From the majestic bald eagle to the elusive wood thrush, North Carolina is home to a diverse array of avian species.
But have you ever wondered which birds are the most commonly spotted in the Tar Heel State?
Join us on a journey through the top 20 most frequently seen birds in North Carolina, where we’ll uncover fascinating facts and beautiful photographs of these winged wonders.
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If you don’t have the time to read the whole article, check out this video for a quick understanding.
Common Birds in North Carolina
1. Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) is a small, brightly colored bird that is native to North America.
It is closely related to the Western Bluebird and the Mountain Bluebird, which are found in different parts of the continent.
Southern Canada, the eastern United States, and northern Mexico are all part of the Eastern Bluebird‘s range.
Eastern Bluebird is easily recognizable by its bright blue upper parts, reddish-orange breast, and white belly.
It has a thin, pointed beak and long, thin legs.
Males are generally more brightly colored than females, with a deeper blue on their upper parts and a more vibrant reddish-orange breast.
The Eastern Bluebird measures around 6 – 7 inches in length and weighs between 0.7 – 1.1 ounces.
Its wingspan is around 10 – 12 inches.
They’re usually found in deciduous woods and agricultural settings.
Eastern Bluebirds are found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, farmlands, and gardens.
They are also often attracted to backyard feeders.
During the summer, they consume mostly insects and other invertebrates, but in the winter, they will eat berries if they are available.
They will also occasionally eat seeds and small grains.
Their migration patterns vary depending on where they reside; some travel south to warmer climes during the winter, while others stay put all year.
Eastern Bluebirds are known for their distinctive, cup-shaped nests, which are constructed from grasses, twigs, and moss and are lined with fine grasses and feathers.
They will often reuse the same nest from year to year.
Eastern Bluebirds are generally fairly solitary, although they may form small flocks during the winter months.
Below are the characteristics of the Eastern Bluebird,
| Scientific Name | Sialia sialis |
| Length | 7.5 – 9.5 inches (19 – 24 cm) |
| Weight | 0.7 – 1.1 oz (20 – 30 g) |
| Wingspan | 11 – 14 inches (28 – 36 cm) |
| Habitat | Open woodlands, forest edges, orchards, and suburban areas |
| Food | insects, fruits, and berries |
| Nesting | Builds cup-shaped nests in tree cavities or nest boxes |
| Behavior | Highly territorial, active and acrobatic, and often seen perching on fence posts or power lines |
2. Northern Mockingbird
The Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) belongs to the Mimidae family of birds, which includes mockingbirds and thrashers.
It is a medium-sized songbird that is native to North America.
In the Eastern United States, the Northern Mockingbird is a common bird.
The bird’s range includes North Carolina to Maine, as well as Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas in the west.
Northern Mockingbird is gray in color with a long, thin beak and white wing patches.
It has a white underbelly and a long, thin tail.
The male and female Northern Mockingbirds are similar in appearance, with the male being slightly larger than the female.
The Northern Mockingbird is about 9.4 – 11.8 inches (24 – 30 cm) in length, with a wingspan of about 12.6 – 14.2 inches (32 – 36 cm).
It weighs about 2.3 – 3.5 ounces (65 – 99 grams).
The Northern Mockingbird is omnivorous, meaning it eats a wide variety of food.
Its diet includes insects, fruits, and seeds.
It is known to eat insects such as beetles, ants, and grasshoppers, as well as fruits such as berries and grapes.
Below are the characteristics of the Northern Mockingbird,
| Scientific Name | Mimus polyglottos |
| Length | 9.5 – 11 inches (24 – 28 cm) |
| Weight | 2 – 2.7 oz (57 – 77 g) |
| Wingspan | 13 – 15 inches (33 – 38 cm) |
| Habitat | Open woodlands, gardens, deserts and suburban areas |
| Food | insects, fruits, and berries |
| Nesting | Builds a cup-shaped nest in shrubs, trees, or cacti |
| Behavior | Highly territorial, active, and acrobatic |
3. White-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) is a small songbird that is native to North America.
From southern Canada to Central America, White-breasted Nuthatches can be found.
