The Tar Heel State of North Carolina is named after a history of working with tar. Nowadays, it signifies a binding tie to the state, a love for the countryside and the people.
The eastern side of the state contains the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean and is nearly 4,000 miles long. That is impressive alone, and the map reflects the rugged shoreline. Moving west is the Atlantic Coastal Plain with barrier islands, wetlands and the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.
Next is the Piedmont Plateau which is the central area consisting of rolling hills. The furthest west is the mountain region with the Blue Ridge and Smoky Ranges.
Bird Watching in North Carolina
While North Carolina doesn’t compete with states like Texas and California in terms of different birds, there are still nearly 500 to be seen here. It is number 13 on the eBird ranking of states. It also beats South Carolina hands down by nearly 50 species. In this article, we will be investigating birds in a number of categories. They are:
- Common and rare
- Inland and shore
- Large and small
- Plain and beautiful
- Camouflaged and ostentatious
- Iconic and unknown
- Water and sea
North Carolina Birds
We hope you enjoy our list, and we start with the state bird – the Northern Cardinal.
Most Common Birds (bird species)
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Identification
The female is a lovely orangey-brown color with warm red tints on the crest and face. The male is a vivid red with a black face and a larger crest. They both have a thick, orange bill. They are an extremely successful and loved species and can be seen in forested areas as well as urban centers and backyard feeders.
Distribution
As the eBird range map shows below, the Northern Cardinal is present throughout the state in rural and urban areas. It is resident and so can be seen all year round. It is often seen in gardens where it likes to take seeds an suet from bird feeders.
Size
Length: 8.3 – 9.1 inches
Wingspan: 9.8 – 12.2 inches
Weight: 1.5 – 1.7 ounces
Call
Facts
While Northern Cardinal are often seen as urban birds, they are actually very comfortable in shrubby areas and woods.
The Northern Cardinal is one of the most reliable birds in America. It does not migrate, and its plumage doesn’t change as it does not molt. So you always know what you are going to get!
To attract Northern Cardinals to your garden, put sunflower seeds on a feeder but also sprinkle them underneath the bushes as that is where they will look first.
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)
Identification
A small and common wren of North Carolina. It is very attractive with warm brown hues on the back with buff and cream on the front. The throat is paler and a strong cream eyebrow extends far down the head.
Distribution
The Carolina Wren is one of the most common birds in the region. It is a resident and present all year round in forest, urban and rural areas. It is a popular visitor to bird feeders.
Size
Length: 4.7 – 5.5 inches
Wingspan: 11.4 inches
Weight: 0.6 – 0.8 ounces
Call
Facts
The Carolina Wren is a curious little bird. It likes to explore urban areas and will nest in some unusual places. Once it has chosen an area, it will defend it aggressively.
If you want to attract Carolina Wrens to nest in your garden, put up a nesting box. However, these canny little birds are in danger from predators so put up a box with slots rather than holes and research suitable guards.
Having these wrens in your garden means you will be guaranteed beautiful song all day long!
Rare Birds (bird species)
Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus)
Identification
The Snowy Owl are etheral looking birds and have very variable plumage, ranging from pure white to white with brown and black streaks and bars. It depends on the age and sex of the bird. If you see one, you really won’t need a field guide to identify it! However, a rule of thumb is that male birds tend to be paler than females.
Distribution
North Carolina is close to the furthest south of the Snowy Owl’s range. It has been reported to eBird less than 200 times and in varied locations across the state.
Size
Length: 20.5 – 27.9 inches
Wingspan: 49.6 – 57.1 inches
Weight: 56.4 – 104.1 ounces
Call
Facts
The movements of the Snowy Owl are complex. While they normally breed in the tundra, they may migrate south during some years. This is known as iruptive migration. Hence their appearance in North Carolina will be in the winter but it is unpredictable when or where.
Snowy Owls hunt in the day and night, presumably because of the short nights in the Arctic.
This owl can withstand the cold temperatures of their habitat as it is heavy and has very thick insulation feathers.
