Birds of North Carolina
their Distribution and Abundance
Scientific Name:
Common Name:
 Family (Alpha):
CARDINALIDAE Members:
General Comments
The Lazuli Bunting breeds in the western half of North America and winters mainly from Mexico southward. It is accidental in the state: three confirmed records, with one or two others currently under review. An immature male was seen and photographed by numerous observers at Fort Macon SP (Carteret) from 22 Mar - 2 Apr 1996* (Chat 62:183-84), (Chat 61:262). A male of indeterminate age was photographed at a feeder in Jamestown (Guilford) on 2 Apr 2013* (Chat 77:98), (Chat 78:8-13). Lastly, an apparent male was photographed at a feeder in Carteret from 19-21 Aug 2019* (Chat 85:139). One was reported just west of Boone (Watauga) on 9 May 2021 (Chat 85:130); this report is currently being reviewed. Another report -- of one photographed in a suburban area of western Wake on 10 May 2022 (Chat 86:87) -- is being reviewed by the NC BRC as well. Photos of the 2013 and 2019 birds are on the Carolina Bird Club Photo Gallery; both are at feeders, and though the quality of the photos are rather poor, they were good enough (along with written details) for NC BRC acceptance. A male transitioning to breeding plumage was photographed at a feeder in Jacksonville (Onslow) from 13 Feb - 8 Mar 2026 (Chat 90:68), (Chat 90:99); photos are on the Photo Gallery, and the report is expected to be reviewed by the NC BRC in 2026.
Breeding Status
Nonbreeder
NC BRC List
The species' status on the List of Bird Species of North Carolina: either Definitive, Provisional, or Extinct, as administered by the NC Bird Records Committee. The Provisional List contains species for which there are less than three accepted sight (i.e., non-documented) records. Species of unaccepted origin are not included on the List of Bird Species of North Carolina.
Definitive
State Status
none
U.S. Status
Definitive
State Rank
SA
Global Rank
G5
Coastal Plain
Three records, with two accepted (see above) and one expecting a review.
Piedmont
One accepted record (see above); another from 2022 is to be reviewed.
Mountains
No confirmed records, but one under review.
Finding Tips
1/2*