White-breasted Nuthatch is gray on top and white on the underside, with a black crown and a white stripe above the eye.
It has a short, triangular beak and a small head.
The male and female White-breasted Nuthatches are similar in appearance.
The White-breasted Nuthatch is about 5 – 6 inches (13 – 15 cm) in length and weighs about 0.5 – 0.7 ounces (14 – 20 grams).
It has a wingspan of about 7.9 – 9.1 inches (20 – 23 cm).
They live in both coniferous and deciduous kinds of wood, with some favoring temperate temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere and others tropical environments in the Southern.
They travel south for the winter, but as soon as spring arrives, they return north.
The White-breasted Nuthatch is omnivorous, meaning it eats a wide variety of food. Its diet includes insects, seeds, and nuts.
It is known to eat insects such as beetles, caterpillars, and ants, as well as seeds and nuts from trees and shrubs.
The White-breasted Nuthatch nests in trees, building a cup-shaped nest out of twigs, grass, and other materials.
It typically lays five to eight eggs, which are incubated by the female for about two weeks
During the winter, when food is limited, they move to southern parts of the United States and Central America.
Below are the characteristics of the White-breasted Nuthatch,
| Scientific Name | Sitta carolinensis |
| Length | 4.5 – 5 inches (11 – 13 cm) |
| Weight | 0.7 – 1 oz (20 – 28 g) |
| Wingspan | 7 – 8 inches (18 – 20 cm) |
| Habitat | Coniferous and mixed woodlands, wooded suburban areas |
| Food | seeds, nuts, insects, and spiders |
| Nesting | Nests in cavities in trees or nest boxes |
| Behavior | Active and acrobatic |
4. Northern Cardinal
Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a medium-sized songbird that is native to the eastern United States and parts of Mexico.
They’re most commonly found near forest margins, hedgerows, and other semi-open places with thick undergrowth.
The Northern Cardinal is about 8.3 – 9.1 inches (21 – 23 cm) in length and weighs about 1.9 – 2.8 ounces (54 – 79 grams).
It has a wingspan of about 11.8 – 13.4 inches (30 – 34 cm).
The Northern Cardinal is omnivorous. Insects and seeds from a range of plants, such as clover, dandelions, and grasses, are consumed.
During the winter, the Cardinals move south to warmer areas, but if there is enough food, they will stay north.
The Northern Cardinal’s range stretches from North Carolina to Illinois, passing via Kentucky.
The Northern Cardinal nests in trees or bushes, building a cup-shaped nest out of twigs, grass, and other materials.
It typically lays three to four eggs, which are incubated by the female for about 12 – 13 days.
Below are the characteristics of the Northern Cardinal,
| Scientific Name | Cardinalis cardinalis |
| Length | 8.5 – 9.5 inches (22 – 24 cm) |
| Weight | 2.5 – 3.5 oz (70 – 100 g) |
| Wingspan | 11 – 12 inches (28 – 30 cm) |
| Habitat | Thickets, woodlands, gardens, and suburban areas |
| Food | seeds, fruits, insects, and spiders |
| Nesting | Nests in thickets and low trees |
| Behavior | Highly territorial, often seen singing from high perches |
5. American Crow
American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) are large, black birds with a distinctive appearance.
They have glossy black plumage, a large, rounded head, and a long, thick bill.
They measure about 17 inches in length and have a wingspan of about 33 inches.
They typically weigh around 10 – 14 ounces.
Among North American crows, the American Crow is by far the largest.
In the eastern United States, they’re the second most frequent migratory bird.
The bird has been seen from small islands off the coast to huge mountains in the interior of the state.
The bird’s journey from southern Ontario to the Carolinas has been documented on several occasions.
Most of the state’s open spaces, including swamps, marshes, and rivers, are occupied by the American Crow.
They build their nests in hollow trees, stumps, and hollows in trees.
American crows are omnivorous and will eat a wide variety of foods, including insects, seeds, fruits, nuts, and even small mammals and birds.
American crows typically nest in trees, often using large sticks to build a sturdy nest.