Masked Booby (Sula dactylatra)
Identification
The Masked Booby is a large seabird with white plumage and black wing markings. A black patch on the face surrounds a bright yellow bill.
Distribution
The Masked Booby nests on offshore islands and is not seen on the mainland. It is even rare to see it from the mainland (possibly confused with the Northern Gannet). The best chance of sighting this magnificent creature is on a pelagic boat trip during the summer.
Size
Length: 29.1 – 33.9 inches
Wingspan: 63 inches
Weight: 45.9 – 82.9 ounces
Call
Facts
It is quite something to see these birds in courtship display. Like other boobies, they are charismatic and entertaining as they dance and march around each other.
As pictured above, Masked Boobies lay their eggs in a shallow depression on bare ground. They are not particularly used to humans high up on isolated islands and so appear quite tame.
The Masked Booby is an accomplished hunter, diving very fast and at a steep angle, hitting the water in an incredible streamlined shape.
Birds Found Inland
Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus)
Identification
Like most cuckoo, the Black-billed is more likely to be heard rather than seen. The wait is worth it, however, as it has very attractive plumage with contrasting dark brown on top and light buff underneath. A classic cuckoo decurved bill is diagnostic as is the red ring around the eye. It also has a long tail.
Distribution
The Black-billed Cuckoo is a summer visitor to North Carolina and can be found in deciduous woods, where it hunts for caterpillars and other insects.
Size
Length: 11 – 12.2 inches
Wingspan: 13.4 – 15.8 inches
Weight: 1.4 – 2.3 ounces
Call
Facts
The Black-billed Cuckoo is hard to see as it blends in to its wooded surroundings. It is also quite sedentary for long periods of time.
One of the favorite foods of the Black-billed Cuckoo is spiny caterpillars. It swallows these spines but cannot digest them and they stick in the stomach. This problem is solved by coughing up a pellet which holds the spines and stomach lining.
Black-billed Cuckoo are only parastic sometimes. Mostly, they will build their own nests and raise the chicks themselves.
Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)
Identification
The Common (or Red) Crossbill is a striking and unusual bird. The female (photo on the left) is a dull olive/yellow color with stronger shades on the breast and rump. The male is much brighter with colors ranging between vivid red and orange. Both sexes have a large bill that is crossed over.
Distribution
The Common Crossbill is a forest bird, that is sometimes seen in conifer woods during the summertime and mainly in the north and west of the state. Different populations feed on different types of fir seeds.
Size
Length: 7.8 inches
Wingspan: 10.6 – 11.4 inches
Weight: 1.4 – 1.8 ounces
Call
Facts
Common Crossbill populations vary in size, call, plumage and behavior. There is much debate on what makes a ‘Common Crossbill’ and whether there are distinct species or sub-species.
This bird is so specialized to feed on one food source – the conifer seed. Its bill have developed its unique shape helps dig out the seeds from the cone.
Unsusually, the Common Crossbill can breed at any time of the year. This is because it has a reliable food source in the conifer trees.
Birds Found on Shore
Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus)
Identification
Dowitchers are unmistakable with a bill that seems to be part of the face. It is thick and long. As with most shorebirds, plumage varies dramatically between non-breeding and breeding periods. Intricate barring is always present but the bird is brown/gray in non-breeding and a rich orange brown in breeding.
Distribution
Seen all year round in North Carolina, the Short-billed Dowitcher is primarily a shore bird, using its long bill to dig out prey from under the sand and mud. It may also spend time in suitable inland environments.
Size
Length: 9.1 – 12.6 inches
Wingspan: 18 – 22 inches
Weight: 2.6 – 5.5 ounces
Call
Facts
The Short-billed Dowitcher is adaptable and feeds and breeds in saltwater or freshwater environments.
You may wonder why this bird is called ‘Short-billed’ when it is clearly not. The name is to differentiate it from the Long-billed Dowitcher. However, that doesn’t really help. A better method is to learn the calls and distinguish them that way.
