List of birds of North Carolina facts for kids

North Carolina is home to many amazing bird species! This list tells you about the different kinds of birds that have been officially seen and recorded in the state. The North Carolina Bird Records Committee (NCBRC) of the Carolina Bird Club keeps track of these birds.

As of January 2020, there are 479 different bird species and one species pair confirmed on the official list. There are also 13 more species that are probably here but need more proof. Two other species are included but aren't considered "established" (meaning they don't have a stable population here).

Out of these 486 species, 96 are very rare to see anywhere in the state. Another 91 are rare in certain parts of North Carolina or only during specific seasons. Six species were brought to North America by humans, and four species are now extinct, meaning they no longer exist. Some other rare birds have also been added from different sources.

This list follows the order used by the American Ornithological Society (AOS) in their Check-list of North and Middle American Birds. The common and scientific names for the birds come from this list too. However, the names for bird families (like "Ducks, geese, and waterfowl") come from the Clements taxonomy.

Most of the birds listed below live in North Carolina regularly. They might be here all year, just for summer or winter, or they might be passing through during migration. Some species have special notes next to them:

• R - Rare: If you see this bird anywhere in North Carolina, its sighting needs to be reviewed by the NCBRC.
• RC - Rare coastal: This bird is rare if seen along the coast.
• RD - Rare downstate: This bird is rare if seen in the southern part of the state.
• RI - Rare inland: This bird is rare if seen away from the coast.
• RM - Rare in mountains: This bird is rare if seen in the mountainous part of the state.
• RS - Rare in spring: This bird is rare if seen in the spring.
• I - Introduced: This species was brought to North America by humans.
• E - Extinct: This species no longer exists.
• P - Provisional list: This species has been approved by the NCBRC but only from sight records (no photos or specimens).

Water Birds: Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Order: Anseriformes   Family: Anatidae

This family includes ducks, geese, and swans. These birds are great at living in water! They have webbed feet, flattened bills, and special oily feathers that shed water easily. Forty-six species from this family have been seen in North Carolina.

Here are a few examples:

• Black-bellied whistling-duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis
• Snow goose, Anser caerulescens
• Canada goose, Branta canadensis
• Mute swan, Cygnus olor
• Wood duck, Aix sponsa
• Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos
• Northern shoveler, Spatula clypeata
• Hooded merganser, Lophodytes cucullatus
• Ruddy duck, Oxyura jamaicensis

• 

  Wood ducks

• 

  Mallards

• 

  Northern shoveler

• 

  Hooded merganser

Small Ground Birds: New World Quail

Order: Galliformes   Family: Odontophoridae

New World quails are small, round birds that live on the ground. They are not closely related to quails from other parts of the world, but they look and act similarly. Only one species has been recorded in North Carolina.

• Northern bobwhite, Colinus virginianus

Game Birds: Pheasants, Grouse, and Turkeys

Order: Galliformes   Family: Phasianidae

This family includes pheasants, grouse, and turkeys. These birds live on land and vary in size. They are usually plump with wide, short wings. Many of these species are hunted for food or raised on farms.

Turkeys have a unique fleshy flap called a wattle under their beak and a fleshy bump called a snood on top of their beak. Male turkeys are often much larger and more colorful than females. Turkeys are very large birds, with wingspans up to 6 feet!

Grouse live in cooler areas. Males often have fancy courtship dances to attract females. These birds have feathers all the way down to their toes. Most species stay in North Carolina all year and do not migrate. Three species from this family have been recorded here.

• Wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo
• Ruffed grouse, Bonasa umbellus (RD)
• Ring-necked pheasant, Phasianus colchicus (I)

Diving Birds: Grebes

Order: Podicipediformes   Family: Podicipedidae

Grebes are small to medium-sized birds that dive in freshwater. They have lobed toes, which make them excellent swimmers and divers. However, their feet are set far back on their bodies, so they are clumsy on land. Six species have been seen in North Carolina.

