| 50 most recent updates | |||||||||||||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
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| Calidris subruficollis Buff-breasted Sandpiper | The Buff-breasted Sandpiper is one of our most beautiful shorebirds, and its dove-like appearance sets it apart from most other species, justifying its presence in a monotypic genus (Tryngites). Unfortunately, in 2013, the AOU moved the species into the genus Calidris, which contains all of the "peep" sandpipers, as well as other small to medium-sized sandpipers. It is a long-distance migrant from its wintering grounds in the southern part of South America to its Arctic breeding grounds. Unlike a few others with separate spring and fall migratory routes, such as the Hudsonian Godwit and American Golden-Plover, the Buff-breasted simply does not stray eastward off its mid-continent northbound flight, though one would have assumed there would be at least one spring record for North Carolina by now; thankfully, its southbound flight does include North Carolina. This was a very rare bird in the state prior to about 1970, but numbers of records have increased greatly in the past few decades, though numbers seem to have leveled off since 2000. It has somewhat specific habitat requirements here, favoring very short grass at the upper (drier) portions of mudflats, extensive lawns, turf farms, and other short grass situations. It is seldom seen feeding in shallow water. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G4 | Transient, only in fall. Very uncommon to occasionally uncommon on the Outer Banks, but generally rare elsewhere along the coast. Tidewater and farther inland -- generally rare (to locally uncommon) though somewhat regular. Mostly mid-Aug to early Oct, sparingly to the end of Oct; no Nov records. One at Cape Hatteras Point (Dare) on 28-30 Jul 2022 was quite early, as were two in Martin on 4 Aug 2018. Peak counts: 36, sod farm near Creswell (Washington), 18 Sep 2007; 32, same site, 22 Sep 2007; 28, same site, 4 Sep 2016; 23, in this same area, 9 Sep 2012; 16, Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, 2 Sep 1973; 14, near Creswell, 12 Sep 2009. | Transient, only in fall. Rare to occasionally very uncommon (such as at extensive mudflats), scattered over most of the province. Mainly late Aug to the end of Sep, sparingly from 27 Jul to 18 Oct. Peak counts: 32, Falls Lake, 6 Sep 2007; 24, same site, 3 Sep 2007; 18, same site, 4 Sep 2005; 10, same site, early Sep 1998. | Transient, only in fall. Rare but seemingly regular since 1996, in the Henderson/Transylvania area essentially only, perhaps annual in recent years. Two were seen at the Biltmore Estate (Buncombe) from 16-21 Sep 2025, perhaps a first record for that well-studied county. Mainly late Aug to late Sep. Most unusual was one photographed at Pineola (Avery) at 3660 feet elevation, on 3-6 Sep 2021. Peak counts: 22, Hooper Lane, fall 1992 (unspecific date for the peak); 14, Hooper Lane, 29 Aug 2012; 13, in this same area, 2 Sep 2016; 12, same area, 19 Sep 1999. It is likely that these records since that date are simply a matter of intensive coverage in the Hooper Lane area by a few observers, rather than a statement about geographic pattern or long-term population trend. | There are no consistent spots in fall to see the species. The turf farm just west of Creswell (Washington) has had birds in recent years, and a turf farm is likely less dependent on rainfall than reservoirs farther inland (where shorebirds of all species are not to be seen if shorelines are absent). Pea Island and Cape Hatteras Point can be decent in fall, but partially because these areas are heavily birded. The Vandemark Turf Farm in northeastern Nash, near I-95 and NC 33, has had a few records in early fall in the past few years, along with Upland Sandpipers. The fields along Hooper Lane in Henderson have been reliable in recent falls. | ** | 2026-10-13 | ||
| Calidris himantopus Stilt Sandpiper | Though the Stilt Sandpiper is a species in the genus Calidris, it looks hardly anything like others in the genus, but instead can be easily overlooked or confused with yellowlegs (genus Tringa) or dowitchers (Limnodromus). As with most shorebird species, Stilt Sandpipers are seen mainly along the coast in migration, though careful and serious birders can find them inland if mudflats are present on the larger reservoirs. The species usually feeds in mixed flocks with other similar-sized birds, especially Lesser Yellowlegs, both species of dowitchers, and Dunlins; favored habitats are shallow, still fresh or brackish water of impoundments and pools, where they are typically seen wading in water covering parts of their legs. It tends to shun salt water and associated mudflats, nor does it care for moving fresh or brackish water. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient, mainly along the coast. Uncommon in spring, and often fairly common to common in fall, at Bodie/Pea Islands; mostly uncommon at best elsewhere along the central coast, and generally rare in spring and rare to uncommon in fall along the southern coast. In the Tidewater zone, rare in spring and locally uncommon in fall, at suitable lakes or impoundments. Farther inland, very rare to rare in spring, and rare to locally uncommon in fall. Mostly late Apr to mid- or late May, and early Jul to mid-Nov, with a peak from early Aug to mid-Sep. Five early winter records -- singles at Goldsboro, 23 Dec 2003; at Lake Mattamuskeet, 29 Dec 1996; at the latter lake, 29 Dec 2009; two just east of Aurora (Beaufort), 25-30 Dec 2022; and one at Bayboro (Pamlico), 17 Dec 2024. One at Eagle Island (Brunswick) on 1 Jan 2022 was apparently a first state record for that month. One reported at Bodie Island on 1 Feb 2009, if correctly identified, was quite remarkable for midwinter. Peak counts: 1,000, Bodie-Pea Islands, 23 Aug 1974; 420, Lake Mattamuskeet, 8 Aug 2009; 340, Mattamuskeet NWR, 25 Aug 2009; 224, Eagle Island near Wilmington, during Aug 1991. | Transient. Very rare spring migrant, and rare to locally uncommon fall migrant (more numerous when extensive mudflats are showing at large reservoirs). Only 10-11 published spring records, mainly early and mid-May, with 1 near Raleigh on 30 Mar 2007, 5 at Jordan Lake on 3 Apr 1974 (Chat 38:79), and one near Charlotte from 6-8 Apr 2025 being exceptional records; mid-Jul to the end of Oct, with a peak from early Aug to mid-Sep. Peak counts: 80, Jordan Lake, 18 Aug 2002; 75, Jordan Lake, 13 Sep 2009; 60, Jordan Lake, 24 Oct 1986 (a rather late date for such a large number). | Transient. Casual to very rare in spring, and very rare in fall, with all but two published records so far from Henderson. Six spring records, all between 2 May and 20 May. Fall records (about 14) between 18 Jul - 26 Sep. Notable was a first for the northern mountains at Price Lake (Watauga) from 26 Aug - 1 Sep 2021. Peak counts: 30, Jeffress Road, 8 Sep 2004; 9, Hooper Lane, 5 Sep 2006; 8, Mills River valley, 18 Jul 2014; 6-8, Hooper Lane, 25-29 Jul 2001. The only record outside that county was of 4 birds just east of Brevard (Transylvania) on 3 Aug 2018. | In Aug or early Sep, one has a good chance to see them at the impoundments at Pea or Bodie islands; Lake Mattamuskeet at that time, if flats are showing, can be good as well. In mid-May, smaller numbers can be seen at Pea and Bodie islands, in full alternate plumage. When inland reservoirs show extensive flats in summer and fall, Stilt Sandpipers can often be found, but usually in numbers less than 10 birds. | ** to *** | 2026-10-13 | ||
| Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper | The Curlew Sandpiper is one of just several species of Eurasian nesting shorebirds on the North Carolina state list. Until about 2000, it was seen practically annually along the coast; however, reports in recent years have dwindled, for uncertain reasons. Looking very similar to a Dunlin in basic plumage, in alternate (breeding) plumage it is a beautiful bird with rusty-colored underparts, somewhat like a Red Knot. This species was traditionally found most readily on the extensive sand/mud flats at Portsmouth Island, and might still be regular there in migration, but few people make the boat trip there anymore. Other favored habitats in North Carolina are fresh to slightly brackish impoundments and pools, where at times it feeds in water that is belly-deep. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5? | Transient along the coast, declining. Formerly rare in spring, and again from mid-summer into fall. For unknown reasons, there are few recent reports, and now very rare in migration from Bodie/Pea islands south to Portsmouth Island. One photographed at Pea Island NWR from 22-26 Jul 2018 and again at neighboring Bodie Island on 27-28 Jul 2018* (Chat 82:109) was the first state record since around 2008. One adult molting out of breeding plumage was photographed at South Point on Ocracoke Island (Hyde) on 16 Aug 2018; this likely was the same individual as seen farther north in July. In 2019, was one photographed at Pea Island on 15 May. Casual to very rare at these seasons elsewhere along the coast (mostly at Eagle Island near Wilmington). Mainly from early May to early Jun, and early Jul to late Oct, with a "peak" from late Jul to late Aug. A few records between early Jun and early Jul, and two in winter: 1 at Pea Island on 5 Dec 2001 (Chat 66:99) and 1 that lingered at Portsmouth Island from July into 22 Jan 1993 (Chat 58:26), the latter providing for an exceptional midwinter record for the United States. Peak counts: 5, Portsmouth Island, 28 Jul 1992; 4, Pea Island NWR, 16-22 Jul 1989; 3, Pea Island, 26 Jul 1992; 3, Portsmouth Island, 11 Sep 1992. The only record away from the coast is 1 at the Cedar Island ferry terminal, 12-15 Aug 2007. Note that all high counts were between 1989-1992. | No records. | No records. | The species seems to prefer the impoundments at Pea Island NWR, at least formerly the large tidal pond at Cape Hatteras point, and the flats at Portsmouth Island, possibly the single best place on the Atlantic coast for them. However, Portsmouth requires a boat, and considerable time expenditure, to reach. Birds in early fall (Jul and Aug) may still be in alternate plumage, but late fall birds are mostly juveniles. Interestingly, most Curlew Sandpipers are present when the similar-looking Dunlins are absent. | * | 2026-10-13 | ||
| Calidris pugnax Ruff | This Old World breeder makes annual visits to the eastern shore of North America, and its appearance in North Carolina, almost exclusively on the coast, is not quite annual. There are no Mountain records for the Ruff, and hardly any from the Piedmont and inner Coastal Plain. When here, the Ruff is always noted just as a single bird. This is literally a unique species; males and females often go by different common names, because each male has a somewhat different color pattern/phase from others, often like Rock Pigeons. A male is called a "Ruff", and a female a "Reeve". Thankfully, the English/common name for the species is Ruff, though a few lists call the species "Ruff (Reeve)" or even "Ruff and Reeve"! This seems to be a frequently mid-identified species in the state, and thus some published reports are likely incorrect; Pectoral Sandpiper is the usual culprit, but Stilt Sandpipers have been misidentified as Ruffs on occasion, as probably also have yellowlegs and dowitchers. While in North Carolina, the males are seldom in full regalia, though some records are of males still in partial breeding plumage; most sightings are of females or basic-plumaged males. Typical habitats are brackish to fresh pools and impoundments, especially in dredge spoil ponds. It tends to avoid salt water and most tidal mudflats. For whatever reason, Ruffs tend to avoid the several ideal-looking impoundments at Pea and Bodie islands, though there are some records. Also, Ruffs tend not to linger at a given site, and thus few records are of multiple days or with multiple observers. Why North Carolina has so few records, as compared with South Carolina, is a complete mystery, as the species occurs on the East Coast mainly from Virginia northward.
Despite this being a completely unique species of shorebird, the AOU changed its scientific name in 2013. Instead of it being in the monotypic genus Philomachus, it was moved into Calidris, which contains the peep and other small to medium-sized sandpipers. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient/visitor during the warmer months, essentially along the coast. There are at least 50 reports, though a handful are probably incorrectly identified. Coastally, very rare in spring, and very rare to rare in summer and early fall; most records are from Carteret northward, though scattered records are present along the southern coast. Casual in late summer, fall, and early winter in Tidewater and farther inland; possibly the only spring report inland was one at a catfish farm along NC 33 (Beaufort) on 4 Apr 2022. Mainly late Mar to mid-May, and early Jul to early Sep; scattered records from 21 Mar to 7 Nov. Remarkable are winter records of single birds at Lake Mattamuskeet, 29 Dec 1991 - 4 Jan 1992; at Goldsboro, 15 Dec 2001; and at Alligator River NWR, 11 Dec 2015 - 1 Jan 2016. Peak counts: "2", two differently-plumaged males at Mattamuskeet NWR (Hyde) from 7-12 Jul 2019, one seen on 7 and 11 Jul and the other overlapping on 9 and 12 Jul, though no one saw both on the same date; 2, Pea Island NWR, 10 Aug 1991. All other records are of single individuals. | Accidental in spring, and casual in fall (four reports), with all five reports from the eastern Piedmont. The spring record was of a female collected at Raleigh on 6 May 1892 (Birds of North Carolina, 1942). The fall reports, if all correctly identified, are of singles seen at Falls Lake, 14 Aug 1985; at Jordan Lake, 1 Sep 1988; at Falls Lake, 2-3 Sep 2002; and at Jordan Lake, 19 Sep 2009. | No records. | The species is simply too rare in the state to hope to find by intentionally searching for it. Carefully check impoundments and sewage/water treatment ponds, especially with a scope, along and near the coast, mainly in summer and early fall. | 1/2* to * | 2026-10-13 | ||
| Calidris canutus Red Knot | This "dumpy" shorebird is one of the few that is routinely seen foraging along the ocean beaches, sometimes with Sanderlings or Willets, but more often with a small flock of its own species. Numbers of Red Knots have crashed dramatically since about 2000, with the primary cause suggested to be the strong decline/over-harvest of horseshoe crabs in Delaware Bay; knots and other shorebirds feed heavily on crab eggs laid on the beaches there to fuel their flight to the breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra. In fact, in Dec 2014, the North American subspecies -- Calidris canutus rufa -- was listed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service as a Threatened taxon. The species is still a regular sight along our coast in migration and in winter, but numbers have been reduced as a result, and counts well over 100 birds are now rarely made. Knots favor tidal water for foraging, such as ocean and inlet beaches, or other sand flats; they are not as numerous on the extensive wet mud of tidal flats. They also forage in shallow water of coastal impoundments and pools. As with most shorebirds, inland sightings are scarce and usually occur during periods of bad weather; there is just one mountain record. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | T | T | S2N | G4 | Transient and winter resident, essentially only along the coast. Formerly common (to at times very common) in spring and fairly common in fall, but now only fairly common in spring, and uncommon to fairly common in fall, along the entire coast. Generally uncommon coastally in winter, somewhat more numerous in the southern half of the coast than the northern, where rare to uncommon by midwinter. Small numbers can be seen in early summer. In the Tidewater zone, very rare migrant, and rare to absent in winter; mostly at Lake Mattamuskeet. Farther inland, casual migrant, with only four records: 1, Occoneechee Neck (Northampton), 3 Apr 1972; 1, Woodlake (Moore, 9 Sep 1977; 1, Fayetteville, 16-17 Sep 1995; and 1, Buckhorn Reservoir (Wilson), 13 Sep 2007. Normal coastal dates: late Jul to mid-Jun, with a noticeable spring flight in mid-May. Peak counts: 2,576, Portsmouth Island (Carteret), 17 May 1992; 2,534, North Core Banks, 5 May 2026; 2,000, Ocracoke Island, 13 May 1977; most counts over 100 birds were prior to 2000, but an excellent 225 at Ocracoke Island on 30 Dec 2023 is encouraging for the winter season. | Transient. Very rare in fall, but no spring reports; generally at large reservoirs. All but three records from Falls and Jordan lakes, with the others from Brier Creek Reservoir (Wake), a sewage treatment plant in Winston-Salem, and at Lake Norman. Dates fall between 9 Aug and 2 Nov, but mainly mid-Aug to early Sep. Peak count: 3, Lake Norman, 25 Aug 2007. | Accidental transient. The only record is a group of eight birds seen and photographed at Hooper Lane (Henderson) on 16 May 2018 (Chat 82:87); this report has not yet been reviewed by the NC BRC. These birds and sizable numbers of other "rare-in-the-mountains" shorebirds such as Whimbrels, Ruddy Turnstones, and Short-billed Dowitchers were also present, as they were forced down by heavy rains. | Knots are most easily found along the coast from early May to early Jun. It is most common on the beaches of Portsmouth and Ocracoke islands, though smaller numbers are present along the entire coast. Wintering birds are almost always seen on beaches, forming tight groups of up to several dozen birds. | ** to *** | 2026-10-13 |
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone | Except for the closely related Black Turnstone of the Pacific Coast, the Ruddy Turnstone is a rather unique shorebird in the East, with no other species resembling it or behaving like it. Like most other shorebirds, it is seen in the state almost solely along the coast, with inland records normally at large reservoirs in fall, especially during and immediately after stormy weather. Turnstones along the coast are almost strictly tidal birds, feeding on upper parts of beaches (above the surf), on rocks, jetties, etc., oyster beds, and tidal flats, usually where there are many shells/rocks. They can be seen at impoundments, fresh pools, and fresh mud flats, but these are clearly secondary habitats. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S3N | G5 | Transient and winter resident, mainly along the coast. Common migrant along the coast, though seldom in large numbers (such as at Delaware Bay); in winter, fairly common to common along the southernmost coast (Brunswick and New Hanover), fairly common along the central coast, but uncommon north of Cape Hatteras (and may be rare in midwinter). Rare to uncommon along the coast all summer. In the Tidewater area, generally rare to locally uncommon in migration, and rare at best in winter. Farther inland, casual in spring and very rare in fall, with just four spring (2 at Fayetteville on 3 May 1978, one at Goldsboro on 24 May 2020, one at Goldsboro on 23 May 2021, and up to two at Buckhorn Reservoir in Wilson from 24-27 May 2026) and ten fall records (28 Jul - 19 Sep). Normal dates along the coast: late Jul to early Jun; notable spring flight in mid-May. Peak counts: 1,200, Oregon Inlet, 18 May 1976; 420, Pea Island NWR, 27 May 1977; 363, Clam Shoal (Dare), 21 Feb 2002. | Transient. Very rare in spring, and rare in fall, mainly at large reservoirs. In spring, only in May (15-16 reports); fall dates average from late Jul to the end of Sep, rarely to late Oct. One winter record: one at Falls Lake on 17 Dec 2007. Peak counts: 51, Falls Lake (Granville), 23 May 2026; 38, Jordan Lake, 11 Aug 1986; 10, Jordan Lake, 30 Aug 1988; peak spring count only 5 birds, at Lake Crabtree (Wake), 17 May 2025. | Transient. Very rare in spring and fall, with all records from Henderson except for a single bird believed to have been forced down by Tropical Storm Lee in Watauga on 6 Sep 2011. The four spring records are of a flock at Lake Osceola from 13-27 May 2003, with a remarkable peak count of 20 birds during the period; a total of 9 seen at Hooper Lane, 22 May 2003; a stunning count of 30 birds at Hooper Lane, 16 May 2018; and another amazing flock of 27 at that last site, 20 May 2020. The fall records are of 2-5 birds at Hooper Lane, 21-28 Sep 1998; 1 at Mills River, 17 Sep 2004; 2 along Hooper Lane, 4 Aug 2012; up to 2 at Hooper Lane, 1-3 Aug 2018; 3 east of Brevard (Transylvania), 3 Aug 2018; and 4 at Hooper Lane, 18 Aug 2021. | Turnstones are widespread along the coast, at least during the migrations, and are easily found, except in midwinter. | **** | 2026-10-13 | ||
| Tringa melanoleuca Greater Yellowlegs | This large shorebird is a noisy, numerous, and conspicuous part of the shorebird fauna as it passes through the state in spring and fall; many overwinter along and near the coast. Greater Yellowlegs forage with many other species of shorebirds on mudflats and shallow water of pools and impoundments; though favoring fresh water, it also feeds in brackish and salt water. It is never truly abundant in the state, but it is one of the most frequently seen shorebirds around extensive mudflats, both inland and along the coast. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S4N | G5 | Transient and winter resident. Common migrant, and fairly common in winter, along the entire coast, somewhat more numerous in winter along the southern coast than northward; scarce in early summer. In the Tidewater zone, fairly common to common in migration, and uncommon to fairly common in winter. Farther inland, fairly common migrant, but rare in winter, and mainly a straggler into early winter (and seldom overwintering). Mainly mid-Jul to mid-May, but small numbers along the coast all year. Inland, mostly mid-Mar to mid-May, and mid-Jul to late Nov, but there are many winter records. Peak counts: 450, Mattamuskeet NWR, 25 Oct 2009; 300, same site, 9 Nov 2009; 300, Alligator River NWR (Dare), 26 Jul 2018. | Transient. Fairly common in spring and fall (and can be locally common in fall), rarely straggling into early winter, and very rare by mid-Jan (not overwintering). Mainly mid-Mar to mid-May, and mid-Jul to late Nov, with small numbers in Dec and into Jan; apparently no Feb records, and very rare in early summer. Peak counts: 270, Jordan Lake, 9 Apr 1980; 80, Lake Raleigh (Wake), 12 Sep 1971. | Transient. Uncommon at low elevations (below 3,000 feet), more numerous in spring than in fall; less common at higher elevations; mostly late Mar to late May, and late Jul to early Nov. One photographed at Brookshire Park (Watauga) on 17 Jun 2020 was unusual for that month. Apparently the only winter record is one at Lake Osceola (Henderson) on 20 Dec 2020. Peak count: 8, Price Lake (Watauga), 29 Apr 1978. | Although it might be difficult to find at some inland sites, it is easy to find in migration near the coast, especially at impoundments such as at Pea Island. | **** | 2026-10-13 | ||
