Birds of North Carolina

North Carolina supports a diverse range of birds shaped by its coastal plains, barrier islands, forests, wetlands, and mountain landscapes, as well as its position along major eastern migration routes. This page brings together bird guides focused on species found in the state, including local bird groups and visual identification resources to support field identification throughout the year.

  • 8 Red Birds in North Carolina (with Pictures for Easy ID)

    8 Red Birds in North Carolina (with Pictures for Easy ID)

    North Carolina supports a diverse group of red birds, from the brilliant Northern Cardinal found year-round in woodlands and neighborhoods to red-toned finches that crowd winter feeders and migratory tanagers that sing from mature forest canopies. Some species show intense, uniform red, while others display more limited reddish patches that stand out only in certain Read more

  • 10 Common birds in North Carolina (With Pictures)

    10 Common birds in North Carolina (With Pictures)

    North Carolina is home to an impressive variety of birds that bring color and music to every season. From mountain forests to coastal marshes, you’ll find familiar species that have adapted to neighborhoods, parks, and wild places alike. The Northern Cardinal, with its bright red plumage, often stands out among winter branches, while the cheerful Read more

  • 12 Blue birds in North Carolina (With Pictures)

    12 Blue birds in North Carolina (With Pictures)

    North Carolina is full of colorful birdlife, but there’s something especially striking about spotting a blue bird in the wild. Whether it’s the flash of a Blue Jay in the forest, the soft colors of an Eastern Bluebird on a fence post, or the deep hues of a Blue Grosbeak in a summer field, blue Read more

  • Hummingbirds in North Carolina (With Pictures)

    Hummingbirds in North Carolina (With Pictures)

    North Carolina is a hidden gem for hummingbird enthusiasts. With its lush landscapes and diverse habitats, the state offers a haven for these tiny, vibrant birds. Among the most captivating visitors are the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the only species that breeds in the eastern U.S., bringing a splash of iridescent red to the gardens and forests. Read more

  • 8 Woodpeckers of North Carolina (With Pictures)

    8 Woodpeckers of North Carolina (With Pictures)

    North Carolina’s rich and diverse forests are a haven for one of nature’s most fascinating birds: the woodpecker. From the rhythmic drumming echoing through the pines to the flashes of red and black amidst the trees, woodpeckers add both sound and color to the state’s woodlands. These birds are not just captivating to watch; they Read more

  • 6 Owls in North Carolina (With Pictures)

    6 Owls in North Carolina (With Pictures)

    Owls, the enigmatic rulers of the night sky, have long captivated the imagination with their silent flight and haunting calls. In North Carolina, these nocturnal birds of prey are an integral part of the ecosystem, thriving across varied landscapes from the misty Appalachian Mountains to the coastal plains. This article delves into the mysterious world Read more

  • Hawks in North Carolina (With Pictures)

    Hawks in North Carolina (With Pictures)

    North Carolina, a state renowned for its diverse natural landscapes, is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, and among its most captivating residents are the majestic hawks. These raptors, with their keen eyesight, impressive wingspans, and awe-inspiring aerial acrobatics, have long fascinated both nature enthusiasts and scientists alike. Nestled within the southeastern United States, Read more

  • Eagles in North Carolina

    Eagles in North Carolina

    North Carolina is home to a lot of different wildlife, and among the perhaps most magnificent are the eagles, known for their incredible hunting prowess, beauty, and symbolism of freedom. Bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike are captivated by these birds. North Carolina’s diverse habitats, which include expansive forests, mountains, and coastlines, provide the ideal Read more

  • 3 Falcons in North Carolina

    3 Falcons in North Carolina

    Falcons are some of the world’s most adaptable & skilled predators. What exactly is a falcon? These birds of prey are often confused with similar predatory birds such as hawks. ‘Falcons’ include any bird in the genus Falco, even birds without ‘falcon’ in their name such as hobbies and kestrels. Falcons have long, slender wings Read more