The male dowitcher cares for the hatchlings alone.
Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus)
Identification
These little plovers can be really hard to identify. I always try to look for one distinguishing feature. In this case it is the dark bill with an orange base. Otherwise, it is similar to other small plovers with gray and brown plumage with a white breast.
Distribution
A regularly seen small shorebird, often in the company of other shorebirds in groups that are strung out along the shoreline. It is likely to be present at inland bodies of water as well.
Size
Length: 6.7 – 7.5 inches
Wingspan: 18.5 – 19.7 inches
Weight: 1.6 -1.8 ounces
Call
Facts
This plover is quite a good swimmer, as are its chicks. Young ground based birds have to be independent really quickly and baby plovers will be moving and swimming within hours of hatching.
The Semipalmated Plover can be mistaken for Killdeer and Ringed Plover. they are all of similar side and coloring.
While this plover prefers to look for food on beaches and coastal mud flats, you may also see them in open fields, farms and even golf courses.
Larger Birds of North Carolina
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Identification
The Osprey or Fish Eagle is an incredible bird of prey. This is partly because it is easy to see over open water and also because of its distinct markings, particularly on the face with thick dark bands from the eyes. Otherwise it is generally dark brown on top and pale underneath. There are brown markings along the wing tips.
Distribution
Less likely to be seen in the winter, the Osprey is regularly seen at other times. Reported sightings are concentrated on the coast but it can be seen across the whole of North Carolina.
Size
Length: 21.3 – 22.8 inches
Wingspan: 59.1 – 70.9 inches
Weight: 49.4 – 70.5 ounces
Call
Facts
When the Osprey has caught a fish, it will fly with it in the talons, one in front of the other. It is beleived that this is for streamlining purposes. It has unusual talon arrangements that allow it to do this. No other raptor has this.
Fishing success rates are enviable with studies showing a catch between 25% and 75% of the time.
Osprey have adapted to urbanisation by nesting on high platforms in electricty pylons, tall buildings and other man made structures. If you are in an area that hosts Osprey, look up!
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Identification
This is a huge owl that has adapted to different environments like forests, open country and even deserts. It is very well camouflaged with a range of colors from red to gray and brown. The key diagnostic are the size and large tufts above the ears.
Distribution
The Great-horned Owl is common across North Carolina and the whole of continental America. Of course, it is not often seen because it hunts at night.
Size
Length: 18.1 – 24.8 inches
Wingspan: 39.8 – 57.1 inches
Weight: 32.1 – 88.2 ounces
Call
Facts
The most attractive plumage combination of the Great-horned Owl has to be the red face and grey/brown combination.
While the diet of the Great-horned Owl consists of surprisingly small mammals like frogs, they are not timid and will defend themselves or their territory against fierce raptors like Osprey.
As well as excellent sight for hunting, the Great-horned Owl has incredible hearing to help pinpoint the whereabouts of its prey.
Smaller Birds of North Carolina
Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula)
Identification
Intially this tiny songbird looks rather dull but the gray and olive plumage gives way to a bright pink crest, which only the males have. It is usually hidden, only seen when the bird is excited or aggitated.
Distribution
The kinglet is migratory and is seen across North Carolina except for the summer months when it returns to breeding grounds in Canada. When in the state, it can be found in any area with bushes and trees.
Size
Length: 3.5 – 4.3 inches
Wingspan: 6.3 – 7.1 inches
Weight: 0.2 – 0.3 ounces
Call
Facts
The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is extremely active and is busy all day long foraging in the thick undergrowth. However, it is thought that it only uses around 10 calories during the entire day.
This tiny bird is a large layer, with up to a dozen eggs in a single nest.
When the Ruby-crowned Kinglet is present during the winter months it eats mostly spiders and their eggs. It may supplement that with fruits and seeds.
Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata)
Identification
For a warbler, this little one is rather plain. Plumage ranges from gray to a yellow olivey color. The orange crown is not prominent and usually unseen.