| Tringa semipalmata Willet | The Willet is one of the few shorebirds that nests in North Carolina, and essentially the only one that nests within salt marshes, as opposed to open sand flats and other exposed locations. It is very noisy, large, and conspicuous, especially noisy when defending its nest as it makes passing flights at human intruders. Though other shorebirds and terns that nest along our coast are declining, Willet numbers seem to be holding their own, but admittedly, few surveys have been done to census the nesting population; and because they nest in marshes, mostly singly, a complete statewide survey would be difficult. Willets are essentially a coastal species in North Carolina, feeding along the ocean beach, as well as at other tidal waters and mudflats, and also in fresh and brackish pools and ponds. This species also nests in the interior of the continent, and this subspecies (inornata) has been considered by some scientists to merit elevation to full species status, based on various physical and behavioral characters. It is likely that this interior subspecies -- the "Western" Willet -- is the primary one seen on inland mudflats during migration. This interior subspecies departs its breeding grounds in fall for coastal areas, and is known to winter along the Atlantic coast; in fact, it is apparently the only subspecies along the North Carolina coast in winter. The "Eastern" Willet is thought to essentially depart NC in fall, and it winters south of the United States. Birders should familiarize themselves with both subspecies, especially if the interior subspecies is given full species status some day; in such a case, that species would be named the Western Willet and the coastal one presumably the Eastern Willet. (A split, if it happens, would or could create havoc with the identification of any and all interior reports; "Willet sp." would be a very unsatisfactory way to record the inland reports!) | Breeder | Definitive | S4B,S4N | G5 | Permanent resident, with migratory movements, along the coast, breeding in salt and brackish marshes. Common along the coast most of the year, but only fairly common along the northern half in midwinter. In the Tidewater zone, breeding uncertain; mostly uncommon all year, and found mainly in tidal water areas, though it does occur at times in fresh water. Farther inland, a very rare to rare migrant, primarily at reservoirs; mainly early May to mid-Jun, and early Aug to mid-Sep; some of the fall records are following hurricanes and other storms and might relate to Atlantic coast birds (subspecies semipalmata) being carried inland. Peak counts: 523, Clam Shoal (Dare), 10 Oct 2001; 490, Oregon Inlet, 29 Sep 1991; 480, Bodie-Pea Is. CBC, 29 Dec 1994. | Transient. Very rare in spring, and rare in fall; quite erratic, and many records in fall are of storm-displaced birds (suggesting that most migrants pass over the province for coastal regions unless forced down by bad weather). Mainly late Apr to mid-May, and early Jul to early Sep (with most records in late Jul and Aug). Two at Falls Lake (Durham) on 10 Jun 2017 were most unusual for that month, as was one at Lake Brandt (Guilford) from 20-26 Jun 2023 and another at Jordan Lake (Chatham) on 18 Jun 2025. Peak counts: 14, Falls Lake, 21 Aug 1996; 11, Jordan Lake, 5 May 2002; 9, Lake James SP, 13 May 2013. | Transient, nearly all records at low elevations in the southern mountains; very rare in both spring and fall. In the spring, there are about 21 records: 1, Lake Junaluska (Haywood), 26 Apr 2004 (photograph); 1, Hooper Lane (Henderson), 28-30 Apr 2006; 1, Pisgah Forest (Transylvania), 9 May 2008; 1, Lake Junaluska (Haywood), 8 May 2011; 7 at the water treatment plant (Henderson), 26 Apr 2012; a surprising 18 at Lake Julian (Buncombe) on 25 Apr 2015, with 12 remaining to 1 May 2015; an excellent 15 video-recorded along the French Broad River at Hot Springs (Madison), 28 Apr 2016; and 9 along Wilson Road near Brevard (Transylvania) on 16 May 2018. There were four records in spring 2020, including the first for the northern half of the mountains -- 5 along the Watauga River (Watauga) on 26 Apr. Two records in spring 2021 were 3 at Lake Junaluska on 30 Apr, and one at Nantahala Lake (Macon) on 30 Apr. In spring 2025, there was a remarkable flurry of records, mostly owing to bad weather: 16-17 at a water treatment plant (Henderson) on 25 Apr; 15 were at Lake Junaluska on 26 Apr; 5 were at Lake Emory (Macon) on 15 Apr; and one was at Ecusta Pond (Transylvania) on 13 May. Spring 2026 saw a few more reports -- five at Biltmore Estate (Buncombe) on 28 Apr, a remarkable 14 in Swain on 30 Apr, and three at Chatuge Lake (Clay) on 24 Apr. In "fall", there are only about 14 records: five records in Jul, eight in Aug, and one on 9 Sep 2004 (associated with Tropical Storm Frances). Peak counts: 30, Lake Junaluska, 23 Apr 2020; 18, Lake Julian, 25 Apr 2015; 16-17, Henderson, 25 Apr 2025; 15, Hot Springs, 28 Apr 2016; 15, Lake Junaluska, 26 Apr 2025. | Willets are noisy and hard to miss along the coast for most of the year. | **** | 2026-10-13 | ||
| Tringa flavipes Lesser Yellowlegs | As the name implies, the Lesser Yellowlegs is very similar to the larger Greater Yellowlegs, and its distribution and abundance in North Carolina is not overly different from that latter species. However, the Lesser tends to be more sedate and quiet, occurs in somewhat larger flocks, and is less inclined to occur around salt or brackish waters than the Greater. Lessers are seen across the state in migration, and along and near the coast in winter. Like many other shorebirds, it favors freshwater pools and mudflats, where it usually outnumbers Greater Yellowlegs; it tends to avoid salt water pools and flats, and at brackish water is usually outnumbered by Greaters. (Note that the latest taxonomic sequencing of shorebirds by the American Ornithologists' Union contains the odd and shocking arrangement: Greater Yellowlegs, Willet, Lesser Yellowlegs!). | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S3N | G5 | Transient and winter resident. Locally common (to at times very common or abundant) migrant along the coast and in the Tidewater zone; uncommon and local along the coast in winter, less so farther northward in midwinter (when may be rare in severe winters); winters sparingly in the Tidewater zone, mainly at Lake Mattamuskeet and Alligator River NWR. Farther inland, uncommon to locally fairly common in spring and fall, more numerous in fall than in spring; a few early winter records, but almost no records in Jan, thus completely leaves inland portions by late Dec. However, up to five were seen on several dates in Jan 2025 at Goldsboro (Wayne). Mainly early Jul to late May along and near the coast, being very scarce in Jun; farther inland, mostly early Mar to late May, and mid-Jul to mid-Nov. Peak counts: 3,100, Mattamuskeet NWR, 25 Oct 2009, with 2,500 there on 29 Oct; 1,500, Eagles Island (Brunswick), 30 Jul 1992; 1,350, Mattamuskeet NWR, 20 Sep 2009. | Transient. Uncommon to locally fairly common in spring and fall, slightly more numerous in fall (when it can be briefly common), but often dependent on mudflats being present at lakes and ponds. Mostly early Mar to late May, and mid-Jul to mid-Oct, sparingly into Dec., but much less likely in late fall than the Greater Yellowlegs. Peak counts: 320, Jordan Lake (while lake was filling), 16 Apr 1980; 212, Falls Lake, 28 Sep 2002. | Transient. Rare to locally uncommon in spring; seemingly rare in most areas in fall. Definitely more numerous in spring than in fall, the reverse situation than farther downstate; nearly all records below 3,500 feet. Occurs mainly in Apr and May, and again from late Jul into Oct. A very early migrant was at Mountain Range - Driving Range (Transylvania) on 27 Feb 2024. Peak counts: 33, Hendersonville, 9 May 1984; 15, Cashiers, 15 Apr 1986. | The species is easily found at impoundments and other fresh water pools and flats near the coas at least in Apr and much of May, and again from late Jul through Oct. | **** | 2026-10-13 | ||
| Tringa solitaria Solitary Sandpiper | Solitary Sandpipers often forage with Spotted Sandpipers across the breadth of North Carolina during migration, and most ponds and lakes at some time or another receive visits by these species. Whereas the Spotted may linger into summer and into winter, the Solitary is a strict migrant, nesting in trees in the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska and wintering almost solely south of the United States. The Solitary, as its name implies, feeds as singles or at most a handful of birds, around the shorelines of freshwater pools, ponds, swamps, and lakes, as well as along rivers and wide creeks. However, it can occur in sizable numbers on extensive mudflats of lakes in the fall season, though it technically does not form flocks, as do most other species. It shuns most brackish and salt waters, but it does not shun forested areas, as it is one of the few shorebirds that forage along shaded or semi-shaded creeks and pools, as well as in swamps. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient. Uncommon near and along the northern and central coast, such as the Outer Banks, though fairly common near the southern half of the coast; uncommon to fairly common in the Tidewater zone; fairly common farther inland. Abundances in spring season and fall season are roughly similar, though the spring flight is much narrower in time (about 5-6 weeks). Typical occurrence is early Apr to late May, and mid-Jul to mid-Oct. There is a winter report from Pea Island on 20 Dec (year not given in Pearson et al., 1959); however, no details were provided, and thus this report is open to question. The only confirmed "winter" record was one photographed on 1 Dec 2025 at Futch Game Land (Tyrrell). Peak counts: | Transient. Fairly common essentially across the province. Primarily from early Apr to late May, and mid-Jul to mid-Oct; rare in late Mar; latest date is apparently 2 Nov 2024, in Mecklenburg. No winter records. Peak counts: 75, Elledge Treatment Plant (Forsyth), 9 May 1978; 60, same site, 8 May 1978; 57, same site, 3 May 2008; 52, Winston-Salem, 7 May 2016; 50, Jordan Lake, 7 Aug 1986; 43, Tar River Reservoir (Nash), 16 May 2001. | Transient. Fairly common at lower elevations (below 3,500 feet), and much reduced in numbers at higher elevations; mainly early Apr to late May, and mid-Jul into Oct. Peak counts: 100, Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary (Buncombe), 27 Apr 2012; 80, Biltmore Estate (Buncombe), 26 Apr 2019; 35, Henderson, 27 Apr 2010; 10, Price Lake (Watauga), 7 May 1978. | This species is reasonably widespread as a migrant. Ponds or lakes with a little bit of muddy shoreline exposed will often host one to several Solitaries. Large mudflats on reservoirs in summer and fall often are also good spots to look for them, though lakes in a given week or month might be at full pool level and thus have no exposed shorelines. | *** | 2026-10-13 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Actitis macularius Spotted Sandpiper | The Spotted Sandpiper is one of the most widespread shorebirds occurring during migration across the state, appearing along the shorelines of many or most ponds and lakes at one time or another. Unlike most others, they are not restricted to mudflats of large lakes in which to forage, but they can "make do" along the shores of small ponds, pools, lakes, river or creek sandbars, sewage ponds, and the like, even along tidal shores. It breeds across much of the continent, south to the northern half of the lower 48 states. The species has nested in North Carolina on scattered occasions, and perhaps does somewhere in our northern mountains in most years; however, nesting birds are somewhat secretive, and migrants linger in the state even into Jun, making proof of nesting difficult. Nesting takes place mainly along rivers and streams in the mountains, but sporadically around pond margins; nests are hidden in grass cover and are not easily seen. A few Spotteds occur in early winter close to the southeastern coast, and erratically elsewhere in the state; however, few are seen by late Jan or Feb, and thus it is difficult to say whether it is truly a winter resident in North Carolina. | Sporadic Breeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient and sparse winter visitor/resident, and accidental/casual breeder. Fairly common and widespread spring and fall migrant throughout the province, both coastally and inland, though scarce along tidal shores. In winter, rare along the southern coast, mainly Brunswick and New Hanover, and very rare to rare early winter visitor/straggler on the central and northern coastal areas; few birds likely overwinter in the state. Farther inland, rare into early winter across the region, and very rare in Jan-Feb. Mostly present from early Apr to late May, and mid-Jul to early Nov; small numbers are present in early summer, but there are just two or three known breeding records for the province. Two are from Thagard's Lake (Moore) -- a flightless juvenile with adults on 3 Jun 1967; and a nest with four eggs, and a juvenile seen later in the season, in May-Jun 1968. A third record of a likely nesting was near Fayetteville, where adults were seen all summer and several half-grown young were seen on 25 Jul 1986. Peak counts: 50, Shackleford Banks, 8 Jul 1972; 50, Cape Fear River -- Magurder Road to Fayetteville (Cumberland), 17 May 2010; 45, Pea Island NWR, 25 May 2013; 45, Cape Hatteras Salt Pond (Dare), 9 Aug 2020. | Transient, sparse winter visitor, and sporadic/casual breeder. Fairly common and widespread in both spring and fall migration; mainly late Mar to late May, and mid-Jul to late Oct, with a number of records in Jun; very rare to rare into Dec, and very rare in Jan-Feb. Nesting or presumed nesting from Winston-Salem, at two sites in 1993, and possibly there in 1997 (displaying/courting pair); each record is from a sewage treatment plant. Peak counts: 80, Cape Fear River -- Raven Rock to Magurder Road (Harnett), 16 May 2010; 75, Elledge Treatment Plant (Forsyth), 8 May 1978; 75, W. Kerr Scott Reservoir--Dam (Wilkes),6 May 2013; 57, Tar River Reservoir (Nash), 16 May 2001. | Transient, and apparent sporadic breeder (mostly presumed or unconfirmed); fairly common and widespread, though mainly below 4,000 feet elevation, in spring and fall; mainly mid-Apr to mid-Oct; apparently just three records in winter, two in Buncombe and one in Haywood. There have been scattered records from the New River in Ashe during the breeding season, and the species is presumed to have nested along the river, though no nest or young have been found. For example, one adult was "singing" on territory, New River at Weavers Ford (Ashe), 4 Jun 1981 (Chat 46:22). A chick was seen at Swannanoa (Buncombe) on 20 Jun 1932 for the first conclusive breeding record in the state. Peak count: 20, Price Lake (Watauga), 7 May 1978. | A few can usually be seen in migration on the shorelines of ponds and lakes in many counties. | *** | 2026-10-13 | ||
| Phalaropus lobatus Red-necked Phalarope | The Red-necked Phalarope and the Red Phalarope are the two pelagic shorebirds, and to see both in the state, one must normally head to sea. Both breed in the Arctic tundra, and both winter mostly in waters (in both the Atlantic and the Pacific) south of North Carolina, including as far south as South America. As with the Wilson's Phalarope, the female is more colorful than the male in breeding plumage; in winter plumage, this species can be confused with the Red Phalarope, especially when seen from a rocking boat on a choppy ocean. Red-neckeds are normally seen in the state only in migration, typically well out of sight of land, both in colder waters and in the Gulf Stream. A few birds appear at ponds or lakes along the coast or inland, typically during and after a hurricane or tropical storm, or at times after strong thunderstorms. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G4G5 | Transient, primarily offshore. Generally a fairly common offshore migrant in both spring and fall, but rare onshore on the Outer Banks, and very rare elsewhere along the coast. Casual or accidental in the Tidewater zone, but more records farther inland, where very rare in spring (six reports) and very rare in fall. Along the coast and offshore mostly early May to early Jun, and mid-Aug to mid-Oct, with a few scattered records between early Jun and mid-Aug. Three winter reports: 1 at Bodie Island (lighthouse pond) on 29 Dec 1987 (Chat 53:20-21); 1 at Cape Hatteras on 5 Feb 1940 (Birds of North Carolina, 1942); and one photographed among a flock of Red Phalaropes offshore of Oregon Inlet (Dare) on 5 Feb 2023. Farther inland, records fall from 11-27 May, and late Aug to early Nov, plus 1 on 20 Jul. Peak counts: 2,125 in eastbound flight from Cape Hatteras Point (Dare), 24 May 2021; 714, in flight at this locale, 14 May 2026; 486, in eastbound flight from this same locale, 6 May 2022; 250, off of Oregon Inlet, 20 Aug 1988; 221, from shore at Cape Hatteras point, 2 May 2024; 211, off Oregon Inlet, 2 Sep 2000; inland peak -- 122, at Buckhorn Reservoir (Wilson), 1 Sep 2006 (after Tropical Storm Ernesto). Notable inland were 47 phalaropes at Buckhorn Reservoir on 11 May 2015, after passage of Tropical Storm Ana; of these, 12 were close enough to identify as Red-necked, though it is likely that all were Red-neckeds as well. A group of 14 was seen at a turf farm in Washington on 6 Sep 2019, immediately following Hurricane Dorian. | Transient. Very rare to rare, in both spring and fall, usually seen only during and after storms, and typically at the larger reservoirs. About 29 spring reports, from 28 Apr - 31 May only; in fall, mainly from early Sep to early Oct, with records from 11 Aug to 10 Nov, though most birds pass through in Sep. Peak counts: 41, Jordan Lake, 6-7 Sep 1996 (after Hurricane Fran); 35, Falls Lake, on the same dates; 16, Jordan Lake, 12 Sep 2017 (after Hurricane Irma); 12, Falls Lake, 6 Sep 1999 (after Hurricane Dennis); spring peaks -- 8, Lake Crabtree (Wake), 20 May 2020; 5, Meadow View Road (Orange), 19 May 2023; 4, Maple View Farm near Chapel Hill (Orange), 21 May 2021; 3, Lake Townsend (Guilford), 7 May 2013; 2-3, Winston-Salem, 19-23 May 1991. | Transient. Casual/very rare in spring, with apparently only six records: 1 in Linville (Avery) on 17-18 May 2009; 1 at Hooper Lane (Henderson) on 5 May 2013; 2 along Butler Bridge Road (Henderson) on 19 Apr 2019; 1 at the Mills River WTP (Transylvania) on 26 May 2020; 1 at Lake Junaluska (Haywood) on the very early date of 26-27 Mar 2021; and 1 spinning in the Little Tennessee River (Macon) on 20 May 2026. Very rare in fall, with ten records -- 1, Sherwood Forest (Transylvania), 9 Sep 1974; 2, Hooper Lane (Henderson), 9 Sep 2004 (after Tropical Storm Frances); 2, Mills River, 17 Sep 2004 (after Hurricane Ivan); 1, Asheville, 14 Sep 2008; 4, Hooper Lane, 3-6 Oct 2015; 1-2, Hooper Lane, 12-13 Sep 2017; 1, Haywood Road (Henderson), 13 Sep 2017; a remarkable 23 at Hooper Lane, 16 Sep 2018 (following the passage of Hurricane Florence); 1, Hooper Lane, 31 Oct - 1 Nov 2019; and 2, Grandfather Lake (Avery), 29 Aug 2020, following passage of Hurricane Laura. Peak count: 23, Hooper Lane, 16 Sep 2018. | Take a pelagic trip out of Hatteras or Oregon inlets -- either in the latter part of May, or in the latter part of Aug or the first half of Sep. Though it is not a scarce bird in migration, it can often be missed on a trip during the peak times because birds can be easily overlooked while sitting on a choppy sea. They are most readily found when seas are fairly calm and when and where areas of seaweed/sargassum are located, as the birds often feed at these weed lines. | ** | 2026-10-13 | ||
| Phalaropus fulicarius Red Phalarope | In breeding plumage, both sexes of the Red Phalarope are quite stunning, with the female a rich rufous color below. Like the Red-necked, this bird is normally seen in the state only well offshore, and it is much less likely than that species to be seen on land. However, this species winters regularly offshore, but as relatively few pelagic trips are taken off the East Coast in winter, exact/normal distribution of this and other pelagic species is not well known. Even so, as the species may occur in tight flocks of dozens, it is possibly, by number of individuals, one of the more frequent purely pelagic species in the winter season. It normally occurs in our waters later in fall, and earlier in spring, than does the Red-necked, and thus relatively few pelagic trips record both species. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S2N | G5 | Transient and winter resident, essentially offshore. Mostly uncommon in fall migration, but fairly common to at times common in spring migration, out of sight of land, in both cool and Gulf Stream waters; uncommon to fairly common (possibly more numerous) in winter, offshore, in at least cool waters (few winter trips go to the Gulf Stream because of fog). Onshore, very rare on the Outer Banks, and casual elsewhere (and nearly all in fall, but a few in winter). Perhaps unprecedented in Jun was one that remained at Cape Hatteras Point (Dare) from 8-28 Jun 2018. One at an impoundment at Pea Island NWR (Dare) was notable and early on 25-28 Aug 2023. Far inland records are: 1 (specimen), Rocky Mount, 17 Nov 1939; 1, Forest Lake (Cumberland), 15 Dec 1960; 1, Goldsboro, 30 Sep 1991; 3, Buckhorn Reservoir (Wilson), 1 Sep 2006 (after Tropical Storm Ernesto); 2 at that reservoir, 6 Sep 2008 (after Hurricane Hanna); 1, Lake Waccamaw, 6 Sep 2008 (after Hurricane Hanna); and 1 at Roper (Washington), 17 Sep 2011. Normal offshore dates are mid-Sep to early May, rarely from early Aug to late May. One of the more amazing phenomena in NC ornithological history was a remarkable concentration of an estimated 10,000 birds seen inside of Beaufort Inlet and along the adjacent coastal waters of Bogue Banks from 3-5 Feb 1989! Other peak counts: 3,765, off Hatteras, 26 Jan 2002; 3,152, off Oregon Inlet, 28 Jan 2023; 1,100, off Oregon Inlet, 17 Apr 1978. Notable high totals off the southern coast (New Hanover/Brunswick) were 724 on a pelagic trip off Brunswick on 18 Feb 2012; 120 on 1 Mar and 87 on 30 Mar off New Hanover, both in 2026. | Transient; the great majority of records in fall. Casual to very rare in fall, at reservoirs, with about 14 records, between 6 Sep and 18 Nov. Casual in winter, with only five known records: one at Falls Lake, 14-15 Dec 2008; one at Harris Lake (Wake), 2-3 Jan 2020; one in Jan (no day or year given in Pearson et al., 1959) at Lenoir (Caldwell); one photographed at Pee Dee NWR (Anson) on 18 Feb 2015 (Chat 79:97-98); and one photographed at Jordan Lake (Chatham) from 15-19 Jan 2024. Casual in spring, all single birds: seen at Lake Crabtree (Wake), 29-30 Mar 2009; photographed at a small pond along Wyatt Lane in Alamance on 13 Apr 2019; photographed on Lake Norman (Mecklenburg) on 5 Mar 2022; and photographed on Lake Norman on the very late date of 31 May 2026. Most or all records were associated with hurricanes or other severe storms. Peak count: all reports are of single individuals. | Casual. Pearson et al. (1959) list reports from "Smoky Mountain Park" in Dec and at Fontana (Graham) in Oct, but no day or year was given for either report. Remains of 1 were found in a Peregrine Falcon nest in Linville Gorge in spring 1987 (Chat 52:67); 1 was seen at Brevard, 10 Nov 2000 (Chat 65:77); and 1 was photographed on Lake Julian (Buncombe), 24-25 Oct 2022 (Chat 87:10). A photograph of the last individual is on the Carolina Bird Club Photo Gallery. | The only way to have a realistic chance of seeing a Red Phalarope is to take a winter or early spring pelagic trip -- mainly Jan into early May. Though peak counts are probably in Mar and Apr, few trips go offshore then, so it is best to try a mid- or late winter one, which are targeted more for alcids, Great Skuas, etc. | ** | 2026-10-13 | ||
