, suggesting that a few birds might attempt to overwinter in low elevations in the southern Mountains. Peak counts: 3, Jackson Park (Henderson), 5 Apr 2012; 3, Warren Wilson College (Buncombe), 11 Oct 2014. | You should be able to find the species in a morning along the Lake Mattamuskeet causeway (NC 94) in Nov or Dec, though knowing the call note would help your chances. Fort Macon SP, Carolina Beach SP near the marina, and the Fort Fisher Aquarium area are other good places for them in winter. | *** | 2026-05-19 | ||
| Seiurus aurocapilla Ovenbird | The Ovenbird recently "lost" its two nearest relatives -- the Louisiana and Northern waterthrushes -- to a new genus; thus, it now stands alone in the genus Seiurus. It has a wide breeding range over nearly all of the eastern United States and much of Canada. Small numbers winter in the Southeastern states, but the bulk winter in the tropics. It is named after the shape of its ground nest -- "oven-like", being a rounded mass of leaves with a small opening in the side. It nests in large numbers over nearly all of North Carolina, always in forests with a leafy ground cover; these forests always have a moderate (but not dense) shrub and understory layer, beneath a varied canopy, in many settings (except overly wet places). Favored habitats are middle-aged to mature pine-hardwood stands, oak-hickory forests, and drier portions of floodplain forests. They will often nest in pure pine stands, as long as there is a deciduous, broadleaf understory and shrub zone growing beneath the pines. They are infrequent in rhododendron or mountain laurel stands, preferring deciduous layers. A few overwinter along the coast in the state, mostly in Buxton Woods, where the forests or woods have a dense shrub layer that is almost impenetrable to humans, but which allows the birds to walk along the ground. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S1N | G5 | Summer resident, and sparse winter visitor/resident. In summer, generally common over the northwestern part of the region; fairly common in southern (including Sandhills), central, and the Tidewater zones, and generally uncommon in the southern coastal counties. Probably absent as a breeder on coastal islands; rare to absent on the mainland in portions of the southernmost counties, though it may nest in all counties (but New Hanover?). Quite numerous as a migrant (large numbers were formerly "tower-killed"). In winter, uncommon but regular at Buxton Woods in Dec (as tallied on CBCs), and a few presumably overwinter -- especially as there was an excellent tally of 12 birds at this site on 8 Feb 2022, and seven at this site on 20 Feb 2021. Elsewhere, very rare in winter, almost always very near the coast, and probably does not regularly overwinter, though one overwintered at Manteo from 30 Jan - 3 Mar 2014 and again through the winters of 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2016-17 (probably the same bird). Mainly early Apr to mid-Oct, sparingly into winter. Peak counts: | Summer resident. Common over the region as a whole. Reasonably widespread, and common also in foothill ranges; least numerous in some heavily urbanized counties in the central Piedmont. Mainly early Apr into Oct (departure dates not well known because the birds are rather silent and overlooked in Oct). There are 14 winter records, of single birds; the Riverbend Park (Catawba) bird was remarkable, having clearly survived the entire winter, present from 8 Dec 2013 - 30 Mar 2014. Peak counts: 168, Jordan Lake spring count, 7 May 2000. | Summer resident. Common at low to middle elevations, to about 4,000 feet, and fairly common to about 4,500 feet, rarely higher. Can occur higher after breeding or in fall migration. Mainly mid-Apr to mid-Oct. Two winter reports: one, Glen Cannon (Transylvania), 20 Nov 1995 - 8 Jan 1996; and one, Cullowhee (Jackson), 21 Jan 2019. Peak counts: | None needed; easily heard in a morning of birding in most areas of the state in May and Jun. | **** | 2026-05-19 | ||
| Euphagus carolinus Rusty Blackbird | The Rusty Blackbird is a bird of the Far North in the breeding season, nesting in stunted spruce and fir trees, or around the edges of bogs/muskegs. However, it leaves this area in fall, and winters across most of the eastern United States, including most of North Carolina. For some unknown reason(s), the Breeding Bird Survey has shown declines of Rusty Blackbirds up nearly 90% since its inception in the mid-1960's. This is odd for a bird that nests in remote boreal areas and winters in swamps and other wetland forests and thickets, usually with other blackbirds. In fact, some folks have questioned this steepness of a decline, as wintering numbers -- though down -- are clearly nowhere near catastrophic in most Southern states. Even so, in 2024 the N.C. Natural Heritage Program moved the State Status from Watch List to now Threatened. In North Carolina, Rusties usually feed on the ground, within a swamp or bottomland; but they also feed in wet fields, croplands, or feedlots, but seldom far from wooded cover, to which they quickly flush when disturbed. They roost at night with other blackbirds in swamps and wet thickets. The species has never been overly "common" in the state, and in general it is an uncommon bird, relative to most other blackbird species in the state. Several reports from the summer season are likely of juvenile Common Grackles. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | T | S3N | G4 | Winter resident. Fairly common, at least locally, over most of the region, except generally absent along the immediate coast. Seemingly most numerous in the southern Tidewater area, and in other swamp forests in the eastern and central portions. Can be slightly more widespread in migration, but seldom is common. Generally does not occur on coastal islands. Mainly late Oct to early Apr. Peak counts: | Winter resident, with noticeable migratory movements. Uncommon to fairly common in winter in the eastern and southern portions, and rare to uncommon in the central and northwestern portions. Slightly more numerous in migration, but no more than fairly common in migration. Mainly early Nov to early Apr. Peak counts: 2,000, North Wilkesboro, 16 Mar 1964; 1,350, Pee Dee NWR, 8 Dec 2015; 1,085, Chapel Hill CBC, 23 Dec 2012; 916, Gastonia CBC, 15 Dec 2012; 816, Chapel Hill CBC, 23 Dec 2007. | Transient, and scarce winter visitor. At lower elevations, rare to uncommon transient, and rare in winter, with some birds overwintering. Notable in winter 2024-25 were flocks of 20 on 6 Feb in Swain and another of 24 on 17 Feb in Haywood. More numerous in spring than in fall; at times sizable flocks seen in spring. Very rare at higher elevations, essentially only in migration. Mainly early Nov to early Apr. Peak counts: | There are no "sure bets", in terms of wintering sites. Forests on the south side of Lake Mattamuskeet, or in the Pungo Lake area, can be productive for finding the species. | ** to *** | 2026-05-19 | |
| Icterus bullockii Bullock's Oriole | The Bullock's Oriole is the western counterpart to the Baltimore Oriole. Originally classified as separate species, these two species were merged as a single species -- Northern Oriole -- for a few decades, as the two hybridize in some areas where their ranges come into contact. Thankfully, more research has prompted the American Ornithologists' Union to re-split the two, back to Bullock's and Baltimore. Bullock's is a very rare visitor, mainly in winter at feeders, to North Carolina; birds have often lingered for a few weeks or even over-wintered. There are at least 35 records, but just one from the Mountains. NOTE: a handful of these records/reports are of females, which can easily be confused with female Baltimore Orioles; thus, it is hoped that all of these reports were correct. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Very rare winter visitor; many records prior to 2010, but with a decline in reports until around 2023. Since then, there were four records during the 2023-24 winter, three more in 2024-25, and about six in 2025-26. There are about 25 records, with at least ten of the birds lingering for several weeks, generally at feeders. Records rather evenly spread from inland towns and cities to the coastal region. The span of dates is 2 Dec to 10 May. Peak counts: 4 (highest number on a single date), Morehead City, during the winter of 1959-60. | Very rare winter visitor. There are about 16 records, with 8-9 birds over-wintering. Records are scattered from Raleigh and Fuquay-Varina west to Pittsboro (Chatham), Stallings (Union), Davidson (Mecklenburg), Charlotte, Huntersville (Mecklenburg), Conover (Catawba), and northeastern Gaston. No records yet from the northwestern part of the province (including the heavily populated Triad region). Dates range from 11 Nov to 31 Mar. Unlike in the Coastal Plain, at least 12 of these reports have been since 2005. Peak counts: 1. | One record. An adult male was photographed at a feeder in Murphy (Cherokee) on 13 Oct 2024 (Chat 89:31); this record has yet to be reviewed by the NC BRC. | Your first Bullock's Oriole will likely be seen at someone's feeder, especially near the coast. | * | 2026-05-19 | ||
| Melospiza lincolnii Lincoln's Sparrow | Despite the Lincoln's Sparrow having a very wide breeding range, from Alaska to Newfoundland, and south through most of the Western mountain ranges, it is not a common bird in the East. The species' main abundance lies in the center and western part of the range. It winters in the southern part of the United States, southward into Mexico; the winter range includes the North Carolina Coastal Plain. Interestingly, it was essentially known only as a transient until the late 1960's or 1970's, when birders starting finding them on CBC's. In fact, this species is not often seen by the casual or inexperienced birder; most are seen with purposeful search -- by pishing, squeaking, or playback calls. Lincoln's are most frequently found in brush piles and hedgerows in otherwise large areas of fields (as opposed to wooded borders). They also are found in damp weedy fields and marsh edges (in shrubs), but they are not usually found in open marshes, nor in very dry fields and thickets. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S2N | G5 | Winter resident, and poorly known transient. In winter, uncommon and easily overlooked in the southern Tidewater region (south of Albemarle Sound), and generally rare to locally uncommon elsewhere. Several NC Bird Atlas biologists surveyed intensively for this species in winter 2025-26 and found them in perhaps half of the counties, from the VA border to the SC border, to confirm that it is not at all rare in the region in winter. Mainly mid-Oct to mid-Apr; earliest date is 1 Oct, and the latest is 26 May (the only May date from the province). Peak counts: 8, Pettigrew SP CBC, 30 Dec 2005; 7, Holly Shelter & Lea-Hutaff Island CBC, 16 Dec 2012; 7, in the Dare County Bombing Range, 30 Dec 2013; 7, east of Newport (Carteret), 11 Dec 2016. | Transient, with a few lingering into early winter. In fall, rare to uncommon and easily overlooked; in spring, generally rare over the region (definitely more numerous in fall than in spring). Mainly mid-Oct to mid-Nov, and from mid-Apr to early May. Very rare in winter, mainly in Dec, but scattered records in Jan and Feb; very few likely overwinter in the region. One at the Dan River Game Land (Rockingham) from 20-23 Sep 2020 was quite early. Peak counts: 6, North Wilkesboro, 10 Nov 1961. | Transient. In fall, uncommon and easily overlooked, at least at the lower elevations; poorly known above 3,500 feet. In spring, rare to uncommon, at least in the lower elevations. Mainly late Sep to mid-Nov, and mid-Apr to early May. More "numerous" in migration in the mountains than farther eastward, though it still takes diligent observers to find them. Very rare in winter, though it was found in five counties in winter 2025-26; probably does not overwinter in the region. Peak counts: 13, Warren Wilson College (Buncombe), 16 Oct 2014; 8, Warren Wilson College, 18 and 23 Oct 2018; 7, Boone, 25 Sep 1981; 6, Hooper Lane (Henderson), 16 Oct 2000; 6, Brookshire Park (Watauga), 16 Oct 2016; 6, Valle Crucis (Watauga), 24 Oct 2018; 6, Brevard (Transylvania), 1 Nov 2022. | If you bird around brush piles and thickets in winter in the Lake Phelps to Lake Mattamuskeet areas, you have a chance to find one or two. Birding in mountain valleys, such as at Jackson Park in Hendersonville or at Valle Crucis Park (Watauga), in mid-Oct, also could turn up a bird or two. | ** | 2026-05-19 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Ammospiza leconteii LeConte's Sparrow | The LeConte's Sparrow is another secretive grassland/marsh sparrow of the central part of the continent, breeding mainly in Canada and sparingly in the Northern states. However, it does not nest in the Northeastern states. It winters mainly in the South-central states, and is rare at that season in Atlantic coast states, including North Carolina. In our state, it was poorly known until well into the 20th Century, but by the latter decades of that century it was clear that some birds overwinter in the eastern Coastal Plain. In winter, it occurs in wet or damp grassy fields, especially fine grasses such as muhlys (genus Muhlenbergia) and where there are some brush piles for additional cover; a few have been seen in slightly brackish marshes. Most of these fields are in areas that had been clearcut in the past few years. Unlike other grassland sparrows, LeConte's have not shown an obvious decline, at least in the East. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S1?N | G5 | Poorly known winter resident, but scarce and easily overlooked. Fewer reports since about 2010, but whether that represents a global decline is not known. Generally rare in the southern Tidewater (south of Albemarle Sound) and coastal areas, including the southeastern corner of the region. Very rare farther inland (i.e., the central and western portion of the region) and northward (northern Tidewater). Two were seen at the Voice of America site (Beaufort) on 30 Jan 2026, a large grassland site where the species might be regular all winter. Mainly early Nov to mid-Feb, rarely into spring (late date is 28 Apr), but departure dates poorly known. Peak counts: 10, on the New Bern (Craven) CBC, 20 Dec 1999. | Transient, and straggler into winter; scarce and poorly known. Very rare in both fall (between 23 Oct and 31 Dec), and again in late winter/spring (from 10 Feb to 30 Apr). The winter of 1999-2000 saw a good influx year for the species, with several reports, including the Piedmont's high count of up to 7 birds in Mecklenburg, 19 Feb - 15 Apr 2000 (Chat 64:108), (Chat 64:159). Perhaps unique was one, and possibly two, present at Rea Farms in southern Mecklenburg from 19 Oct 2020 - 6 Mar 2021 -- the first Piedmont record of a truly wintering bird. Peak counts (other): 2 in Gaston, Dec 2011; 1 on many dates. | Transient, scarce. Casual, with only nine reports of single birds: in Franklin (Macon) on 17 Oct 1968 (Chat 34:2); seen by many observers in Cullowhee (Jackson) on 15 May 1983 (Chat 47:113); at Piney Creek (Alleghany) on 26 Apr 1987 (Chat 52:51) and again on 26-29 Jan 2007 (Chat 71:51); at Brevard (Transylvania) on 11 Oct 2012 (Chat 77:35); photographed near Brevard on 14 Feb 2020 (Chat 84:69); photographed at Valle Crucis (Watauga) on 7 Nov 2020; photographed in Spruce Pine (Mitchell) on 22-23 Apr 2021; and photographed near Valle Crucis on 16 Mar 2025. | The only reliable spot in recent years has been at a privately-owned conservation area -- North River Farms -- in central Carteret. Otherwise, productive fields in one winter are normally not present, or are in poor condition, the next. Nearly all wintering sites are on private land, often on timber company lands, where clearcut within the past year or two. It might be worthwhile to look for the species on public land at the Voice of America Game Land (Beaufort), where there have been several recent records. | * | 2026-05-18 | ||
| Pooecetes gramineus Vesper Sparrow | The Vesper Sparrow, a species in its own genus, has a wide breeding range, from the Western states east to the Atlantic Coast. However, the eastern populations are strongly declining, owing to loss of grassy field and meadow habitat; Western populations are faring better, and the birds are much more common in the Western and Midwestern grasslands. Vesper Sparrows nest south in the East only to the North Carolina mountains, and they winter essentially in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain regions. Over most of the state, it is simply a spring and fall migrant, and an uncommon one at that. Breeding birds inhabit mid- to high elevation pastures and grassy knolls, almost always in hilly situations and frequently well back from roads; scattered rocks and small trees are often used as singing perches. Wintering birds occur mainly in sandy fields and weedy croplands, generally where the grasses are not dense and there is some bare ground; they often occur with Savannah Sparrows. Migrants are usually found in pastures and other short-grass habitats. Though the breeding population has not obviously declined in the state, the migrant and wintering populations are way down from those of former decades, when flocks numbering 20 or more birds could be seen in migration. In fact, Pearson et al. (1942) stated that the species "is a common winter visitor in open fields in most parts of the State." | Breeder | Definitive | SC | S2B,S2N | G5 | Winter resident and transient; strongly declining. In winter, formerly fairly common in the southern coastal counties, and west to the Sandhills; now uncommon in these areas. Rare in the remainder of the region, and typically does not now overwinter in the northern half of the region. In migration, rare to uncommon over the region. Mainly mid-Oct to mid-Apr. One photographed along the coast at Pea Island NWR on 12 May 2023 was very late for the province. Peak counts: ? A report of 15 birds, with one carrying food, at Wilmington on 16 Jul 1952 (Chat) must be either a misprint or mis-identification, and is certainly incorrect. | Transient, and sparse and local winter resident; strongly declining. In winter, rare to very uncommon in the extreme southern portions, mainly in the Charlotte to Shelby areas; very rare into early winter in the eastern and central portions, but does not overwinter there except very locally; casual in winter in the foothills area. In migration, formerly uncommon to occasionally fairly common, but now quite uncommon in both spring and fall. Mainly mid-Mar to mid-Apr, and late Oct to mid-Nov. One reported at Elkin on 20 Jun 1954. Peak counts: 50, Cleveland, 2 Feb 1986. | Summer resident and transient; declining in summer and in migration. In summer, rare to uncommon and very local, mainly on grassy balds and other high elevation pastures (above 4,000 feet); rare down to about 3,000 feet. Nests southwest to the Newfound Mountains (Max Patch area), mainly in areas close to the Tennessee border. In migration, mostly rare to uncommon (formerly uncommon) over most of the region. Very rare in winter in lower elevations, but normally does not overwinter. However, up to four spent the winter of 2023-24 at Swannanoa (Buncombe), seen from 1 Jan - 19 Feb. Mainly mid-Mar to mid-Nov. Peak counts: | Breeding birds are usually well away from roads and require some hiking to reach, such as at Pond Mountain in Ashe. Rich Mountain Road, between Snake Mountain and Rich Mountain, in northern Watauga, is usually reliable, and a few can often be found along the Appalachian Trail east of Carvers Gap. The birds are too unpredictable in migration and winter to offer particular sites. | ** to *** | 2026-05-18 | |
| Spizelloides arborea American Tree Sparrow | Of the several dozen species of sparrows in North America, the American Tree Sparrow is the hardiest, breeding far into the tundra region of northern Canada and northern Alaska, south only to central Canada. Not surprisingly, it winters essentially to the north of North Carolina, being found mainly in the northern half of the country. It winters regularly only to the northern parts of Virginia; a few birds probably occurred each winter in North Carolina through the end of the 20th Century, for brief periods. However, it takes a diligent birder to uncover one in the state, unless it shows up at a feeder. Most state records, as expected, occur in the northern half of the state, from the mountains to the coast; they are mainly found with Field Sparrows, less so with other species, in weedy fields and shrubby thickets, in open country. The species can be easily misidentified as a Swamp Sparrow or a Chipping Sparrow; photos are desirable for confirmation. Probably because of global warming, the southern edge of the winter range is retreating northward; and records in the state are dwindling with each passing decade, barely just one or two a decade now.
In summer 2015, the AOU moved the species out of the genus Spizella and into its own genus -- Spizelloides, as it has some affinities toward the Fox Sparrow (in the genus Passerella). | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Winter visitor to the northeastern corner of the province. Scarce and declining, with few recent records. Very rare winter visitor along the northern coast, south to Pea Island NWR; casual in the northern part of the Tidewater region -- three records. The only other regional record is from Rich Square (Halifax). Mainly early Nov to Feb, with a surprising number for Nov, when southward migrating birds probably overshoot their regular wintering grounds. Peak counts: 5, Kitty Hawk, 20 Dec 2003; 5, Corapeake (Gates), between 21 Dec 1978 and 21 Mar 1979. | Winter visitor, declining. Very rare along the northern two tiers of counties, and casual farther southward. Mainly early Jan to mid-Feb, but with scattered records in Nov, Dec, and Mar; one on 27 Oct and two in Apr are hopefully correct, but are still open to question. One reported in Pearson et al. (1959) at Lenoir on 9 May (no year given) seems highly unlikely. The first state report since 2014 was one photographed in southwestern Rockingham on 13 Jan 2023. Peak counts: highest daily count probably only 3; 7 from 17-31 Jan 1968 at Mason Farm in Chapel Hill, of which 4 were banded. | Winter visitor, declining. Very rare in the northern counties, casual to very rare in the central counties, and casual in the southern counties. Mainly early Nov to late Dec; surprisingly few records for Jan and Feb. Notable for 2025 was one photographed in Transylvania from 27-29 Jan, one of the few recent state records. A detailed sight report on 23 Jan 2026 at Flat Rock (Henderson) was hopefully a correct identification. Latest date is 11 Mar. Peak counts: 4, Arden, 26 Dec 1938. | To look for this species, work weedy fields in the coldest part of the winter, and pour over flocks of Field Sparrows. Of course, this practically never is successful, but that is the strategy. | * | 2026-05-18 | ||
| Spizella pusilla Field Sparrow | The Field Sparrow is one of the few sparrows that breeds over essentially all of the eastern United States, from southern Canada to near the Gulf Coast. A few decades ago, this was as common a breeder in North Carolina as was the Chipping Sparrow. However, the Chipping has become very common in recent years, whereas the Field Sparrow has declined sharply, as has its habitat associate, the Northern Bobwhite. The reasons for the decline are not obvious, as most other early-succession breeders are not declining noticeably. Not surprisingly, the decline has manifested itself in winter as well, and it no longer is a common winter species in some areas, especially near the coast. Breeding habitat is primarily overgrown fields, clearcuts, maritime thickets, and woodland borders, always where there is a thick grass/herbaceous cover and scattered shrubs and saplings. In winter, the birds occur in these habitats, as well as in weedy fields (devoid of woody growth); it mixes with many other species of sparrows in winter, usually in sizable flocks. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S5N | G5 | Permanent resident, with migratory movements; clearly declining. In summer, fairly common (formerly common) in the western and central portions, and uncommon to fairly common, at least locally, in the Tidewater region. Also, uncommon to fairly common along the northern coast; rare to uncommon near the southern coast and elsewhere in the southeastern portion of the region. In winter, now only fairly common over the western and central portions, and now uncommon to locally fairly common farther eastward; least numerous in the southeastern portion of the region (generally uncommon). Peak counts: | Permanent resident, with migratory movements; clearly declining. In summer, at best fairly common (formerly common) across the region; uncommon now in some heavily populated counties. In winter, generally fairly common to common -- formerly common --over the region, though fairly common in the foothills. More numerous in winter than in summer. Peak counts: | Permanent resident, with migratory movements; clearly declining. In summer, fairly common (formerly fairly common to common) in the lower and middle elevations, to about 3,500 feet; uncommon to about 5,000 feet, and very rare to 6,000 feet. In winter, uncommon to fairly common at lower and middle elevations, but rare at higher elevations. More numerous in summer than in winter. Peak counts: | Still rather easily found in the state in most areas, but no longer the gimme that it was 10-15 years ago. | *** | 2026-05-18 | ||