Distribution
Sightings in North Carolina are patchy but regular, except for the summer months when it breeds further north. They forage low down in dense scrub which may make them harder to see.
Size
Length: 4.3 – 5.5 inches
Wingspan: 7.5 inches
Weight: 0.3 – 0.4 ounces
Call
Facts
There are four sub-species of the Orange-crowned Warbler. The population in North Carolina is grayer than that of the Pacific coast.
The Orange-crowned Warbler unusually nests on the ground. Researchers are unsure why but it could be to avoid predators scouring higher up for eggs.
Each individual male has its own repertoire of songs and a territory of similar males are often built.
Plain or Average Looking Birds
Gadwall (Mareca strepera)
Identification
From a distance, the Gadwall looks like a fairly plain brown or gray duck. However, the males have intricate patterning on the back and black patches on the wings. Females look very similar to Mallards but they have a darker bill. You have to look really closely to see the beauty of this duck but it is definitely there!
Distribution
The Gadwall may be seen at any stretch of water like ponds, wetlands and bays across the state. Reported sightings reduce in the summer as the ducks return to Canada for breeding.
Size
Length: 18.1 – 22.4 inches
Wingspan: 33.1 inches
Weight: 17.6 – 44.1 ounces
Call
Facts
The Gadwall is migratory and breeds in a concentrated area of the mid-west and smaller areas around the Great Lakes and in Canada.
They might look benign but the Gadwall can be aggressive and sneaky. They are known to steal food straight from ducks that are resurfacing.
While the Gadwall usually sleeps on logs, it can sleep while floating on the water.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis)
Identification
When you see this bird, you could be forgiven for thinking it is a juvenile swallow of some more recognizeable species. The Northern Rough-winged Swallow is a plain brown all through the back and has a buff breast, although the wings are slightly darker.
Distribution
Only present in North Carolina in the spring and summer across the state. It prefers locations near water and is often with other swallow species.
Size
Length: 4.7 – 5.9 inches
Wingspan: 10.6 – 11.8 inches
Weight: 0.3 – 0.6 ounces
Call
Facts
Like other swallows, the Northern Rough-winged will hawk for insects over water and rest on wires and posts.
The name of this swallow comes from small hooks that are present on the outer wing feathers that give it a rough feel.
During its moult, it takes approximately 100 days to replace its old feathers.
More Colorful or Beautiful Looking Birds
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)
Identification
This popular and stunning bird has a lot going for it. From the bright orange body of the male (on the right), with a black head and back to the feathered legs and white wing bars. The female is also beautiful with a muted orange and brown patterning on the back.
Distribution
The Baltimore Oriole can be seen in a wide variety of locations across the state, more frequently during the winter months. They can be attracted to bird feeders.
Size
Length: 6.7 – 7.5 inches
Wingspan: 9.1 – 11.8 inches
Weight: 1.1 – 1.4 ounces
Call
Facts
The Baltimore Oriole is a fruit eater but will only consume dark colored fruit, even within different types. It will look out for the darkest berries even if the lighter ones are also ripe. If looking to feed them, try using grape jelly.
The Baltimore Oriole is named for the same reason as the city. They both link to the Baltimore family in the United Kingdom who had heraldric colors of black and orange.
Orioles in the U.S. were named after similar looking birds in Europe. However, they are not the same family at all. American orioles are in the blackbird family.
Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)
Identification
As this duck is so common, its beauty is often overlooked. I remember seeing them for the first time and thinking they were some exotic introduction. The male is a gorgeous blend of dark brown on the breast, pale brown on the belly with a black and white stripe inbetween. A dark back and tail are topped with and incredible green head bordered with white. The cap extends off the back of the head. The female is a brown duck with some similarities to the male but muted all over.
Distribution
The Wood Duck is a resident of North Carolina and can be seen all year round across the state in suitable areas.
Size
Length: 18.5 – 21.3 inches
Wingspan: 26.0 – 28.7 inches
Weight: 16.0 – 30.4 ounces
Call
Facts
The Wood Duck nests in cavities in trees close to water. The female has to encourage the chicks from below to jump down and join her.