• Pied-billed grebe, Podilymbus podiceps
• Horned grebe, Podiceps auritus
• Red-necked grebe, Podiceps grisegena

Gentle Birds: Pigeons and Doves

Order: Columbiformes   Family: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves are birds with sturdy bodies, short necks, and thin bills. They have a fleshy area at the base of their bill called a cere. Seven species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I)
• Eurasian collared-dove, Streptopelia decaocto (I)
• Passenger pigeon, Ectopistes migratorius (E)
• Mourning dove, Zenaida macroura

Hidden Birds: Cuckoos

Order: Cuculiformes   Family: Cuculidae

The cuckoo family includes cuckoos, roadrunners, and anis. These birds vary in size and have slender bodies, long tails, and strong legs. Some cuckoos lay their eggs in other birds' nests, a behavior called brood parasitism. Four species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus
• Black-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus

Night Flyers: Nightjars and Allies

Order: Caprimulgiformes   Family: Caprimulgidae

Nightjars are medium-sized birds that are active at night. They usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs, and very short bills. Their soft feathers are colored to help them blend in with tree bark or leaves. Five species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Common nighthawk, Chordeiles minor
• Chuck-will's-widow, Antrostomus carolinensis
• Eastern whip-poor-will, Antrostomus vociferus

Fast Flyers: Swifts

Order: Apodiformes   Family: Apodidae

Swifts are small birds that spend most of their lives flying. They have very short legs and almost never land on the ground. Instead, they perch on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long, swept-back wings that look like a crescent moon. Three species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Chimney swift, Chaetura pelagica
• Common swift, Apus apus (R)

Tiny Flyers: Hummingbirds

Order: Apodiformes   Family: Trochilidae

Hummingbirds are tiny birds known for hovering in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backward! Eleven species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Ruby-throated hummingbird, Archilochus colubris
• Rufous hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus
• Broad-tailed hummingbird, Selasphorus platycercus (R)

Marsh Birds: Rails, Gallinules, and Coots

Order: Gruiformes   Family: Rallidae

This large family includes rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. These small to medium-sized birds usually live in thick plants near lakes, swamps, or rivers. They are often shy and hard to spot. Most have strong legs and long toes, perfect for walking on soft, uneven ground. They tend to have short, rounded wings and are not strong fliers. Nine species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Clapper rail, Rallus crepitans (RM)
• King rail, Rallus elegans
• Virginia rail, Rallus limicola
• American coot, Fulica americana

Unique Wader: Limpkin

Order: Gruiformes   Family: Aramidae

The limpkin is a large bird that looks similar to rails but is more closely related to cranes. It lives in marshes and gets its name because it looks like it's limping when it walks. One species has been recorded in North Carolina.

• Limpkin, Aramus guarauna (R)

Tall Waders: Cranes

Order: Gruiformes   Family: Gruidae

Cranes are large birds with long legs and long necks. Unlike herons, which pull their necks back when they fly, cranes fly with their necks stretched out. Most cranes have fancy and loud courtship dances. Three species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Sandhill crane, Antigone canadensis
• Whooping crane, Grus americana (R) (not established)

Shoreline Birds: Stilts and Avocets

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Recurvirostridae

This family includes avocets and stilts, which are large wading birds. Avocets have long legs and long, upward-curved bills. Stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. Two species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Black-necked stilt, Himantopus mexicanus
• American avocet, Recurvirostra americana

Shellfish Eaters: Oystercatchers

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Haematopodidae

Oystercatchers are large, noticeable, and noisy birds that look like plovers. They have strong bills that they use to smash or pry open molluscs (like oysters!). One species has been recorded in North Carolina.

• American oystercatcher, Haematopus palliatus

Coastal Birds: Plovers and Lapwings

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Charadriidae

This family includes plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short thick necks, and long, pointed wings. They live in open areas worldwide, especially near water. Eleven species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
• Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus
• Piping plover, Charadrius melodus

Diverse Waders: Sandpipers and Allies

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Scolopacidae

This is a large and varied family of small to medium-sized shorebirds. It includes sandpipers, curlews, godwits, woodcocks, snipes, and phalaropes. Most of these birds eat small bugs they find in mud or soil. Different bill and leg lengths allow many species to feed in the same areas, especially on the coast, without competing for food. Thirty-seven species have been recorded in North Carolina.