They usually lay four to six eggs, which are incubated by both the male and female for about two weeks.
Below are the characteristics of the American Crow,
| Scientific Name | Corvus brachyrhynchos |
| Length | 17 – 21 inches (43 – 53 cm) |
| Weight | 12 – 24 oz (340 – 680 g) |
| Wingspan | 39 – 41 inches (99 – 104 cm) |
| Habitat | Wide range of habitats, including forests, fields, marshes, and urban areas |
| Food | Omnivorous |
| Nesting | Nests in trees, shrubs, or human-made structures such as buildings and poles |
| Behavior | Highly adaptable and intelligent |
6. Carolina Wren
The Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) is a tiny North American bird that lives in the woods.
Carolina wrens are small, plump birds with distinctive appearances.
They have a reddish-brown plumage with a white belly and a long, thin bill.
They measure about 5 – 6 inches in length and have a wingspan of about 9 inches.
They typically weigh around 0.5 – 0.7 ounces.
The Carolina wren has a range that stretches from northern Canada through Florida and west to Texas.
They like to nest in deciduous woods, meadows, suburbs, and parks with big trees or bushes.
The Carolina wren consumes mostly insects such as ants, beetles, crickets, and spiders, although it will also eat fruit and seeds if they are accessible.
They do not migrate, however, they may wander locally in response to changes in food supply or environment, such as storms.
They build their nests out of grass, leaves, moss, and other materials and line them with feathers.
They usually lay 4-6 eggs, which are incubated by the female for about two weeks.
Below are the characteristics of the Carolina Wren,
| Scientific Name | Thryothorus ludovicianus |
| Length | 4.5 – 5 inches (11 – 13 cm) |
| Weight | 0.5 – 0.7 oz (13 – 20 g) |
| Wingspan | 6 – 7 inches (15 – 18 cm) |
| Habitat | Moist woodlands, swamps, gardens, and suburban areas |
| Food | Insects and spiders also eat fruits and berries |
| Nesting | Builds a bulky nest in a cavity |
| Behavior | active and acrobatic |
7. Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied woodpeckers (Melanerpes carolinus) are found in the eastern United States and parts of Canada.
Red-bellied woodpeckers are medium-sized birds.
They have a pale gray or white head, a reddish-brown back and wings, and a pale red breast and belly.
They have a black and white barred pattern on their wings and tail and a black and white striped face.
They measure about 9 – 10 inches in length and have a wingspan of about 16 inches. They typically weigh around 2.5 – 3.5 ounces.
They inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and urban areas.
They prefer wooded areas with mature trees, where they can find food and suitable nesting sites.
Red-bellied woodpeckers can be found all throughout North America except for some mountainous areas.
This species’ distribution comprises primarily deciduous woods, but also parks, golf courses, and residential yards.
Ants, termites, caterpillars, beetle larvae, and other insectivores make up the majority of their food.
They forage for food on trees and utility poles, using their strong bills to hammer into the bark and extract insects.
They will also occasionally visit bird feeders.
During the winter months, Red-bellied Woodpeckers move to avoid the cold and return when the weather warms up.
They build their nests out of wood chips and line them with softer materials, such as feathers.
They usually lay 4 – 6 eggs, which are incubated by the female for about two weeks.
The chicks fledge (leave the nest) after about four weeks.
Below are the characteristics of the Red-bellied Woodpecker,
| Scientific Name | Melanerpes carolinus |
| Length | 9 – 10 inches (23 – 26 cm) |
| Weight | 2.5 – 3.5 oz (70 – 100 g) |
| Wingspan | 14 – 16 inches (36 – 41 cm) |
| Habitat | Deciduous and mixed woodlands, wooded suburban areas |
| Food | insects, seeds, fruits, and suet |
| Nesting | Nests in cavities in trees or nest boxes |
| Behavior | Active and acrobatic |
8. Carolina Chickadee
The Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis) is a tiny bird native to North America’s eastern coast.
It may be found from southern Canada to northern Mexico, but it prefers deciduous woods in the eastern US and southern Ontario and Michigan.