This duck is the only such species that nests twice a year.
As these ducks breed in cavities, they will investigate and claim suitable nest boxes as well so it is possible to encourage them to your garden as long as you are close to water.
Hard to Find | Camouflaged Birds
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)
Identification
The American Bittern is a cryptic wetlands bird and resembles a large, brown heron. It moves slowly and often spends time stationary. Plumage ranges from mid to dark brown with streaks and patterns that help it blend into the background.
Distribution
It’s hard to know how many bittern are present in the state as they are so difficult to spot. According to eBird data, the American Bittern is an irregular visitor and could turn up at any wetland habitat.
Size
Length: 23.6 – 33.5 inches
Wingspan: 36.2 inches
Weight: 13.1 – 17.6 ounces
Call
Facts
It is customary to hear bittern species rather than see them. Listen to the xeno canto.org call above – the bittern is making distinctive clicking noises. During breeding periods, they boom from the rushes as a courting call.
As the American Bittern hunts using stealth, it has very powerful eyes and can move them to an almost cross eyed position.
The best way to see a bittern is from above. Viewing platforms over marshes and wetlands provide great spots to scan for them.
Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor)
Identification
Another very cryptic bird, the nighthawk is a combination of browns and grays that blend into the background, whether high or low. They have very distinctive oval shaped eyes and long tails.
Distribution
Seen in North Carolina during the summer months, it might be seen anywhere.
Size
Length: 8.7 – 9.4 inches
Wingspan: 20.9 – 22.4 inches
Weight: 2.3 – 3.5 ounces
Call
Facts
The Common Nighthawk feeds on large insects and so is often attracted to urban areas. They can be seen sitting on posts or flying around bright lights looking for them.
During breeding and hunting, the Common Nighthawk is known for its spectacular diving which results in a unique noise as it pulls out of the dive and the wind rushes against the wings.
The Common Nighthawk is not actually nocturnal. It is most active at dawn and dusk and it is not uncommon to see them in the daylight.
Ostentatious | The Standouts
Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea)
Identification
The male Indigo Bunting during breeding periods is a glowing, almost neon blue, fading to turquoise with black bars on the wings. The females are a plain brown with some blue streaks.
Distribution
As the eBird imagebelow clearly shows, the Indigo Bunting is seen in good numbers in North Carolina. It breeds here and migrates to Central America in the winter.
Size
Length: 4.7 – 5.1 inches
Wingspan: 7.5 – 8.7 inches
Weight: 0.4 – 0.6 ounces
Call
Facts
Try to attract this gorgeous bird to your garden by putting out thistle or niger seeds as well as mealworm.
There is no chemical that makes this bird that incredible color. The physical make up of the feathers cause light waves to refract and we see that as blue.
While sightings of the Indigo Bunting may be frequent during the summer months as the males are very easy to spot, it is a different story in the winter. Both sexes now have dull brown plumage and are much more difficult to identify.
Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger)
Identification
The Black Skimmer looks like something out of a cartoon. The body is very tern like but the white underneath running roung the top of the bill contrasts sharply with the black back. But the most incredible part of this bird is the bill. The upper mandible is much shorter than the lower, giving a very lopsided look. The bill is red towards the base and then black.
Distribution
The Black Skimmer is a coastal bird and can be seen flying low across the water as it uses that unusual bill to scoop up food. It is present all year round and is often resting on beaches with groups of terns. There are some inland sightings in the north of the state.
Size
Length: 15.8 – 19.7 inches
Wingspan: 42.9 – 45.3 inches
Weight: 9.3 – 12.9 ounces
Call
Facts
The Black Skimmer is able to fish during the day and night as it can use its remarkable bill to sense prey.
The Black Skimmer has had lots of colloquial names like: razorbill, scissor-bill and cutwater.
When the chicks are born, the bill looks normal. It only develops into the mismatch of length after 4 weeks.