| Phalaropus tricolor Wilson's Phalarope | The Wilson's Phalarope nests in the western half of the continent, at lakes, ponds, and other wetlands in mostly arid regions; at such sites, many other waterbirds -- grebes, pelicans, stilts, avocets, gulls, and terns among them -- nest with the phalaropes. The world's other two phalarope species are essentially pelagic in migration and winter; however, the Wilson's behaves more like a yellowlegs, feeding on dry land, though at times in winter in South America they can be found on the ocean. All three phalaropes are strongly dimorphic in plumage (alternate versus basic); however, it is the female's alternate (breeding) plumage that is the more colorful, a very rare situation seen only in a few other birds. This species while in migration in the state is usually found foraging around shallow coastal fresh to brackish pools and associated flats, where its frenetic behavior chasing tiny invertebrates sets it apart from the more sedate other shorebird species. This was a scarce migrant in the state through the 1960's, but from the 1970's through the 1990's, numbers of sightings greatly increased. Sadly, since about 2000, reports have declined, likely signaling a declining breeding population, at least in the eastern portion of the range. In fact, there was nary a sighting in the state in the fall of 2015. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient, mainly along the coast; declining over the past 25 years. Coastally, very rare in spring; in fall, now rare to very uncommon on the Outer Banks, and rare and somewhat local elsewhere, such as along the central and southern coast. In the Tidewater zone, casual (two reports) in spring and very rare in fall; farther inland, casual in spring (four published reports), and very rare to locally rare in fall. Mainly early May to late May, and mid-Jul to early Oct, with a peak in the latter half of Aug. One on 15 Jun 2015 at Fort Fisher (New Hanover) was quite out of season, and one at Pea Island (Dare) was quite early on 28-30 Jun 2023. A few scattered records into late fall and early winter -- one at New Bern on 1 Dec 1994; one in Pamlico on 7 Dec 2019; and exceptional was one at Fort Fisher (New Hanover) on 3 Jan 2010*. In early winter 2023-24, singles were noted at Mackay Island NWR (Currituck) on 9 Dec and presumably a different bird was photographed at Alligator River NWR (Dare) on 11 Dec. A published report (Chat 25:#) of 10 at Fayetteville on 16 Dec 1960 must either be a misprint or a mis-identification, as the species is normally gone from the United States by November, and 10 is an excellent total even for the peak flight in fall. Peak counts: 19, Pea Island NWR, 31 Aug 1979; 18, Pea Island, 21 Aug 1978; 14, same location, 19 Aug 1989; 12, Fort Macon SP (Carteret), 28 Aug 1979. Note that all high counts were before 1990. | Transient. Casual to very rare in spring migration, with only five reports -- 30 Mar, and 1-23 May (no Apr records); very rare to locally rare (and normally only when extensive mudflats are exposed, especially at Falls and Jordan lakes) in fall. Normal fall dates are mid-Jul to late Sep; also, one very late at Jordan Lake from 24 Oct - 2 Nov 1979. Peak counts: 8 (peak one-day count), Jordan Lake, 19-28 Aug 2002; 7 (peak one-day count), Winston-Salem, 1-10 May 1978. | Transient, mainly known from Henderson, where casual to very rare in each season. Records from this county are (all singles except as noted): on 14 May 2001, on 26 Apr 2010, 2 on 19 May 2018, and 8-10 May 2020 -- spring; and 4 after Tropical Storm Frances at Hooper Lane on 8 Sep 2004, at Hooper Lane on 30 Aug 2005, at Hooper Lane on 26 Aug 2008, and at that locale on 2-3 Aug 2024 -- fall. The only other records are a very old collection record at Highlands (Macon) on 21 May 1896; two photographed at Biltmore Estate (Buncombe) on 17 May 2018; one at Biltmore Estate on 9 May 2024; and one in Transylvania on 5 Aug 2025. | The species could formerly be found with some regularity only at the Pea and Bodie island ponds; now it can be hard to find -- the best spots are at Pea Island (North and South ponds) and around the tidal pond at Cape Hatteras Point. It is easiest to find from late Jul to early Sep. Inland, try at large reservoirs such as Falls and Jordan lakes (when there are mudflats). | * to ** | 2026-10-13 | ||
| Gallinago delicata Wilson's Snipe | As with a few other species, the snipe has gone back and forth with common names. Fifty years or more ago, our snipe species name was the Wilson's Snipe, but then it was merged with the widespread Eurasian taxon into the Common Snipe. However, in 2003, the American Ornithologists' Union split the North American taxon back out as a separate species, again with the name of Wilson's Snipe. This is a widespread bird across the state in migration and winter, but because it tends to favor damp grassy cover, it can be easily overlooked anywhere the vegetation is over just a few inches high! Favored habitats are wet pastures; short grass at the margins of freshwater pools, ponds, and marshes; vegetated ditches; and other "boggy" places, where the birds can blend into the background. It avoids salt water, but it can be found in slightly brackish situations. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S5N | G5 | Transient and winter resident. Fairly common migrant and in winter across the entire province, though somewhat less numerous in the northern portions by midwinter (as populations presumably move southward in very cold weather). Can be common for brief periods in migration, but normally not in midwinter. Mostly mid-Sept to late Apr, but not rare by late Aug, and into mid-May. One photographed at Mattamuskeet NWR (Hyde) on 28 Jun 2020 was out of season. Peak counts: 335, Alligator River NWR CBC, 30 Jan 2011; 300, North River area (Carteret), 30 Nov 2005; 232, Gull Rock Game Land (Hyde), 30 Nov 1983; 210, Rocky Mount, 31 Oct 1999. | Transient and winter resident. Uncommon to fairly common in fall, and generally fairly common in spring. Uncommon to locally fairly common in winter along the eastern and southern portion of the province, but uncommon over most of the province in winter (especially in the extreme northwest). Can be difficult to find in severe winters. Mostly late Aug or early Sep to early May. Two birds at Jordan Lake on 10 Jun 1980 are most unusual, but there is no hint of nesting in the state. Peak counts: 225, Pee Dee NWR CBC, 28 Dec 2015; 200, same site, 20 Feb 2016; 200, Greenview Farm near Raleigh, 18 Mar 1972; 100, same location, 28 Mar 1975. | Transient, and very scarce winter resident/visitor. Generally rare to uncommon in migration, more frequent in spring, though only uncommon at best. Rare in winter, and perhaps not regularly over-wintering; mostly at lower elevations. Mainly early Sep to early May. Peak counts: 65, Van Wingerden pond along NC 191 (Henderson), 11 Mar 2013. | Snipes are not normally too hard to find, but they may need to be looked for specifically, by walking in wet pastures, along grassy ditches, and along pond shores, and flushing the birds. They remain motionless, often crouched, on the ground, and can be difficult to spot until nearly stepped on, when they utter their characteristic, harsh "ehh" or "ahh" note as they flush. It is missed on most trips to suitable habitat, owing to their ability to hide in short grasses and to the hesitancy of most people to walk in damp or wet ground to flush them; you may need a spotting scope to carefully scan wet margins of pools, ponds, and marshes. | ** to *** | 2026-10-13 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Scolopax minor American Woodcock | The American Woodcock is one of just two (with Killdeer the other) shorebird species that breeds over most parts of the state. Whereas about five other species nest on sand flats, bare ground, gravelly places, or marshes, the woodcock is the only one that nests in forests. It is a very early breeder, with eggs and/or young often seen in Mar. Woodcocks are perhaps best known to Carolina birders for the male's elaborate flight display, given at dusk and early evening in winter and early spring. The species spends the day resting in leafy cover of hardwood or mixed forests or taller thickets, especially where somewhat damp. At dusk, the birds leave the forest and fly out to nearby plowed fields and other muddy or short-grass habitats, where they feed on earthworms and other invertebrates in wet ground during the night; birds can be seen flying back from the fields into the forests at daybreak. Because of their secretive nature, being noted mainly at twilight, abundance levels are difficult to assign, and the breeding range is still poorly known in the lower Coastal Plain. In addition, global population trends over the decades are difficult to ascertain, though the general feeling is that populations in the Eastern States are in a decline. A remarkable and unprecedented (for NC) "fallout" of the species occurred in coastal Brunswick immediately after a winter storm in late Jan 2014. | Breeder | Definitive | S4B,S4N | G5 | Permanent resident, with migratory movements, over most of the province, though poorly known as a breeder near and along the coast. Along the coast, uncommon to locally fairly common in suitable forested habitat in migration and winter; poorly known as a breeder or in summer, but a number of such records, and thus apparently rare to uncommon. Status along the southern coast is uncertain as a breeder. In the Tidewater zone, fairly common in migration and winter, less numerous as a breeder, but probably uncommon and local. Farther inland, fairly common in migration and winter, and probably an uncommon breeder. On rare occasions, severely cold weather creates concentrations of birds along the immediate coast, even in yards, most recently in Jan-Feb 2014 and in Jan 2018. Peak counts: both immediately after a winter storm that hit the Brunswick coastal area in winter 2014: 200+ at Oak Island on 31 Jan 2014, and 60 noted there the next day (1 Feb 2014); 46+ around Oriental (Pamlico), 6 Jan 2018; 28, Alligator River NWR (Dare), 18 Jan 2025. | Permanent resident, with migratory movements. Generally uncommon all year over most of the province, but can be fairly common in migration and winter in the eastern and southern portions, where numbers are presumably higher than in the breeding season (spring and summer). Farther inland, such as in the foothills and northwestern portion, likely rare to very uncommon in winter, and certainly difficult to find in midwinter (and thus probably rarer than during the breeding season). Peak counts: 25, Jordan Lake (Chatham), 26 Jan 2023; | Primarily a summer resident and transient; scarce in winter. Uncommon as a breeder over most of the region; calling birds can be heard on territory in openings, even to about 6,200 feet. Uncommon to possibly fairly common in migration, at least in low elevations. Rare winter visitor, mostly at low elevations. Peak counts: 30, Tanawha Trail at Holloway Mountain Road (Watauga), 23 Feb 2022; | As woodcocks are crepuscular and nocturnal in their feeding and calling habits, they are not often encountered by accident, even though they are not uncommon in parts of the state, such as in the Tidewater area in winter. Your best chance to see them is to stand near the edge of a moist woods and plowed field, at dusk in fall and winter. Birds can be seen in the half-light flying from the woods to the fields (and from the fields back to the woods at dawn). When driving near dawn and dusk, you may see them flying over the roads, generally at heights of 50 feet or more. During winter and spring, birds give the marvelous courtship flight songs from cleared areas in moist places. Stand in these fields at dusk and into early evenings and listen carefully. Woodcocks are normally difficult to see by simply walking through floodplains and other wet thickets, but by knowing where they routinely occur in your county (e.g., Mason Farm, Flat River impoundments, and Schenck Forest in the Triangle area), you have a reasonable chance of at least hearing one or several around dawn or dusk along the edges of the woods. | ** to *** | 2026-10-13 | ||
| Limnodromus scolopaceus Long-billed Dowitcher | For much of the last century, the Long-billed Dowitcher was a very poorly known species, most likely because the few field guides did not adequately provide good field marks, such as the distinctive call notes, separating it from the much more common Short-billed Dowitcher. Observers were reluctant to report Long-billed Dowitchers; however, by the late 1960's and 1970's, better guides and more identification articles appeared, and this species was more frequently reported. It is not likely there has been a major population explosion. This species tends to shun salt water completely. It is practically never seen at tidal mudflats or shores; instead, it occurs only in fresh to brackish still waters, mainly at shallow ponds and impoundments, where it feeds belly-deep with a number of other similar-sized shorebirds: Short-billed Dowitchers, Stilt Sandpipers, and both yellowlegs. Both species of dowitchers often feed in dense flocks, and this species often gives its characteristic "peep" calls while on the ground. (Short-billeds have a very different "tu-tu-tu" call that is essentially given only in flight.) Its migration timing is different from that of the Short-billed, peaking in Sep and Oct (instead of Aug), and numbers are quite scarce in spring by the time the Short-billed passes through mostly in May, in coastal areas. The Long-billed has been reported only twice from the mountains. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S2N | G5 | Transient and winter resident; mainly along the coast and at Mattamuskeet NWR and vicinity. Coastally, fairly common in fall at Bodie and Pea islands, but elsewhere it is uncommon and local. Uncommon to fairly common in winter at Bodie-Pea, but rare to locally uncommon elsewhere along the coast; intensely local, and found mainly at a very few sites. In Tidewater, regular mainly at Lake Mattamuskeet and a few adjacent impoundments, and recently at flooded fields at Alligator River NWR; locally uncommon to rare. Small numbers overwinter at Lake Mattamuskeet, and perhaps at Alligator River NWR, but essentially absent elsewhere in winter in the Tidewater zone. Farther inland, casual to very rare, only in fall migration. In the province, there is very little evidence of a northbound flight, and spring numbers seem mainly to be of overwintering birds. Coastally, mainly late Jul to early May, but not numerous until Sep. Farther inland, late Jul to mid-Nov, with one winter report: 2, New Bern, 19 Dec 1994. Peak counts: 350, Lake Mattamuskeet, 23 Jan 1993; 280, same site, 25 Oct 2009; 280, Alligator River NWR, 13 Mar 2024; 260, Bodie Island, 22 Aug 1979 (quite an early date for such a large number, if correctly identified). A count of 72 in a flooded field east of Aurora (Beaufort) on 30 Dec 2022 was notable away from better known wintering sites farther northward and coastally. Notable in spring was a count of 75 at Lake Mattamuskeet on 8 May 2009. A high count on eBird of 1,600 at Eagles Island (Brunswick) on 23 Jul 1992 certainly refers to Short-billed Dowitcher on this date, as "SBD" migrates in large numbers southward in Jul and Aug and "LBD" not in any numbers until late Sep into Nov. | Transient. Casual in spring (four reports), very rare to locally rare (at Falls and Jordan lakes during low water levels) in fall, and essentially accidental farther westward. There appear to be only three Piedmont records in the central and western parts of the province, two in Forsyth and one in Cabarrus. The spring reports, all of single birds -- hopefully correct -- are at Raleigh on 8 May 1999, at Falls Lake on 15 May 1983, photographed in Forsyth on 26-27 Apr 2020, and photographed at Falls Lake (Granville) on 3 Apr 2026. As this species migrates mainly northward in Apr, the sight reports in May might perhaps refer to Short-billed Dowitcher. Fall records occur between early Aug and mid-Dec, with one early winter report -- 1-2 lingered at Raleigh from 20 Nov - 17 Dec 1983. Peak counts: 3, Falls Lake, 8 Oct 1987; 2 on three occasions. | Transient; casual or accidental. The only reports are one photographed at Osceola Lake (Henderson), 23 Jul 2017* (Chat 81:104), (Chat 82:57); one seen and photographed at Brevard (Transylvania), 30 Apr 2020 (Chat 84:95); and one seen at Ecusta Pond (Transylvania), 1 Nov 2024 (Chat 89:16). | You should be able to find the species in mid- to late fall at the impoundments at Pea and Bodie islands, or along the shores of Lake Mattamuskeet. However, you might need to flush the birds, or otherwise make sure you hear their calls, to be sure you have ruled out Short-billed Dowitchers, which are often present at these waters at the same time of year. | *** | 2026-10-12 | ||
| Limnodromus griseus Short-billed Dowitcher | Among the most difficult identification problem facing birders is the separation of the two dowitcher species. Though there are a number of slight plumage and bill length differences, most observers use call notes and habitat for identification. The Short-billed is the only dowitcher species normally found on tidal mudflats, and, indeed, it is often common to abundant on them. But, Short-billeds are frequently found in fresh to brackish pools and impoundments, along with Long-billed Dowitchers and many other fairly large shorebird species. They usually feed in standing water, often up to their bellies, rapidly probing the water and mud, seemingly oblivious to danger. Like most other shorebirds, much smaller numbers are found inland in migration, mainly in fall and at extensive mudflats. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S4N | G5 | Transient and winter resident, mainly along the coast. Common to abundant spring and fall migrant along the coast; fairly common, at least locally, in winter from Carteret southward; uncommon by midwinter on the northern half of the coast. Uncommon in early summer. In Tidewater, generally an uncommon transient, and very rare to rare in winter. Farther inland, very rare in spring, and rare in fall; no winter records. Essentially all year on the coast, but less numerous from mid-Jun to mid-Jul; inland, mainly late Apr to mid-May, and early Jul to mid-Sep. Northbound flight peaks in mid- to late May, rather late for a shorebird species; fall flight peaks rather early, often in Aug. Peak counts: 5,500, Fort Fisher spit, 3 Aug 2012 and again on 20 Sep 2012; 5,000, same site, 17 Aug 2013; 4,500, same site, 5 Aug 2013. Peak count inland: 56, at Buckhorn Reservoir (Wilson), 20 Aug 2022. | Transient. Very rare in spring, and rare to often uncommon (though local) in fall. Mainly early and mid-May, and mid-Jul to mid-Sep. Despite it wintering along the coast, there are no published records from Oct through Apr. Peak counts: 65, Falls Lake, 30 Aug 2007; 57, Falls Lake, 20-27 Aug 2005; and 55, Jordan Lake, 3-5 Sep 1983. Remarkable spring counts are 44 at Lake Adger (Polk), 12 May 2021, and 30 in Cleveland, 14 May 1995 (Chat 60:72); both almost certainly a result of a night-time storm forcing down a flock of dowitchers. | Transient, mainly in Henderson and Transylvania. Very rare in spring and in fall, at least in Henderson; casual elsewhere. Notable for the northern mountains was a flock of 10 seen at Sims Pond (Watauga) on 9 May 2025. Mainly early and mid-May, and mid-Jul to early Sep; no records from Oct through Feb. Very early were 5 at Asheville on 3 Mar 2008, and 1 in Henderson on 2 Apr 2010. A shocking fallout of this species happened early on 9 May 2024, obviously owing to stormy weather -- 43 at a site in Transylvania, 14 at Hooper Lane (Henderson), 19 at Biltmore Estate (Buncombe), and one at Lake Junaluska (Haywood). Peak counts: a remarkable 100+, Hooper Lane, 16 May 2018; 43 (see above); 30, Hooper Lane, 12 May 2019; 25, Hooper Lane, 12 Aug 2006; 20, Henderson, 8 Sep 2004 (after Tropical Storm Frances); 20, Hooper Lane, 12 May 2021; 18, Hooper Lane, 31 Aug 2017. Oddly, despite a much smaller geographic area, and many, many fewer observers, there are more published spring reports (24+) in the province than in the Piedmont (about ten). | This species is hard to miss along the coast during the migrations. | **** | 2026-10-12 | ||