| Spizella pallida Clay-colored Sparrow | The Clay-colored Sparrow was primarily a "Western"/Midwestern" species until a few decades ago. However, the breeding range expanded eastward to southern Ontario and western New York, as birds took advantage of using Christmas tree farms and other early succession habitats. Not surprisingly, sightings in the Southeast have increased, even though nearly all birds still pass on to winter south of the country, mainly in Mexico. Interestingly, small numbers linger into early winter near the coast, and a few even overwinter. Despite being closer to the main part of the breeding range, Clay-coloreds remain very rare in the mountains and Piedmont of the state. The species is most often found with groups of Field Sparrows, and other sparrows, usually at brush piles, hedgerows, weedy fields, and margins of maritime shrub thickets. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient, and sparse winter resident, mainly near the coast. In fall, rare to uncommon along the coast and in Tidewater; can be occasionally uncommon at Pea Island and Fort Fisher. Casual to very rare farther inland in fall. In winter, rare and local into early winter near the coast and in Tidewater, and casual to very rare farther inland; formerly regular just west of Lake Phelps, and presently in central Carteret, where a few overwinter. Essentially no northbound migration, though one seen at the Moore County Airport on 9 Apr 2019 was certainly a northbound migrant, as was one photographed in the Sandhills Game Land (Scotland) on 3 Apr 2022. Only a few other inland spring records anywhere in the province. Mainly mid-Sep to early Nov, but some into late Apr. Peak counts: 23, North River Farms (Carteret), 10 Feb 2013; 17 at this location, 15 Feb 2015 and again on 19 Apr 2015; 16 at this location, 20 Feb 2011; 10, just west of Lake Phelps, 11 Mar 2013; 9, Pea Island, 11 Oct 1998. | Transient, essentially in fall and winter. Very rare in fall and winter (about 25 records in fall and 16 in winter). Casual to very rare in spring: singles at Fuquay-Varina, 15 Mar - 20 Apr 1990; at Cowan's Ford Refuge (Mecklenburg), 5 May 2001; again at that refuge, 1 May 2018; at Price Park (Guilford), 23 Apr 2019; in the Uwharrie National Forest (Randolph), 21-22 Apr 2020; at two yard/feeder sites in Wake from 23-26 Apr 2021; in Lincoln, 20 Mar 2024; and in Wake, 28 Mar 2025. Mainly mid-Oct to mid-Nov, but a few into winter. One photographed in Maiden (Catawba) on 26 Sep 2020, and one seen at Howerton Road (Guilford) on 30 Sep 2018 were early for inland records. One spent three winters in Lenoir (Caldwell); in the third year it was present from 16 Oct 2006 to 24 Apr 2007 (Chat 71:94). Another spent much of the winter at Raleigh from 2 Jan - 4 Feb 2024; presumably the same bird was seen again on 26 Apr 2024. Peak counts: 2, Iredell, 17 Jan 2010. | Transient. Very rare in fall, winter, and spring, nearly all records in low elevations in the southern counties. Northern records all seem to be from Watauga -- one photographed in Boone on 3 May 2014, another photographed in Boone on 16 Oct 2016, another photographed out of season at Moses Cone Park on 20 Jul 2024, and another seen at Boone on 15-16 Oct 2024. In fall, about 17 reports from 5 Sep - 20 Oct, and twice in Nov; two winter reports (Dec and Jan), and six spring reports, all in the last half of Apr. One photographed at 5,200 feet elevation at the Grassy Mine Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway (Jackson) on 30 Sep 2021 was at a remarkably high location. Peak counts: 2, on several dates. | Your best bet is probably Fort Fisher in Sep and Oct. A few were being seen semi-regularly in winter just west of Lake Phelps, but these birds have been difficult to find in the past few years. Though it seems to winter routinely, in small numbers, at North River Farms (Carteret), this is a privately-owned site, though it can be accessed by the public with a long walk to reach suitable habitat. | * to ** | 2026-05-18 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Ammodramus savannarum Grasshopper Sparrow | The Grasshopper Sparrow is another sparrow that breeds from the Atlantic to the Pacific, but it nests in temperate areas in the United States and southern Canada, and it is not a common bird in much of the eastern United States. As expected for a grassland bird, numbers of the species are undergoing a significant decline, and this includes the population in North Carolina. In North Carolina, it breeds across most of the state, except for near-coastal areas, but is quite local in many areas. It winters, quite secretively, in the Coastal Plain from North Carolina to Texas, and southward. As a breeder, it nests in pastures, airport grassy margins, and other fallow fields; these habitats are being developed, or are becoming overgrown with abandonment, owing to a decline in livestock farming. In winter, it favors dense grassy fields (as opposed to weedy fields dominated by composites), such as recent clearcuts, wide powerline clearings, and other recently cleared/disturbed areas. Because it is highly secretive in winter, its distribution and abundance at that season is quite poorly known. | Breeder | Definitive | W | S3B,S1N | G5 | Summer resident in most of the region, and scarce winter resident; declining. In summer, uncommon over most of the western and central portions of the region; rare and local in coastal counties, such as at the Wilmington airport and in central Carteret, but does not nest on coastal islands. Migrants can appear on coastal islands, but are scarce. In winter, seemingly rare (could be uncommon, but poorly known) in the southeastern half of the province, including the Tidewater zone and in the Sandhills; very rare in the northwestern portions. Undoubtedly overwinters, as evidenced by one photographed in the Sandhills Game Land (Scotland) on 15 Jan and 18 Feb 2023. Mainly mid-Apr to Oct, with departure dates poorly known. Peak counts: 11, Alligator River NWR, 8-9 Feb 2001. | Summer resident, with a few winter stragglers; declining. In summer, rare to uncommon across the region, except uncommon in the southwestern portion; formerly uncommon to fairly common in the province, but rare in some counties that are highly developed. Stragglers occur into early winter, essentially in the eastern and southern portions only, but few if any overwinter. Mainly mid-Apr to Oct. Peak counts: | Summer resident; declining. Rare to locally uncommon (formerly uncommon but widespread) over the region, being more numerous (uncommon) in the northern counties (Ashe and Alleghany); mainly below 3,000 feet, and very rarely to 4,500 feet. A few winter records, mainly in wide valleys in the southern counties, but does not overwinter. Mainly mid- or late Apr to Oct (departure dates poorly known). Peak counts: | Still can be heard and seen reliably in a few places; the two large Voice of America fields in southeastern Pitt and northwestern Beaufort are good places. Mid-Pines Road south of Raleigh (Wake) has been a popular spot to see and hear them in the breeding season, as has Guilford County Farm in the northeastern part of that county. | ** to *** | 2026-05-18 | |
| Plectrophenax nivalis Snow Bunting | The Snow Bunting breeding range and abundance is remarkably similar to that of the Lapland Longspur, as both nest in the high Arctic in huge numbers, and both winter in large flocks in the northern half of the country and southern Canada. In North Carolina, however, it is seen mainly along the immediate coast, in low dunes and on sand flats. As with the longspur, it does not winter anywhere regularly in the state, but a few reports are normal in a given winter. Farther inland, it is seldom seen in plowed fields, but they turn up on very rare occasions in "rocky" places or bare ground, such as along drawdown shores of lakes, along dams, around the edges of paved parking lots, and even on high elevation grassy balds in the depth of winter! Every few years, beginners report "Snow Buntings" from feeders; these are essentially always partial albino sparrows or juncos. In addition, high counts from the Piedmont and mountains were made by persons who seldom if ever contributed other records of notable birds; thus, these are open to question. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Winter visitor, mainly coastally; declining in numbers in the past several decades, though an upturn in the winter of 2023-24. Rare though nearly annual in winter along the northern coast, south to Cape Hattaras; very rare to rare farther south along the coast. Casual to very rare in Tidewater and farther inland (only about 11 such records); no records from most counties. Primarily late Oct or early Nov through Feb, peaking in Nov. Outside of the normal time frame, singles were seen in Fayetteville (Cumberland), 20-27 Apr 1963; just west of Cape Hatteras Point, 1 May 2016; and at Oregon Inlet, 6-9 May 2004 (Chat 68:123-24). Numbers are quite variable from winter to winter, and the species goes un-reported once or twice a decade. Also, numbers seem to have declined in the past 10-20 years, and flocks over 20 birds are seldom reported now. A count of 12 at Currituck NWR (Currituck) on 17 Dec 2019 was possibly a first state report in double digits in 10-15 years. However, 20 were tallied at the northern end of Pea Island in late Nov 2023, continuing into winter; the peak count there was 33 birds on 30 Jan 2024. A few were also reported in winter 2023-24 at Cape Hatteras Point, Ocracoke Island (Hyde), and Bird Island (Brunswick). Peak counts: 150, Kitty Hawk (Dare), 25 Jan 1937; 90, Pea Island, late Nov 1980. | Sparse winter visitor. Very rare; barely 15 reports for the province. Mainly late Oct to early Jan, but there are also four reports of apparent spring migrants, between 24 Mar and 29 Apr. The last record (29 Apr, from Pittsboro), is open to question and highly unlikely. Peak counts: 1, on many occasions. Reports of 4 (above, at Pittsboro) and 3 at a Tryon hotel are suspicious. | Sparse winter visitor. Very rare; about 19-20 records. Has occurred on a handful of occasions on the highest elevation grass balds, mainly at Roan Mountain, as well as in valleys. Mainly mid-Nov to late Jan. Remarkably long-staying was one seen at Pond Mountain (Ashe) from 3 Nov - 27 Dec 2025. There are also two spring reports: one photographed at Turkey Pen Gap (Transylvania - Henderson border) on 30 Apr 1996 (Chat 61:67); and one at Snake Mountain (Watauga) on 8 Mar 2009 (Chat 73:129). Peak counts: 10, Etowah (Henderson), 10 Jan 1997 (hopefully correct). | If you spend a lot of time walking or driving beaches in the winter, you might find a few each year. Your best best is to look for them at Cape Hatteras Point, or possibly at Cape Lookout (much more difficult to access). They can be very difficult to find away from dunes and sand flats. Numbers have declined in recent winters, and the former * to ** tips code has been moved now to * -- quite difficult to find nowadays. | * | 2026-05-18 | ||
| Calcarius lapponicus Lapland Longspur | This is the only one of the four species of longspur that is not of accidental occurrence in the state. Lapland Longspurs breed abundantly in the Arctic tundra, and migrate in large flocks into the center of the continent. Small numbers make it south to North Carolina, at the southeastern edge of the winter range; however, it is unpredictable from week to week, and numbers tend to be scarce in warmer winters. Nonetheless, there might be a few areas of extensive plowed fields in the northern third of the Coastal Plain that host a few each winter. In the Piedmont, it is more scarce, and in the mountains even more so. Longspurs are mainly found by persons who intentionally look for them, by birding at huge plowed fields, sometimes where Horned Larks are regular. They also occur in low dunes along the coast, and at large areas of short grass (such as sporadically at the Charlotte Motor Speedway parking areas -- at least formerly). | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S1N | G5 | Winter visitor, and possibly winter resident (regular from winter to winter) in a few areas. Rare to locally uncommon in a few areas of the Tidewater zone, mainly west of Lake Phelps, as well as the northern third of the inland portions (south to Rocky Mount); perhaps regular, and in numbers, at Occoneechee Neck (Northampton). Rare visitor to the northern coast, and very rare farther south along the coast. Casual to very rare elsewhere inland, though several winter records from the Laurinburg-Maxton Airport (possibly regular there?), and a large flock was present in Lenoir in winter 2024-25. Mainly late Oct to early Mar. One photographed at Cape Hatteras Point (Dare) on 5 Jun 2023 was exceptionally late. Quite early was one at the southern end of Oregon Inlet (Dare) on 13-14 Oct 2023. Peak counts: the three largest counts have been west of Lake Phelps from 1986-1988, with the peak being 90 on 30 Dec 1988. Other high counts: 60, near LaGrange (Lenoir), 24 Jan 2025. | Winter visitor. Very rare to rare across the region, with no regular wintering sites. Certainly occurs in small numbers in the region each winter, but few people search for them, and extensive plowed fields are not common. Formerly most regular, oddly because this site was in the southern Piedmont, at the Charlotte Motor Speedway parking areas in Cabarrus. A group of three were present in Union, not far from the SC border, from 4-20 Feb 2024, and this generalareahad a bird in early 2026 as well. Mainly early or mid-Nov to late Feb or early Mar. One report from 9 May 1981 is an "outlier" and, if correct, would be the latest date for the state. One in breeding plumage near Shelby (Cleveland) on 21 Apr 2024 was also quite late. Peak counts: 7, Harrisburg at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, 17 Dec 1985. | Winter visitor. Very rare, essentially in lower elevations in wide valleys, though four were seen at Max Patch [mountain] in Madison on 22 Mar 2014, and one was seen at 5,800 feet on Round Bald just east of Carvers Gap (Mitchell) on 10 Nov 2014. Most recent records are from fields along Hooper Lane (Henderson). One photographed at the Biltmore Estate (Buncombe), 4-7 Nov 2019, might be a first record for that well-worked county. Mainly mid-Nov to late Feb. A report of a female on 12 Aug 1990 is bound to be a mis-identification. However, one photographed at Moses Cone Park near Blowing Rock (Watauga) on 19 Sep 2025 might be the earliest documented fall record for the state. Peak counts: a remarkable 100, Hooper Lane, 6 Dec 2003; 30, Biltmore Estate (Buncombe), 12-13 Jan 2025. | Though a scarce bird in the state, a diligent birder can at times find the species over a several-day period by looking in a handful of very large plowed fields in the northern half of the Coastal Plain, such as west of Lake Phelps, or in Occoneechee Neck -- but always amid large flocks of Horned Larks, or to a lesser extent, American Pipits. Unfortunately, in recent years, road access has been blocked to the area west of Lake Phelps where it was routinely seen, and there has been little searching for longspurs in Occoneechee Neck in the past few decades. | * to ** | 2026-05-18 | ||