Iconic Birds of North Carolina
Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos)
Identification
This Mockingbird is gray but often looks brownish. The wings are darker with white wing bars. The eye is dark with a pale ring. A long tail is tipped with white. It is an elegant and attractive bird.
Distribution
The Northern Mockingbird is a common resident of North Carolina and is seen in good numbers and all year round.
Size
Length: 8.3 – 10.2 inches
Wingspan: 12.2 – 13.8 inches
Weight: 1.6 – 2.0 ounces
Call
Facts
The Northern Mockingbird is the official bird of 5 states and is iconic for its song and ability to mimic other sounds.
Male mockingbirds learn around 200 songs during their lifetime. Males without a female mate sing the most.
Mockingbirds were so popular in the 19th century as captive songbirds, they were nearly driven extinct.
Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)
Identification
This is the most well known of all the bluebirds found in the U.S. The male birds are a stunning mid blue with orange from the throat down, blending to a buff on the belly. The females are more muted overall.
Distribution
The Eastern Bluebird is a common resident of North Carolina and is reported all year round across the state in parks, gardens and urban areas.
Size
Length: 6.3 – 8.3 inches
Wingspan: 9.8 – 12.6 inches
Weight: 1.0 – 1.1 ounces
Call
Facts
These bluebirds are iconic because of their positive relationship with humans. There are legends in the U.S. about how they bring joy and are portends of a new day.
Males choose an appropriate cavity in which to build a nest. He then informs the female with a display and then leaves her to build the nest.
These bluebirds might look cute but they are capable of preying on reasonably large animals like snakes and lizards.
Unknown
Fish Crow (Corvus ossifragus)
Identification
Very similar to other corvids, particularly the American Crow and difficult to tell apart. Only small differentiations means this is a very tricky bird to identify. The plumage is all black, appearing glossy in some lights.
Distribution
Concentrated in coastal areas but present inland for some distance. The Fish Crow is seen around the year, less so in the winter months. Largely absent in the north west of North Carolina.
Size
Length: 14.2 – 15.8 inches
Wingspan: 33.1 inches
Weight: 6.9 – 11.6 ounces
Call
Facts
To identify this crow correctly, you need to learn its call and be able to distinguish it from the call of the American Crow.
The Fish Crow does eat fish but it is an omnivore so it will take anything it can find from other birds’ eggs, plant material and carrion.
Although the Fish Crow and the American Crow are very similar, the Fish Crow is smaller so at least they are easier to spot in mixed groups.
Willet (Tringa semipalmata)
Identification
The Willet is a fairly large shorebird that is easily overlooked because of its plain plumage. In non-breeding, it is gray all over. Looking a bit brighter during breeding periods, it has some patterning on the body. A distinct black and white pattern is on the top and underside of the wings
Distribution
Mostly seen along the coast, but also inland at times. The Willet is a regular sighting in North Carolina, year round.
Size
Length: 13.0 – 16.1 inches
Wingspan: 27.6 inches
Weight: 7.0 – 11.6 ounces
Call
Facts
While these birds look very plain all year round, they do hold a surprise when in flight. The Willet has darker patches on the end of the wings with a bright white stripe. It is quite beautiful.
Willet feed during the day and night as they use their sensitive bills to help search for food.
Willets are attentive parents. Both parents incubate the eggs with the females sitting during the day and the males at night.
Water Birds
American Wigeon (Mareca americana)
Identification
While being quite plain during non-breeding times, the male has a glossy green and bright white cap in breeding season. The body is a chestnut color and there are intricate patterns on the neck. The female is a plainer brown but has the chestnut color on the sides.
Distribution
The American Wigeon is migratory with birds spending the winter in North Carolina. They are found in any suitable water environment across the state.
Size
Length: 16.5 – 23.2 inches
Wingspan: 33.1 inches
Weight: 19.1 – 46.9 ounces
Call
Facts
American Wigeon seen in North Carolina are either in their non-breeding area or passing through on migration to Canada.