| Limosa haemastica Hudsonian Godwit | The Hudsonian Godwit has an unusual migration pattern. It migrates from its central and southern South America wintering grounds northward through the middle of the United States to its breeding grounds along the taiga/tundra ecotone; however, fall migration carries it southeastward over the eastern United States and the western Atlantic, most of its flight being over the ocean. Thus, it is casual to nearly accidental in North Carolina in spring, and regular though scarce in fall. Unless migrating godwits meet severe storms, they pass over inland portions, as there are just a few such far inland records. Birders need to visit the coast, primarily from Cape Hatteras northward, in the fall to have a chance to see this scarce species. Hudsonians favors shallow pools and impoundments along the coast, preferably fresh to brackish; it typically shuns salt water. They are usually found mixed with other large species of shorebirds, such as Marbled Godwits, dowitchers, yellowlegs, and Willets. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G4 | Transient. Casual in spring, nearly only at Bodie/Pea Islands only; the only other spring report was one photographed at Fort Fisher (New Hanover) on 19 May 2024. Rare to uncommon in fall at Bodie/Pea Islands and in the Cape Hatteras area, and very rare farther north or south along the coast, in fall. Probably not rare in fall well out to sea, in the fall season; there are a handful of reports of flocks in flight over the ocean, out of sight of land. Mid-May to late May (only 4 records); and early Aug to mid-Nov. Two documented winter records: one photographed at Pea Island on 14 Dec 2017 (Chat 82:65), and another photographed there on 8 Dec 2018 (Chat 83:59). Single reports of one at Pea Island on 30 Dec 1980, and one at Pea Island on 27 Feb 1971, might be correct (seen by experienced birders), though it is not known if Black-tailed Godwit was ruled out; there is a winter record of the latter, documented by photos, from the coast in 1979-80. In the Tidewater zone, very rare in fall, mainly at Lake Mattamuskeet; farther inland, casual in fall, with four records, two from the Goldsboro area, one from Greenville, and one from Buckhorn Reservoir (Wilson). Peak counts: 105, off Hatteras Inlet, 13 Aug 2025; 57 (in two flocks), flying south over the ocean off Nags Head (Dare), 18 Aug 2017; 40, flying over the ocean east of Cape Hatteras, 16 Aug 2025; 39 in a flock southeast of Oregon Inlet (Dare), 24 Aug 2024. Highest counts onshore: 21, Clam Shoal (Dare), 24 Sep 2025; 16, Cape Hatteras point, 29 Aug 1998; 15 at Rodanthe (Dare), 8 Sep 2009. | Casual fall transient (only in the eastern and central portions), with five records: 1, Falls Lake, 21-23 Aug 1999; 2, Falls Lake, 11-15 Sep 1988; 1 (photographed), Lake Wheeler (Wake), 27 Aug 2011*; a remarkable 11 photographed at Lake Wheeler. 12 Sep 2017, immediately after Hurricane Irma (Chat 82:32 and cover photo); one photographed at Governors Island on Lake Norman (Lincoln), 25 Sep 2021; and one photographed at Jordan Lake (Chatham), 14 Oct 2025. No records yet for the Triad area (Greensboro and Winston-Salem region). Peak counts: 11 (see above). | Accidental fall transient; two records -- 3 at Hooper Lane (Henderson), 8 Sep 2004* (after Tropical Storm Frances) (Chat 69:49); and 2 at that site on 12 Sep 2017 (after Hurricane Irma) (Chat 82:32). | Look for them in Sep and Oct, especially after periods of strong NE winds. North Pond at Pea Island is the best spot to see them. A few are also seen at Bodie Island each fall; Cape Hatteras Point around the margin of the Salt Pond and Portsmouth Island have also had multiple records, though the latter site is reachable only by boat. | ** | 2026-10-12 | ||
| Limosa fedoa Marbled Godwit | Though this species is a godwit, it has quite a few similarities to the Long-billed Curlew; both breed in inland prairies and grasslands, both are very large in size of body and bill length, and both have a rich buff/ochre plumage. Of the four godwits in the world (and in the state), the Marbled Godwit is the only regularly seen one in North Carolina, it being limited mainly to extensive coastal/tidal mudflats and pools. It also occurs frequently in coastal freshwater impoundments, but largest numbers tend to be at tidal flats. It is quite local along the coast, returning in fall and winter to a few highly favored areas, leaving it scarce along most of the coast. As with other godwits and curlews, migrants essentially pass over inland area in nocturnal migration and do not put down unless forced to by storms or other bad weather. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S2N | G5 | Transient and winter resident, essentially along the coast. Uncommon to locally fairly common fall migrant along the entire coast. In winter along the coast, locally fairly common from Carteret southward, and rare to locally uncommon northward. It may be common in a few areas, such as at Portsmouth Island and Fort Fisher/Zeke's Island. Less numerous in spring, but a few may remain all summer. Very rare in most of the Tidewater zone at any season, though a handful of recent records at Lake Mattamuskeet. Casual farther inland, with four early fall records: singles at Gray Creek (Cumberland) from 20-26 Jul 1998, at Goldsboro on 26 Jul 1993, at Greenville on 27 Aug 1998 (associated with Hurricane Bonnie), and at Buckhorn Reservoir (Wilson) on 17 Sep 2007. Normal dates along the coast are mid-Jul to late Apr, with some records in May and Jun. Peak counts: 500, Ocracoke Island, 31 Dec 2010; 450, same site, 5 Apr 2004; 434, Portsmouth Island, 25 Sep 1992. | Fall transient only. Very rare (about 19 records) at reservoirs, where birds put down at night during stormy weather; records mostly at Jordan and Falls lakes, but three records for the southwestern Piedmont. The only record for the northwestern half of the province is one at Kerr Scott Reservoir (Wilkes) on 1-2 Sep 2014. Dates range from 1 Aug to 9 Oct; peak counts: 6, Jordan Lake, 6-7 Sep 1996 (after Hurricane Fran); 4, Moss Lake (Cleveland), 22 Sep 1989 (after Hurricane Hugo). Oddly, there are no records yet for the Greensboro -- Winston-Salem areas. | Casual transient, in spring and fall. The only records (six) are of 2 birds, Hooper Lane (Henderson), 8-9 Sep 2004 (after Tropical Storm Frances) (Chat 69:49); a remarkable 11 birds at Lake Julian (Buncombe), 19 Apr 2006 (Chat 70:100); one photographed at Hooper Lane on 6 Jul 2013 (Chat 77:153); one seen and photographed at Hooper Lane on 23-24 Jul 2019 (Chat 83:113); an excellent 6 birds at Ecusta Pond (Transylvania) on 18 Apr 2022 (Chat 86:78); and one photographed at a sod farm (Transylvania) on 12 May 2025. | This species can usually be found along the coast in Aug and Sep, less so later in fall and winter. The most accessible spots are The Basin at Fort Fisher and impoundments at Pea Island. Less accessible (boat needed) are Bird Shoal near Beaufort, the east end of Shackleford Banks, and Portsmouth Island. The most accessible winter site is The Basin at Fort Fisher. | *** | 2026-10-12 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit | This Eurasian shorebird has appeared along the East Coast much more often than the Black-tailed Godwit. Whereas the latter is usually confused with Hudsonian Godwits, Bar-tailed Godwits can be confused with the large Marbled Godwit and especially with Long-billed Dowitcher (as this godwit is "small" and has somewhat short legs). North Carolina has a surprising number of records, all coastal, though some refer to the same individual bird. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G4 | Very rare visitor, with four spring and 12+ fall reports, all from the coast, plus one in winter. The spring reports are: 1, Portsmouth Island, 8-9 May 1992* (Chat 57:58); 2, Portsmouth Island, 23 Apr - 9 May 1993* (Chat 58:63); 1 photographed at Frisco (Dare), 8 Apr 2016* (Chat 80:115-116); and 1 photographed at the eastern end of Shackleford Banks (Carteret) on 23 Apr 2018 (likely a bird that overwintered there). Fall reports are all of singles at Pea Island on 22 Jul 1998 (Chat 63:39), 31 Aug - 1 Sep 1971, 21 Sep 1975, and 14 Oct 1974; one photographed at Portsmouth Island, 22 Sep - 10 Oct 1982* (Chat 47:71-72); one photographed at the eastern end of Shackleford Banks (Carteret), 2 Oct - 15 Nov 2016* (Chat 81:13-14); and undoubtedly the same bird returning to the last site from 24 Sep - 8 Oct 2017 (Chat 82:32). This latter bird returned for at least a third fall season, being seen beginning 10 Nov 2018, being joined by a second bird on 18 Nov 2018 (Chat 83:25). One of these two birds remained for the entire winter of 2018-19, being noted there specifically on 12 Jan, 10 Feb, and 23 Mar 2019 (Chat 83:59). One of these birds again returned for the fall 2019 season, seen there 30 Sep 2019, 24 Jan 2020, and 11 Mar 2020. Again, one of these birds returned in fall 2020, first seen on 13 Sep, and remaining at least to 23 Apr 2021 -- a fifth consecutive year a single bird, or the species, has been found there! This Shackleford Banks bird returned for a sixth (!) winter, first noted on 19 Sep 2021. It has since been seen a few times in fall/winter 2022-23 and in fall 2023 -- for apparently an 8th straight winter! However, this birds was seen there on 4-5 Dec 2023, missed on all winter trips, but was re-found there on 14 Apr 2024. In fall 2024, one was photographed at Hatteras village (Dare) on 23 Nov (Chat 89:14). One was seen at Clam Shoal inside Hatteras Inlet (Dare) on 18 Aug 2025 (Chat 90:13). Though perhaps none of these reports is suspect, as most were reported by experienced birders, documentation of several have been sparse, and the NC BRC has reviewed/accepted only about five of these. Peak counts 2, on two occasions (see above -- in 1993 and in 2018). | No records. | No records. | As the species has been seen now for at least eight consecutive falls (2016-23) at the eastern end of Shackleford Banks, make a trip there at that season to look for it. You will most likely need to make a reservation on a ferry from Harkers Island to Cape Lookout, which makes a stop at the eastern end of Shackleford Banks for those who wish to explore the island for several hours. | * | 2026-10-12 | ||
| Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel | For a large shorebird, the Whimbrel is quite numerous in North America, and it is not difficult to find along the coast in spring and fall. As with many other shorebirds that are essentially migrants in the state, a few birds linger along the coast into the winter season, and a few make it through the entire winter. But, as with essentially all curlews and godwits, migrating birds seldom stop between their inland (high Arctic) breeding grounds and the coastal areas, and sightings in inland parts of the state are always of note. Whimbrels favor extensive tidal mudflats, including shallow salt or brackish water. They can also be seen on oceanfront beaches, as well as fresh and brackish pools along the coast, jetties, and other places near open water. The rather distinctive European subspecies (phaeopus), which has a white triangle ("wedge") on its lower back and rump (like that of many other large shorebirds), has been seen a few times along the coast. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient, and scarce winter resident/visitor along the coast. Along the coast, fairly common to locally common migrant in both spring and fall (though less numerous in fall than in spring); rare to very uncommon in midwinter along the southern coast (New Hanover and Brunswick), rare in midwinter on the central coast, and very rare farther north (Outer Banks northward); rare to very uncommon in midsummer, as a non-breeder. Mainly mid-Mar to mid-Nov, with peak numbers in mid-May and late Jul to mid-Aug, and with a drop in Jun; small numbers in winter. In Tidewater areas, mostly rare to locally uncommon migrant; farther inland, casual to very rare migrant, with only about six records, mid-May to early Jun, and late Jul to mid-Aug, with two remarkable far inland counts: 20, Darlington (Halifax), 3 Jun 1983; and 15, Goldsboro, 30 Jul 1956. Unusual in habitat and location was one in a grassy field in southeastern Nash on 2-3 Sep 2023. Peak counts: 224, off Sunset Beach (Brunswick), 17 May 2014; 215, same site, 20 May 2017; 188, Oak Island (Brunswick), 10 May 2011.
There are seven records of the European subspecies, five from the central coast (Carteret only): 10 Apr 1984; 10 May 1992; 27 May 2002; 17 Oct 1983; and 12 Nov 2003. Another was photographed near Avon on the Outer Banks, 6-12 Apr 2011* (Chat 75:129). This last record was accepted by the NC BRC (Chat 79:13). A seventh was of 2 birds seen from Cape Hatteras Point, 20 Apr 2024; this report has yet to be reviewed by the NC BRC. | Transient. Very rare in both spring and fall, with most records in the eastern portion, especially at Jordan Lake; early to late May (only 11 records, but four came in 2026), and mid-Jul to early Oct. Peak counts: 20, Kerr Lake, 24 May 1976; 13, Lake Crabtree (Wake), 19 May 2020; 3, Margret (Franklin), 19 May 1999; 3, Falls Lake (Granville), 23 May 2026. | Very rare fall transient, and casual in spring. Three of the records surprisingly are from grass balds at high elevations: 2, Big Bald Mountain (Yancey), 30 Aug 1980; 1, Round Bald on Roan Mountain (Mitchell), 31 Jul 1987; 1, Big Bald Mountain, 16-21 Sep 2010. Other records are: singles at Hooper Lane (Henderson) on 25 Jul 2001, 27-30 Jul 2012, and 5-6 Jul 2013; 1 caught by a Peregrine Falcon along the Blue Ridge Escarpment, and brought to its nest at Table Rock (Burke) in May 2006; 1 at Lake Julian (Buncombe), 25 Sep 2020; a group of 28 Whimbrels at Hooper Lane seen on 16 May 2018 (Chat 82:87); one along Wilson Road (Transylvania) on 20 May 2020, one along Hooper Lane on 21 May 2020 (both of these after Tropical Storm Arthur), and one along Hooper Lane on 17 May 2025. | This species is not difficult to find along the coast during migration. They are most common on barrier island beaches and mudflats, where flocks of 50 or more may be seen during fall migration in late Jul and early Aug. | *** | 2026-10-12 | ||
| Anarhynchus wilsonia Wilson's Plover | Compared with the Arctic tundra, few shorebird species breed along the Atlantic coast. The Wilson's Plover breeds on the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts of the United States, and its range overlaps with that of the more northerly Piping Plover mainly in North Carolina and Virginia. Unlike the latter species, which also breeds in the interior of North America, the Wilson's is strictly coastal, and any report away from that region is unusual and is usually scrutinized carefully for mis-identification, normally being rejected by editors for lack of, or poor, details. As of 2026, there are three far inland records, only one (in the Mountains) with photographs. The species nests on sand flats, mainly near inlets, but it also nests on dredge islands and some natural estuarine islands. It forages mostly on upper beaches and moist sand, but at times forages at the ocean edge. It generally winters south of the Carolinas, but a few birds do and can overwinter along the central and southern coast. As would be expected for a beach-nesting species, breeding populations in North Carolina and in the United States are declining, owing to development, increasing human and vehicular use of beaches, and probably to an increase in predators such as cats, foxes, and raccoons. | Breeder | Definitive | SC | S2B | G5 | Summer resident, breeding, and rare winter visitor/resident, along the coast; slightly declining. Fairly common on the southern half of the coast, north to Ocracoke Inlet on Core Banks; uncommon on Ocracoke Island. Also breeds in small numbers along the northern shoreline of Cedar Island (Carteret), which fronts Pamlico Sound and not the ocean. Now rare on Hatteras Island (mainly at Hatteras Inlet). Essentially absent as a breeder now north of this inlet. Also, a few birds linger into winter at one to several sites, and there is occasional overwintering, mainly at Bird Shoal in Carteret and the eastern end of Shackleford Banks in that county. Locally notable numbers after the breeding season at some locales, mainly at Bird Shoal at Beaufort and on Portsmouth Island, probably a mix of migrants from Virginia and Maryland, and family groups from North Carolina nesting birds. There appear to be no Tidewater records, and but one farther inland in the province -- at Mount Olive on 18 Sep (year not given in Pearson et al., 1959). This record has not been reviewed by the NC BRC. Primarily mid-Mar to mid-Oct, with scattered records for all winter months. Peak counts: 200, Bird Shoal -- Beaufort (Carteret), 2 Aug 1980; 120, same site, 2 Sep 1981; 112, New River Inlet (Onslow), 21 Jul 2021. Breeding population in 2004: 235 pairs; 2007: xxx pairs (NC Wildlife Resources Commission database). Winter peak: 6, eastern end of Shackleford Banks, 26 Jan 2020. | Accidental: two reports, one with published details -- from Franklin, 30 Aug 1975 (Chat 40:65). Another was seen by a group of birders at Winston-Salem, 26 Aug 2006 (The Piedmont Birder newsletter), but no description was provided, and the photo in the newsletter was of a bird from a coastal location. Neither of these reports has been reviewed by the NC BRC. | Accidental: a single report. One was photographed at Hooper Lane (Henderson) on 26-27 May 2026 (Chat 90:81). The report has yet to be reviewed by the NC BRC. | Unfortunately, many of the best areas to see this species are relatively inaccessible. There are healthy breeding populations on Portsmouth Island, Core Banks, Bird Shoal, and Bald Head Island; all are accessible only by boat. Good places to find this species without the need for a boat are along the beaches at Fort Fisher, near inlets at the Brunswick beaches (such as Sunset Beach, Holden Beach, and Long Beach), at the northern end of Wrightsville Beach, and at the south end of Ocracoke Island. Single birds are occasionally seen north of Hatteras Inlet, but you cannot expect to see one north of Ocracoke Island. The state's highest counts are at the Rachel Carson Preserve (Bird Shoal) at Beaufort in late Jul and in Aug, but a boat is required to reach this area. | *** | 2026-10-12 | |
| Charadrius melodus Piping Plover | The Piping Plover is one of the few Federally listed birds in North Carolina, especially now that the Peregrine Falcon and Bald Eagle have been taken off the Endangered Species List. The Atlantic coast population is Federally Threatened, whereas the interior breeding population is Federally Endangered. North Carolina is the only state on the Atlantic coast where the breeding range overlaps with the wintering range. Color-banding of birds on the breeding ground has shown that most of the birds that winter in the state are Atlantic coast birds; however, some wintering birds are from the interior population. Thus, it is basically correct saying that the Piping Plover is Federally Threatened in North Carolina, but that some "Endangered" birds do winter, at least to some extent. The species has essentially the same habitats in the state as the Wilson's Plover; it breeds on sand flats, mainly near inlets or overwash areas, and it forages mostly on sand flats and on sandy shores, though usually not at the ocean edge. It very rarely is seen inland (almost always on mudflats at reservoirs), even though some birds from the interior certainly migrate over the mountains, Piedmont, and inland parts of the Coastal Plain. | Breeder | Definitive | T | T | S1B,S1N | G3 | Breeding permanent resident, with migratory movements, along the coast. Generally uncommon and declining, though the numbers have leveled off in the past few years at 40-60 pairs, due in part to human-intervention/protection of nesting pairs, mainly north of the state. An uncommon nester along the entire coast, though most pairs are on Core Banks, but a few nest south to Lea/Hutaff islands (Pender) and sporadically even south in Brunswick. Nesting on Hatteras Island has declined considerably over the past few decades. Winters along most of the coast, where uncommon throughout, and birds tend to be clustered in a few key areas, such as Bird Shoal at Beaufort. Can be locally fairly common in fall, such as at Bird Shoal and at Portsmouth Island. Away from the coast, practically casual/accidental in the province; one, Woodlake (Moore), 9 Sep 1977; one at New Bern, 7 Aug 1994; and one, at the northern end of Roanoke Island (Dare), 25 Aug 2022. Peak counts: 128, Core Banks, 29 Aug 1992; 117, Portsmouth Island, 18 Aug 2009; 111, Portsmouth Island, 13 Aug 2022. Peak in winter: 100, Bird Shoal, 20 Dec 1973. | Transient. Very rare in fall; late July to early Oct; just one spring record. About 16 records, mostly from Falls and Jordan lakes, but three records from Guilford and two from Mecklenburg. The sole spring record is one photographed at Jordan Lake (Chatham) on 9 May 2025. Peak counts: 3, Jordan Lake, 14 Aug 1988. | Casual, with just five records: one at Hooper Lane, Henderson on 4-5 Sep 2012* (Chat 77:6-10), (Chat 77:23); one at that site from 12-15 Aug 2017 (Chat 82:32); one near Brevard (Transylvania) on 16 May 2018 (Chat 82:87); one at Hooper Lane on 15 Apr 2020 (Chat 84:93); and one at that last site on 28 Apr 2023. | The best area to see this species is at Portsmouth Island in late summer and fall, but a boat is necessary to reach the site. Other good areas are at Cape Hatteras Point (except in winter), at the north and south ends of Ocracoke Island, at Bird Shoal (in the fall and winter), and at the north end of Wrightsville Beach; however, a boat is needed to visit Bird Shoal. Plover nesting areas are sometimes closed during the breeding season, so please do not enter these posted areas. Because beach habitat that this species prefers can change dramatically in a short time, areas occupied by Piping Plovers may change every few years. | ** to *** | 2026-10-12 |
