25 Backyard Birds in North Carolina in 2023 (Pictures & Facts)

Last updated 17-04-2023 by Mathias

In this article, we try to help you answer the question: What species of backyard birds can I find in North Carolina?

The “Old North State”, North Carolina is the 9th most populous state in the United States. North Carolina is home to 470 species of birds, and their state bird is the Northern Cardinal. In North Carolina, there are 300 species of trees, plus, nearly 3,000 types of flowering plants. This list will showcase the top 25 most common backyard birds in the great state of North Carolina.

25 most common backyard birds in North Carolina:

1. Northern Cardinal (95.28% frequency)
2. Tufted Titmouse (95.06% frequency)
3. Carolina Wren (93.71% frequency)
4. Mourning Dove (89.21% frequency)
5. House Finch (88.76% frequency)
6. American Goldfinch (87.87% frequency)
7. Red-bellied Woodpecker (84.72% frequency)
8. Carolina Chickadee (83.82% frequency)
9. Downy Woodpecker (83.60% frequency)
10. Dark-eyed Junco (82.02% frequency)
11. Eastern Bluebird (79.78% frequency)
12. Blue Jay (79.78% frequency)
13. White-breasted Nuthatch (74.38% frequency)
14. American Robin (67.87% frequency)
15. Spotted/Eastern Towhee (Rufous-sided Towhee) (66.97% frequency)
16. White-throated Sparrow (66.29% frequency)
17. Pine Siskin (61.57% frequency)
18. Chipping Sparrow (59.78% frequency)
19. Brown Thrasher (59.33% frequency)
20. Purple Finch (58.43% frequency)
21. Northern Mockingbird (57.98% frequency)
22. Song Sparrow (56.40% frequency)
23. Pine Warbler (55.73% frequency)
24. Yellow-rumped Warbler (53.71% frequency)
25. Brown-headed Nuthatch (53.03% frequency)

1. Northern Cardinal

Image: © Suzie McCann | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Cardinalis cardinalis

Length: 8.3-9.1 in (21-23 cm)

Weight: 1.5-1.7 oz (42-48 g)

Wingspan: 9.8-12.2 in (25-31 cm)

Found in 95.28 percent of sites visited in North Carolina

Cardinals have a red exterior with a black and slightly crimson bill on the males, which contrasts with the red exterior. Cardinals have a red exterior with a black and slightly crimson bill on the males. Northern Cardinal females have light brown wings and tails with a reddish tint, while the rest of their bodies are the same color as their wings and tails. It is possible to differentiate them from their male counterparts by the fact that they have a black face and a crimson beak.

A cardinal male’s territory is very important to him, and he will go to great lengths to ensure that no strangers access their area. Occasionally, a male cardinal may spend a significant amount of time in the mirror sparring with his own reflection. In fact, the female cardinal is one of the few songbirds in North America that can be heard singing, and she does it nearly entirely while she is perched on her nesting platform. As a result, the male cardinal will be able to tell when to go out and gather food for the nest as a result of this information.

The state of North Carolina is home to a significant number of Northern Cardinals, which may be seen there throughout the year, even during the winter. Their presence has been documented not just in the Midwest and East Coast of North America, but also in Arizona and Texas, among other areas.

There are several different types of feeding sources available to Northern Cardinals, including big tube feeders, hoppers and platforms, and even ground feeders. Hulled sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, broken maize kernels, millet, and milo are just a few of the seeds that they ingest.

2. Tufted Titmouse

Image: © Darlene Friedman | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Baeolophus bicolor

Length: 5.5-6.3 in (14-16 cm)

Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz (18-26 g)

Wingspan: 7.9-10.2 in (20-26 cm)

Found in 95.06 percent of sites visited in North Carolina

This species is recognizable by its silver-grey upper body and white underbelly, which contrast with its silver-grey upper body. Their flanks are tinged with a pinkish color. A little black mark appears above the bird’s beak, indicating that it has been disturbed. Their heads and eyes seem to be gigantic in contrast to the little birds that frequent feeders; their beaks and feet are also big in comparison. They have substantially broader necks than other species, which makes them seem intimidating. Tufted Titmice are the most closely related species to Sparrows in terms of size, and they are also the smallest.

Tufted Titmice are highly acrobatic when it comes to searching for food. They are more cautious and deliberate than chickadees in their movements. In addition to congregating with woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches on a regular basis, they are also frequent visitors to bird feeders. Tufted Titmice are more aggressive in their approach to feeders than other birds, such as sparrows and finches, which makes them a good choice for backyard feeding.

