Winter Birds of North Carolina: A Guide
1. Northern Cardinal
One of the most recognizable birds of North Carolina in the winter is the Northern Cardinal. This bird can be recognized by its bright red feathers and is commonly seen at bird feeders. They are year-round residents in the state and can be found in wooded areas and urban environments. The Northern Cardinal feeds on seeds, fruits, and insects.
2. Dark-eyed Junco
The Dark-eyed Junco is another common bird in North Carolina during the winter months. They are easy to identify with their gray bodies and white bellies. They are often found hopping on the ground foraging for seeds. Dark-eyed Juncos breed in the Canadian and Alaskan forests and migrate south for the winter.
3. American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is a small bird but is easily recognizable with its yellow and black feathers. During the winter months, the males lose their bright yellow feathers and become a duller shade. They are often seen in flocks and are found in weedy fields and brushy areas. The American Goldfinch's diet consists of seeds from thistle, sunflowers, and other plants.
4. Red-breasted Nuthatch
The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a small bird that can be identified by its blue-gray top feathers and rusty-red breast. They can be found in coniferous forests and often climb down trees headfirst in search of insects or seeds. The Red-breasted Nuthatch mostly resides in northern forests and migrates south during harsh winters.
5. Pine Warbler
The Pine Warbler is a small bird with yellow-green feathers and a white belly. They are commonly found in pine forests in the southeastern region of the United States. The Pine Warbler feeds on insects and seeds. During the winter months, the Pine Warbler is known to join mixed-species flocks with other birds such as chickadees and titmice.
6. Carolina Chickadee
The Carolina Chickadee is a small bird with a black cap and white cheeks. They are commonly found throughout North Carolina year-round and are seen in both urban areas and wooded forests. The Carolina Chickadee feeds on insects, seeds, and fruit. They are known for their distinct call and can often be heard singing throughout the winter months.
7. Rusty Blackbird
The Rusty Blackbird has a distinct rust-colored patch on its feathers and is commonly seen in North Carolina during the winter months. They are primarily found near wetlands and feed on insects and seeds. The Rusty Blackbird is a species of conservation concern due to habitat loss and declining numbers.
8. Yellow-rumped Warbler
The Yellow-rumped Warbler has gray, white, and yellow feathers and is a common winter visitor to North Carolina. They are often found in deciduous forests and wooded areas and feed on insects and berries. During the winter months, they migrate south from their breeding grounds in Canada and the northern United States.
9. White-throated Sparrow
The White-throated Sparrow has a distinctive white throat and can be found in North Carolina during the winter months. They are commonly found in weedy fields and areas with thickets. The White-throated Sparrow feeds on seeds, insects, and fruit. They breed in Canada, Alaska, and the northern United States and migrate south for the winter.
10. Snow Bunting
The Snow Bunting is a visitor from the Arctic and can be found in North Carolina during the winter months. They are easily recognized by their white feathers and black wings. The Snow Bunting can be seen in open fields and along coastal areas. These birds feed on seeds and insects.
The Best Winter Birds in North Carolina to Look Out For
1.Snow Goose
The magnificent Snow Goose can be found in abundance in North Carolina during winter. This bird can be easily identified by its pure white feathers, with black wingtips. These birds are known to migrate in large flocks during the winter months, making them an excellent sight for bird watchers. The total number of Snow Geese inhabiting North Carolina during winter is around 25,000.2.Tufted Titmouse
The Tufted Titmouse bird is a favorite among birdwatchers, as it is commonly spotted in North Carolina throughout the year. During winter, this bird constantly seeks out food and can often be seen in backyards and forested areas. The Tufted Titmouse bird is identified by its light blue-gray feathers and distinctive tuft on its head.3.Dark-eyed Junco
The Dark-eyed Junco bird is commonly seen in North Carolina between November and March. This bird, known for its dark-colored feathered body and white belly, is often referred to as the "snowbird." It is a migratory bird and arrives in North Carolina at the start of winter from the Northern parts of America and Canada.4.Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawk is a large bird of prey that is commonly spotted in North Carolina forests and open fields. This bird is identified by its brown upper parts, pale underparts, and distinct red tail feathers. During winter, this bird spends its time searching for food in open fields, making it easier to spot.5.Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is a year-round resident in North Carolina and is usually seen in bright colors of red, black, and gray. During the winter months, the coloring of both male and female Cardinals deepens. This bird is well-known for its beautiful plumage and unique bird call, making it a favorite amongst bird watchers.6.Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker bird is a migratory bird and visits North Carolina during the winter months. This bird is identified by its black and white striped back and a bright red patch on its throat. They can usually be found in woodlands, near water sources and easily spotted due to their distinctive pecking sounds.7.American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch brightens up cold winter days with its yellow and black feathers, which are more vibrant during breeding season in the summer. During winter, they can easily be seen in open fields, woodlands foraging for food. The American Goldfinch is common to North Carolina throughout the year.8.Bufflehead Duck
The Bufflehead Duck is a migratory bird that can be found in North Carolina from November to late March. This bird is the smallest of the diving ducks and is easily identified by its white and black feathers. They prefer freshwater habitats such as lakes and rivers.9.Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird is a year-round resident in North Carolina, but its vibrant blue coloring becomes more prominent in winter. They often gather in small flocks to search for food in open fields or in backyards. This bird is well-known for its beautiful melody of a song, and it's a favorite among bird watchers.10.Carolina Chickadee
The Carolina Chickadee is a small bird known for its distinctive black cap, pure white cheeks, and gray back. This bird is a year-round resident in North Carolina and can easily be seen in backyards and forests in all seasons. During winter, Carolina Chickadees flock together for warmth and searching for food sources.Common Winter Birds Found in North Carolina
Winter is a fantastic time of the year to explore North Carolina's outdoors, especially if you're interested in bird watching! The state's mild winters and diverse range of habitats provide an excellent opportunity to spot many bird species that are typically only seen during the colder months. Here are some of the most common birds you can expect to find in North Carolina.1. Cardinals
2. Dark-Eyed Juncos
3. American Goldfinches
4. Red-Bellied Woodpeckers
5. White-Throated Sparrows
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Size | Feeding Habits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinals | Cardinalis cardinalis | 8.3-9.3 in (21-23.5 cm) | Eats insects, seeds, and fruits |
| Dark-Eyed Juncos | Junco hyemalis | 5.1-6.9 in (13-17.5 cm) | Eats insects, seeds, and berries |
| American Goldfinches | Spinus tristis | 4.3-5.5 in (11-14 cm) | Eats seeds from thistles, sunflowers, and other plants |
| Red-Bellied Woodpeckers | Meleagris gallopavo | 9.4-10.6 in (24-27 cm) | Eats insects, seeds, and fruit |
| White-Throated Sparrows | Zonotrichia albicollis | 5.5-6.3 in (14-16 cm) | Eats seeds and insects |
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