| Charadrius semipalmatus Semipalmated Plover | The Semipalmated Plover is the only one of the four regularly occurring Charadrius plovers in the state that breeds in the Arctic tundra. It is a very numerous transient species, and a much less common wintering bird, along the coast. As with many other shorebirds, it is regular inland, but always in much smaller numbers than along the coast. The Semipalmated favors wet mud (that matches the brown color of its back) for foraging; thus, numbers are highest at tidal mudflats and shallow shores of impoundments, as opposed to ocean beaches and sandflats. It shows little favoritism regarding water salinity; inland mudflats, brackish flats, and salt water flats are all commonly used. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S4N | G5 | Transient and winter resident. Common to briefly and locally abundant in spring and fall along the coast; fairly common in winter along the southern half of the coast (town of Beaufort southward), but uncommon on the northern half of the coast; rare to very uncommon in early summer. Primarily mid-Jul to early Jun. Mostly uncommon transient in the Tidewater zone, though can be common at Lake Mattamuskeet; rarely found in winter. Farther inland, rare to uncommon in spring, and uncommon in fall, at suitable lakes and ponds. Peak counts: 10,000, Fort Fisher spit (New Hanover), 26 May 2014; 10,000, Pea Island NWR, 21 Aug 1972; 9,000, Fort Fisher, 25 Aug 2017; 8,000, Fort Fisher, 16 Oct 2003. | Transient. Rare to very uncommon in spring, and uncommon to occasionally fairly common, in fall; mainly at larger reservoirs such as Falls and Jordan lakes; probably casual to very rare in counties that lack sizable bodies of water. Primarily late Apr to late May, with a peak from 1-20 May, and late Jul to late Sep, with a peak in early Sep. Peak counts: 75, Falls Lake, 23 Aug 2002; 71, Jordan Lake (Chatham), 15 Sep 2007; 66, Jordan Lake, 17 Aug 2002. Peak spring counts, all in 2026: 65, Falls Lake (Wake), 23 May; 60, Falls Lake (Durham), 23 May; 40, Jordan Lake, 23 May. | Transient. Rare to very uncommon in the Henderson/Transylvania area; very rare elsewhere. Unlike farther eastward, there are more records in spring than in fall; late Apr to late May, and late Jul to late Sep. Peak counts: 40+, Hooper Lane (Henderson), 31 Jul 2012; 40, Hooper Lane, 23 May 2013; 30, Hooper Lane, 6 May 1999; 25, Price Lake (Watauga), 9 May 1978; 25, Jeffress Road in Henderson, 8 Sep 2004 (after Tropical Storm Frances). | The species is hard to miss near the coast in Aug and Sep. | **** | 2026-10-12 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Charadrius vociferus Killdeer | Over most of the state, the Killdeer is the most familiar and often seen shorebird, it being found in every county over most of the year. Its noisy calls attract attention, and it often seems to be the sentinel species where flocks of shorebirds gather inland, such as at mudflats on large reservoirs. Despite the species nesting on the ground in open habitats, where nests can be easily disturbed by man or his pets, or by predators, the species seems to be maintaining its numbers, if not slightly increasing. Killdeers nest on the ground amid gravel or pebbles, or at times on gravel rooftops. These places are in open, disturbed areas, such as around lake or pond margins, dirt/gravel roads, and vacant lots, even in cities. They forage on lawns, pastures, mudflats, plowed fields, and shorelines, both in dry areas and in wetlands. For example, they are by far the most common shorebird on mudflats of reservoirs in the summer and fall. They tend to avoid salt or brackish water, but do occur near the coast but in freshwater areas or in short-grass or gravelly habitats. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S5N | G5 | Breeding permanent resident, with migratory movements. Along the coast, mostly uncommon as a breeder, but fairly common, at least locally, at other seasons; farther inland, both in Tidewater and away from tidal areas, it is fairly common as a breeder, and generally common in fall and winter, as numbers in the state are enhanced by migrants from farther north. Peak counts: 650, Shirley Farm Road (Beaufort), 4 Dec 2023; 470, Leggett Sod Farm (Edgecombe), 21 Aug 2024. | Breeding permanent resident, with migratory movements; increasing, at least slowly. Fairly common in the breeding season (mainly Mar thru Jun), and common in the remainder of the year, with numbers peaking in the fall. Peak counts: 509, Brown Creek Valley area (Union), 28 Dec 2025; 500, same site, 16 Feb 2021; 480, same site, 29 Dec 2020. | Breeding permanent resident, with migratory movements. Fairly common in the breeding season, at least in the lower and middle elevations (below about 4,000 feet); fairly common in migration, but mostly uncommon in winter, though it can be fairly common in some open valleys. Unlike downstate, the species is less common in winter than in summer. Peak count: 650, Biltmore Estate (Buncombe), 12 Nov 2023; 400, Hooper Lane (Henderson), 28 Feb 2014. | This widespread species should not be hard to find around ponds, extensive lawns, or large plowed fields. | *** to **** | 2026-10-12 | ||
| Pluvialis dominica American Golden-Plover | Unlike its slightly larger cousin, the Black-bellied Plover, the American Golden-Plover is a good find for the birder in North Carolina, being a rather scarce migrant, and limited mainly to the fall season. Wintering on the Pampas of southern South America, the species makes its many-thousand-mile northward migration through the middle of the United States, essentially by-passing Atlantic Coast states. On the other hand, the fall migration is mostly over the western Atlantic, with smaller numbers across the entire eastern half of the continent. The species is seen in spring mostly in the mountains, in pastures and other short grass habitats, especially where damp; in fall, birds are usually seen on the drier portions of mudflats, small pools, short grass at turf farms or spray irrigation fields, and other short grass habitats (such as lawns), even along the coast. It tends to avoid salt water, so is not usually found with Black-bellied Plovers; however, it can be seen at some tidal pools and short grass areas, where both species can be present together. Whether the species is increasing or not, there were a remarkable five records for the coastal area in spring 2016. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient. Very rare in spring, rare but regular in fall, along the entire coast, particularly the Outer Banks; in the Tidewater zone, casual spring and very rare fall migrant. Farther inland, very rare fall migrant, and casual in spring in the Sandhills. Spring records (about 22, of which five came in 2016) only for the Sandhills region, Mattamuskeet NWR, Futch Game Land (Tyrrell), Alligator River NWR (Dare), and the immediate coast. Mainly mid-Aug to mid-Oct, with a number of records to late Nov. Seemingly just two winter records: one at Cape Hatteras campground Dec 1992 to 9 Jan 1993; and one photographed on Ocracoke Island (Hyde) on 30 Dec 2025. In spring, Mar thru May. Two at Futch Game Land on 5 Mar 2023 were very early, and one at Alligator River NWR on 10 Mar 2024 was either early or possibly overwintered. One seen and photographed at Pea Island NWR on 15-16 Jun 2018 was most unusual for early summer, as was one at Cape Hatteras Point on 28 Jun 2019. Peak counts: 50, Mattamuskeet NWR, 14 Sep 2008; 45, Cherry Hospital (Wayne), 23 Sep 1999; 32, turf farm near Creswell (Washington), 3 Sep 2013; 26, Wright Brothers Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, 5 Sep 1999 (after Hurricane Dennis); 21, field along Shirley Farm Road (Beaufort), 11 Nov 2023; 14, North River Farms (Carteret), 7 Sep 2014; 13, Kill Devil Hills, 7 Sep 1964. Peak in spring: 17, near Southern Pines, 23-24 Mar 1968. | Transient. Casual in spring (only about four records), rare but annual in fall, over most of the province, but a preponderance of records (as for most shorebird species) in the eastern portion, especially at Falls and Jordan lakes. Mainly mid-Aug to mid-Nov, with a peak in the latter half of Sep; in spring, late Mar to early May. Peak counts: 70, Jordan Lake (Chatham), 27 Oct 2007; 41, Jordan Lake (lakebed), 3 Nov 1979; 30, Jordan Lake, 28 Oct 2007; 21, North Wilkesboro, 2 Oct 1959 (after Hurricane Gracie). Peak in spring: 7, Falls Lake (lakebed), 10 Apr 1982. | Transient, but nearly all records are from Hooper Lane/Mills River area in Henderson, where very rare to rare in both spring and fall. Elsewhere, apparently only eight records, from Transylvania, Haywood, Swain, Madison, and Watauga; one photographed at Bamboo in the last county, on 26 Jun 2008, was an amazing record, as was one at Max Patch Bald (Madison) at 4500 feet elevation on 10 Oct 2021. Primarily mid-Mar to late Apr; early Sep to early Nov. Peak fall counts (all from Hooper Lane): 59 on 21 Sep 2009; 23 on 26 Sep 2024; 20 on 6 Sep 2017; 14 on 7 Sep 1999; 14 on 7 Sep 2013. Peak spring counts (all from Hooper Lane): 60 on 28 Mar 2022 (and 40-52 there as early as 25 Mar); 8 on 21 Mar 1999. | The species is best located in Sep and Oct, especially after cold fronts. A few birds are present every fall along the Outer Banks; occasionally flocks of five or more birds are seen. Sites such as the Cape Hatteras Point campground, the impoundments at Pea and Bodie islands, sod farms just west of Creswell, mudflats at the larger reservoirs (such as Falls and Jordan lakes), and the large fields (at least when wet) along Hooper Lane (in the mountains) are your best bets. | * to ** | 2026-10-12 | ||
| Pluvialis squatarola Black-bellied Plover | The Black-bellied Plover is one of the more familiar shorebirds of coastal areas, wintering in good numbers along shorelines and at mudflats. Across the rest of the state, it is known essentially as a very rare to rare migrant, normally seen only on mudflats at lakes with low water levels. The American common name is a poorly chosen one, as the lower belly is actually white; it is the breast and upper belly that are black (in breeding plumage only). The European name -- Grey Plover -- is an improvement, as the upperparts are speckled black and white at all seasons, and the underparts are whitish in non-breeding plumage. Black-bellied Plovers are most often observed on sand around salt water; ocean beaches and tidal mudflats are preferred. They are also seen in shallow fresh or brackish pools and flats, plowed fields, and lawns/mowed fields, at times with Killdeers. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S5N | G5 | Transient, and coastal winter resident. Common to very common in migration, and common in winter, along the immediate coast, slightly less common in midwinter on the northern coast; small numbers (of non-breeders) remain all summer. Mainly early Aug to early Jun. In Tidewater, generally uncommon in migration, and rare to uncommon in winter; farther inland, a very rare to locally rare migrant, mainly in May and again Aug thru Oct; but small numbers in Jun and Jul. One winter record from far inland (Sandhills) -- one at McKinney Fish Hatchery (Richmond), 24 Dec 1983. Peak counts: 1,365, New Drum Inlet shoals (Carteret), 28 Sep 2009; 1,361, same site, 7 May 2008; 1,200, Styron Bay north end flats (Carteret), 10 Nov 2025. | Transient. Rare in fall, and very rare to rare in spring, in the eastern part of the province (such as at Falls and Jordan lakes); only scattered records elsewhere. Mainly early to late May, and a wider span in fall from late Jul to mid-Nov. Peak counts: 24, Falls Lake, 17 Aug 1985; 16, Falls Lake, 10 Oct 1993; peak in spring - 10, Lake Adger (Polk), 15 May 1989. | Transient. Very rare (at least 26 records) in the Henderson/Transylvania area of the southern mountains only; apparently no records elsewhere. A preponderance of records are from the Hooper Lane area of northern Henderson. Mid-Apr to early Jun, and mid-Aug to late Sep; one on 11 Nov 2009. Peak counts: 28, Hooper Lane, 16 May 2018; 17, Hooper Lane, 31 Aug 2000; 16, Hooper Lane, 18 Aug 2021; 11, Hooper Lane, 30 Aug 2005; 11 (peak count in period), Hooper Lane, 5-22 May 2003; 11 at that site, 31 Aug 2017. | This species is easily found along the coast except during Jun. Inland birds are most often found on extensive mudflats at lakes, mostly in mid-autumn. | **** | 2026-10-12 | ||
| Haematopus palliatus American Oystercatcher | The American Oystercatcher is one of the more spectacular shorebirds and is one of the few that remains in the state to breed. Unlike most shorebirds, it is strictly coastal, straying inland only after storms, even though it is somewhat migratory. Oystercatchers not only nest on open sand flats in the general neighborhood with Piping and Wilson's plovers and various terns, but they also breed in more sheltered sandy spots within tidal marshes; a few are now nesting on gravel rooftops. As with nearly all birds that nest on the ground on coastal sand flats, nesting populations are declining in the face of increased human visitation to beaches and increased numbers of mammalian predators. Unlike its nesting associates, it does not feed along sandy shores or sand flats, but forages mainly where there are oysters, such as on exposed sand bars and mudflats during low tides. It also forages on rocks, such as at jetties and bridge pilings. | Breeder | Definitive | SC | S3B,S3N | G5 | Breeding permanent resident along the coast, with migratory movements; slightly declining. Generally fairly common along the entire coast during the breeding season and migration periods, somewhat more numerous along the southern coast; numbers depart the northern coast in fall, such that it is uncommon in winter on the Outer Banks (and may be rare in the middle of winter), but still fairly common along the southern half of the coast. It can be locally common in a few southern coastal areas in migration and winter. Apparently the only Tidewater record is one at a dock at the Pamlico Plantation Marina (Beaufort) on 31 Mar 2022 (Chat 86:77). Accidental farther inland in migration: one, Tar River near Greenville, 16 May 1990 (Chat 55:37), and one at Buckhorn Reservoir (Wilson), 15 Sep 2018 (Chat 83:25). Peak counts: 425, Fort Fisher spit (New Hanover), 28 Aug 2013; 300, Baldhead Island, 27 Sep 1986; 285, Fort Fisher spit, 17 Sep 2011. Breeding population: 2004: 250 pairs, 2007: ? pairs (NC Wildlife Resources Commission data). | Casual stray/vagrant, with only three records; 2, Roanoke Rapids Lake, 25 May 1998 (Chat 62:192); 1, Jordan Lake, 15 Apr 2000 (Chat 64:154); and 1, Falls Lake, 18 Sep 2011 (Chat 76:24). None of these records likely were associated with major storms. | No records. | This species is fairly easily found on barrier islands, such as at inlets, tidal flats, and especially at oyster beds. In winter, the species is quite common in the Fort Fisher area, with at least a couple of hundred birds overwintering. | *** to **** | 2026-10-11 | |
| Recurvirostra americana American Avocet | Over most of the world, various species of stilts (genus Himantopus) and avocets (genus Recurvirostra) occupy the same bodies of water, often a single species of each genus per continent. In North America, the Black-necked Stilt and its "cousin", the American Avocet, breed at many of the same lakes and ponds in the western half of the continent; however, the avocet does not nest in eastern North America (unlike the stilt), though a pair did actually nest once in North Carolina! Like the stilt, the American Avocet is intensely local in its occurrence in this state, with the great majority of birds staying in the Pea/Bodie islands area nearly all year; it can be difficult to find the species anywhere else. Avocets feed in tight flocks in shallow waters of brackish to fresh ponds and pools, mostly at impoundments; they avoid tidal water. Unlike the stilt, which is seldom found inland, avocets do put down in migration inland, at least on rare occasions, often in flocks up to 10-13 birds. | Accidental Breeder | Definitive | S1N | G5 | Winter resident and migrant, coastally; accidental breeder, along the coast. Fairly common to common in the Bodie/Pea Island area from Jul to spring, but less numerous in May-Jun; very rare to rare elsewhere along the coast, mainly in fall migration, very rare in winter and spring. Two one-day-old chicks were seen on 18 Jun 1968 at Pea Island (Chat 42:31-32). Very rare migrant in the Tidewater zone and the inland portions, essentially only in fall (mid-Jul to mid-Nov); no winter or spring records away from coastal areas, except for a few early winter records at Lake Mattamuskeet, and one spring record from Lake Auman (Moore), a flock of 15 in Apr 1995 (Chat 60:119). Peak counts: 550, Pea Island, 10 Nov 2010; 500, Pea Island, 8 Dec 2001; peak count away from Bodie/Pea islands: 200, Lake Mattamuskeet, 15 Jan 2009. | Transient. Rare fall migrant, and accidental/casual spring migrant, with most records from larger reservoirs. Mainly mid-Jul to mid-Nov; the only spring report is one at Falls Lake, 2 May 2004. Peak counts: 15, Jordan Lake (Chatham), 23 Sep 2024; 13, Lake Brandt near Greensboro, 9 Oct 1966; 13, western end of Lake James (McDowell), 10 Aug 2020; 12, Cane Creek Park (Union), 26 Jul 2016; 12, Lake Norman, 20 Oct 2012; 11, Lake Norman, 8 Aug 2015; 11, Falls Lake (Durham), 11 Aug 2015; 11, Lake Crabtree (Wake), 10 Sep 2016; 11, along Howerton Road (Guilford), 16 Oct 2016; 11, Riverbend Park (Catawba), 22 Sep 2022; 11, in flight over Salem Lake (Forsyth), 11 Jul 2023; 11, Ellerbe Creek arm of Falls Lake (Durham), 21-29 Oct 2023. These high counts suggest that avocets often migrate southward in groups of 11 to 13 birds, at a maximum! | Transient. Very rare southbound migrant in summer and fall, with 14 known records: 1, Cashiers (Jackson), 3 Jul 1985; 1, Glendale Springs (Ashe), 22 Sep 1968; 5, Beaver Lake at Asheville, 21 Oct 1999; 1, Lake Junaluska (Haywood), 7 Oct 2013; 3, Lake Junaluska, 23 Nov 2014; 1, Hooper Lane (Henderson), 31 Aug 2017; an excellent 8 at the Mills River Water Treatment Plant (Henderson), 16 Jul 2018 (plus 2 seen there earlier on 14 Jul); a remarkable 23 on Lake Junaluska on 23 Oct 2019; five at Lake Julian (Buncombe), also on 23 Oct 2019; 4, Lake Louise in southeastern Alleghany on 13 Aug 2023; 1, Lake Junaluska on 18 Sep 2023; a surprising 5, Grandmother Lake (Avery), 4 Jul 2024; 12, Hooper Lane, 26 Sep 2024; 5, Mills River Water Treatment Plant, 12 Aug 2025. Peak count: 23, Lake Junaluska, 23 Oct 2019. | The only reliable spots are the impoundments at Pea Island NWR and less so at the adjacent Bodie Island lighthouse pond. At least a few birds are present there year round, though they are much more numerous in fall. Flocks over 200 avocets have been seen there, though in recent years the number has been around 50-100 birds. Though there are a few avocet reports nearly each year away from these areas, do not intentionally look for the species elsewhere. | *** | 2026-10-11 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Himantopus mexicanus Black-necked Stilt | The Black-necked Stilt is one of the most unmistakable birds occurring in North Carolina, resembling no others (except members of its genus elsewhere). It has very particular requirements for nesting and foraging, and as a result, is one of the most intensely local nesting birds on the East Coast. It seldom shows up away from its few favored sites in the state; most birders see the species only in the Pea/Bodie islands area, one of the few easily accessible places to see the species. For nesting and foraging, it is restricted to fresh to brackish, still waters -- mainly impoundments, dredge spoil ponds, and sewage treatment ponds, along and close to the coast. Nearly all sites in the state are man-made bodies of water. Unlike most other shorebird species, which may straggle into late fall or early winter, stilts are quite cold intolerant, and depart the state promptly by mid-fall, though there are a handful of winter reports. This is one of the rarest shorebirds found away from the coast, with barely 15-18 records. | Breeder | Definitive | SR | S1B | G5 | Summer resident and sparse migrant along the coast and in the Tidewater zone; casual to very rare in winter. A very local breeder (at only a small number of sites), but fairly common at such locales; in general, rare along most stretches of the coast, and very rare to casual in Tidewater areas. Away from coastal counties, known to nest in northeastern Pamlico and apparently in Beaufort near Aurora. Mainly mid-Apr to mid-Sep, very sparingly from late Mar to early Nov. Six winter records: one was killed on 3 Dec 1925 in Currituck; one was at Alligator River NWR, 2-4 Jan 2005; two were at Pea Island NWR on 27-28 Dec 2022; two were at Mattamuskeet NWR on the remarkable midwinter date of 8 Feb 2023; one at Pea Island NWR from 27 Jan - 3 Feb 2024; and two at Mattamuskeet NWR on 8 Dec 2023. The two seen at Pea Island on 10 Mar 2023 were probably the same individuals that were seen there in late Dec, as the species seldom migrates north until very late Mar or Apr. Perhaps the same one or two seen in recent winters at Pea Island were again found on many dates for the entire winter 2024-25. Farther inland, it is a casual to very rare stray, with records (four to five) for the Goldsboro area, in Apr, May, and Aug; one at Buckhorn Reservoir (Wilson) on 4 Aug 2020 following passage of Hurricane Isaias; one at Lake Surf (Moore) on 9 Jun 2022; and up to four at Buckhorn Reservoir on 16 May 2026. Peak counts: 52, Eagles Island (Brunswick), 23 Jul 1992; 50, Pea Island NWR, 15 Aug 1999; 50, last site, 23 Aug 2007; 38 adults on 14 June 2020 and 35 adults and one chick on 7 Jun 2020, all at Cedar Island NWR (Carteret). | Casual migrant or stray, mainly in late spring; 12 records. One was seen in Franklin on 5 Jun 2004; four were at Winston-Salem on 28 May 2010, with one remaining to 3 Jun; one was at Falls Lake, also on 28 May 2010; and a remarkable winter record was one seen at a sewage treatment plant at Lillington (Harnett) from 3-5 Jan 1988 (Chat 53:19). The fifth record was one at Lake Crabtree (Wake) on 15 May 2013. Additional records are one photographed at a small pond in Mebane (Alamance) on 6 May 2014; one at Lake Crabtree on 11 May 2015; one in the Winston-Salem (Forsyth) area on 7-8 Apr 2017; one at Lake Wheeler (Wake) on 14 May 2017; a remarkable four birds photographed far inland at W. Kerr Scott Reservoir (Wilkes) on 24 Apr 2022; one in Gaston on 4 Apr 2025; and one to two at Lake Crabtree from 22-31 May 2026. | Accidental, with three records. One was seen at Hooper Lane (Henderson) on 25 Sep 2004, presumably brought there by Tropical Storm Jeanne (Chat 69:48). One was seen at this same site on 31 May 2018 (Chat 82:86). One was seen at the Mills River Water Treatment Plant (Henderson) on 25 Aug 2025 (Chat 90:12). | The best -- at least most accessible -- places to see this species are the impoundments at Pea Island NWR, and at times at nearby Bodie Island (lighthouse pond), from May into mid-summer. However, they can be missed. Most other nesting sites require a boat to reach, or are on private property. | *** | 2026-10-11 | |
| Antigone canadensis Sandhill Crane | The Sandhill Crane is one of the largest birds, in terms of size (standing about 4 feet tall), and the sighting of one or several in a plowed field is a memorable experience, as this is a rare and unpredictable visitor to the state. One or two subspecies breed in Florida and southern Georgia, and a few places elsewhere along the Gulf Coast, but the main breeding range of the species is across the western two-thirds of Canada and locally in the Great Lakes states. These northern populations are migratory, and there is a narrow flight corridor from the Great Lakes area, in a south-southeastern direction in late fall, to wintering grounds in Florida. Thus, the extreme southwestern tip of the state is close to the eastern edge of the normal flight path in fall and spring. These migratory flights are diurnal, and as the birds call in flight, in small flocks, one can spot such a flock high overhead. Thankfully, the species has been expanding its breeding range eastward in recent years, and strays/migrants are now occurring over the entire state more frequently, with a handful of sightings each year in the past decade. In fact, it is now wintering in the Coastal Plain at a few sites. When seen on the ground in the state, cranes are usually found in wide open places, especially plowed or stubble (preferably corn) fields; closely mowed fields, pastures, shallow pools, and impoundment margins are others habitat used, especially near or with Tundra Swans. However, unlike most "waterbirds", they are not tied to water when stopping over in the Carolinas. In 2022, a pair actually nested in the state!