| 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. 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 counts: | 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 counts: 600, Pee Dee NWR, 9 Jan 1980. | 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 counts: 200, Roan Mountain, 5 Dec 1993. | 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. | * | 2026-05-18 | ||
| 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 counts: | 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 counts: | 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 counts: | 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. | *** | 2026-05-18 | ||
| 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 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 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 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. | 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 *** | 2026-05-18 | |
| 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 counts: 750, Four Oaks (Johnston), 29 Aug 1981. | 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 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 counts: 500+, Hooper Lane (Henderson), 13 and 17 Jul 2014. | None needed. | **** | 2026-05-18 | ||
| 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 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 counts: | 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 counts: | 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. | *** | 2026-05-18 | ||
| 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 counts: 10,000 at a roost north of Engelhard (Hyde), 14-16 Feb 1987; 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 counts: 207, Ringwood (Halifax), 13 Oct 1986. | 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 (2019-25) 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 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. | **** | 2026-05-18 | ||
| Vireo philadelphicus Philadelphia Vireo | This is the only Eastern vireo that does not nest in North Carolina. Instead, the Philadelphia Vireo breeds in deciduous or mixed forests across southern Canada, and sparingly into our northern states. Unlike with the Warbling Vireo, this species does migrate regularly through the state, though mainly in the mountains and Piedmont, and mainly in the fall season. Even in the mountains and Piedmont it is a good find, though it can be easily overlooked as a Tennessee Warbler or a Red-eyed or Warbling vireo. As with most migrant songbirds, it favors hardwood forests in spring and fall migration. Records have increased in recent years, though this may simply represent more thorough birder coverage. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient, essentially only in fall; very sparse in spring. In fall, rare along the coast, and very rare farther inland. In spring, casual to very rare across the region (about 10 reports). Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and early Sep to early Oct. Peak counts: 4, Bodie Island, 23 Sep 2022. | Transient, records clearly increasing in recent years. Rare to uncommon (and easily overlooked) across the province in fall, and very rare in spring (mainly in the western half). Primarily late Apr to early May, and mid-Sep to mid-Oct. One sight report in winter, if correct -- one in Guilford on 7 Jan 2026; this report should be reviewed by the NC BRC. Peak counts: | Transient; more numerous in this province in both spring and fall than downstate. Records increasing in recent years. Uncommon in fall, and very rare in spring. Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and mid-Sep to mid-Oct. Peak counts: 12, Jackson Park in Hendersonville, 22 Sep 1999; 6 at that site on 30 Sep 2008; 4, along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, 29 Sep 2004; 4, Beaver Lake (Buncombe), 1 Oct 2014. | Jackson Park in Hendersonville in the latter part of September provides a decent chance to see the species, and better if you run into other birders to help scour the park. Birders who spend several mornings a week in Sep and early Oct have a decent chance to encounter the species, as the global population seems to be slightly increasing. | * to ** | 2026-05-18 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Vireo solitarius Blue-headed Vireo | Long known as the Blue-headed Vireo, in the 1970's its name was changed to Solitary Vireo, for no obvious reasons -- most vireos are somewhat solitary -- other than its scientific name is "solitarius". In the early 2000's, the American Ornithologists' Union decided to split the Solitary Vireo into three species -- the Cassin's and Plumbeous in the Western part of the continent, and the Blue-headed Vireo for the former subspecies that nests in the Eastern states. The Blue-headed Vireo is a good name, as its head is a bluish-slate in color. It nests primarily in the spruce-fir zone in the East, extending southward from the Northeastern states mainly in the Appalachians. However, since the 1960's, the species has nested in the Piedmont and extreme western Coastal Plain (including the Sandhills). It and the White-eyed are the only vireos that regularly winter in the Southeast, being limited in North Carolina at that season to the Coastal Plain. For parts of the state, it is found only in migration. Breeding habitat is quite varied, but it favors mixed or coniferous forests (spruce, fir, hemlock, White Pine, and even Loblolly and Longleaf Pine) in upland situations. Wintering individuals favor maritime forests and other forests and woodlands with an evergreen canopy (Longleaf Pines, Live Oak stands, etc.). In winter, it joins mixed species flocks -- chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, warblers, etc. -- and is seldom found away from flocks. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S3N | G5 | Primarily a transient and winter resident; sparse breeder. In the nesting season, rare to uncommon in the Sandhills, and very rare along the Fall Line in the northwestern part of the region. In winter, fairly common along the southern coast, uncommon to fairly common along the central coast, and uncommon along the Outer Banks (except fairly common in Buxton Woods), in the Tidewater zone, and in the Sandhills; rare to uncommon over most of the inland portions. Generally uncommon in migration. Migrants and winter residents generally occur from mid-Oct to mid-Apr. Peak counts: breeding season -- 6 singing males, Fort Bragg (Hoke), 8 Jun 2022. Peak in winter: 31, Mattamuskeet NWR, 29 Dec 2022. | Primarily a transient, but also a summer resident in parts of the region, and a sparse winter visitor. As a breeder, generally uncommon in pine forests in the northeastern portions (Rockingham east to Halifax, and south to Moore and Stanly); also an uncommon breeder in most foothill ranges, such as the Brushy Mountains and the South Mountains; seemingly absent in most of the central third of the province. Uncommon to fairly common transient over the region. In winter, rare to uncommon in the extreme eastern portions, and rare westward, in Dec, but very few overwinter (quite rare by early Feb). Mostly from mid-Mar into Nov. Peak counts: | Summer resident. Breeds essentially at all elevation levels, though more numerous (common) above 3,000 feet; fairly common to locally common below 3,000 feet. Mainly late Mar to mid- or late Oct. Very rare in winter, especially for the northern Mountains, was one seen in Watauga on 11 Dec 2025. Peak counts: | The species is easily found in spring and summer in the mountains. Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway and pulling off at overlooks will certainly yield them after a few stops. | **** | 2026-05-18 | ||
| Sayornis saya Say's Phoebe | The Say's Phoebe breeds over much of the Western United States and Western Canada, but it withdraws from most of the northern portions of the range during the winter. Its normal winter range is in the southwestern United States and Mexico, though strays to the Southeastern states are not overly unusual. It has been found in North Carolina about 24 times, all in the eastern half of the state during fall or winter, except for two mountain reports. Thankfully, records have been increasing in the past decade, though this may be due to better observer coverage. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Very rare fall migrant/stray, occasionally lingering into the winter; 16 records. One was seen near the Pony Pens at Ocracoke Island (Hyde) on 11 Oct 1991 (Chat 57:56); one was present in central Carteret from 1-6 Dec 2005 (Chat 70:10); one stayed at the O'Berry Center near Goldsboro (Wayne) from 9 Jan - 18 Mar 2007 (Chat 72:8-9), for a remarkable midwinter record; one was noted on the beach at Bald Head Island (Brunswick) on 3 Sep 2010 (Chat 75:2), (Chat 75:47); one was seen at Alligator River NWR, 24 Nov 2012 (Chat 77:29); and one was seen in Cherry (Washington) from 27 Dec 2012 - 7 Feb 2013 (Chat 77:58). Two were found at well separated locations in Washington on 27 Dec 2013 (Chat 78:74) -- one just west of Lake Phelps, seen only on that date; and one near Beasley Road and US 64, which remained to 19 Jan 2014 and was seen and photographed by numerous people. One was seen at North River Farms (Carteret) on 28 Sep 2014. Fall 2017 saw two additional reports: one at the Voice of America site in northwestern Beaufort, 16 Oct - 5 Dec, and one in southeastern Washington, 24-27 Nov. One was seen and photographed at Waves (Dare) on 5-6 Oct 2020; and another was photographed at Ocracoke Island (Hyde) on 5 Oct 2022. One was again found at the Beaufort Voice of America site, this time on 10 Oct 2023. In 2024, singles were photographed at Ocracoke Island (Hyde) on 22 Sep and between Salvo and Avon (Dare) on 12 Oct. | Casual; six or seven records. One was seen near Raleigh (Wake) on 23 Oct 1965 (Chat 30:28), (Chat 54:56). Another was seen near Lillington (Harnett) from 7-12 Dec 1985 (Chat 51:75-76), (Chat 54:56). The third and fourth were both in 2021: one along Zion Church Road in southeastern Union from 10-16 Oct*, and one along Howerton Road in northeastern Guilford from 16 Oct - 11 Apr 2022* (Chat 86:40), (Chat 86:61). [Both birds were seen within 1.5 hours on 16 Oct and thus were different birds.] One seen in southern Rockingham on 15 Apr 2022 may well have been the Guilford individual (Chat 86:84-85). One seen again along Howerton Road from 29 Sep 2022 into the winter (Chat 87:16) certainly has to be the same individual as the one that overwintered there a year ago. In fact, it spent the entire winter and was seen into the spring season (Chat 87:40), last seen on 6 Apr 2023. One was photographed south of Raleigh from 18 Nov - 17 Dec 2025 (Chat 90:25) (Chat 90:59). | Accidental to casual. One was photographed at Jackson Park (Henderson) on 19 Sep 2023* (Chat 88:16), (Chat 88:57). Another was photographed at the Biltmore Estate (Buncombe) from 8-10 Sep 2025 (Chat 90:25). | The bird along Howerton Road in northeastern Guilford has been present for the past two falls and winters (2021-22 and 2022-23), giving people across the state ample chances to add the species to their state or life lists. Otherwise, the species can appear at random in migration, mainly near the coast in fall. | * | 2026-05-18 | ||
| Myiarchus cinerascens Ash-throated Flycatcher | The Ash-throated Flycatcher is a Western species, breeding from southern Washington to Texas. Like most other flycatchers, it withdraws from the majority of this range in fall, to winter mainly in Mexico. However, strays do move eastward to the Gulf Coast in winter. Prior to 2005, it was considered Accidental or Casual in North Carolina, but it now occurs annually (though often just one or two records) near the coast, generally in late fall. As of 2022, there were about 65 state records, but in fall and winter 2023-24 and again in fall and winter 2024-25 there was an explosion of records in the eastern Coastal Plain and Piedmont, starting in mid-Nov and continuing through the winter. Birds typically occur along margins of forests, where there is a brushy ecotone; they spend the night in the forest, come to the edge in the morning for warming up and for foraging on insects, and then often disappear later on (back into the forest?). Other habitats in the state include thicket margins, and weedy fields with some shrubs. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Greatly increasing in late fall and winter near the coast; late autumn migrant/visitor, with birds attempting to overwinter (though few birds have been completely successful). Rare and now annual along the northern and central coast and in Tidewater; very rare farther south. Several far inland records, mostly from Sampson -- 1 Jan 2020, 15 Jan - 8 Feb 2021, 20 Jan - 16 Feb 2021, and three on 11 Jan 2024. Other records far inland: Mount Olive (Wayne) on 14 Dec 2023; one in Pitt from 22 Jan - 4 Feb 2024; one in southern Moore on 14 Dec 2024; one near Wagram (Scotland) from 9 Feb - 14 Mar 2025; and one at Kinston (Lenoir) on 5 Jan 2026. Range of dates are 1 Nov into Mar, except for one bird photographed at Pea Island NWR on 24 Sep 1994 (Chat 61:266-68). One bird at Alligator River NWR from 6 Feb - 7 Mar 2022 likely overwintered there. The "repeated" visits at a few favored locales clealry suggest that a few birds are returning to winter where they did the previous winter. Peak counts: at least four (if not up to 6) believed to have wintered at Alligator River NWR during 2023-24, based on number of locations where birds were reported frequently; 3, Beartrack Farm (Sampson), 11 Jan 2024; 2 at Alligator River NWR, 30 Dec 2013; 2 at that refuge, 3 Feb 2020; 2, North River Preserve (Carteret), 29 Nov 2020. | Now a very rare visitor. Two sight reports are from the Raleigh area: one on 16 May 1973 (Chat 39:40-43), (Chat 54:56); and one on 16 Jan 2009 (Chat 73:67). A third sight record is from Winston-Salem on 26 Nov 2010 (Chat 75:48). The first Piedmont report with photographs came from the Randolph Middle School grounds in Mecklenburg on 18 Nov 2017 (Chat 82:42); and a second such report was at Charlotte on 31 Oct - 1 Nov 2019 (Chat 84:24). Another was in the Charlotte area on 26 Dec 2020 (Chat 85:69). In fall 2023, singles were photographed south of Raleigh (Wake) on 12 Nov*, at Chantilly Ecological Sanctuary (Mecklenburg) on 13 Nov*, and at Guilford County Farm in that county on 24-27 Nov*. A 2024 record was one photographed at a quarry pond near Pineville (Mecklenburg) on 23 Mar 2024. In fall 2024, individuals were reported from Anson, Guilford, and Mecklenburg, the Guilford bird being quite early (4 Oct). | Accidental. One videotaped in Henderson on 28 Oct 1999 is the only record for the mountains. | There have now been numerous recent records at Alligator River NWR, and somewhat fewer near Pungo Lake and along the NC 94 causeway over Lake Mattamuskeet. Thus, when birding such areas in Nov or Dec, keep an eye out for flycatchers. Of course, practically all will be Eastern Phoebes, but Western Kingbirds and Tropical Kingbirds are also possible in such areas. In winter 2023-24, birders had moderate success in re-finding birds at Alligator River NWR. | * to ** | 2026-05-18 | ||