The white stripe on top of this bird’s head has given it the moniker Baldplate.
American Wigeon are hunted and so are quite shy and easily flushed.
Sora (Porzana carolina)
Identification
This is a distinctive small rail with a bright white patch behind the eye at times. Coloring resembles crake species. A black face and throat blends to a blue gray breast. The sides are marked with black and white bars and the back is a mix of brown, white and black. A bright yellow bill completes the picture.
Distribution
The Sora is infrequently seen in North Carolina. Its habitat is wetland, marshes and ponds. Thus, it might be seen by patient watchers across the state.
Size
Length: 7.5 – 11.8 inches
Weight: 1.7 – 4.0 ounces
Call
Facts
Like other rails and crakes, the best time to see the Sora is at dawn or dusk.
Even though the reported sightings are relatively low on eBird, the Sora is actually thought to be a very common bird of North Carolina, just secretive and hard to find.
Sora are migratory and in North Carolina those birds that are seen are either non-breeding or passing through on their migration.
Sea Birds
Great ShearwaterArdenna gravis
Identification
Shearwaters are difficult to distinguish, especially as they are normally seen in flight. These birds are dark brown on top with a white neck ring. Underneath they are pale with brown patches on the belly and wings. The bill is long and thin.
Distribution
The Great Shearwater may be seen from the coast but more likely on pelagic boats, particularly toward the north of the state. It is most likely to be seen during the summer.
Size
Length: 16.9 – 20.1 inches
Wingspan: 42 – 48 inches
Weight: 25.6 – 33.6 ounces
Call
Facts
The Great Shearwater can be seen in the Atlantic Ocean during their non-breeding periods. Their principal breeding area is on the remote island of Tristan da Cunha.
There are approximately five million breeding pairs on Tristan da Cunha and because of this, they are still harvested by local people.
Shearwaters are so named for their tendancy to fly low to the water, sometimes skimming it with their wings.
Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis)
Identification
This is quite an odd looking seabird and unmistakable when you do see it. There is a light (as pictured) and dark morph. Dark birds are a dark gray and light morph birds are paler gray on top and white underneath. The bill is a giveaway as it is very thick and tubular shaped with an orange tip.
Distribution
A rare visitor to the north-east area off the coast of North Carolina but not reported in the summer months when it returns south for breeding.
Size
Length: 15.3 – 19.7 inches
Wingspan: 39.4 – 44.1 inches
Weight: 15.9 – 35.3 ounces
Call
Facts
The large bill with tubes show that this fulmar is a member of the family Procellariiformes. Thus, they are related to petrels.
Fulmar are known for producing an unpleasant smelling vomit to spray over intruders to their nesting area.
Northern Fulmars do not begin breeding until they are between 8 and 10 years old.
Conclusion – Bittern or Mockingbirds, Fulmar or Crows?
North Carolina’s topography makes it a great place to see a range of birds. From bird feeders to pelagic trips into the ocean, there are many opportunities to get some ticks on your checklists.
My favorite on this list is the Willet. I was fascinated when I saw them first as it sang with its eyes closed. Then it flew and I got a glimpse of the white on the wings. It was magical. Plain and common birds can always surprise you.
We hope you found this article an interesting read.
Related Questions About Birds
How many bluebirds are there in North Carolina?
There are 3 species of bluebirds in the United States with 2 being seen in North Carolina. The Eastern Bluebird is one of the most common birds here. The Moutain Bluebird is the other species that may be seen in the state, albeit very rarely.
What birds will I get if I put out bird feeders?
Bird feeders are a great way of supporting the local avian life. Platform feeders with sunflower seeds, suet and other smaller seeds will attract a range of birds from sparrows and bluebirds to woodpeckers and crows.
What are the most common backyard birds of North Carolina?
Birds that are common in North Carolina gardens but didn’t make our list are: American Robin, Downy and Hairy Woodpecker, House and Goldfinch, Red-winged Blackbird and a range of Sparrow species.