They have a black cap and bib, a white face and throat, and a gray back and wings.
They have a small, conical bill and a short, stubby tail.
They measure about 4 – 5 inches in length and have a wingspan of about 7 inches.
They typically weigh around 0.3 – 0.5 ounces.
Ants, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders are among the tiny invertebrates eaten by the Carolina Chickadee.
Fruits such as cherries, mulberries, and blueberries are also consumed.
During the winter, they travel south to Central America.
They inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, gardens, and urban areas.
They prefer wooded areas with a mix of trees and shrubs, where they can find food and suitable nesting sites.
They usually lay 4-8 eggs, which are incubated by the female for about two weeks.
The chicks fledge (leave the nest) after about two weeks.
Carolina chickadees are active, vocal birds and are often heard singing their distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call.
Below are the characteristics of the Carolina Chickadee,
| Scientific Name | Poecile carolinensis |
| Length | 4.5 – 5 inches (11 – 13 cm) |
| Weight | 0.4 – 0.5 oz (12 – 14 g) |
| Wingspan | 7 – 8 inches (18 – 20 cm) |
| Habitat | Deciduous and mixed woodlands, wooded suburban areas |
| Food | insects, seeds, suet, and sunflower seeds |
| Nesting | Nests in cavities in trees or nest boxes |
| Behavior | Active and acrobatic |
9. Blue Jay
The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a bird native to North America.
It is a member of the Corvidae family, which also includes crows, ravens, and magpies.
Blue Jays are medium-sized birds, measuring about 9 – 12 inches in length and weighing about 2.5 – 3.5 ounces.
They have a wingspan of about 13 – 17 inches.
Ecosystems such as deciduous forests, coniferous forests, and woodlands are all quite prevalent.
Blue Jays are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of foods including nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates.
They are known to cache food for later use, particularly during the winter months.
Blue Jays typically build their nests in trees, using materials such as sticks, twigs, grass, and mud.
Below are the characteristics of the Blue Jay,
| Scientific Name | Cyanocitta cristata |
| Length | 9.8 – 11.8 inches (25 – 30 cm) |
| Weight | 2.5 – 3.5 oz (70 – 100 g) |
| Wingspan | 12.2 – 15 inches (31 – 38 cm) |
| Habitat | Deciduous and mixed woodlands, wooded suburban areas |
| Food | acorns, fruits, seeds, insects, spiders, and occasionally small vertebrates |
| Nesting | Nest in trees, sometimes in shrubs, and occasionally in nest boxes |
| Behavior | Active and acrobatic |
10. Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens) is a bird native to North America that may be found from Canada to the United States.
Downy Woodpeckers are small birds, measuring about 6 – 7 inches in length and weighing about 0.7 – 1.4 ounces.
They have a wingspan of about 10 – 12 inches.
Downy Woodpeckers have black and white markings on their bodies, with a black head, neck, and wings, and white underparts and outer tail feathers.
They have a small, triangular bill, and a distinctive patch of red on the back of the head.
Their preferred habitat is deciduous forests, and they will only nest in areas with a lot of deadwood.
Downy Woodpeckers primarily feed on insects and other invertebrates, which they obtain by pecking at the bark of trees and other woody plants.
They also eat seeds and berries and are known to visit bird feeders.
During the winter months, the Downy Woodpeckers migrate as far south as Panama.
Below are the characteristics of the Downy Woodpecker,
| Scientific Name | Dryobates pubescens |
| Length | 6 – 7 inches (15 – 18 cm) |
| Weight | 0.7 – 1 oz (20 – 28 g) |
| Wingspan | 9 – 10 inches (23 – 25 cm) |
| Habitat | Deciduous and mixed woodlands, wooded suburban areas, orchards |
| Food | insects, seeds, fruits, and suet |
| Nesting | Nests in cavities in trees or nest boxes |
| Behavior | Active and acrobatic |
11. White-throated Sparrow
The White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) is a widespread bird in North America, with populations found across the continent.
The white-throated sparrow is most commonly observed in the spring when it migrates to breed its young for the summer.