| Aegolius acadicus Northern Saw-whet Owl | The smallest owl in eastern North America, the Northern Saw-whet Owl usually requires a special search to find, typically a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the dark on a late spring evening, often in foggy and dangerous driving conditions. However, persistence often pays off, as the species is by no means a rare breeder in the spruce-fir forests, or forests where spruce is mixed with hardwoods. Though hearing birds calling is not difficult, it can be frustrating to actually see one, as the birds do not typically fly to the edge of the forest; thus, one often must go into the forest at night to spotlight a calling bird. The winter range is poorly known, but in recent years small numbers have been found somewhat routinely in some coastal areas. At that season, birds seldom call, at least without stimulation by a taped recording or whistling. Breeding habitat is typically where some hardwoods are mixed with spruce and fir (mostly above 5,000 feet elevation); however, some birds do occur at lower elevations, even where such conifers are lacking. In winter, the species roosts in thick cover, and feeds in small wooded openings, though much still remains unknown about winter season habitats and foraging behavior, in part because birds have been found in a very wide range of habitats -- even in pocosins! | Breeder | Definitive | T | S2B,S2N | G5 | Winter visitor or resident. Status is poorly known, but generally rare (to possibly locally uncommon) in the northern half of the region, south to Carteret, casually to the southern coast; inland mainly only south to Halifax, but likely occurs farther south, but no records as yet from the Sandhills, Goldsboro, or Greenville areas. Seemingly regular in winter at Bodie Island (Dare). The fact that considerable numbers have been banded in Halifax strongly indicates that the species must winter in small numbers farther south in the inner Coastal Plain. Quite notable were two head calling at Fort Fisher (New Hanover), 6 Dec 2018, with one again heard there on 30 Dec 2018. One heard calling in southern Moore, in the Sandhills region, on 4 Sep 2020 defies explanation for that early in the fall season, as well as location. Primarily from early Nov to late Feb, but there is a banding record in Halifax as early as 21 Sep, and a heard bird on 13 Apr. Peak counts: 15 (banding operation), Halifax, 4 Nov 1995; 6-7, Mashoes (mainland Dare), 30 Jan - 9 Feb 1996; 5, Bodie Island lighthouse road (Dare), 6 Jan and 3 Feb 2015. | Winter visitor. Very rare (or at least very rarely reported) in the northeastern portion, with about 16 records for Wake, Durham, and Orange. Remarkably, there are apparently just eight other records for the province -- one seen at Kernersville (Guilford), 15 Dec 1997; one detected at Mayo River State Park (Rockingham), 14 Dec 2012; one in Nash, 19 Jan 2013; one responding to an audio recording on Sauratown Mountain (Stokes), 21 Dec 2014; one responding to playback in Rockingham, 26 Dec 2018; two along Mayo River Road (Rockingham) on the very early date of 13 Sep 2019; one recorded calling southeast of Monroe (Union) on 17 Feb 2023; and one heard tooting at Pilot Mountain SP (Surry) on 23 Dec 2025. Certainly, the species must winter in small numbers in the province, but there have been no reports of road kills, as there have been in the northern coastal areas. Mainly early Nov to early Apr. Peak counts: all records are of single individuals except for the 2019 report of 2 birds. | Breeder in the higher elevations; winter resident over most of the region. Uncommon to fairly common in the breeding season along the southern Blue Ridge Parkway (Great Balsam and Pisgah ranges) and in Great Smoky Mountains NP, above 5,000 feet. Generally uncommon elsewhere in spruce-fir stands, being found at essentially all such stands (Black Mountains, Grandfather Mountain, Roan Mountain, Long Hope Valley, Unaka Mountain, etc.). Also apparently nests in some hardwood stands, such as Pickens Nose (Macon). Two seen and heard calling near Fontana Lake (Swain) on 26 Jun 2025 were probably at an elevation below 2,000 feet; would birds be nesting that "low"? On the breeding grounds, arrives probably in Mar, probably remaining at least to late Oct. At lower elevations, probably Oct into Apr; abundance poorly known in winter, though likely not truly rare except at lower elevations; however, there are numerous records from the Blue Ridge Parkway even in winter. Of note was the mist-netting and banding of two owls near Lansing (Ashe) on 6 Nov 2024; and another was banded there on 20 Nov 2025. Peak counts: 8, Blue Ridge Parkway between Richland Balsam and Shining Rock Wilderness, 26 May 1984; 7, Devils Courthouse area, 4 Apr 1982. | To find the species in the state, it is obviously more advantageous to try for it on the breeding grounds. The best place is the Blue Ridge Parkway, where there are numerous spots from Waterrock Knob southeast to Devils Courthouse. Make many stops, and first listen for a few minutes, as the birds will sometimes call on their own. If no birds are calling, do some "tooting" on your own. It may take a few minutes, but the birds will respond (like the Eastern Screech-Owl does). However, they normally do not approach the birder as readily as does that owl, but a few birders have actually been hit by angered owls! Another good spot to try is the Clingmans Dome Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Grandfather Mountain, Mount Mitchell, and Roan Mountain also have Saw-whets, but the birds are not as easily reached by road. NOTE: Getting off of roads at night in the high mountains is very dangerous, as one can easily slip and fall on the wet and steep terrain.
If you must try for Saw-whets in winter, such as on a Christmas count, there are no good techniques. A few birders have heard birds tooting, or giving the "scree-aw" call. It wouldn't hurt to try a few calls, either by calling yourself, or with tapes. You have a very low chance of getting a response, but it certainly wouldn't hurt. The pine stands along the entrance road to the Bodie Island lighthouse has had a few birds in recent winters, though very few of the birds have been seen (possibly being "taped out" by over-frequent use of calls along this short stretch of road). | ** | 2026-05-18 | |
| Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl | The Short-eared Owl is the owl species most likely to be seen flying about in daylight hours, as a few can been seen in the winter months flying over marshes and wet fields in late afternoon. Though it has apparently bred on at least one occasion, and might possibly breed in very small numbers, in our coastal marshes and fields, most are seen in the cooler months, where it is the nocturnal counterpart of the Northern Harrier. Where many harriers are seen during the day, one should hang around near dusk to look for a Short-eared Owl or two to start flying, often while the last of the harriers are still cruising the marshes and fields, often with interactions between the two species. Numbers of the owls tend to vary considerably from winter to winter, likely owing to abundance or scarcity of rodents farther northward. The species is characteristically found at extensive brackish or fresh marshes (less so around salt marshes), as well as extensive open fields, typically where damp or wet. Inland, the species is difficult to find, and highest counts were from cleared beds of reservoirs, prior to filling. | Accidental Breeder | Definitive | W | SUB,S3N | G5 | Winter resident, and probable accidental/casual breeder. In winter, uncommon (to sporadically and locally fairly common) along the northern coast and in Tidewater; rare to uncommon along the central and southern coast; farther inland, generally rare in the northern Coastal Plain, but very rare to casual farther south (e.g., no Sandhills records). However, at least four spent the winter of 2024-25 at the Voice of America Game Land (Beaufort), extending the "regular" wintering range somewhat westward. Apparently bred at Alligator River NWR in 2001, as there were numerous summer sightings, with a peak count of six (family group?) in one small area. Mainly early Nov to late Mar. Peak counts: 30, near Belhaven (Beaufort), 21 Jan 2011; 26, Lake Phelps area, 28 Dec 1995; 20, Alligator River NWR, 1-10 Mar 2002; 18, Lake Phelps area, 19 Jan 1992. | Winter visitor. Very rare to rare, mainly from early Nov to late Mar; a preponderance of records were from the Falls Lake and Jordan Lake area, in the 1970's and early 1980's, when the cleared lakebeds contained extensive marshes, prior to filling. Most unusual were up to three from 29 Dec 2020 into March 2021 in the Brown Creek Valley area of Union. Equally unusual was a group of three birds that spent the entire winter at the Guilford County Farm (Guilford), noted first on 21 Dec 2023 and still being seen near dusk through 2 Mar 2024; several returned in the winters of 2024-25 and 2025-26 as well. Another seen in flight at midday in fields in Cleveland was surprising and very rare on 3 May 2024. The 6 or 7 highest counts were from such habitats; since then (1983), all reports are of single birds except for the Union and Guilford birds mentioned above. Peak counts: 21, Jordan Lake, 8 Feb 1981; 10 Jordan Lake, 14 Mar 1981; 5, Falls Lake, 6 Jan 1983. | Winter visitor. Very rare in the southern mountains, with 13 records, eight from Hooper Lane in Henderson; one from Weaverville (Buncombe) in 1891; a shocking record from Hooper Bald in Graham (at apparently over 5,000 feet) on 1 Nov 2009; and just as odd was one at a high elevation at the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center, Haywood, on 31 Dec 2020. Out of habitat was one seen flying along grassy margins of the Blue Ridge Parkway (Haywood) on 30 Jan 2026. The Hooper Lane records fall between 3 Nov and 6 Apr, with a peak count of 3 during early 2000. Another was found in Transylvania at dusk on 22 Jan 2025. Surprisingly there appears to be just two records for the northern mountains, where casual: one at Pond Mountain Game Land (Ashe), 15 Nov 2017; and another at this site, 12-17 Nov 2025. | A good technique for locating likely spots for Short-eareds is to find marshes or grasslands that have large (five or more) numbers of Northern Harriers. Alligator River NWR, near the maintenance shed on Milltail Creek Road or farther east down Long Curve Road, is the best place in the state to look for the owls, at dusk. Sometimes these owls can be flushed during the day by walking through wet fields and marshes, or by flushing them from cedars and thick pine trees. On rare occasions, during dark cloudy weather, these owls will fly around during the day, usually an hour before sunset. | ** | 2026-05-18 | |
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Tyto alba American Barn Owl | The American Barn Owl is a completely nocturnal feeder; thus, its presence in a given area can be difficult to determine, and censuses of population numbers are not easy to obtain (i.e., they are seldom encountered on Breeding Bird Surveys). Yet, birds will nest in silos, barns, abandoned sheds, and hollows of trees, mostly in farmland. They even utilize man-made nest boxes, where placed on barns and other structures, in open country. The species also breeds along the coast, nesting in places such as duck blinds. This is our most "non-forest" owl, though birds roost in cedars or dense stands of pines, at least near the coast in the cooler months. The American Barn Owl has undergone a considerable decline as a breeding and wintering species in the state and over nearly all of the East, as its favored habitat of farmlands and other open fields have been decimated by development and abandonment, and old farm buildings decay or are destroyed. Even in coastal areas, where the species forages in marshes, the species has clearly declined, at all seasons, for reasons that are not well understood (though Great Horned Owl predation has been suggested as one cause), as brackish and fresh marshes near the coast do not seem to have been overly impacted. In the past few decades, it must now be called a rare bird in the state, and many relatively new birders have yet to see or hear one in the state. In October 2017, the species was added to the State protected list, as Special Concern.