Here are a few examples:

• Upland sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda
• Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
• Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
• Red knot, Calidris canutus
• Sanderling, Calidris alba
• Dunlin, Calidris alpina
• American woodcock, Scolopax minor
• Wilson's snipe, Gallinago delicata
• Willet, Tringa semipalmata

• 

  Willet

• 

  Sanderling

• 

  Ruddy turnstone

• 

  Wilson's snipe

Ocean Hunters: Skuas and Jaegers

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Stercorariidae

Skuas and jaegers are medium to large birds, usually gray or brown, with white marks on their wings. They have longish bills with hooked tips and webbed feet with sharp claws. They look like large, dark gulls but have a fleshy cere above their upper bill. They are strong, acrobatic fliers. Five species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus (RM)
• Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus (RM)
• Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus (RM)

Diving Seabirds: Auks, Murres, and Puffins

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Alcidae

Alcids look a bit like penguins because of their black-and-white colors and upright posture. However, they are only distantly related and, unlike penguins, they can fly! Auks live on the open sea and only come to land to nest. Seven species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Dovekie, Alle alle (RI)
• Razorbill, Alca torda (RI)
• Atlantic puffin, Fratercula arctica (RI)

Coastal Scavengers: Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Laridae

Gulls are typically medium to large birds, usually gray or white, often with black marks on their heads or wings. They have strong, longish bills and webbed feet. Terns are generally medium to large birds, lighter and more streamlined than gulls. They look graceful in flight with long tails and narrow wings. Skimmers are tropical birds with a unique lower bill that is longer than the upper one. They feed by flying low over the water, skimming the surface for small fish. Thirty-three species from this family have been recorded in North Carolina.

Here are a few examples:

• Bonaparte's gull, Chroicocephalus philadelphia
• Laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla
• Ring-billed gull, Larus delawarensis
• Herring gull, Larus argentatus
• Least tern, Sternula antillarum (RM)
• Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia
• Royal tern, Thalasseus maxima (RM)
• Black skimmer, Rynchops niger (RM)

• 

  Laughing gull

• 

  Ring-billed gull

• 

  Royal tern

Tropical Ocean Birds: Tropicbirds

Order: Phaethontiformes   Family: Phaethontidae

Tropicbirds are slender white birds found in tropical oceans. They have very long central tail feathers. Their long wings and heads have black markings. Two species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• White-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon lepturus (RM)
• Red-billed tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus (RI)

Diving Birds: Loons

Order: Gaviiformes   Family: Gaviidae

Loons are aquatic birds, about the size of a large duck, but they are not related to ducks. Their feathers are mostly gray or black, and they have spear-shaped bills. Loons swim very well and fly adequately, but they are almost helpless on land because their legs are placed far back on their bodies. Three species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Red-throated loon, Gavia stellata
• Common loon, Gavia immer

Giant Seabirds: Albatrosses

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Diomedeidae

Albatrosses are among the largest flying birds. The great albatrosses have the largest wingspans of any living birds! Two species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Yellow-nosed albatross, Thalassarche chlororhynchos (R)
• Black-browed albatross, Thalassarche melanophris (R)

Tiny Seabirds: Southern Storm-Petrels

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Oceanitidae

Storm-petrels are the smallest seabirds. They are related to petrels and eat tiny crustaceans and small fish from the water's surface, often while hovering. Their flight is fluttering, sometimes like a bat. All three species in this family have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Wilson's storm-petrel, Oceanites oceanicus (RI)
• White-faced storm-petrel, Pelagodroma marina (RI)

More Tiny Seabirds: Northern Storm-Petrels

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Hydrobatidae

These storm-petrels are similar to the southern storm-petrels in looks and habits. However, they have enough genetic differences to be in a separate family. Four species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Leach's storm-petrel, Hydrobates leucorhous (RI)
• Band-rumped storm-petrel, Hydrobates castro (RI)

Ocean Wanderers: Shearwaters and Petrels

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Procellariidae

This group includes medium-sized "true petrels." They have nostrils that are joined together and a long outer primary feather. Fourteen species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Northern fulmar, Fulmarus glacialis (RI)
• Black-capped petrel, Pterodroma hasitata (RI)
• Cory's shearwater, Calonectris diomedea (RI)
• Sooty shearwater, Ardenna griseus (RI)
• Great shearwater, Ardenna gravis (RI)

Tall Waders: Storks

Order: Ciconiiformes   Family: Ciconiidae

Storks are large, heavy, long-legged, and long-necked wading birds with strong bills and wide wingspans. Unlike other wading birds, storks do not have "powder down" feathers to clean off fish slime. Storks also cannot make sounds because they lack a pharynx. One species has been recorded in North Carolina.

