Birds of North Carolina
their Distribution and Abundance
Scientific Name:
Common Name:
 Family (Alpha):
PASSERELLIDAE Members: Lark Bunting 507
General Comments
This is a conspicuous and unique species of the short-grass prairies, very rare as a stray to the Eastern states. And, as the global population is on the decline, reports from the state have been exceedingly few since 1970 -- singles in 1978, in 1991, and finally again in 2022 and in 2024 (two records). There are ten state records as of late 2025, not all of which have been reviewed and accepted by the NC BRC; all are from the eastern half of the state -- and nearly all from the Outer Banks/Roanoke Island.
Breeding Status
Nonbreeder
NC BRC List
Definitive
State Status
none
U.S. Status
Definitive
State Rank
SA
Global Rank
G5
Coastal Plain
Casual migrant, most records from the Dare Outer Banks. There are nine records. One was seen at Bodie Island on 2 Sep 1963 (Chat 28:31-32); one was noted at Wanchese, 8-10 Sep 1970 (Chat 35:34); another was at Pea Island NWR on 27 Oct 1970 (Chat 35:56); a male was seen in breeding plumage at Southern Shores on 21 May 1991 (Chat 56:44); and one was photographed at the south end of Oregon Inlet on Pea Island on 23 Sep 2022* (Chat 87:18). This last bird was photographed (see the Carolina Bird Club Photo Gallery); the NC BRC accepted this report (Chat 87:27). In fall 2024, there were two Dare reports, both with photographs -- singles at Waves on 11 Sep* (Chat 90:4) and at the northern end of Pea Island NWR on 8 Oct* (Chat 89:30), (Chat 90:5). A report of a male from Cumberland on 7 Jul 1958 is the only summer record (Chat 23:20) and is the only regional one away from the coast as well. One, not a male in breeding plumage, was photographed well inland at Jamesville (Martin) on 14 Aug 2025 (Chat 90:29); this report is being reviewed by the NC BRC. Probably none of these (other than the 2022 bird) have been reviewed by the NC BRC, though most if not all are likely correct.
Piedmont
Accidental. A singing male in breeding plumage at Dorothea Dix farm in Raleigh, 2-12 May 1978, is the only Piedmont record to date (Chat 44:20). It was also photographed -- see (Chat 43:56) for the photo.
Mountain
No records.
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