Grasslands, woodland borders, parks, and gardens are all possible habitats for them.
These birds eat insects, seeds, berries, and other foods that they come upon while on the lookout for prey.
White-throated Sparrows measure approximately 6 inches in length. They typically weigh around 0.6 ounces.
They have a wingspan of around 8.5 inches.
White-throated Sparrows build nests on the ground or in low shrubs.
Below are the characteristics of the White-throated Sparrow,
| Scientific Name | Zonotrichia albicollis |
| Length | 6 – 7 inches (15 – 18 cm) |
| Weight | 0.9 – 1.3 oz (25 – 37 g) |
| Wingspan | 8 – 10 inches (20 – 25 cm) |
| Habitat | Coniferous and deciduous woodlands, thickets, fields, and suburban areas |
| Food | seeds, fruits, and insects |
| Nesting | Nests on the ground, often using abandoned nests of other birds |
| Behavior | Active and forages on the ground |
12. Eastern Phoebe
Eastern Phoebe’s scientific name is Sayornis phoebe.
It is a small, grayish-brown songbird with a white belly and a distinctive, slightly curved bill.
They are typically around 6 inches in length and weigh about 0.7 ounces. Their wingspan is around 10 inches.
During the spring and summer months, eastern phoebes nest in the ground near sources of water.
They spend the winter in Central America, resting on lakes and ponds for food and safety from predators.
Eastern phoebes eat flying insects such as flies, bees, wasps, butterflies, and dragonflies, which they catch by hovering above a body of water and then plunging with their mouth open.
They catch their food by making short flights from a perch to capture insects in midair.
Eastern Phoebes nest in a variety of locations, including on ledges, in crevices, and under bridges. They often return to the same nesting site year after year.
Their behavior is generally solitary and they don’t form large flocks.
They are known for their loud and repetitive songs, which they use to defend their territory.
Below are the characteristics of the Eastern Phoebe,
| Scientific Name | Sayornis phoebe |
| Length | 6.5 – 7 inches (16.5 – 18 cm) |
| Weight | 0.7 – 1 oz (20 – 28 g) |
| Wingspan | 9 – 10 inches (23 – 25 cm) |
| Habitat | Woodlands, fields, gardens, and suburban areas |
| Food | insects and spiders |
| Nesting | Nests on ledges or in crevices, often using abandoned nests of other birds |
| Behavior | Active and acrobatic, often seen perching on fence posts or power lines |
13. Mourning Dove
The scientific name for the Mourning Dove is Zenaida macroura.
It is a medium-sized, plump bird with a pointed tail and a long, tapered bill.
They are generally gray-brown in color with black spots on the wings and a distinctive black patch on the base of the tail.
They are about 12 inches in length and weigh around 4 ounces.
They have a wingspan of around 17 – 19 inches.
North America is a common home to the mourning dove. It breeds from eastern North America west to middle Texas, then south to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia.
They mostly live in the United States as permanent residents.
This bird loves damp soil environments such as swamps and wet meadows, where it feeds on earthworms, insects, crustaceans, and seeds.
Their migration pattern is determined by their breeding territory; northern breeders may travel south for the winter, while southern breeders may remain in their breeding area all year.
Mourning Doves nest in a variety of locations, including on branches, in bushes, and on buildings.
They usually lay two white eggs per clutch and may have several broods per year.
Below are the characteristics of the Mourning Dove,
| Scientific Name | Zenaida macroura |
| Length | 10 – 12 inches (27 – 30 cm) |
| Weight | 4 – 6 ounces (110 – 170 g) |
| Wingspan | 13 – 15 inches (33 – 38 cm) |
| Habitat | Woodlands, grasslands, deserts, and suburban areas |
| Food | Fruits and insects |
| Nesting | Twigs |
| Behavior | Calm and Peaceful |
14. American Goldfinch
The scientific name of the American Goldfinch is Spinus tristis.
It is a small, brightly colored finch with a short, conical bill.
The males are bright yellow with black wings and tails during the breeding season, and duller in the non-breeding season.
Females are duller overall, with gray-brown upper parts and yellow underparts.