• Wood stork, Mycteria americana

Aerial Masters: Frigatebirds

Order: Suliformes   Family: Fregatidae

Frigatebirds are large seabirds found mostly over tropical oceans. They are black or black-and-white, with long wings and deeply forked tails. Males have colorful throat pouches that they can inflate. They cannot swim or walk well and cannot take off from a flat surface. They have the largest wingspan compared to their body weight of any bird, allowing them to stay in the air for more than a week! One species has been recorded in North Carolina.

• Magnificent frigatebird, Fregata magnificens (RI)

Plunge Divers: Boobies and Gannets

Order: Suliformes   Family: Sulidae

This family includes gannets and boobies. Both are medium-large coastal seabirds that dive headfirst into the water to catch fish. Four species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Masked booby, Sula dactylatra (RI)
• Brown booby, Sula leucogaster (RI)
• Northern gannet, Morus bassanus (RI)

Snake Birds: Anhingas

Order: Suliformes   Family: Anhingidae

Anhingas are water birds that look like cormorants but have very long necks and straight beaks. They eat fish and often swim with only their neck above the water, which is why they are sometimes called "snake birds." One species has been recorded in North Carolina.

• Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga

Fish Eaters: Cormorants and Shags

Order: Suliformes   Family: Phalacrocoracidae

Cormorants are medium to large aquatic birds, usually with dark feathers and colored skin on their faces. Their bills are long, thin, and sharply hooked. They have four webbed toes. Three species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo (RM)
• Double-crested cormorant, Nannopterum auritum

Pouch-billed Birds: Pelicans

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Pelecanidae

Pelicans are very large water birds with a unique pouch under their beak. Like other birds in their order, they have four webbed toes. Two species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• American white pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos (RM)
• Brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis

Graceful Waders: Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Ardeidae

This family includes herons, egrets, and bitterns. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns usually have shorter necks and are more secretive. When flying, members of this family pull their necks back, unlike storks or ibises. Thirteen species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• American bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus
• Great blue heron, Ardea herodias
• Great egret, Ardea alba
• Snowy egret, Egretta thula
• Green heron, Butorides virescens
• Black-crowned night-heron, Nycticorax nycticorax

Curved Bills: Ibises and Spoonbills

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Threskiornithidae

This family includes ibises and spoonbills. They have long, wide wings and long bodies with long legs. Ibises have long, downward-curved bills, while spoonbills have straight, flattened bills that look like spoons. Four species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• White ibis, Eudocimus albus
• Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus
• Roseate spoonbill, Platalea ajaja

Nature's Clean-Up Crew: New World Vultures

Order: Cathartiformes   Family: Cathartidae

New World vultures are not closely related to vultures from other parts of the world, but they look similar because they adapted to the same lifestyle. Like other vultures, they are scavengers, meaning they eat dead animals. Unlike Old World vultures, which find food by sight, New World vultures have a great sense of smell to find carcasses. Two species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Black vulture, Coragyps atratus
• Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura

Fish Hunter: Osprey

Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Pandionidae

The osprey is a medium-large bird of prey, also called a raptor, that eats fish. It lives in many different places because it can nest anywhere near water with enough food. It is the only member of its family.

• Osprey, Pandion haliaetus

Powerful Hunters: Hawks, Eagles, and Kites

Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Accipitridae

This family includes hawks, eagles, and kites. These birds of prey have very large, powerful, hooked beaks for tearing meat from their prey. They also have strong legs, powerful talons (claws), and excellent eyesight. Fifteen species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Swallow-tailed kite, Elanoides forficatus
• Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos
• Bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus
• Red-shouldered hawk, Buteo lineatus
• Red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis

Night Hunters: Barn-Owls

Order: Strigiformes   Family: Tytonidae

Barn-owls are medium to large owls with big heads and unique heart-shaped faces. They have long, strong legs with powerful talons. One species has been recorded in North Carolina.

