Birds of North Carolina
their Distribution and Abundance
Scientific Name:
Common Name:
 Family (Alpha):
Phalacrocoracidae Members:
General Comments
This species is found across most of Latin America, north into eastern Texas and Louisiana. There are numerous records scattered across the Eastern states, but the first NC report was made of an apparent adult photographed at Crosswinds Marina at Jordan Lake (Chatham) on 9-10 Apr 2020* (Chat 84:97), (Chat 85:39-40); it has been accepted by the NC BRC. It was seen by numerous observers during its brief stay; photos are available on the Carolina Bird Club Photo Gallery. Another appeared at Martin Marietta Park in New Bern (Craven) on 30 Jul 2022*, and was seen into the fall season (Chat 86:101); it was last noted on 13 Oct (Chat 87:12). This last bird also was well photographed by many people, with photos on the Photo Gallery. This record was accepted by the NC BRC in late 2022 (Chat 87:27). The third state record was one photographed at a small pond near Hallsboro (Columbus) on 15 Jun 2024* (Chat 88:99), (Chat 90:4). Almost certainly this last bird returned to the pond in 2025, when it was photographed on 15 Jun; this has yet to be reviewed by the NC BRC. The fifth state record was one photographed at North Pond at Pea Island NWR (Dare) from 28 Aug - 20 Sep 2025 (Chat 90:20); the report is being reviewed by the NC BRC.
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
Four records (see above).
Piedmont
One record (see above).
Mountains
No records.
Finding Tips
1/2*