They are about 4.5 inches in length and weigh around 0.5 ounces.
They have a wingspan of around 7 – 8 inches.
They may be found in the United States and Canada in wooded areas, hedgerows, and thickets.
These little birds like wide fields or meadows to eat seeds from plants including clover, thistle, dandelion, and crabgrass.
If insects are accessible, they will consume them.
With an average flying distance of 1500 miles each way, the American Goldfinch has one of the most extensive migrations of any North American bird.
The birds will begin flying south in August, covering roughly 50 miles each day until they arrive in Central America for the winter.
American Goldfinches nest in trees and shrubs, building a nest of thistledown and other plant fibers.
They usually lay four to six white eggs per clutch and may have several broods per year.
Below are the characteristics of the American Goldfinch,
| Scientific Name | Spinus tristis |
| Length | 4.3 – 5 inches (11 – 13 cm) |
| Weight | 0.4 – 0.6 ounces (11 – 17 g) |
| Wingspan | 7 – 8 inches (18 – 20 cm) |
| Habitat | woodlands, brushy areas, meadows, and gardens |
| Food | seeds, including thistle, sunflower, and millet |
| Nesting | plant fibers and line them with thistle down |
| Behavior | active and acrobatic |
15. Yellow-Rumped Warbler
The Yellow-Rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) is a North American migratory bird.
It is a small, active songbird with a short, conical bill.
They have bright yellow patches on their rump, sides, and undertail, as well as a distinct white eye ring.
They have a gray-green back and a white belly.
They are about 4.5 – 5 inches in length and weigh around 0.3 – 0.4 ounces.
They have a wingspan of around 7 – 8 inches.
They’re quite frequent and have a wide range of habitats.
The majority of these birds travel to the Central American coast for the winter, although some remain in Canada’s northern areas all year.
Eastern North America is the most abundant location for these birds, where they dwell amid coniferous trees or other densely vegetated areas such as bogs, fens, and meadows.
Flies, mosquitoes, and ants are among the insects they eat, but they also eat berries from bushes and trees if they can locate them.
Below are the characteristics of the Yellow-Rumped Warbler,
| Scientific Name | Setophaga coronata |
| Length | 4.3 – 5 inches (11 – 13 cm) |
| Weight | 0.4 – 0.6 ounces (11 – 18 g) |
| Wingspan | 7 – 8 inches (18 – 21 cm) |
| Habitat | coniferous and deciduous forests, as well as shrublands and wetlands |
| Food | insects, especially caterpillars, and berries |
| Nesting | twigs and grasses |
| Behavior | active and agile |
16. Song Sparrow
The scientific name of the Song Sparrow is Melospiza melodia. This Song Bird is a tiny brown sparrow with prominent head stripes.
It is a medium-sized sparrow with a plump body, a round head, and a short, conical bill.
They have a streaked brown back and a white belly.
They have a distinctive dark spot in the middle of their breast, which gives them their name.
They are about 7 inches in length and weigh around 1 ounce.
They have a wingspan of around 9 inches.
They may be observed across the eastern and central United States at any time of year; however, they travel south for the winter.
This bird may be found from Alaska to Nova Scotia, and further west to Texas, where it is known as the Song Sparrow.
In the summer, they like rural regions or farms with fields, brushy areas, or hedgerows; in the winter, they prefer woods with shrubs and big trees for cover.
During the summer, they eat mostly insects, while during the winter, they eat mostly seeds.
Below are the characteristics of the Song Sparrow,
| Scientific Name | Melospiza melodia |
| Length | 6 – 7 inches (15 – 18 cm) |
| Weight | 0.7 – 1.2 ounces (20 – 34 g) |
| Wingspan | 8 – 10 inches (20 – 25 cm) |
| Habitat | woodlands, brushy areas, wetlands, and suburban areas |
| Food | seeds, insects, and spiders |
| Nesting | grass, twigs, and leaves |
| Behavior | active and agile |
17. Chipping Sparrow
The Chipping Sparrow’s scientific name is Spizella passerina.