• Barn owl, Tyto alba

More Night Hunters: Owls

Order: Strigiformes   Family: Strigidae

Typical owls are solitary birds of prey that hunt at night. They have large eyes that face forward and good hearing. They have a beak like a hawk and a clear circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. Thirteen species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Eastern screech-owl, Megascops asio
• Great horned owl, Bubo virginianus
• Snowy owl, Bubo scandiacus
• Barred owl, Strix varia
• Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus

Fishing Birds: Kingfishers

Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Alcedinidae

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. They are known for diving into water to catch fish. One species has been recorded in North Carolina.

• Belted kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon

Tree Drummers: Woodpeckers

Order: Piciformes   Family: Picidae

Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails, and long tongues for catching insects. Some have two toes pointing forward and two backward, while others have only three toes. Many woodpeckers tap loudly on tree trunks with their beaks. Eleven species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Red-headed woodpecker, Melanerpes erythrocephalus
• Red-bellied woodpecker, Melanerpes carolinus
• Downy woodpecker, Dryobates pubescens
• Hairy woodpecker, Dryobates villosus
• Northern flicker, Colaptes auratus
• Pileated woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus
• Ivory-billed woodpecker, Campephilus principalis (E?)

Swift Hunters: Falcons and Caracaras

Order: Falconiformes   Family: Falconidae

This family includes falcons and caracaras. They are different from hawks and eagles because they kill their prey with their beaks instead of their talons. Five species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• American kestrel, Falco sparverius
• Merlin, Falco columbarius
• Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus

Colorful Talkers: New World and African Parrots

Order: Psittaciformes   Family: Psittacidae

Parrots are small to large birds with a special curved beak. Their upper beak can move a little where it connects to their skull, and they usually stand upright. All parrots have two toes pointing forward and two backward on each foot. Most of the over 150 species in this family live in the New World. Two species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Carolina parakeet, Conuropsis carolinensis (E)
• Monk parakeet, Myiositta monachus (I) (not established) (R)

Insect Catchers: Tyrant Flycatchers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Tyrannidae

Tyrant flycatchers are songbirds found throughout North and South America. They look a bit like Old World flycatchers but are stronger and have thicker bills. They don't have the complex songs of other songbirds. Most are quite plain in color. As their name suggests, most eat insects. Twenty-one species and one species pair have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Great crested flycatcher, Myiarchus crinitus
• Eastern kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus
• Eastern wood-pewee, Contopus virens
• Least flycatcher, Empidonax minimus
• Eastern phoebe, Sayornis phoebe

Small Forest Birds: Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Vireonidae

Vireos are a group of small to medium-sized songbirds. They are usually greenish and look like wood warblers, but they have heavier bills. Nine species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• White-eyed vireo, Vireo griseus
• Yellow-throated vireo, Vireo flavifrons
• Red-eyed vireo, Vireo olivaceus

Hook-billed Hunters: Shrikes

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Laniidae

Shrikes are songbirds known for catching other birds and small animals. They sometimes impale the uneaten parts of their prey on thorns, like a butcher. A shrike's beak is hooked, similar to a bird of prey. Two species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Loggerhead shrike, Lanius ludovicianus
• Northern shrike, Lanius borealis (R)

Smart Birds: Crows, Jays, and Magpies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Corvidae

This family includes crows, ravens, and jays. Corvids are larger than average songbirds, and some of the bigger species are very intelligent. Five species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Blue jay, Cyanocitta cristata
• American crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos
• Fish crow, Corvus ossifragus
• Common raven, Corvus corax (RC)

Small Woodland Birds: Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Paridae

The Paridae are mostly small, stocky woodland birds with short, strong bills. Some have crests on their heads. They are adaptable birds that eat a mix of seeds and insects. Three species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Carolina chickadee, Poecile carolinensis
• Tufted titmouse, Baeolophus bicolor

Ground Singers: Larks

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Alaudidae

Larks are small ground birds often known for their amazing songs and display flights. Most larks look quite plain. They eat insects and seeds. One species has been recorded in North Carolina.

