Birds of North Carolina
their Distribution and Abundance
Scientific Name:
Common Name:
 Family (Alpha):
PARIDAE Members: Carolina Chickadee 396
General Comments
The Carolina Chickadee is one of the best known species in the state, as it occurs statewide, and nests in all 100 counties. It is absent only from the highest mountains and the Outer Banks (and other islands with no forests). It is one of the relatively few songbirds in the state that is completely non-migratory. Year-round habitat is middle-aged to mature forests and woodlots, both in residential areas and in more remote areas. It favors some conifers in the forest, especially in winter; however, they range from swamp forests to drier forests. Nearly all bird feeders in wooded areas are visited by chickadees. It is a nucleus species, along with the Tufted Titmouse, in the mixed-species flocks that roam the pine and mixed forests in winter.
Breeding Status
Breeder
NC BRC List
Definitive
State Status
none
U.S. Status
Definitive
State Rank
S5
Global Rank
G5
Coastal Plain
Permanent resident; non-migratory. Common to very common, and widespread, across the region, except absent on barrier islands lacking forests. Mysteriously absent from Buxton Woods, which contains excellent habitat for the species, though there are one or two records. There are also a few records for the Cape Lookout area, presumably representing strays from the nearby mainland. Peak counts:
Piedmont
Permanent resident; non-migratory. Common to very common, and widespread, across the province. Peak counts: 283, Jordan Lake spring count, 7 May 2000.
Mountain
Permanent resident; non-migratory. Common to very common, and widespread, up to 5,500 feet, to occasionally 6,000 feet, except in areas occupied by the Black-capped Chickadee. Thus, in much of the Great Smoky Mountains NP, the Plott Balsams, and the Great Balsam Mountains southeast toward Devils Courthouse, the species ranges up to about 4,500 feet -- or to the elevation occupied by the Black-capped (the two species do not occur in the same area). Peak counts:
Finding Tips
None needed.