NOTE: In 2024, the AOS (Formerly AOU) added the modifier "American" to the common name, to distinguish the name from two others, named as Western Barn Owl and Eastern Barn Owl, neither of which occurs in North America. | Breeder | Definitive | SC | S2S3B,S3N | G5 | Permanent resident, with migratory movements; noticeably declining (since around 1970). Along the coast and in the Tidewater zone, mostly rare to uncommon in the cooler months, and seemingly now rare as a breeder, though such data are sparse. Farther inland, very rare to rare (at least rarely reported) at all seasons, though possibly occurs in all counties. Peak counts (not of nesting pairs plus young): 4, Lake Mattamuskeet, 6 Nov 1954. | Permanent resident, probably with migratory movements; certainly declining. Rare to locally uncommon in the southwestern portion of the province, probably most numerous in Lincoln, Gaston, and Cleveland. Elsewhere, very rare to rare across the province, perhaps occurring in all counties, but not well known in many or most areas. Peak counts: ? | Permanent resident, likely with migratory movements; presumed declining. Rare in valleys in the southern counties (below 2,500 feet), essentially in Buncombe, Henderson, and Transylvania; casual to very rare elsewhere and at higher elevations. Quite notable were two broods of 5 owlets each at a farm in Piney Creek (Alleghany) in summer 2014. Two were repeatedly seen just after dusk at Mills River Park (Henderson) from 1-18 Jan 2026. Peak counts: one pair. | American Barn Owls must be searched for intentionally. You are not likely to stumble upon them in general birding. There are several possible methods for finding them. First, you can wait around coastal marshes, or other extensive grassy areas, around dusk, and hope to see them flying around. They can sometimes be seen at night flying over such areas, with the assistance of car headlights. Barn Owls used to be fairly common along the Outer Banks, especially at Bodie Island; one had a moderate chance of seeing one in your headlights as you drove the Banks or drove the length of the Lake Mattamuskeet causeway. Now, the species is much less common, but occasional sightings are still made. If a visual appearance by the owls is not made, you can occasionally attract one by squeaking on the back of your hand, by loudly "shiss-ing", or by playing taped calls. Of course, a calm night is best for these techniques. A third technique is quite labor intensive and usually unsuccessful. Poke you head into dense cedars or pines along barrier islands. Barn Owls used to be seen regularly in fall and winter in the pines along the road to Bodie Island visitor center, but the pines have grown so large that they no longer provide cover from pestering crows. A fourth technique is to poke into abandoned barns, tobacco sheds, and other old buildings on farms. You might be able to flush an owl. | * to ** | 2026-05-18 | |
| Astur atricapillus American Goshawk | For such a large hawk (being the state's largest Accipiter), the Northern Goshawk is remarkably secretive, and it seldom perches in the open. It is also a very rare bird at the southern edge of its range, though one or two are reported -- correctly or not -- in the state each year. However, because of the difficulty of separating immature Goshawks from immatures of Cooper's Hawk and Red-shouldered Hawk, it is likely that perhaps 25-50% of the reported Goshawks represent mis-identifications. And, because the birds are shy and always on the move -- hardly ever seen in the same area on the following days -- it is difficult to photograph or otherwise truly confirm sightings. Goshawks feed deep in coniferous or mixed forests, seldom being found around fields or other openings, nor rarely flying over open country. A few summertime sightings from higher elevations of the mountains suggest possible breeding, though no nesting has been confirmed in the state or in Virginia, though that state also has a few summer records.
In 2023, the American Ornithological Society split the former Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) into two species, one in North America and one in Eurasia. The North American one now has the names of American Goshawk and Accipiter atricapillus. In 2025, the AOS moved this species and the Cooper's Hawk out of the genus Accipiter to now Astur; so this species is currently named as Astur atricapillus. | Nonbreeder (but Possible Breeder) | Definitive | SUB | G5 | Visitor in migration and winter; about 34 reports, if all correct. Rare, mainly in winter, to the northern coast (including the Outer Banks) and Tidewater (a good handful of reports from the Lake Phelps and Alligator River NWR areas); casual along the southern coast and the northern portion of the inland part of the province. The only completely verified records are birds photographed -- an adult on the Alligator River NWR CBC, 30 Dec 2011 (Chat 76:55); an immature at Bodie Island lighthouse pond, 3 Feb 2015 (eBird report); and an immature just north of Engelhard (Hyde), 18 Jan 2026. Photos of all three birds are on the Carolina Bird Club Photo Gallery. Apparently one far inland record south of Halifax: 1 adult, Southern Pines, 23 Oct 2002. Mostly between mid-Oct and mid-Feb, with a "peak" from late Dec to early Feb. Peak count: seemingly highly unlikely locale and date -- 2 adults, Long Beach, 19 Oct 1977. | Visitor in migration and winter; only about 15 reports. Very rare to the northern half of the province, and accidental in the southern part. Dates mainly in Dec and Jan, with one in Alamance on 11 Mar 1984. All counts of one individual. | Visitor in migration and winter; at least 21 reports. Very rare (though more numerous here than elsewhere in the state), with the bulk of the dates from late Oct to mid-Apr, a few in Sep. Also, summer reports: 1, Grandfather Mountain, 16 Jul 1985; one or more during summer in the Cranberry (Avery) area between 1971 and 1975; and several in summer in Great Smoky Mountains NP between 1970 and 1981. Certainly, if correctly identified, the species could conceivably nest at higher elevations in North Carolina, but there is as yet no strongly suggestive evidence. Peak counts: 2-3, Cranberry area, Oct 1975. | The species is much too rare to specifically search for, but people at hawk watches in the mountains or foothills should be on the alert for it after mid-Oct. There have been a handful of fairly recent reports from the Lake Phelps/Pungo Lake area, as well as on mainland Dare and Hyde counties. | * | 2026-05-14 | ||
| Ardea alba Great Egret | The Great Egret is one of the most easily observed and identified wading birds in North Carolina, occurring in many types of wetlands across the coastal and Tidewater areas, and sporadically across the rest of the state, mainly as a post-breeder in summer and fall. It has undergone a number of scientific name and common name changes. It was named Chasmerodius albus in most of the 20th Century, and the common name has evolved from Common Egret to American Egret to Great Egret. Unlike some of our coastal wading birds, Great Egret numbers have held steady in recent decades, perhaps owing to the fact that it not only nests on coastal islands but also in swamps in the interior Coastal Plain (usually with Great Blue Herons). Great Egrets forage mostly in shallow fresh water in pools, ponds, mudflats, and lake shores, but they do feed in shallow brackish water as well as in salt water channels and pools. | Breeder | Definitive | S4B,S4N | G5 | Permanent resident along the coast and in Tidewater areas, with numbers increased during migration. Common along the entire coast from spring through fall, with numbers reduced in midwinter, but still fairly common to common along most of the area, less numerous northward. In Tidewater, more local in occurrence, but generally fairly common to locally common, but at best fairly common in midwinter. Breeds in colonies with other wading birds along the immediate coast, as well as locally in scattered swamp sites, especially in the Roanoke River floodplain. Farther inland in the province, it is fairly common as a post-breeding visitor, mainly Jun to Oct, and uncommon in winter and spring; breeds at a few scattered sites in the upper half of the province. Peak counts: | Primarily a post-breeding visitor; however, it breeds in a colony with Great Blue Herons in Rowan, near the Yadkin River (since about 2004). Breeding also occurred in Durham in May 2014 -- three pairs and one nest, though juveniles were never seen on later visits -- and annually into 2021. Fairly common (eastern portion) to uncommon in the western portion from Jun to Oct; common at a few areas, such as at Jordan and Falls lakes, during the post-breeding period (at least if mudflats are present). Rare in winter, and rare to uncommon in spring. Peak counts: 356, Falls Lake, 23 Sep 2010; 250, Falls Lake, 2 Oct 2009; 246, Jordan Lake (while filling with water), 9 Aug 1979. | Essentially a post-breeding visitor. Uncommon in lower elevations, mainly mid-Jul to late Sep; rare later in fall (to early Nov) and in spring (Mar and Apr). Three records for very early winter: 1-2 at Beaver Lake near Asheville, 2-4 Dec 2007; 1 at Lake Junaluska (Haywood) on 10 Dec 2006; 1 at Lake Junaluska, 16 Dec 2025. Peak counts: 12, Brevard, 31 Mar 2009; 11, Hendersonville, 28 Jul 1987. | The species is difficult to miss near the coast, except in late winter. Often seen inland at lakes and ponds in late summer and early fall. | **** | 2026-05-14 | ||
| Butorides virescens Green Heron | The Green Heron, formerly called the Green-backed Heron (and before that the Green Heron again), is the only wading bird that nests across the entire state, presumably breeding in all 100 counties. Unlike all other herons, egrets, and ibises, this species nests singly, or rarely in loose groups, and because of its solitary habits, nests are not easily found. Thus, this wader would be nearly impossible to gather statewide nesting results. Also, unlike most other waders, Green Herons typically clear out of North Carolina in winter, though there are numerous winter records. It is not unusual to see one on a coastal CBC, though few such birds likely remain through the winter. Green Herons are mostly freshwater inhabitants (and occasionally in brackish water sites), and tend to stay close to wooded cover, such as around the margins of forested lake and pond shores, beaver ponds, and wooded streams. Numbers appear to have declined slightly in recent years, for no obvious reasons. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B | G5 | Summer resident and migrant. Fairly common breeder over most of the entire province, though somewhat less numerous on barrier islands. Primarily from late Mar to late Oct; rare through Dec into early Jan, but mostly absent from mid-Jan to late Feb. However, a few birds likely overwinter very close to the coast, more likely in the southern portions. Peak counts: | Summer resident and migrant. Fairly common breeder over most of the region, though uncommon in the western portions and foothills. Mostly early Apr into Oct. Very rare in winter, with a handful of reports in Dec and early Jan, but essentially absent until late Mar. However, one did spend the entire winter of 2020-21 at Durham. Peak counts: | Summer resident and migrant. Generally uncommon breeder, but may be fairly common in low elevations, and rare to absent (at least in the breeding season) over about 3,500 feet. Casual to now very rare in early winter (Dec) at low elevations, with three recent records in Jan, and one in Feb. Peak counts: | Though not uncommon in much of the state, it is hard to pinpoint specific places to search for them. They are fairly easily seen around lakes in the Piedmont with a slight muddy shoreline exposed. | *** | 2026-05-14 | ||
