Birds of North Carolina
their Distribution and Abundance
Scientific Name:
Common Name:
 Family (Alpha):
RALLIDAE Members: Purple Gallinule 223
General Comments
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).
Breeding Status
Breeder
NC BRC List
Definitive
State Status
SR
U.S. Status
Definitive
State Rank
S1B
Global Rank
G5
Coastal Plain
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: 6 (2 adults and 4 chicks), Mackay Island NWR, 19 Jul 2019; 5+ (2 adults and at least 3 chicks), Orton Pond (Brunswick), late Jul 2024; 3 adults, on several occasions.
Piedmont
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.
Mountain
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.
Finding Tips
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.