• Horned lark, Eremophila alpestris

Graceful Fliers: Swallows

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Hirundinidae

The swallow family is designed for catching food in the air. They have slender, streamlined bodies, long, pointed wings, and short bills with wide mouths. Their feet are better for perching than walking. Eight species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Bank swallow, Riparia riparia
• Tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor
• Purple martin, Progne subis
• Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
• Cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

Tiny Crowned Birds: Kinglets

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Regulidae

Kinglets are a family of very small insect-eating birds. The adult birds have colorful crowns on their heads, which gives them their name. Two species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Ruby-crowned kinglet, Corthylio calendula
• Golden-crowned kinglet, Regulus satrapa

Berry Eaters: Waxwings

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Bombycillidae

Waxwings are birds with soft, silky feathers and unique red tips on some of their wing feathers. These tips look like sealing wax, giving the group its name. These birds live in northern forests. They eat insects in the summer and berries in the winter. One species has been recorded in North Carolina.

• Cedar waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum

Tree Climbers: Nuthatches

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Sittidae

Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have a special ability to climb down trees headfirst, unlike most other birds that only climb up. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails, and strong bills and feet. Three species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Red-breasted nuthatch, Sitta canadensis
• White-breasted nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis
• Brown-headed nuthatch, Sitta pusilla

Bark Foragers: Treecreepers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Certhiidae

Treecreepers are small woodland birds that are brown on top and white underneath. They have thin, pointed, downward-curved bills, which they use to pull insects out of tree bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which help them support themselves on vertical tree trunks. One species has been recorded in North Carolina.

• Brown creeper, Certhia americana

Tiny Insect Hunters: Gnatcatchers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Polioptilidae

These delicate birds look and act like Old World warblers, moving constantly through leaves to find insects. Gnatcatchers are mostly a soft bluish-gray color and have the long, sharp bill typical of an insectivore. Many species have distinct black patterns on their heads (especially males) and long, black-and-white tails that they often hold upright. One species has been recorded in North Carolina.

• Blue-gray gnatcatcher, Polioptila caerulea

Loud Singers: Wrens

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Troglodytidae

Wrens are small and often hard to see, except for their very loud songs! They have short wings and thin, downward-curved bills. Several species often hold their tails straight up. All wrens eat insects. Six species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• House wren, Troglodytes aedon
• Winter wren, Troglodytes hiemalis
• Carolina wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus

Mimics: Mockingbirds and Thrashers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Mimidae

This family includes thrashers, mockingbirds, and New World catbirds. These birds are famous for their amazing singing abilities, especially their skill at copying the sounds of many other birds and outdoor noises. They tend to be dull gray and brown in color. Four species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Gray catbird, Dumetella carolinensis
• Brown thrasher, Toxostoma rufum
• Northern mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos

Common City Birds: Starlings

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Sturnidae

Starlings are small to medium-sized songbirds from the Old World with strong feet. They fly strongly and directly, and most live in large groups. They prefer open areas and eat insects and fruit. Many species have dark feathers with a metallic shine. One species has been recorded in North Carolina.

• European starling, Sturnus vulgaris (I)

Ground Foragers: Thrushes and Allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Turdidae

Thrushes are a group of songbirds found mostly in the Old World. They are plump, soft-feathered, small to medium-sized birds that eat insects or sometimes everything. They often feed on the ground. Many have beautiful songs. Eleven species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Eastern bluebird, Sialia sialis
• Veery, Catharus fuscescens
• Wood thrush, Hylocichla mustelina
• American robin, Turdus migratorius

Old World Flycatchers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Muscicapidae

The Old World flycatchers are a large family of small songbirds. These are mainly small birds that live in trees and eat insects, often catching them in mid-air. One species has been recorded in North Carolina.

• Northern wheatear, Oenanthe oenanthe (R)

Small Seed Eaters: Old World Sparrows

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Passeridae

Old World sparrows are small songbirds. They are generally small, plump, brownish or grayish birds with short tails and strong, short beaks. Sparrows eat seeds, but they also eat small insects. One species has been recorded in North Carolina.