NOTE: In 2016, the AOS Check-List Committee moved this species out of the genus Grus into the genus Antigone. | Accidental Breeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient and winter visitor/resident, mainly along the coast and in tidewater areas; increasing. Accidental breeder. Rare and unpredictable from late Oct through May, and very rare Jun to late Oct (with records for all 12 months). Somewhat more records from the Lake Mattamuskeet and Pungo Lake areas than elsewhere, as the species associates freely with swans and/or geese in plowed or stubble fields. Small groups (mostly under ten but over 40 as of 2025-26) have recently spent the winter at Pungo refuge, near the Beaufort (Carteret) airport, and in far inland Edgecombe and possibly Halifax. Away from tidewater, a very rare to rare (but increasing) transient/local winter resident, in late fall, winter, and spring -- highest numbers (surprisingly) in the northern parts of the province, particularly in the Edgecombe area, where a flock is now wintering. Shockingly, in spring 2022 a pair built a nest in inland Brunswick in May, but the outcome was uncertain (Chat 86:77). One was seen again at this site in spring 2023, from 1-6 May, but apparently a second bird was never seen. That same bird (presumably) again returned to inland Brunswick on 20 Apr 2024, and was seen again on 3 Jun; it was briefly seen there on 3 May 2025. Peak counts: 110, Swift Creek Swamp (Edgecombe), 19 Dec 2925; 98, Swift Creek Swamp, 2 Jan 2025; 85, same site, 24 Jan 2025; 75 near Hobgood (Halifax), 26 Dec 2024; 71, Swift Creek Swamp, 7 Jan 2024; 50, Pungo refuge (Washington), many dates in winter 2025-26; 39, along NC 33 just east of Whitakers (Edgecombe), 1-23 Dec 2019. | Transient and winter visitor. Very rare (formerly) to rare (now), increasing in recent years. Records scattered across the province; more likely in Dec-Jan, but scattered records for essentially all months. Most unusual was a pair of cranes in a field adjacent to fast-food restaurants in Tramway (Lee) from 7-14 May 2015; and another in an agricultural field in northern Iredell from 30 May - 4 Jun 2023 was nearly as surprising. Peak counts: 21 (counted from a video) in flight over Lenoir (Caldwell), 28 Nov 2018; 12-14 in flight in Durham, 2 Mar 2006; 13 at Durham, 28 Feb 2024; 11 in flight over Flat River impoundment (Durham), 21 Dec 2020; 11 in flight at Flat River impoundment, 4 Mar 2026; 11 on the Greensboro CBC, 17 Dec 2022. | Transient, mainly overhead; sparingly in winter. Rare to possibly uncommon migrant in the extreme southwestern counties, and rare migrant in the southwestern counties; most records are of birds passing overhead without putting down. Only six records north of Buncombe and Madison -- one in flight over Roan Mountain (Mitchell) on 15 Nov 2014; one in a corn field in Watauga on 18 Mar 2017; 28 in flight over Boone (Watauga) on 18 Feb 2022; three in flight over Hump Mountain Peak (Avery) on 18 Feb 2023; two flying over Lansing (Ashe) on 28 Feb 2025; and one on 6 Feb 2026 in Avery. Mostly mid-Nov thru late Mar; migratory flights are normally from mid-Nov to mid-Dec, and returning north mid-Feb to late Mar, but there are a handful of winter records. Quite late were one on a church lawn near Robbinsville (Graham) on 27 May 2014; and one in a field in Little River (Henderson) from 31 May - 5 Jun 2014. Peak counts: 100, Weaverville, 16 Feb 2003; 40, in flight at Jackrabbit Mountain Recreation Area (Clay), 27 Mar 2026; 34, in flight over Asheville (Buncombe), 26 Feb 2019; 28, over Boone (see above); 12, in flight over southwestern Clay, 7 Mar 2020; 11, Haywood, 15 Feb 2003. | Small to moderate groups are now wintering at several Coastal Plain sites -- Pungo refuge, around the margins of the Beaufort (town) airport, and in large fields in the northern Coastal Plain, such as east and north of Tarboro (Edgecombe/Halifax). In recent winters, numerous cranes have been seen flying into and out of the Swift Creek swamp along Seven Bridges Road (Edgecombe). Cranes can, at times, be seen in late fall and very late winter migrating over the southwestern counties. Pungo refuge in winter is your best bet, where over 20 have been routine in recent winters. | ** to *** | 2026-10-11 | ||
| Coturnicops noveboracensis Yellow Rail | No bird in North America is more secretive and difficult to see than a Yellow Rail. And, because they seldom utter a sound while in migration or in winter, its distribution and abundance will always be somewhat incompletely known. To see one in North Carolina either requires luck, or a determined, usually group effort, to flush one from its marshy and wet field habitat. Yet, there have been several remarkable counts in the state, owing to birders being on hand during the burning of the Beaufort (town) airport for several winters in the 1960's-1970's. Sadly, such has not happened in recent decades, and the method to see one is for a group to walk tightly behind a rope, especially a weighted one, and see what birds flush in front. Yellow Rails inhabit brackish marshes and damp, grassy fields in the lower Coastal Plain, usually where the vegetation is about knee-high. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S2N | G4 | Winter resident and migrant. Abundance speculative because of secretive nature, but probably uncommon (and certainly not rare in a few places) in the eastern Tidewater zone and parts of the Outer Banks, south to central Carteret. Perhaps less numerous farther south near the coast, but suitable habitat is less common (i.e., most marshes are salty and not brackish). Sites such as Bodie Island (including at Oregon Inlet), central Carteret, and the Lake Mattamuskeet area have yielded several records. Very few records farther inland, where apparently a casual transient. Winters inland probably to about the Lake Mattamuskeet area. Mainly mid-Sep to mid-Apr. Peak counts: 50, Beaufort airport (during a burn), 13 Mar 1969; 20, same site, 17 Feb 1971; 4, Pea Island NWR, 30 Apr 2026; 3, seen or heard by parties at two sites, on the Bodie-Pea I. CBC on 28 Dec 2019. | Transient; poorly known, with only about 7 reports for the entire province. Presently considered to be an accidental to casual spring migrant and a casual fall migrant; most dates are between 1 Sep and 4 Oct. Records are from Wake, Falls Lake, Duke Forest, Greensboro, Charlotte, and south of Charlotte; all are of single individuals. The two spring records are: one found in a mowed hayfield near Rutherfordton on 28 Apr 2006, and one flushed on several occasions (and photographed in flight!) in southern Mecklenburg on 30 Apr 2020. | Transient; casual, with three reports, all from Buncombe: 1, Weaverville, 19 Oct 1894; 1, Swannanoa, 10 May 1984; and 1, Fairview, 10 Nov 1989. | The best marshes for an attempt at Yellow Rail stomping are at Bodie Island, Cape Hatteras point (near the tidal pond), North River marshes near US 70, and possibly at Ocracoke Island. You might also try some rock clicking in late afternoon or at dusk, to see if a bird will call back (or play a tape recording). Likely, you will hear nothing, but what the heck? | * | 2026-10-11 | ||
| Porphyrio martinicus Purple Gallinule | The beautiful Purple Gallinule has always been at the northeastern periphery of its breeding range in the southeastern portion of North Carolina. There are numerous nesting records, but most are in the past, and the days of well-known and easily observable birds/pairs, such as at Orton Plantation in Brunswick, are history. However, birds or pairs do appear in the warmer months at isolated places now, though most are on private lands at remote impoundments or ponds. Thankfully, in summer 2019 a pair was found at a public site -- Mackay Island NWR -- and breeding was confirmed, with four chicks seen with the adults; breeding was also confirmed in Brunswick in 2024. Why the species seems to have declined is unclear, as marsh/pond habitat is very common, and with global warming and increasing beaver populations, one would expect an increase in breeding activity over the past few decades. The species has an odd proclivity of straying anywhere and practically any time, even appearing far out of normal habitat, such as in downtown areas. Normal habitat, for breeding, is well-vegetated freshwater ponds or impoundments, always with floating vegetation such as lily pads, as the birds feed by walking on the pads, or in marshy vegetation (as opposed to swimming). | Breeder | Definitive | SR | S1B | G5 | Sparse and irregular visitor, and erratic breeding summer resident; casual to very rare in winter, as well as far inland at any season. Still reported almost annually, mainly in the southern portion of the province, and usually near the coast. Accidentally bred at Mackay Island NWR (Currituck) in summer 2019, a first documented breeding record in the state in a few decades, and likely the first nesting ever for the northern half of the coastal region. Has nested regularly as far north as Lake Ellis Simon (Craven) and White Oak River impoundment (Onslow), and might still breed at these places. In summer 2024, a pair with several young at Orton Pond (Brunswick) was clearly indicative of nesting. An adult was with two chicks at Sunset Beach (Brunswick) on 15 Jul 2025. Former and sporadic nesting as far inland as Southern Pines. Most breeders probably were in the Brunswick/New Hanover area, especially (formerly) at Orton Plantation, where there are rumors of current (2025) nesting. Mostly mid-Apr to late Sep, but a few in Dec and Jan. Peak counts: 7 (2 adults and 5 chicks), Mackay Island NWR, 3 Aug 2019; 5+ (2 adults and at least 3 chicks), Orton Pond (Brunswick), late Jul 2024; 5, Orton Plantation and Gardens, 7 Jun 1973. | Very rare stray/migrant (about 11 records); mainly May-Jun. Records outside these months: 1, Camp Graystone (Guilford), 1 Jul 1943; 1, Raleigh, 11 Aug 1967; 1, Catawba River near Charlotte (Mecklenburg), 13-21 Apr 2025. | Accidental to casual stray (four records): 1 found in emaciated condition, Hazelwood (Haywood), 18 Apr 1980; 1, Mills River (Henderson), 14-17 May 1999; 1 photographed, Lake Junaluska (Haywood), 22 Apr 2018; and 1 photographed on 5 Apr 2025, a surprisingly early record as well, in Watauga. | Formerly, one could see the Purple Gallinule from the causeway at Orton Plantation. However, the vegetation there is now badly overgrown, and the gallinules are very rarely reported there anymore. Sadly, your best chance of seeing one now is to make a chase, after one is reported. | * | 2026-10-11 | |
| Fulica americana American Coot | The American Coot is one of the state's most familiar waterbirds, often occurring in large and dense flocks in migration and winter. However, the species does linger into summer occasionally, and on some occasions, birds do rear young, though, as with Purple Gallinule, and as with Common Gallinule well inland in the Coastal Plain, such nestings tend to be opportunistic or sporadic, with few if any consistent nesting sites. For breeding, coots occur in places similar to that for Common Gallinules -- freshwater ponds, lakes, or impoundments, but with marshy shorelines, and usually some floating or emergent vegetation amid the open water. In migration and winter, coots gather in often dense flocks to winter in various impoundments, lakes, and ponds, not necessarily with marshy shorelines; they can often be found far from shore, such as in the middle of Lake Mattamuskeet, as long as the lakes are shallow and birds can easily reach the bottom to feed on vegetation. Coots can also be seen walking and grazing on lawns and golf courses, as long as a body of water is nearby. Sadly, in the past few decades, the species has suffered locally serious declines -- owing to various diseases, to predation and disturbance by Bald Eagles, and perhaps to a decrease in aquatic vegetation. | Accidental Breeder | Definitive | SAB,S5N | G5 | Primarily a winter resident, but a sporadic breeder. Common to locally abundant in winter along the coast, and locally in Tidewater; farther inland, variously uncommon, to locally common, but not widespread, as suitable lakes and ponds are not common. Somewhat declining in recent years. Rare in midsummer, and casual to very rare breeder, mainly near the coast, but it has nested at Goldsboro on several occasions. First breeding reported at Pamlico Point impoundments in 1969. Primarily from mid-Sep to mid-May, but numerous records all summer. Peak counts: 45,000, Mattamuskeet NWR CBC, 30 Dec 2010; 13,855, same site CBC, 29 Dec 2006; 10,000, same site, 30 Oct 2005; 10,000, West Onslow Beach (Onslow), 23 Nov 1972; summer - 5 pairs produced 45 young at Goldsboro, summer 1988. Peak count inland: 7,500, Buckhorn Reservoir (Wilson), 5 Nov 2002. | Winter resident, and accidental breeder. Variously uncommon (mainly in western portions) to locally common (some eastern portion lakes) in winter and migration; mainly mid-Oct to mid-Apr, though a number of summer records. Declining, often locally greatly so, in winter, especially where Bald Eagles are numerous; scarce in winter now in Wake, where formerly common. The only breeding records are from 2017 at Concord Mills (Cabarrus), where two adults were photographed with five juveniles on 27 Jun; and at this site in 2025 when a chick was with adults from 22-25 Jul. Peak counts: 6,000, Roanoke Rapids Lake (Northampton), 23 Nov 1997; 4,500, same site, 3 Dec 2006; 3,100, Harris Lake (Wake), 17 Feb 2009; 3,000, Lake Wheeler (Wake), 12 Nov 1975. | Mainly a transient, and scarce winter resident. Rare to uncommon migrant, and rather rare in winter, at low elevations; mainly mid-Oct into early May. Peak counts: uncertain, but in winter 2025-26 were: 200, Lake Junaluska (Haywood), 12 Feb; 200, Lake Julian (Buncombe), several dates. | Coots should require no finding tips during the cooler months, at least near the coast at fresh water. They may be local farther inland, where they are clearly in decline. | **** | 2026-10-11 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Gallinula galeata Common Gallinule | This species is a "cousin" of the Purple Gallinule, occurring in similar freshwater ponds, though the Common Gallinule is a swimmer, for the most part, and not a walker/wader. Fortunately, the Common Gallinule [called Common Gallinule several decades ago, but changed to Common Moorhen until 2011] is a regular and not scarce breeder in the Coastal Plain, though it is quite local and particular about its breeding ponds, being inexplicably scarce in some areas, such as the Bodie-Pea Island area, but yet often nesting in tiny ponds, such as at golf courses and in coastal towns. Its breeding population has held steady or declined slightly over the past few decades. It also winters in the same areas, but in much reduced numbers by midwinter. Breeding and wintering habitat is always freshwater ponds, impoundments, and lake shores, where there is marshy cover, and usually (but not necessarily) floating or other emergent vegetation in the middle of the pond. Though this species breeds well inland in the Central States and near the Great Lakes, it is essentially absent as a breeder between the Coastal Plains of the Atlantic and Gulf States and the Mississippi River. | Breeder | Definitive | W | S3B,S2N | G5 | Permanent resident near the coast, but with strongly migratory movements; farther inland, very local as a breeder, and quite scarce as a migrant and in winter. Generally uncommon to locally fairly common breeder, and mostly uncommon in midwinter, along and near the coast north to Cape Hatteras; most numerous in the southern counties. Uncommon at best along the northern coast, at all seasons. In the Tidewater zone, very local breeder, and mostly uncommon; rare in winter; probably most regular at Mattamuskeet NWR. Farther inland, rare and local breeder, but does nest as far inland as Goldsboro and some Carolina bay lakes in the Robeson/Bladen area, if not farther inland; scarce in migration, and a few winter records from the interior, mainly at Goldsboro. Likely nested at a millpond in Bladen in 2024. Peak counts: 75, Sunset Beach--Twin Lakes (Brunswick), 22 Jan 1989; 48, same site, 31 May 2013; 48, same site, 18 Nov 2024. Highest peak away from Brunswick: 36, White Oak River Impoundment (Onslow), 10 Sep 2024. | Scarce transient. Very rare to rare and easily overlooked transient (as birds tend to be secretive along and in marshes at lakes and ponds); mainly mid-Apr to late May, and early Sep to mid-Nov. Casual in winter: two, Mecklenburg, 30 Dec 1989; one, Salem Lake (Forsyth), 5 Jan 2013; and one, Indian Trail (Union), 28 Nov - 12 Dec 2021. Notable for length of stay was one at a marsh in Mecklenburg from 4-19 Jun 2025. A most intriguing report is of two "young birds" at North Wilkesboro, 10 Jul 1965. This suggests local breeding, which has never been confirmed in the province. Peak counts: | Scarce transient (only about 12 records). Very rare at low elevations in the southern mountains; late Apr to mid-May, and mid-Sep to early Nov. Remarkable was one that overwintered at a pond in Henderson during 2007-08. Peak counts: | Your best chances for seeing this species are along the southern coast, where more widespread than farther north. The Twin Lakes area on the mainland portion of Sunset Beach is your best bet. | *** | 2026-10-11 | |
| Porzana carolina Sora | The Sora is the least shy of the six rails in the state and is the one most often seen in freshwater marshes. Though it nests southward sparingly to Virginia, there is essentially no evidence yet that it nests in North Carolina; however, there are scattered records in summer. Though not hard to find in migration, Soras mostly leave the state in winter, but it does winter in most coastal counties, presumably in smaller numbers than the Clapper, King, and Virginia rails. Soras almost exclusively occur in fresh marshes and wet grasslands, but they do occur in slightly brackish marshes. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | S3N | G5 | Winter resident and transient near the coast, but farther inland mainly a transient. Fairly common in spring and fall along and near the coast and in suitable marshes in the Tidewater zone; uncommon in midwinter in these areas. Rare to uncommon migrant, and rare winter visitor, farther inland. Mostly late Aug to mid-May. There are at least three Jun-Jul records from coastal areas (Sunset Beach and North River Marsh in Carteret), but there is no suggestion of breeding. Peak counts: 300, Parker Farm (New Hanover), 22 Sep 1999; 100, Parker Farm, 21 Sep 1999; 36, Mattamuskeet NWR (Hyde), 29 Dec 2003; 34, along NC 12 at Cedar Island NWR (Carteret), during a period of high water following Hurricane Matthew, 9 Oct 2016; 30, Mackay Island NWR (Currituck), 30 Sep 2012; 20, Wilmington, 20 Oct 1959. The very high counts at Parker Farm were by one person, with the only comment being "seen" and thus must be taken with a grain of salt. | Transient, with a handful of winter records. Mostly rare to uncommon (records fairly scarce, but easily under-reported) across the province. Mainly early Apr to mid-May, and mid-Aug to early Oct; a few winter records for Dec and Jan, but not a regular winter resident. Of interest was one at Tanglewood Park in Forsyth from spring to the first week of Jun 2008. Peak counts: 9, Harris Lake (Wake), 23 Apr 2016; 9 at the same place, 22 Apr 2017; 8, Greensboro, 29 Sep 1956; 5, Jordan Lake, 1 Oct 1988. | Transient, with one winter record; one record suggestive of breeding. Generally rare, to perhaps locally uncommon at low elevations; mainly Apr and May, and mid-Aug to Oct. At least one adult, and one apparent juvenile, were seen on several dates in Jul 2017 at Valle Crucis (Watauga); however, a photo was obtained only of an adult, and thus confirmation of nesting is lacking. One heard calling just before dawn near Ivestor Gap (Haywood), at 5800 feet, on 14 Jun 2014 defies explanation, though it should be considered as a late migrant. One audio-recorded at a pond on Shortoff Mountain (Burke) on 4 Mar 2023 was very early for a migrant, not to mention at an odd site. Peak counts: 10+, Beaver Lake at Asheville, 7 Oct 2007; 6, Hooper Lane (Henderson), 21 Sep 2009. | During Apr and early May, and again in fall, the Sora can be heard in many fresh to slightly brackish marshes. The descending whinny, the "ker-WEE", and the "keek" call can all be heard from such marshes. It is the easiest of the six rails in the state to flush by walking through marshes. They can sometimes can be seen walking along the edges of marshes, but because they do not often frequent salt marshes, which can have expanses of flats at low tide, they are not often seen more than a foot or two away from the cover of cattails and other marsh vegetation. | *** | 2026-10-11 | ||