It is a small, brown, and gray sparrow that is common in open woodlands, parks, and gardens.
The length of an adult Chipping Sparrow is around 4.5 inches (11.5 cm), and they typically weigh around 0.5 ounces (14 grams).
The wingspan of this species is around 8 inches (20 cm).
In North America, the Chipping Sparrow is a common and ubiquitous sparrow.
Southern Canada, the United States, Mexico, North America, and the Caribbean are all home to Chipping sparrows.
Agricultural fields, meadows, and brushy regions, as well as open forests, are all places where the chipping sparrow may be found.
Caterpillars, grasshoppers, beetles, as well as plant seeds, are among the insects that the Chipping Sparrow eats.
They travel south through Texas and into central Mexico in late winter, then return north as early as March or April.
Nesting typically takes place in the spring, with the female building a cup-shaped nest out of twigs and grass.
They lay 3 – 5 eggs which are incubated for about 12 days.
Below are the characteristics of the Chipping Sparrow,
| Scientific Name | Spizella passerina |
| Length | 4.7 – 5.5 inches (12 – 14 cm) |
| Weight | 0.4 – 0.6 ounces (11 – 17 g) |
| Wingspan | 7 – 8 inches (18 – 20 cm) |
| Habitat | woodlands, brushy areas, meadows, and suburban areas |
| Food | seeds, insects, and spiders |
| Nesting | twigs, grasses, and leaves |
| Behavior | active and agile |
18. Tufted Titmouse
The Tufted Titmouse’s scientific name is Baeolophus bicolor.
It is a small, gray, and white bird with a distinctive black patch on the forehead and a crest of blue feathers on the top of its head.
They are about 7.5 inches (19 cm) in length and weigh about 0.9 ounces (25 grams).
The wingspan is around 10.5 inches (27 cm).
They spend the entire year in the eastern United States deciduous and mixed woods, which stretch from the Rocky Mountains to northern Mexico.
The Titmouse may be found from Canada to Mexico, although it does not travel across the Open Ocean.
Forests, woodlands, scrubland, pastures, and residential gardens with trees and hedges are among its preferred habitats.
Titmice are mostly insectivores, although they may consume seeds, berries, nectar, and insects as well.
During the winter, titmice fly south. March through July is usually the breeding season.
The breeding season for the Tufted Titmouse is from late April to early July.
The nest is made of twigs, moss, and lichens, built in a natural cavity or birdhouse and lined with feathers, hair, and other soft materials.
They lay 4 – 8 eggs, which are incubated for about 12 days.
Below are the characteristics of the Tufted Titmouse,
| Scientific Name | Baeolophus bicolor |
| Length | 6 – 8 inches (15 – 20 cm) |
| Weight | 0.7 – 1.2 ounces (20 – 35 g) |
| Wingspan | 9 – 11 inches (23 – 28 cm) |
| Habitat | woodlands, brushy areas, and suburban areas |
| Food | insects, spiders, seeds, nuts, and berries |
| Nesting | twigs, moss, and leaves |
| Behavior | active and agile |
19. House Finch
The House Finch’s scientific name is Haemorhous mexicanus.
It is a small, stocky finch with a reddish-orange head, breast, rump, and streaked back.
They are around 5.5 inches (14 cm) in length and weigh around 0.5 ounces (14 grams).
The wingspan is around 8.5 inches (22 cm).
House Finches may be found all across North America, even in the Arctic Circle.
They can be found all the way down to Panama, but beyond Arizona and New Mexico, their numbers are small.
The House Finch prefers to live near people because they provide food for its diet, which consists primarily of seeds from weeds or grasses but also includes insects and occasional fruit.
House Finches can be seen throughout the year, although migratory populations go south for the winter.
They feed primarily on seeds, fruits, and berries.
The breeding season for the House Finch is from late March to early August.
The nest is made of twigs, grass, and feathers, and is built in a variety of locations, including trees, shrubs, and man-made structures.
They lay 2 – 6 eggs, which are incubated for around 12 – 13 days.