| Botaurus lentiginosus American Bittern | Both bittern species are secretive birds of marshes, sharing their home with rails and a very few other bird species. The American Bittern nests primarily in Canada and the northern half of the United States, but a few pairs do breed, likely annually, in our coastal freshwater marshes. However, it is far more often seen in migration and in winter, even though it is (on the whole) an uncommon species. In fact, numbers are declining across its range, owing to impacts to freshwater marshes and wet meadows. At all seasons it favors freshwater marshes, the more extensive and the more cattails the better; they also occur in slightly brackish marshes. | Breeder | Definitive | SR | S1B,S3N | G5 | Transient and winter resident, and sparse and poorly known breeder. Uncommon migrant in coastal and Tidewater marshes, less numerous in midwinter, though still uncommon, in this same region. Very rare to rare (and local) breeder, mostly in the Tidewater area in the northern half of the Coastal Plain; probably nests in many if not most summers at Mackay Island NWR, Mattamuskeet NWR, the Bodie-Pea Is. area, and Cedar Island NWR; casual or very rare as a known or possible breeder elsewhere along the southern and central coastal areas. Farther inland -- rare to very uncommon (and easily overlooked) migrant, and very rare to rare in midwinter; no known nesting records, but the species was reported in summer 2007 at a marsh near Goldsboro. Mainly Sep to early May; most numerous in Apr and early May, and again in Sep and Oct. Peak counts: 11, at a wetland mitigation site in southern Beaufort, 6 Apr 2016; 6, Occoneechee Neck (Northampton), 15 Apr 1972. | Transient and scarce winter visitor. Rare (to possibly uncommon, but easily overlooked) during migration; very rare during winter. No evidence of nesting in the province. Mainly mid-Aug to mid-May, most frequently noted in Apr and early May. Peak counts: 26, on the Durham spring count, 24 Apr 1983 (probably in marshes in the lakebed of Falls Lake, which was being filled at that time). Of note is an individual that has wintered at a pond at the Prairie Ridge Ecostation in Raleigh for four consecutive winters (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2016-17). | Transient. Rare in Apr-May and again early Aug to mid-Nov; one record in Dec and two in Jan, but not known to overwinter. However, one seen at Jackson Park (Henderson) from 30 Jan - 26 Feb 2025 might well have overwintered; possibly the same bird was there from 18 Jan - 8 Feb 2026. One photographed along a creek in Yancey on 30 Jun 2020 was quite unusual for midsummer, though there was no indication of breeding. Just as notable was one seen on 21 Jul 2024 at Hooper Lane (Henderson), also presumably a non-breeder. Most recent records are for the southern mountains, especially in Henderson and Transylvania. Peak count: two birds only. | Observers inland should look for bitterns during spring and fall migration at large marshes, generally along the margins of reservoirs. Your best bet in the state is probably at Bodie and Pea islands, where the birds may be seen around the fringes of the impoundments, or at times in flight over the ponds. This can sometimes be a difficult bird to find for your year list, unless you are willing to do some marsh wading at fresh or brackish marshes. Nonetheless, bitterns can at times be seen along roadside ditches near the coast, seemingly oblivious to passing cars! | ** | 2026-05-14 | |
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Platalea ajaja Roseate Spoonbill | Hardly any bird is more easily identified than the Roseate Spoonbill. This tropical breeder nests northward only to central Florida (and for the first time in Georgia in 2011) and is now seen annually in North Carolina. Observations and numbers of birds have greatly increased in recent years, and counts (of post-breeding birds) in coastal SC since 2000 have reached well into double figures, including triple digits at the Savannah Spoil Site. Since then, a few are reported nearly each year in NC; and, the species is starting to be seen well inland in the state. In late spring and early summer 2018, starting immediately following the passage of Tropical Storm Alberto in early June, there was a literal "flood" of spoonbills into all parts of the state, including the first ever in the mountains; there was actually a surge of coastal records in late May, suggesting a major northbound post-breeding movement was already underway before the storm hit the Gulf Coast. Spoonbill sightings in NC have been somewhat equally divided between salt and fresh waters. It may be seen on both salt water creeks and channels in marshes and at coastal impoundments. It has now been found breeding in SC (though just one pair), but perhaps it will one day start nesting in NC. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Post-breeding visitor and stray, mostly to the coast; greatly increasing in recent years. Now rare (to locally and at times uncommon) along the southern coast (mainly Brunswick and New Hanover), very rare (but increasing) farther northward. Most frequent from mid-Jul to late Aug, but scattered records from mid-May to late Sep; also, 1, Smith Island (Brunswick), 15 Apr 1919. A few now in winter, mainly along the southern coast. At least 11 inland records: two in northeastern Duplin from 13-17 Jun 2009; two near Trenton (Jones) on 15 Jul 2009; one photographed at a small pond near Plymouth (Washington) on 21 Jun 2017; one at Morgan Futch Game Land (Tyrrell) from 6-13 Jun 2018; one at Greenville (Pitt) on 7 Sep 2018; one at Mattamuskeet NWR (Hyde), 28 Jun into Aug 2020; and 4 along the Waccamaw River (Columbus), 20 Jul 2020. A few additional inland records in 2023 and in 2025. The first winter record for the state was of two photographed near Plymouth (Martin), well inland, on 1 Dec 2021; this is the first day that "qualifies" for winter season status. In winter 2023-24, one was seen at Pea Island NWR on 5 Dec and again from 24-30 Dec; one was at Hatteras village on 4 Jan, and it or another spent much of the winter nearby on Ocracoke Island. Peak counts: 28, Twin Lakes in Sunset Beach (Brunswick), 26 Sep 2021; 24 at that site, 21 Jul 2025; 23 at that site, 31 Aug 2024; 19 near Shallotte (Brunswick), 2 Sep 2024; 17, New River Inlet (Onslow), 31 Aug 2021; 13, Twin Lakes in Sunset Beach (Brunswick), 12 Jul 2021; 12, Copas Lake (Brunswick), 20 Aug 2020; 9, Pea Island NWR, 5 Jul 2009; 9, Bald Head Island (Brunswick), 18 Aug 2018; 8, New River Inlet (Onslow), 21 Jul 2021. | Formerly accidental to casual, but now very rare to rare and increasing, mostly a post-breeding visitor, with seven known records until an explosion of records in 2018. One was seen at Lake Twitty (Union) from late Aug to 24 Sep 2006* (Chat 71:15); one was seen at Riverbend Park (Catawba) on 11-12 Aug 2009* (Chat 74:20); one was seen at Lake Townsend (Guilford) on 14 Sep 2009* (Chat 78:8-13); one was seen at Tryon (Polk) on 20 Jul 2013 (Chat 77:151); one was at Jordan Lake, 16-27 Aug 2017; one was at Beaverdam Reservoir (Wake), 8 Sep 2017; and one at Jordan Lake, 17-24 Sep 2017. The latter three records could relate to just one or two birds. In late spring and summer 2018, one was noted at Davidson (Mecklenburg), 27-28 May; one at Lake Tillery (Stanly), 8 Jul; two in northern Raleigh (Wake), 15 Jun - 8 Jul; three at Jordan Lake (Durham and Chatham), 8-31 Jul; one at Lake Townsend (Guilford), 24-25 Jul; and two at Lake Crabtree (Wake), 24-25 Jul. One was at the Coddle Creek Reservoir (Cabarrus), 2-5 Aug 2018; and rather late was one at Raleigh, 7 Oct 2018. An additional three records were made in Jun-Jul 2020, and numerous records were made from late May onward in 2021; only a handful or records came in summer and fall 2022, but there were many records of one-two birds in summer and fall 2023. There were about four reports in the province in summer 2024. In spring 2025, there were a surprising three reports, as far west as Gaston; however, there were just four reports later in 2025, in Mecklenburg, Anson, Alamance, and Wake. Peak counts: 5, Catawba River (Mecklenburg), 13-18 Jul 2021; 5, Brier Creek Reservoir (Wake), 14 Aug 2021; 3-5, Lake Fisher (Rowan), 21 Aug - 3 Oct 2021; 4, Lake Twitty (Union), 26 Jul 2021. | Casual post-breeding visitor, with all records from 2018 (Chat 82:112). Singles were seen on the French Broad River (Henderson) on 3 Jun, and at Hap Simpson Park (Transylvania) on 7 Jun; and up to three were in wetlands along North Rugby Road (Henderson) from 15-31 Jul. | Increasing annually now, and can now be tracked down to see, as some have lingered for a while, especially along the southern coast. Typically, a bird is seen in shallow tidal water, such as near an inlet or at tidal flats. A few birds have appeared at impoundments and other coastal freshwater sites. Your best bet is to search the two lakes at Twin Lakes in Sunset Beach in late summer, as well as nearby tidal creeks in western and central Brunswick County. Another reliable spot in the past few summers/falls has been Rivers Edge Nature Trail near Shallotte. | * to ** | 2026-05-14 | ||
| Eudocimus albus White Ibis | One of the most common of our coastal wading birds, the White Ibis has increased dramatically in the state over the last 50-60 years. Despite the fact that over 10,000 pairs nest in the state annually, over 95% of them nested until about 2009 only at one site -- Battery Island near Southport. (The birds mysteriously moved off the island, and many or most of these are now breeding on one or two islands farther north in the lower Cape Fear River.) The species does nest in scattered other coastal colonies north to Currituck, and at one or two slightly inland sites. Battery Island birds were known to make daily round-trips to the Waccamaw River (over 30 miles one way); thus, the birds nesting along the lower Cape Fear spread out over a wide area near the southern coast. Despite the fact that the species is near the northern edge of its range in the mid-Atlantic states, birds are quite hardy in winter, and fairly large numbers remain to overwinter. As with most other waders, the species does wander inland across much of the state after the breeding season. The White Ibis is often seen foraging in shallow fresh waters of open swamps, shallow waters, and mudflats, but it also forages in brackish and salt water and on mudflats. And, White Ibises will also feed on lawns and occasionally in plowed fields. Inland, most birds are seen feeding on mudflats at lakes/reservoirs where shorelines are exposed. | Breeder | Definitive | W | S3B,S3N | G5 | Year-round breeding resident along the coast, with migratory movements. Common to locally very common, more numerous along the southern coast; numbers reduced only slightly in winter, such that it is only fairly common and somewhat local in winter on the Outer Banks. Breeds on small coastal islands, with other wading birds. In Tidewater, mostly rare to uncommon in the warmer months, and can be rare in winter. Farther inland, formerly nested at Warwick Mill Bay (Robeson), and might still do so, and nests at Lay's Lake (Columbus). At other locales, mainly a rare to uncommon post-breeding visitor, from mid-Jun to late Aug; however, seems to be remaining all winter well inland in Duplin, Columbus, and other nearby counties. In fact, 253 were counted coming to a roost near Magnolia (Duplin) on 29 Jan 2025, about 140 were seen near Chadbourn (Columbus) on 16 Jan 2025, and 165 were counted at Rose Hill (Duplin) on 27 Jan 2026. Large numbers were seen well inland in Tyrrell and Martin in spring 2025; are birds nesting in these inland counties? Out-of-season inland records, both at Woodlake (Moore): one on 7 Feb 2000, and one on 13 Mar 2008. Peak counts: 1,462, counted in flight to a roost at Browns/Harker Island (Carteret), 31 May 2022. Peak well inland: 387 in Martin on 24 May 2025; 197 in Tyrrell on 15 Mar 2025. | Post-breeding visitor, essentially only in summer and fall. Rare to uncommon along the eastern edge of the region, but generally rare over most of the Piedmont; mainly late Jun to mid-Sep. A flock of 12 in flight in Alamance on 16 Apr 2015 was most unusual for the spring season; even more notable in spring was 28 in flight at Lake Twitty (Union) on 28 May 2020, following Tropical Storm Bertha. Peak counts: 140, Jordan Lake, 14 Aug 1980; 114, Jordan Lake, 19 Jul 2024. | Post-breeding visitor. Rare at low elevations in the southern mountains; very rare in the central and northern mountains and above 2,500 feet; mid-Jun to late Sep. Two out-of-season records: 1, Pisgah Forest (Transylvania), 6 Dec 1995; and 1, in flight near Weaverville (Buncombe), 7 Feb 2022. Peak count: 7, Brevard (Transylvania), 21-22 Aug 2022. | This species is difficult to miss along the coast, at mudflats, shallow waters of ponds and inlets, and on occasions even in grassy areas such as lawns and plowed fields. Inland, your best bet is at a large lake, where there are extensive mudflats, during Jul or Aug. | **** | 2026-05-14 | |
| Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant | The Great Cormorant is still another species that greatly increased in the East over the past several decades. In fact, the species was absent from the North Carolina list until 1971, when one was seen on the Bodie-Pea Island CBC. In actuality, the numbers increased along the coast for about 20 years, then numbers stabilized since about 1995, but have trended downward since about 2018-2020. In fact, overwintering birds are regular only at a few locales, typically around inlets, especially ones with extensive jetties or many tall pilings. Yet, the distribution is a bit of a mystery, such as why the species winters regularly at Masonboro Inlet at Wrightsville Beach, but seems to mostly avoid wintering farther up the coast in Carteret, such as in Beaufort Inlet. A few have even been found well inland, at larger reservoirs. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S1N | G5 | Declining in recent years. Winter resident and visitor along the coast, but only in very small numbers. Uncommon and local, mainly around inlets; generally from late Oct to early Apr, but many records for all months (very rare in midsummer). A few birds winter at Oregon (formerly?), Hatteras, Ocracoke, Beaufort, New River, and Masonboro inlets, plus around Fort Fisher; most easily seen while perched on tall pilings, channel markers, and groins/jetties. Very rare to rare at other places along the coast. Seldom moves far up tidal rivers or in bays/sounds, though one record from Lake Phelps, one at Vandemere (Pamlico), and one at Boiling Spring Lake (Brunswick) are slightly inland. Casual well inland: one immature seen at Goldsboro (Wayne) on 18 Oct 1988; an immature seen at Walnut Creek Lake (Wayne) on 17 Dec 1994; and an adult photographed on the very late date of 25 May 2024 at Lake Waccamaw (Columbus). Peak counts: 11, Fort Fisher, 4 Feb 1987; 11, New River Inlet, 12 Feb 1990. Casual well inland (away from tidal water), with 3-4 records. | Very rare migrant and winter visitor. About 15 records, all at reservoirs in the eastern and central parts of the province: Jordan Lake (19 May 1990); Lake Townsend (Guilford) (7 May 1994); Roanoke Rapids Lake (11 Feb 1996 -- two birds); Lake Brandt (Guilford) (22 Oct 1997); Jordan Lake (30 Oct 2000); Jordan Lake (8 Jan 2008 -- two birds); High Rock Dam (Stanly) (21 Oct 2008); Falls Lake (26 Nov 2008); Lake Townsend (22-23 Dec 2008); Lake Townsend (29 Nov - 15 Dec 2017 and again 17 Mar - 6 May 2018); Lake Norman in both Mecklenburg andLincoln sites on 4 Dec and 27 Dec 2020 (likely the same bird); Lake Townsend (28 Nov 2021 - 3 May 2022); Jordan Lake dam (5-7 Dec 2024); and Salem Lake (Forsyth), 16-23 Feb 2026. The 2021-22 record seems to be the first of a conclusively overwintering individual for the province. | No records. | The species is reliably seen at just a few places along the NC coast. Your best bet currently (2026) is on channel markers in Beaufort Inlet. There are usually a few at Wrightsville Beach (on the jetties or pilings at the south end of the town); pilings at Cape Lookout (which can be difficult to reach for the average person) and pilings in Pamlico Sound near Ocracoke are also somewhat reliable. Prior to construction of the new Oregon Inlet bridge, pilings at Oregon Inlet used to be a reliable place to see a few; however, this new bridge has eliminated most of the pilings, though there are still a few pilings, but they are occupied now essentially by the abundant Double-crested Cormorants. Although the birds can often be identified by binoculars when they sit on the pilings or jetties, usually many hundred yards from you, a scope is usually needed to obtain thorough views. When the birds are swimming, separating the species from the abundant Double-crested Cormorant can be difficult; it is best to wait for the birds to perch to confirm the identification. | *** | 2026-05-14 | ||
| Fulmarus glacialis Northern Fulmar | Northern Fulmars are among the most charismatic of our seabirds, as they seem to enjoy flying in very strong winds, arcing and banking on stiff wingbeats, very different from the gulls that they superficially resemble. Numbers of this species seem to vary more so than most other regular offshore birds; on some winter pelagic trips, over 100 can be seen, but on others they are completely lacking. And, considering its occasional abundance, it is practically never seen in flight from shore and has never been found inland (though its occurrence seldom overlaps the presence of hurricanes that might bring pelagic birds inland). Fulmars are birds of cold waters, found in the state only well offshore, mostly in winter and early spring, as North Carolina lies near the southern edge of its winter range. However, much is still to be learned about its migration routes and wintering grounds, as at times moderate numbers can be seen in mid- or late October, well before the onset of winter weather. Thus, despite range maps that might look like those of Atlantic Puffin, Dovekie, and Black-legged Kittiwake -- showing all as wintering in the Atlantic south to about North Carolina, the wintering range of the Fulmar remains unsettled. Why should largest numbers be in March, and a secondary peak in late October and November? Sadly, perhaps owing to global warming, records and numbers of fulmars, as well as Black-legged Kittiwakes, seen on pelagic trips have declined dramatically over the past 10 years, and very few pelagic trips in winter or migration encounter either anymore. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S1N | G5 | Winter visitor and transient offshore; strongly declining. Uncommon (to occasionally fairly common) over cold water offshore in the latter half of fall and winter; often fairly common, though erratic, in the first half of spring; these abundances refer to the northern half of the offshore zone, from Cape Hatteras area northward; much less numerous, and usually rare, in the southern half of the offshore zone, but there have been few trips to these waters in winter. Seldom seen from shore, and most such records are of birds found dead on beaches; at least six such records, with one found moribund on the beach at South Nags Head (Dare) being very early on 6 Oct 2015. Occurs from mid-Oct to mid-May; most numerous in Mar. A count of 24 off Ocracoke Island on 7 Oct 2017 was a large number for so early in the fall season. Peak counts: 540, off Hatteras, 14 Mar 1998; 215, off Oregon Inlet, 27 Mar 1985; 207, off Cape Hatteras, 26 Mar 1981. However, in the past few years, numbers of more than 10-20 birds on a trip have been rare, though counts of 66 off Hatteras on 6 Feb 2016, 32 in this area on 20 Feb 2016, and 36 on 24 Feb 2018 are encouraging. Even more encouraging was a tally of 130 off Oregon Inlet on 26 Feb 2023 -- probably the first triple-digit count in 20 years. By 2024 or 2025, the species is hardly ever reported on pelagic trips at any season. | No records. | No records. | Your best bet to see a fulmar is to take a winter pelagic trip, particularly later in winter (Feb to Mar). Prior to about 2020, you had a better than a 50-50 chance in these months, but somewhat less in Jan and earlier. By 2025, sadly, your chances are now barely 10% on a trip. | * to ** | 2026-05-14 | ||
| Gavia pacifica Pacific Loon | This Arctic breeding species winters essentially along the Pacific coast. For unknown reasons, the inshore ocean off Figure Eight Island and Wrightsville Beach, both in New Hanover, is "the" place to find a Pacific Loon in the state. Birders who carefully scrutinize the loons along the coast in this region can sometimes be rewarded with a sighting of this species, though it normally takes a good scope and glassy ocean conditions -- at best just one or two days a week in winter -- to be sure it is a Pacific. Because loons tend to dive often, and seldom come within 200 yards of the beach, obtaining recognizable photos of the species is challenging! Away from this small area, it is a difficult-to-find species along the inshore ocean. There are only a handful of records from brackish or fresh water in the state, mainly at larger lakes in the Piedmont. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S1N | G5 | Winter visitor along the coast, and a winter resident (a handful of birds only) in a local area; many dozen records, greatly increasing in recent decades. Very rare along the coast north of New Hanover, but locally rare, wintering annually, along the coast of that county; however, no records yet for adjacent Brunswick. Several records from just inside inlets, but no records from fresh water areas in the province. Only one known offshore record: one photographed off Dare on 21 Feb 2026. Mainly mid-Nov to late Mar; a few summer records. Singles seen in flight from Cape Hatteras Point (Dare) on 23 Apr and 26 May 2021 were notably late. Peak counts: 4, Figure Eight Island, 26 Dec 2002; 4, Wrightsville Beach, 4 Jan 2003; 4, Wrightsville Beach, 21 Dec 2013. | Casual to now very rare. Seven records: one at L. Tahoma (McDowell) on 6 May 2007, in alternate plumage (Chat 71:84); one at Lake Townsend (Guilford) from 18 Nov - 3 Dec 2008 (Chat 73:12, 73:56); one at Kerr Lake (Vance) from 22-25 Nov 2018 (Chat 83:29) and again on 19 Dec 2018 (Chat 83:61); one at Kerr Lake 2 Jan 2020 (Chat 84:65), likely the same bird as the winter before; two on Lake Townsend on 1 Dec 2022 (Chat 87:39); one photographed on Lake Lure (Rutherford) on 22 Nov 2023* (Chat 88:12), (Chat 88:56); and one photographed on Lake Norman (Mecklenburg) from 4-12 Jan 2026 (Chat 90:53). Despite the very thorough coverage of lakes in the Triangle region, especially Falls and Jordan lakes, there is still no record from this region. | Accidental. A single record: one photographed at Lake Julian (Buncombe) on 5-6 Jan 2012* (Chat 76:53). | To look for this species, you must be prepared to carefully scrutinize loons on the ocean, with a scope. You will need rather calm seas, and preferably the sun at your back. This is a difficult species to identify, not only from Common and Red-throated loons, but also from the closely-related Arctic Loon. Thus, be extremely careful before you report a Pacific Loon. The best area to look is from Wrightsville Beach, especially from a pier (such as Johnnie Mercer's); unfortunately, Figure Eight Island is privately owned and is therefore difficult to access. | * to ** | 2026-05-14 | ||