| Rallus limicola Virginia Rail | Only a few decades ago, relatively little was understood of the Virginia Rail's habitats and range in North Carolina, and its breeding status was very unclear. However, the use of tape recordings, and more field work in coastal marshes, has shown that it is locally not uncommon as a breeding bird in some of the northern marshes, and a widespread wintering bird near the coast, as well. Birds migrate through the interior, and a few winter into the edge of the Piedmont. On the other hand, its breeding range away from the coast is very poorly known, with widely scattered and sporadic records from a handful of sites and a few confirmed breeding records, mainly in the mountains. For breeding, Virginia Rails are most numerous in brackish marshes, dominated by black needlerush, but they also occur in fresh marshes to some extent. Wintering birds spread out into more habitats, including wet grasslands, but they are still most numerous in brackish marshes. | Breeder | Definitive | W | S3B,S5N | G5 | Permanent resident near the coast, with migratory movements; mostly a transient farther inland. As a breeder -- locally fairly common along the northern coast, south to Carteret, and along the mainland shoreline of Pamlico Sound and tributary rivers; mostly rare to uncommon, and local, along the southern coast and in the Tidewater zone. In winter, fairly common to locally common and more widespread in these same areas. (Numbers seem to be higher in winter than in summer.) Farther inland, mostly a poorly known, probably uncommon migrant in suitable marshes, and rare winter resident, at least locally. Not known to breed well inland. Peak counts: 77, along NC 12 at Cedar Island NWR (Carteret), during high water conditions after the passage of Hurricane Matthew, 9 Oct 2016; 65, Bodie-Pea Is. CBC, 28 Dec 1996; 45, Cedar Island NWR, 4 Mar 2021. Peak in the breeding season: 31, Cedar Island NWR, 26 Jun 2021. | Mostly a transient, but scattered summer and winter records, where status at these two seasons is unclear. One conclusive breeding record: a dead chick was found at Winston-Salem (Forsyth) on 23 Apr 2023, where the pair of adults had been seen and heard on several occasions since 13 May (Chat 87:63-64). Rare to locally uncommon transient, but poorly surveyed; mainly Mar to early May, and Aug to early Oct. Possibly bred at Jordan Lake in 1977 and 1980, and near Winston-Salem in 1985. Numerous winter records for the Raleigh area, where a few might overwinter; a few early winter records elsewhere. One apparently overwintered along Howerton Road (Guilford), as it was frequently heard from 11 Dec 2019 into Mar 2020. A daily count of four from 18-23 Oct 2022 west of Apex (Wake) was notable. Peak counts: ?. | Poorly known transient (about 21 reports), with two known breeding records, and several reports of possible or probable breeders, along with a few winter records. Assumed now to be likely breeding at sporadic sites in the region. Very rare to rare but poorly surveyed in spring and fall, at low elevations (below 2,500 feet). Higher elevation reports include one at Craggy Gardens (Buncombe) on 14 May 2006; one at Brookshire Park (Watauga) at 3,000 feet from 29 Oct - 3 Nov 2014; and one at Clawson-Burnley Park (Watauga) from 30 Apr - 10 May 2020. One to two were noted at Flat Rock (Henderson) from 24 Mar - 10 May 2016; could these have been breeding birds? Possibly one of these same birds was seen/heard there from 23 Mar - 21 May 2018, and again there in spring 2024. Conclusive was an unpublished report at Meat Camp Environmental Studies Area north of Boone (Watauga), with MCCESA notes saying “Breeding record from MCCESA beginning on 7/17/2003. Persisted through summer with precocial young (5) seen with parent 8/23/2003â€; another MCCESA record is for 14 Jul 2007, possibly suggestive of breeding. Two heard calling in a cattail marsh near Boone (Watauga), at roughly 3,600 feet elevation, from 19 May 2023 into summer were strongly suggestive of breeding; and a recently-fledged juvenile seen there on 23 Jun confirms breeding there. Very rare (but increasing) in winter, with six such records -- an individual noted from 1 Jan into Mar 2017 at Charles D. Owen Park (Buncombe); one seen at Flat Rock (Henderson) from 6-28 Jan 2019; one at Jackson Park (Henderson) on 5 Jan 2022; one at Enka Lake (Buncombe) from 21-25 Jan 2022; one to two at Flat Rock from 6-21 Feb 2024; and one to two again at Flat Rock from 31 Dec 2025 - 22 Feb 2026. Mainly Mar to May, and Aug into Nov. Peak counts: 2, Henderson, 3 Apr 2003. | The descending grunting call is easily heard in migration and winter in tidewater marshes, especially in brackish marshes such as at Bodie Island and Roanoke Island at dawn and dusk. The rails readily respond to taped calls, and often hand clapping will get them calling. In summer, the "kid-ick, kid-ick" call is most often heard. They can occasionally be seen by looking along the muddy edges of brackish marshes at low tide, or by walking through marshes in an attempt to flush them. However, they are not as easy to see as is a Sora, or a Clapper Rail, and you might have to try to flush a calling bird, as a last resort. | *** | 2026-10-11 | |
| Rallus crepitans Clapper Rail | The Clapper Rail is, by far, the easiest rail to see in the state and is the most characteristic bird of the tidal salt marshes. Also, it is one of the few rails that regularly calls during daylight hours. It has remained a common to locally very common bird in such marshes for many decades, even with a bit of hunting pressure. Because it is common all year, it is difficult to detect migratory movements; yet, the documentation of a number of birds inland from kills at TV towers or skyscrapers clearly shows that some birds not only migrate southward from the Northeastern coast but also cut across inland portions of the state, if only during the night, with little or no interest in landing until they reach coastal marshes. | Breeder | Definitive | S4 | G5 | Permanent resident along the coast (tidal marshes); casual migrant elsewhere. Common to very common, and widespread, in nearly all salt marshes along the coast, including some brackish marshes around ponds and impoundments. Less numerous, though present, in some tidal brackish marshes farther inland, such as along the mainland shore of Pamlico Sound and major rivers. Casual to very rare (eight records) inland migrant in fall, late Aug to mid-Nov, with most records from Wayne. Casual (four records) in spring inland, on 17 Apr, 23 Apr, 23 Apr, and 27 Apr. Accidental in early summer inland, with one photographed at Watson Lake (Moore) on 19 Jun 2022 being exceptional. Peak counts: 50, Zeke's Island (New Hanover), 8 May 2024; 42, Fort Fisher (essentially the same area as above), 4 Apr 2023; Fort Fisher, 40, 2 Oct 1999; 40, Cedar Island NWR (Carteret), 16 Apr 2017. | Very rare transient in the eastern half of the province, but no records yet for the western portions. At least 16 records: records from Raleigh on 13 Apr and 21 Apr (year not given in Pearson et al., 1959); one (specimen dead at TV tower), Raleigh, 28 Sep 1984; one (specimen dead at skyscraper), Charlotte, 26 Apr 2004; one (specimen), Beaverdam Reservoir (Wake), 21 Sep 1987; one juvenile photographed in High Point (Guilford), 29 Aug 2011; one juvenile taken in by a wildlife rehabilitator in Huntersville (Mecklenburg), 17 Sep 2011; one photographed at Jordan Lake (Chatham), 25 Aug 2015; one photographed at Maple View Farm (Orange), 20-22 Sep 2015; one that survived a window collision in downtown Raleigh, 21 Apr 2016; one found moribund in Hickory (Catawba), 5 Sep 2016; one found moribund on a road in Raleigh, 18 Sep 2017; one in a Charlotte yard, 1 Oct 2018; one in an Apex (Wake) parking lot, 20 Sep 2021; one on the shoreline of Jordan Lake, 18 Sep 2024; one found dead in a parking lot in Lee, 3 Sep 2025. | No records. | The species is easily heard calling at dawn or dusk, and sporadically during the day and night, in most any tidal marsh. To see them, look mainly at low tide, as the birds walk out briefly onto the mudflats. At very high tides, they can be flushed by walking the edge of the water. | **** | 2026-10-11 | ||
| Selasphorus rufus Rufous Hummingbird | The Rufous Hummingbird is the state's second-most numerous hummingbird, and though it breeds in the remote northwestern corner of the continent from Alaska south to Idaho, it has a well-known southeastward fall migration that routinely takes some individuals to the Atlantic coast. Even so, more records of it occur well inland in the state than near the coast. There is an odd hiatus in records, with very few from the inner portions of the Coastal Plain, probably a result of fewer feeders left up in winter in this region than elsewhere in the state. In fact, though quite a few hummingbirds winter now along the coast, the great majority of these are Ruby-throateds, whereas a winter hummingbird in the Piedmont or mountains is more likely to be a Rufous, or perhaps even a Black-chinned, than a Ruby-throated. Though Rufous Hummingbirds should be easily separated from Ruby-throated (or Black-chinned), there are other very similar species, especially the Allen's, as well as females of Broad-tailed and Calliope. Thus, though one can probably assume a hummingbird with buffy or rusty flanks and tail feathers is a Rufous, it is best to be cautious and report such birds as Selasphorus sp. | Nonbreeder | Definitive | SZ | G4 | Transient and winter visitor. Very rare along the coast and in the Tidewater zone, mainly at feeders; casual (surprisingly scarce) farther inland, with just three reports (from Moore) -- Whispering Pines of a Selasphorus sp. -- and at Pinehurst and Pinebluff. Records from early Aug - mid-Apr, with most from mid-Nov - late Mar. An adult male at a feeder in Southport (Brunswick) on 10-11 Jul 2022 was a presumed very early migrant. Peak counts: 2, New Bern, winter 1986-87; 2, Sleepy Point Road (Carteret), 23 Sep 2012; 2, Wilmington, 28 Dec 2012; 2, New Bern area, 21 Jan 2013. | Transient and winter visitor. Very rare to rare (essentially only at feeders) across the province, with a preponderance of records in the Triangle area. Records span all 12 months, but mainly from mid-Aug to late Mar. A very odd record is that of an adult male at a feeder near Hillsborough (Orange) from 6-8 Jun 2003; slightly less shocking were an adult male at a feeder near Lenoir (Caldwell) on 30 Jun 2019, and an adult male at Chapel Hill from 7-9 Jul 1999. These three records likely represent extremely early "fall" migrants. Notable is one adult female that has wintered at Riverbend Park (Catawba) for four years (fall 2020 - spring 2024). Peak counts: 5 at Bakers Mountain Park (Catawba), winter 2005-06; 4 on the Charlotte CBC, 27 Dec 2008; 3, Riverbend Park--Bean Tract (Catawba), 15 Nov 2020 and again on 24 Nov 2020. | Fall transient and winter visitor, but primary in the fall season. Very rare to now rare, and mainly at feeders (about 26 records there) in the southern mountains. Casual to very rare in the northern mountains, where there are 7-8 published records -- from Piney Creek (Alleghany) on 5-6 Aug 2002; from Sparta in that county from 22 Aug - 12 Sep 2013; from a feeder in Woodford (Ashe) in fall 2016; from the same feeder (same bird?) in Woodford on 4 Nov 2017; 3 at a feeder in Burnsville (Yancey) from 13 Nov into winter 2020; 1 at Sparta (Alleghany) on 6 Nov 2020; and 1 at Burnsville from 6-26 Jan 2024. Mainly early Aug - early Jan, sparingly through the depths of winter (just four records after mid-Dec). Peak count: 3 (above in Burnsville); 2, Etowah (Henderson), 5 Dec 2008 - 5 Jan 2009; 2, West Jefferson (Ashe), 7 Nov 2003; 2, Glady Fork Road (Transylvania), 17 Nov 2004. | One has a reasonable chance to see one during the year, but only by visiting a feeder with a known bird. | * to ** | 2026-10-07 | ||
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Archilochus colubris Ruby-throated Hummingbird | This is the only hummingbird that nests in the eastern part of North America, and the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is arguably the most "loved" bird in the state, considering the vast numbers of people who put up hummingbird feeders simply to watch the species. Not surprisingly, with the large number of feeders that are kept up in fall and winter, many other hummingbird species find these feeders, and Ruby-throateds also are now overwintering in the state, mainly along the coast. The primary breeding habitats of the species are deciduous forests, edges, and groves, often in wooded residential areas, usually where tubular red flowers (such as trumpet-vine and scarlet honeysuckle) are present nearby. These sites are typically somewhat moist, such that bottomlands and other moist forests and woodlots are preferred over dry or scrubby sites. In winter, birds occur almost strictly near feeders, especially where there are thick evergreen shrubs and trees for roosting. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S2N | G5 | Breeding summer resident, and winter visitor/resident mostly along or near the coast. Fairly common over the entire province, and perhaps locally common in some areas with many feeders. Formerly, essentially unknown in winter, but since about 1980 has been increasing along the coast in winter, with the explosion of available feeders at that season. Now, uncommon winter resident in cities, towns, and other residential areas along and near the coast; fairly common at a few sites (e.g., Morehead City/Beaufort and Buxton/Frisco). Seemingly casual farther inland in winter. Main dates are early Apr to mid-Oct. Peak counts: 120, Jackson Springs (Moore), 30 Aug 2018; 100, Swan Quarter (Hyde), 15 Jul 2024. Peak counts (winter): 39, Kitty Hawk CBC, 19 Dec 2020; 35, Kitty Hawk CBC, 15 Dec 2012; 33, Morehead City CBC, 20 Dec 2015; 31, Kitty Hawk CBC, 18 Dec 2010; 27, Hatteras CBC, 27 Dec 2022; 26, Kitty Hawk CBC, 20 Dec 2008; 25, Kitty Hawk CBC, 16 Dec 2006. | Breeding summer resident, and now a very rare winter visitor. Fairly common breeder across the entire province, not generally local or more numerous in one portion over another. Despite the large number of this species now wintering at feeders along the coast, it is very surprising that birds captured and banded in winter in the region are seldom Ruby-throateds, though there about 13-15 winter records, mainly from the Durham/Chapel Hill/Hillsborough area. One apparently spent the winter at a feeder in northern Chatham in 2020-21. Normal dates: early Apr - mid-Oct. Peak counts: 250, Louisburg (Franklin), 27 Aug 2019; 150, Riverbend Park--Bean Tract (Catawba), 17 Aug 2021; 100, Riverbend Park, 18 Aug 2021; 100, Tryon (Polk), 14 Sep 2024. | Breeding summer resident. Fairly common at lower and middle elevations, mainly below 4,500 feet. Likely does not breed at high elevations. Mainly early or mid-Apr to early or mid-Oct. One was seen in this province during the 2012-13 winter, but no details or location was mentioned; this was the only winter season report until an adult male was photographed in Henderson on 3 Dec 2025. Peak counts: 100, Glenville (Jackson), 7 Sep 2002; 100, Fairview (Buncombe), 11 Aug 2022; 52, Hendersonville, 1 Sep 2011; 30, Hendersonville, 4 Sep 1996. | The species can be difficult to intentionally search for, away from hummingbird feeders, mainly because the birds are tiny and their calls are easily overlooked. Thus, the best method to see the species is to hang around hummingbird feeders. | *** to **** | 2026-10-07 | ||
| Chaetura pelagica Chimney Swift | The Chimney Swift is one of the most "unique" species in eastern North America, as no other bird in this region shares its nesting habits and behavior. Of course, there are many very similar swifts in its genus elsewhere in the New World, but no other bird in the state nests in chimneys, nor flies for much of the day without ever perching (other than once inside a chimney). It is also remarkable in its migration timing; no other bird in the state is as punctual in spring and fall (within a few specific dates each year) arrival/departure. In fact, swifts can be numerous on one day in mid-Oct, and then all are gone the next day or two. Though the occasional swift may nest inside a large hollow tree in a swamp -- its historical nesting sites -- essentially all swifts in the state breed in chimneys, usually in cities and towns. From these sites, swifts forage over all types of habitats, including cities, farm fields, and over forests. After nesting, large groups of swifts may roost communally in a handful of tall chimneys. Populations appear to be in slow decline across its large range, though it is still a common bird in the state in most regions. A notable decline in flying insects, fed upon by swifts, goatsuckers, swallows, and some other birds that feed on the wing, is the primary reason. The loss of suitable chimneys for nesting is another factor; many are being capped, and many or most new homes are now built without chimneys. | Breeder | Definitive | W | S5B | G4G5 | Breeding summer resident. Common (though declining) throughout the province, except absent to uncommon on coastal islands; apparently does not nest in the Cape Hatteras area. Mainly early Apr to mid-Oct, with very few dates outside this span; earliest date: 2, Wilmington, 22 Mar 1987; latest date: 2, Rocky Mount, 15 Nov 2009. Peak counts: 100, Portsmouth Island, 2 May 1993 -- presumably a migratory flock. | Breeding summer resident. Common (though declining) throughout the province, though perhaps slightly less numerous in remote foothill areas. Mainly early Apr to mid-Oct. Late date: 2, Winston-Salem, 10 Nov 1966. Peak counts: an estimated 17,000 at a roost in downtown Winston-Salem, 7 Sep 2014; 15,000, Wilkesboro (Wilkes), 20 Sep 2022; 13,000, Winston-Salem, 17 Sep 2015; 12,000, Wilkesboro, 29 Aug 2023. | Breeding summer resident. Common (though declining) in lower elevations (below 2,500 feet), and fairly common in the remainder of the province, though scarce above 5,000 feet. Perhaps nests in hollow trees in parts of the mountains. Mainly early Apr to mid-Oct. Five at Brevard (Transylvania) were very late on 9 Nov 2025. Peak counts: ?. | None needed; easily found in the warmer months. | **** | 2026-10-07 | |
| Antrostomus vociferus Eastern Whip-poor-will | More than 30 or 40 years ago, the Whip-poor-will was the most common or at least the most familiar goatsucker in the state. However, the Chuck-will's-widow, always common in the Coastal Plain, has been slowly expanding westward into the Piedmont and low mountains; the Whip-poor-will seems to have undergone a considerable decline in recent years in the mountains and Piedmont, though this might be more due to habitat loss and a reduction in flying insects as opposed to displacement by Chuck-will's-widows. Yet, oddly enough, the Whip-poor-will has actually been expanding its breeding range eastward into the eastern Coastal Plain, almost to the coast! It has taken advantage of pine plantations and ditched swamp forests, where it is the primary nesting goatsucker species in the wetter pine and mixed stands in the lower Coastal Plain. This appears to have taken place only since the 1950's or 1960's, since the advent of extensive conversion of swamp forests, pocosins, and flatwoods into pine plantations. Whip-poor-wills favor upland (dry to mesic) woodlands and forests for nesting, usually not far from fields or openings. They are not normally flushed from bottomlands or deep inside forests. The species winters sparingly along the coast, to an undetermined extent. NOTE: Because the Whip-poor-will in the southwestern deserts/mountains was split off from the full species, in 2010, as the Mexican Whip-poor-will, the remainder of the species now has a new (and awkward) common name -- Eastern Whip-poor-will. (This sounds like a subspecies name, rather than a full species name.) In addition, the genus name was changed from Caprimulgus to Antrostomus in 2012. | Breeder | Definitive | W | S4B | G5 | Breeding summer resident, and winter visitor (resident?) along the coast. Uncommon to fairly common in the northern half of the province, south to Carteret; uncommon in most of the southern half, though possibly increasing; uncommon to fairly common, but declining, in the Sandhills. Absent as a breeder from the immediate coast (islands). Rare to possibly uncommon winter resident, at least through Dec, and sparingly into early Feb, along the southern coast, north to (Carteret); very rare to casual in winter farther north near the coast, and generally absent to casual in winter farther inland. Whether any Whip-poor-wills actually survive the entire winter in the state is unknown, as there appear to be no records beyond early Feb, except for one found dead on 11 Feb 2007 at Gloucester (Carteret). Normally arrives in mid- to late Mar, departing in Oct (?); numerous Dec, Jan, and early Feb records. Peak counts: 54 (most or all likely on territory), Croatan National Forest 4 May 1999; 14, Green Swamp (Brunswick), 15 Jun 1988. | Breeding summer resident, declining. Formerly (prior to 1980), fairly common to common across the province, but now mainly only fairly common, seemingly being "replaced" by Chuck-will's-widows in many areas; probably now uncommon in some local regions. Casual in early winter, with four records in Dec-Jan, the latest on 2 Jan. Normal dates are late Mar to mid- or late Sep, with departure dates poorly known because of quiet and nocturnal nature. A number of arrival dates in early Mar. Peak counts: 131, Chapel Hill spring count, 11 May 1980; 20, Falls Lake (Granville), 22 Apr 1984; 20, Harris Game Land (Wake), 2 Jul 2020. | Breeding summer resident, declining. Formerly (prior to about 1980), fairly common at lower elevations, and uncommon at middle elevations. Now mostly uncommon, to locally fairly common, in lower elevations (below 3,000 feet); uncommon at best above 3,000 feet. Arrives in early Apr (rarely in Mar), but departure poorly known, mostly in Sep? Peak counts: 47, Watauga, 15 May 2022; 22, Nightshade Road in Boone (Watauga), 14 May 2023; | The tips are the same as for the Chuck-will's-widow. The roadside driving method is best, but finding suitable roads can be a problem. Logging roads, which are almost always dirt, are good for spotting these species. This species can sometimes be called up in winter along the coast, mainly during mild weather conditions. By playing a tape of the "song" at night, a Whip-poor-will (if present) may either fly out toward the tape or give an excited, low, growling "wurk, wurk" call. Sometimes,a "whip" call, or even the full "song", can be heard. | *** | 2026-10-07 | |
| Antrostomus carolinensis Chuck-will's-widow | This strictly nocturnal species is a characteristic breeding bird of our drier forest edges and open woods of the Coastal Plain and lower Piedmont. The Chuck-will's-widow appears to be gradually spreading farther inland as a breeder: in recent years, the reports in late spring and summer are expanding to the west (due to global warming?), and even into a few foothill and low mountain sites. Whether the species is actually displacing the declining Whip-poor-will, or is simply expanding on its own without regard to the latter species, is not clear. Chuck-will's-widows nest mostly in drier pine and mixed pine-hardwood stands, generally not far from edges or openings; it is not a bird of moist or otherwise dense forests. It is a characteristic bird of Sandhills woodlands. There are a few winter records, essentially near the coast, but whether the species normally overwinters in the state is uncertain. This and most other goatsucker species are declining globally owing to noticeable declines of flying insects owing to pesticides and other issues.