Below are the characteristics of the House Finch,
| Scientific Name | Haemorhous mexicanus |
| Length | 6 – 7 inches (15 – 18 cm) |
| Weight | 0.5 – 0.7 ounces (14 – 20 g) |
| Wingspan | 10 – 12 inches (25 – 30 cm) |
| Habitat | open and semi-open habitats |
| Food | seeds, but also feed on fruits and insects |
| Nesting | trees, shrubs |
| Behavior | diurnal and social |
20. American Robin
The American Robin’s scientific name is Turdus migratorius.
It is a medium-sized, plump bird with a rusty red breast, gray back and head, and a white ring around its eye.
They are around 11 inches (28 cm) in length and weigh around 3.5 ounces (100 grams).
The wingspan is around 16 inches (41 cm).
The American Robin is a migratory songbird found in eastern North America, with populations in eastern Canada and the eastern United States.
A large portion of the birds’ wintering grounds is in Mexico.
As far as eastern North America goes, this bird may be found from Maine to Florida and as far as Texas.
During migration season, their habitat is primarily woodland edges, fields, parks, and gardens, as well as forest edges.
Throughout the year, robins eat bugs and berries.
They also consume earthworms, spiders, centipedes, and slugs in the summer, when they are most numerous.
The breeding season for the American Robin is from late April to early July.
The nest is made of grass, mud, and leaves, and is built in a variety of locations, including trees, shrubs, and man-made structures.
They lay 3 – 5 eggs, which are incubated for around 12 – 14 days.
Below are the characteristics of the American Robin,
| Scientific Name | Turdus migratorius |
| Length | 9.4 – 11 inches (24 – 28 cm) |
| Weight | 2.5 – 3.5 ounces (70 – 100 g) |
| Wingspan | 11.8 – 15 inches (30 – 38 cm) |
| Habitat | woodlands, gardens, parks, and suburban areas |
| Food | insects, worms, fruits, and berries |
| Nesting | trees and shrubs |
| Behavior | diurnal and loud |
Check out this article to learn more about the Types of Falcons in North Carolina.
Conclusion
In conclusion, North Carolina is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering a diverse array of bird species to observe and admire.
From the Eastern Bluebird and Northern Cardinal to the Wood Duck and Red-tailed Hawk, the state is home to a wide variety of birds that can be enjoyed year-round.
Again, these are the Most Common Birds of North Carolina
- Eastern Bluebird
- Northern Mockingbird
- White-breasted Nuthatch
- Northern Cardinal
- American Crow
- Carolina Wren
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Carolina Chickadee
- Blue Jay
- Downy Woodpecker
- White-throated Sparrow
- Eastern Phoebe
- Mourning Dove
- American Goldfinch
- Yellow-rumped Warbler
- Song sparrow
- Chipping sparrow
- Tufted Titmouse
- House Finch
- American Robin
FAQ
Some of the most common bird species found in North Carolina include the Eastern Bluebird, Northern Cardinal, American Goldfinch, and Tufted Titmouse. Other species that are known to frequent the state include the Wood Duck, Red-tailed Hawk, and Eastern Phoebe.What are some common bird species found in North Carolina?
The best time to go bird watching in North Carolina depends on the species of bird you are interested in observing. Many migratory birds can be seen in the state during the spring and fall. Resident birds are present year-round.When is the best time to go bird watching in North Carolina?
Yes, there are several state and national parks in North Carolina that offer excellent birdwatching opportunities. Some examples include the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.Are there any state or national parks in North Carolina that are known for their birdwatching opportunities?
Yes, there are several birding festivals and events held in North Carolina throughout the year. Some examples include the Cape Fear Bird Club’s Annual Christmas Bird Count, the North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve’s Annual Birding Festival, and the North Carolina Birding Trail’s Annual Fall Migration Festival.Are there any birding festivals or events held in North Carolina?
Yes, there are several bird species that are endangered or threatened in North Carolina. Some examples include the Wood Duck, Bald Eagle, and Peregrine Falcon. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these species and their habitats.Are there any bird species that are endangered or threatened in North Carolina?
Last Updated on March 22, 2023 by Lily Aldrin