• House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)

Ground Foragers: Wagtails and Pipits

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Motacillidae

This family includes wagtails, longclaws, and pipits. They are slender songbirds that feed on insects on the ground in open areas. Three species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• American pipit, Anthus rubescens
• Sprague's pipit, Anthus spragueii (R)

Seed Eaters: Finches, Euphonias, and Allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Fringillidae

Finches are songbirds that eat seeds. They are small to medium-sized and have strong, often cone-shaped beaks. All finches have twelve tail feathers and nine primary flight feathers. These birds have a bouncy flight, flapping and then gliding with closed wings. Most sing well. Eleven species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Evening grosbeak, Coccothraustes vespertinus
• House finch, Haemorhous mexicanus
• Purple finch, Haemorhous purpureus
• Pine siskin, Spinus pinus
• American goldfinch, Spinus tristis

Grassland Birds: Longspurs and Snow Buntings

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Calcariidae

This group of songbirds was once thought to be part of the New World sparrows. However, they are different in several ways and usually live in open grassy areas. Four species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Lapland longspur, Calcarius lapponicus
• Snow bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis

More Sparrows: New World Sparrows

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Passerellidae

Until 2017, these species were grouped with another family. Most are known as sparrows, but they are not closely related to the Old World sparrows. Many of these birds have unique head patterns. Twenty-nine species have been recorded in North Carolina.

Here are a few examples:

• Grasshopper sparrow, Ammodramus savannarum
• Chipping sparrow, Spizella passerina
• Field sparrow, Spizella pusilla
• Fox sparrow, Passerella iliaca
• Dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis
• White-throated sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis
• Savannah sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis
• Song sparrow, Melospiza melodia
• Eastern towhee, Pipilo erythrophthalmus

• 

  Saltmarsh sparrow

• 

  Chipping sparrow

• 

  Eastern towhee

Unique Warbler: Yellow-breasted Chat

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Icteriidae

This species was once thought to be a wood-warbler, but experts were unsure. In 2017, it was placed in its own family because it's quite unique!

• Yellow-breasted chat, Icteria virens

Colorful Songbirds: Troupials and Allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Icteridae

The icterids are a group of small to medium-sized, often colorful songbirds found only in the New World. This family includes grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. Most species have black as their main feather color, often brightened with yellow, orange, or red. Seventeen species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Yellow-headed blackbird, Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
• Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus
• Eastern meadowlark, Sturnella magna
• Orchard oriole, Icterus spurius
• Baltimore oriole, Icterus galbula
• Red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus
• Brown-headed cowbird, Molothrus ater
• Common grackle, Quiscalus quiscula

Small, Bright Birds: New World Warblers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Parulidae

The wood-warblers are a group of small, often colorful songbirds found only in the New World. Most live in trees, but some, like the Ovenbird, spend more time on the ground. Most members of this family eat insects. Forty-two species have been recorded in North Carolina.

Here are a few examples:

• Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapilla
• Worm-eating warbler, Helmitheros vermivorum
• Black-and-white warbler, Mniotilta varia
• Prothonotary warbler, Protonotaria citrea
• Common yellowthroat, Geothlypis trichas
• Hooded warbler, Setophaga citrina
• American redstart, Setophaga ruticilla
• Yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia
• Yellow-rumped warbler, Setophaga coronata
• Pine warbler, Setophaga pinus
• Canada warbler, Cardellina canadensis

• 

  Chestnut-sided warbler

• 

  Black-throated blue warbler

• 

  Yellow-rumped warbler

• 

  Blackburnian warbler

• 

  Common yellowthroat

Strong-billed Birds: Cardinals and Allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Cardinalidae

Cardinals are a family of strong, seed-eating birds with powerful bills. They are usually found in open woodlands. Males and females often have different feather colors. Eleven species have been recorded in North Carolina.

• Summer tanager, Piranga rubra
• Scarlet tanager, Piranga olivacea
• Northern cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis
• Rose-breasted grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus
• Blue grosbeak, Passerina caerulea
• Indigo bunting, Passerina cyanea
• Painted bunting, Passerina ciris (RM)

More About Birds

• List of birds of Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• List of birds
• Lists of birds by region
• List of North American birds