NOTE: The genus name was changed from Caprimulgus to Antrostomus in 2012. | Breeder | Definitive | W | S5B | G5 | Breeding summer resident, and occasional winter visitor/straggler; apparently slowly declining. Generally common in the warmer months over most of the region, even in some portions of the Outer Banks (where there are suitable forested habitats). Likely more numerous in the southern portions, and slightly less common near the Virginia border, where mostly fairly common. Mainly early Apr into Sep or early Oct, but as it is mostly quiet after midsummer, normal departure dates are difficult to determine. At least 14 winter records, all but one from the coast; two or three involve photographs, as separation of Chuck-will's-widow from Whip-poor-will by sight only can be tricky. Whether these Dec-Jan birds make it through the winter is uncertain, but there is a specimen from North Topsail Beach on 22 Feb 1992 (Chat 57:19). Peak counts: 31, Orton Road (Brunswick), 15 Apr 1981; 30, Croatan National Forest (Craven), 22 May 2013; 27, Millis Road Savanna (Carteret), 26 May 2021. | Breeding summer resident. Fairly common but somewhat declining in the extreme eastern and southern portions of the province, uncommon in the central portion, and rare and of spotty occurrence in the northwestern and foothill portions, though perhaps nests in nearly all counties. Possibly increasing in the western portions. Mainly early or mid-Apr into (late?) Sep. No reports known after Sep. Peak counts: 25, Jordan Lake spring count, 7 May 2000; | Seemingly increasing in recent years. Probable breeding summer resident in very low elevation areas, mainly in the southern half of the mountains. Recently reported in the breeding season near Hot Springs and Mars Hill in Madison, at sites mostly below 2,000 feet; and also at Ela (Swain) and northwestern Jackson. There are now a handful of summer eBird records in Jun and Jul from Cherokee, Graham, Clay, Macon, and Swain. There are three spring (Apr-May) records from Transylvania, but these might be of migrants or wandering birds, and there appear to be very few nesting season reports from the heavily worked Buncombe/Henderson/Transylvania area. One heard at Valle Crucis (Watauga) on 21 May 2006 is exceptional for the northern mountains, as was one recorded calling near Swiss (Yancey) on 12 May 2024. However, the species might now be breeding at low elevations in the northern counties, as evidenced by two heard singing along Mount Zion Road in eastern Watauga on 9 May 2023 and one again in May 2026. Peak counts: two. | Hearing this species is seldom a problem. Simply, drive around a little bit after dusk, or before dawn, preferably in the Coastal Plain. They are certainly common in many counties in that province, especially in the southern counties. Seeing one can be a problem. The best method is to drive along dirt roads, or very poorly used paved roads, that pass through pine or mixed woods; look for eyeshine in the headlights of the car. You might try to stalk up to a calling bird at night, with a flashlight, or try to call one in to a tape. If you try to find one by walking through forests during the day, you might flush one, but you probably won't find it again. | *** | 2026-10-07 | |
| Chordeiles minor Common Nighthawk | The Common Nighthawk has undergone a considerable decline as a breeding species in the eastern United States, for several reasons. The species often nested in cities and large towns on gravel rooftops; however, many businesses are now eliminating gravel from roofs because of various liability issues. And, despite many new malls and shopping centers being built, gravel roofs are not "in vogue". It is likely that predation of eggs and young on rooftops by crows, especially by the increasing Fish Crows (inland), is a major factor. (The nighthawks starting disappearing as city breeders within ten years after the arrival of Fish Crows in many Piedmont cites and towns, mostly in the 1970's into the early 1980's; this crow species is a voracious feeder on eggs and nestlings of other birds, and non-flocking rooftop nesting birds are easy prey targets.) In other areas, the birds are losing habitat to development or fire suppression, as the species most frequently nests on bare sand in scrubby areas. The fall migration through the mountains used to be a remarkable spectacle, with at times 500-1,000 birds being seen in a single evening; now, peak numbers are typically in the hundreds, at best. Nighthawks forage mostly near dusk and at night, well above the ground, most often over dry scrubby habitats, such as near the coast or in the Sandhills; however, they (mostly formerly) also feed over cities and can be seen at night chasing insects in lights at ball parks. The species completely departs the United States by mid-fall, though there are a few winter records of stragglers. (Winter reports need to be carefully scrutinized, as the Lesser Nighthawk is possible at that time of year.) | Breeder | Definitive | W | S3B | G5 | Breeder and migrant; declining. In the breeding season, variously uncommon to locally fairly common along and near the coast. Farther inland and in Tidewater, rare to uncommon, and found mainly in larger towns and cities, as well as in the Sandhills, where more numerous though still uncommon to fairly common. Very rare to rare in counties or areas without sizable towns (over 5,000 population). No obvious spring migration, but can be numerous at times in fall. Mainly late Apr to mid-Sep, sparingly to early Nov; a remarkable winter report of one heard calling at the UNC-Wilmington campus from 29 Nov 2003 to 3 Jan 2004. Another was noted at Fayetteville on 1 Dec 2004. Peak counts: 1,200, Fort Fisher (New Hanover), 9 Sep 2014; 160, Carolina Beach, 12 Aug 1981; 105, Hoffman (Richmond), 24 Aug 1981; 65, Wilmington, 1 Sep 1987. | Breeder and migrant; strongly declining and becoming nearly extirpated as a nesting bird in the province. Formerly fairly common breeder, at least around larger towns and cities. Currently, now absent to locally rare around such sites, but presumably absent as a breeder in areas (including whole counties) without major towns/cities. Essentially all breeding appears to be at rooftops in the region. No obvious spring migration, but can be fairly common to occasionally common in fall in the foothills, but less numerous farther eastward. Mainly late Apr to mid-Sep, rarely to early Nov. One winter report, if correct -- one seen and heard near dusk over a Greensboro (Guilford) shopping center on 21 Feb 2025 (Chat 89:73). Peak counts: 1,000, Winston-Salem, 2 Sep 1974; 975, Saluda (Polk), 2 Sep 1987; 952, Tryon area (Polk), 1 Sep 1987; 836, Warrior Mountain (Polk), 1 Sep 1987. | Scarce breeder (if not now absent), and migrant; declining. In the nesting season, apparently restricted to cities and major towns in the southern mountains -- e.g., Asheville, Hendersonville, and Brevard; very rare breeder elsewhere, and apparently absent as a breeder in most mountain counties. Certainly absent as a breeder above 2,500 feet. Often common in early fall as a southbound migrant, peaking in the first few days of Sep, though numbers have declined in recent years. Mainly late Apr to late Sep. Peak counts: 1,069, Hidden Forest (Watauga), 30 Aug 2011; 1,015, Blue Ridge Parkway -- Thunder Hill Overlook (Watauga), 28 Aug 2024; 1,000, Asheville, 3 Sep 2002; 500, Blue Ridge Parkway (Watauga), 5 Sep 1977; 500, Hendersonville, 6 Sep 1992; spring high counts: 43, Linville (Avery), 16 May 2026. | You often must make some effort to see a nighthawk in the state. Normally, you will see them in very late afternoon, just before dusk. Formerly one could see them over cities in late spring and summer. Now (2025), they are best looked for in the Sandhills and in the southern coastal area, where they can be found high overhead late in the afternoon and near dusk, less so at dawn. They are most easily found in the mountains in late Aug and early Sep, by scanning the skies near dusk. | ** to *** | 2026-10-07 | |
| sciName | species account | breeding status | list type | state status | fed status | S rank | G rank | coastal plain | piedmont | mountain | tips | tips code | update on |
| Coccyzus erythropthalmus Black-billed Cuckoo | The Black-billed Cuckoo is one of the state's most unpredictable breeding species, and, because it is generally scarce in the East, it can be a very difficult species to "nail down" on a year list or on a specific trip to the breeding range. It is also scarce as a spring and fall migrant, and the average birder will not see a Black-billed Cuckoo in the state in a given year unless he or she is afield several times a week. The northbound flight is often quite late, and birds are sometimes found even in early Jun in places that seem unlikely as breeding sites (such as in swampy forests near the coast). Much is still to be learned about its breeding range in the state. The species favors mid- to high elevation hardwood forests in the state for breeding, even places where some conifers (such as spruce) are mixed with hardwoods. They also can be found breeding, at least sparingly, in groves of hardwoods along rivers and creeks in otherwise open country, in the mountains. The species winters south of the United States. | Breeder | Definitive | SR | S2B | G5 | Transient, and very sporadic breeder near the coast. Rare migrant along and near the coast, mainly early May to early Jun, and mid-Aug to mid-Oct, but with a number of records in Jun, Jul, and Aug; very rare to rare farther inland. Probably more "numerous" on the Outer Banks, but even there it is difficult to encounter. In recent years, small numbers have been regularly seen and heard singing, mostly in late May and early Jun, in places such as the Alligator River NWR and Croatan National Forest, suggestive of breeding. Finally, breeding was confirmed at two sites in the summer of 2012, when an adult was observed feeding a juvenile in Croatan National Forest, and fledglings were observed at Pocosin Lakes NWR (Chat 76:137). Also unusual was a territorial pair (supposedly) in southwestern Halifax on 21 Jun 2009, and one bird was seen there on 9 Jul. There is one very old breeding record: a nest with eggs in Bertie on 19 May 1896. Peak counts: 8, Alligator River NWR, 25 May 1997; 6, Pea Island NWR, 27 Aug 1964. | Transient, and very sporadic breeder (now essentially casual). Rare migrant in both spring and fall across the entire region, mainly very late Apr to late May, and mid-Sep to mid-Oct; scattered records in Jun, Jul, and Aug. Has bred in Wake (prior to 1959). Two birds seen and heard calling at the Dan River Game Land (Rockingham) on 11 Jul 2020 were quite unusual and were possible breeders. Peak counts: 3, Jordan Lake, 9 May 1993. | Summer resident, and transient. In summer, rare but sporadic, more "numerous" in some years than others, but seldom even uncommon. Nests mainly between 3,000 and 5,500 feet, somewhat more frequent above 4,000 feet. A good majority of summer records are from the Blue Ridge Parkway, perhaps because of ease of access to higher elevations of deciduous forests. Rare as a transient across the province. Mainly late Apr to mid-Oct; migrants mainly to early Jun, and by early Sep. A report from Yancey on 27 Dec (year not stated in Pearson et al., 1959) needs confirmation, as the species is practically never seen in the United States in this month. Peak counts: 6, Maggie Valley (Haywood), 3 Sep 1994; 5, Piney Creek (Alleghany), 10 Aug 2008; 4, Rough Butt Bald (Blue Ridge Parkway), 1 Jun and 25 Jun 1990; 4, Jackson Park (Henderson), 14 May 2005; 4, Price Park -- Price Lake (Watauga), 23 Aug 2021. | This can be a difficult bird to find in NC, even though a small population is present in the mountains each summer. Adults are not particularly vocal. Sometimes, birds are more vocal in Jul or Aug than in May or Jun. Your best bet is to bird hardwood forests above 4,000 feet. The Blue Ridge Parkway, from the junction of Heintooga Road southeast to the Devils Courthouse area, is the best area in the state. Make many stops, and hike around a bit if needed. Grandfather Mountain, Big Yellow Mountain, and other high elevation mountains have a few birds during most summers. However, more than likely you will not find one by intentionally searching for them! | * to ** | 2026-10-07 | |
| Coccyzus americanus Yellow-billed Cuckoo | The Yellow-billed Cuckoo is a widespread breeding bird across the state, nesting in every county. However, it is not numerous or overly widespread in the mountains. Cuckoos are among the few species that feed on hairy caterpillars, and their abundance can be quite variable, depending on local outbreaks of certain moth species and their larvae (i.e., caterpillars). This species is seldom found away from hardwood trees; favored habitats are somewhat moist, such as bottomlands. However, they also breed in swamps, upland hardwood and mixed forests, and in younger forests, as long as there is a good component of hardwoods. They normally disappear from the state abruptly in mid-fall, and there are no winter records (after 5 Dec). | Breeder | Definitive | S5B | G5 | Summer resident, breeding. Fairly common to common across the region, except uncommon to locally absent on coastal islands. Most numerous in bottomlands. Normal occurrence: late Apr to mid-Oct; casually from late Mar to late Nov (29 Nov); no records from Dec - Feb. Peak counts, all surprisingly at Cape Lookout (which obviously concentrates this species after a cold front): 150+, 14 Oct 1979; 100, 5 Oct 2014; 50, 12 Oct 1980; 50+, 23 Oct 2016. | Summer resident, breeding. Fairly common and reasonably widespread across the region, though only uncommon to locally fairly common in foothill ranges. Normal occurrence: late Apr to early Oct; a report from 11 Mar 1954 is remarkably early, if correct; a handful of Nov records; no records from Dec - Feb. Peak counts: 20, Brumley Nature Preserve - North (Orange), 26 Sep 2025. | Summer resident, breeding. Uncommon in the lower elevations (below about 3,500 feet); rare to uncommon at middle elevations (3,500 to 4,500 feet); generally absent above about 4,500 feet as a breeder. Not obviously more numerous in migration. Normal occurrence: very late Apr or early May to early Oct. Remarkable was a specimen found at Swannanoa (Buncombe) on 5 Dec 1985 (Chat 51:21), the state's only winter record. Peak counts: ? | This species can normally be found away from the mountains in a day of birding. A count or 10 or more can be made in a day in the Coastal Plain, such as from a canoe along a large river. They are hard to intentionally search for, but the calls/songs carry for long distances. In the mountains, you may have to work a bit to see or hear one. | *** | 2026-10-07 | ||
| Zenaida macroura Mourning Dove | This is arguably one of most widespread and common birds in the state, being found from the coast to the Mountains, though scarce at higher elevations. Hundreds of thousands of Mourning Doves are harvested annually by North Carolina hunters, yet the population seems to have been reasonably stable/constant for many decades. The species occupies about as many habitats as any bird in the state -- residential areas, towns, farms, agricultural areas, open woods, and woodland edges are many of its haunts. It even occurs inside forests, to some extent, but mostly avoids marshes, as well as high elevation areas. | Breeder | Definitive | S5B,S5N | G5 | Permanent resident, perhaps with some migratory movements. Common to abundant throughout, even on barrier islands. Peak counts: 2,000, Greenville Water Treatment Plant (Pitt), 4 Jan 2020; 1,500, North River Farms (Carteret), 17 Aug 2014; 1,000, Alliance (Pamlico), 23 Aug 2022. | Permanent resident, perhaps with some migratory movements. Very common to abundant throughout. Peak counts: | Permanent resident, with migratory movements. Common to very common at lower and middle elevations in the warmer months; common in winter in the lower elevations (below 2,500 feet), but mostly only uncommon to fairly common in winter from 2,500 - 3,500 feet. Not numerous above 3,500 feet in the breeding season, and scarce above that elevation in winter. Peak counts: | None needed. | **** | 2026-10-07 | ||
| Zenaida asiatica White-winged Dove | The White-winged Dove is a common and well-known migratory game bird from Texas west to Arizona. However, a separate population has been established (released?) in Florida. Some of the many records for North Carolina, especially those in late fall, probably relate to the wild birds from the Southwest straying farther eastward than expected (a la the Cave Swallow). However, records for spring, summer, and early fall more likely pertain to Florida-derived birds expanding their range northward. In fact, a pair has nested at least once in Beaufort, and that pair or others have been seen in that town in other summers, suspected of nesting. Thus, not only is the Eurasian Collared-Dove spreading north from Florida, but so is the White-winged Dove, in smaller numbers. Most White-winged Doves in the state are seen near or along the coast, often seen in open or semi-open areas, particularly in towns, or on telephone wires in open coastal habitats. | Accidental Breeder | Definitive | SZ | G5 | Transient, and accidental to casual breeder, mainly coastally. Formerly, a very rare to rare fall migrant to the immediate coast, mainly Nov to early Dec. Now (2026), a rare visitor along the coast and immediately inland, covering essentially all months of the year. Has bred at Beaufort. One offshore record -- one landed on a NOAA vessel off Dare on 18 Jul 2013. Tidewater and farther inland: casual to now very rare visitor from Sep to Feb, with notable records at Pantego (Beaufort) on 17 Apr 1998 and in Camden on 27 Apr 2022. Peak counts: 4, Bogue Sound Drive (Carteret), 24 Jun 2018; 3, Beaufort, several dates in 1998 (relating to the breeding pair and offspring). | Very rare visitor; 10 published records, scattered over the region. Many are of single individuals from 2003-2005; others are two birds at Hillsborough 6-13 Sep 1963 (if correctly identified), one near Lilesville (Anson) in early Jul 2016, one at a feeder in northeastern Randolph on 12 Jun 2022, one at a feeder in Burlington (Alamance) on 14 Aug 2024, and one in Kernersville (Forsyth) on 1-2 May 2025. All but one of the recent records were in the warmer months (mid-Apr to mid-Sep); these birds most likely relate to the Florida population. The only winter report is of a bird shot by a hunter near Falls Lake, 18 Dec 2010 (Chat 75:71). Peak counts: 3, private residence (Gaston), 5 Sep 2024. | Accidental; two reports -- neither yet reviewed by the NC BRC. One seen at Brevard College (Transylvania) from 24-28 Mar 2012, as reported on an eBird list. One seen in the Nantahala National Forest at Cullowhee (Jackson), on 16 May 2020 (Chat 84:92). | Driving around Beaufort might yield a White-winged Dove. Otherwise, one to several typically turn up at feeders along the coast in most years, so keep attuned to rare bird alerts. | * to ** | 2026-10-07 | ||
| Columbina passerina Common Ground Dove | The Common Ground Dove is one of the few species that North Carolina has lost as a breeder in the past few decades. However, historically, the species was numerous northward only to South Carolina. In the 1960's and 1970's, small numbers bred along the immediate coast (mainly on islands) northward to Carteret. Sadly, since about 1980, no such breeding has taken place, and now there are only occasional sightings coastally and elsewhere (none from 2007 - 2010). Factors in the decline likely involve a combination of predation by cats and perhaps other mammals, losses of eggs and nestlings to fire ants, and continued habitat loss of maritime thickets to development. However, the species is confiding, and typically nests near man; thus, the species often fares well in lightly settled coastal areas. When it was resident in North Carolina, the species was generally found in sandy areas close to vegetation, such as margins of maritime forests and thickets, dunes, and coastal yards. Elsewhere, strays can appear most anywhere in open country, but usually where sandy and with some cover.
Note that the hyphen between the words "Ground" and "Dove" was removed in June 2019 by the AOS (American Ornithological Society). | Former Breeder | Definitive | SR | SXB | G5 | Formerly a permanent resident along the southern coast. At the present time (2026), a very rare visitor along the southern coast, and casual to very rare visitor elsewhere, including far inland (though no far inland records in the Sandhills). Formerly, rare to uncommon breeder along the coast, north to Carteret, until around 1980. Occurs mostly in the warmer months, from Mar to Dec, but two recent records are for midwinter. One photographed in Bladen on 27 Jan 2018 was an extremely rare mid-winter record so far inland. Even more unusual were two photographed in Sampson on 19 Jan 2026, with one remaining through 24 Jan. Peak counts: a report of 10-15 on 11 May 1941 at Knotts Island (Currituck) is remarkable, if correct, as this site is practically in Virginia. "Lots" (no number given) at a feeder at Topsail Beach in winter 1985-86; 10, Fort Fisher area, 13 Sep 1977; 7, same site, 25 Sep 1977; 6, same site, 16 Jul 1977; 5, several other sites. | Casual to very rare visitor, with about 10 records. Records are for Raleigh, Jordan Lake, Falls Lake, Guilford, North Wilkesboro, Richfield (Stanly), Charlotte, Rutherford, and Pee Dee NWR (Richmond), all of single birds. Only two are in spring -- 3 May 1999 (Falls Lake) and 4-6 May 2024 (Pee Dee NWR); the others are from 18 Aug to 18 Nov, except for one at Richfield in midwinter -- photographed under a feeder on 13 Feb 2014. | Casual stray, with four records: 1 collected at Weaverville on 29 May 1891; 1 seen at Fairview (Buncombe) on 31 Oct 1984; 1 seen and photographed in 25 Jun - 9 Jul 2006, in Mills River Valley (Henderson); and 1 photographed at the last location on 17-19 Nov 2014 (for a remarkable coincidence). | Currently, one must luck into one, or (of course) chase someone else's find. | * | 2026-10-07 | |