In North Carolina, the Tufted Titmouse may be observed all year long, regardless of the season. It is more common for them to be found on farmland in the Midwest and Southwest than on the East Coast or in certain sections of the South, although they may also be found in other parts of the nation.

Tufted Titmouses may be seen perched on the outer branches of tree canopies in parks and backyards, as well as on the ground near bodies of freshwater. You may sometimes hear the Tufted Titmouse’s whistled, high-pitched tune; this song is normally heard prior to seeing the Tufted Titmouse in its native environment.

When it comes to feeder visits, Tufted Titmice are regular visitors, and their numbers grow significantly throughout the winter months. They eat a variety of nuts, seeds, and suet on a regular basis, with sunflower seeds being their preferred snack food. Consider putting up nest boxes in your yard to encourage them to reproduce more often in your yard and surrounding area. Nothing more complicated than ensuring that the nesting boxes are properly set up well in advance of the breeding season is required.

3. Carolina Wren

Image: © Don Danko | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Thryothorus ludovicianus

Length: 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm)

Weight: 0.6-0.8 oz (18-22 g)

Wingspan: 11.4 in (29 cm)

Found in 93.71 percent of the sites visited in North Carolina

The reddish-brown top and orange underbelly of this bird, as well as a reddish-brown beak, are the most prevalent hues for this species. Despite its massive size, the Carolina Wren is constructed of a durable material. Their lengthy tail, which cocks up, distinguishes them from other species. The wren’s beak is large and curved downward, and its neck and body are both long and slender, like the wren itself.

When it comes to eating fruit and other insects, wrens of the Carolinas are well-known for their ability to scamper through thick undergrowth and climb up tree trunks. One of their favorite activities is listening in on other people’s conversations and personal matters. Because they are attempting to protect their territory, they will sing nonstop for the foreseeable future.

The Carolina Wren is a year-round inhabitant of the Lowcountry of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The wrens are believed to be permanent residents in this place, which means that they do not move around often or travel.

The Carolina Wren is a species that should be on your radar if you live in the Carolinas. Its singing, which may be heard often in thickly forested areas, is both loud and piercing in its pitch and intensity.

During the winter months, Carolina Wrens have been seen visiting suet feeders in yards and gardens across the world. At times of abundance, this species finds refuge in the backyards of people all over the world. Mealworms, suet, peanuts, and hulled sunflower seeds are among the meals that Carolina Wrens like in the wild, among other things. It is common to see them eating from tube feeders, suet cages, platforms, or hoppers, among other things. They are also known to feed from hoppers.

4. Mourning Dove

Image: © Ryan Schain | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Zenaida macroura

Length: 9.1-13.4 in (23-34 cm)

Weight: 3.0-6.0 oz (96-170 g)

Wingspan: 17.7 in (45 cm)

Found in 89.21 percent of sites visited in North Carolina

It is common for mourning doves to have plumage that is a close match to the hue of the terrain around them. The only distinguishing features of these birds are the black patches on their wings and the whitetail feathers on their tails, which are their only distinguishing characteristics. The long tails and short legs of these doves separate them from other species.

In-flight, mourning doves are swift and quick, and their wing beats are loud and steady, making them a favorite of photographers. During the mating season, when the Mourning Doves are at their most active, the male leads the female in a solitary flight. In the absence of a female, males compete with one another for the attention of possible mates, which may be exhausting. The female is the third member of the couple, and she is the most beautiful of the three.

Mourning Doves are year-round residents of North Carolina, but during the mating season, they migrate to northern Minnesota’s border with Canada and Michigan, where they mate and raise their young. In your area, you may see them perched on telephone lines on a regular basis. The fact that there is no greenery on the ground implies that the birds are conserving food in preparation for later feeding.

These doves will be attracted to a platform feeder or to seeds that have been scattered across the area to attract them. Birds like evergreen trees and bushy bushes as nesting sites because they give a safe refuge from the elements and provide a safe sanctuary from the elements. Keep your cats inside if they spend a lot of time on the ground since cats have been known to attack and kill ground-dwelling birds in the past, so keep them safe.

5. House Finch

Image: © Martina Nordstrand | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Haemorhous mexicanus

Length: 5.1-5.5 in (13-14 cm)

Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz (16-27 g)

Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 in (20-25 cm)

Found in 88.76 percent of the sites visited in North Carolina

The face and upper breast of a mature male House Finch are a brilliant crimson red hue, as is the rest of his body. It is possible to discern brown stripes on their back, abdomen, and tail, as well as on their wings. When a red complexion and a marked face are absent, older ladies have a basic grey-brown complexion and a smooth, unmarked face, which is characteristic of their age. In spite of its tiny size, the House Finch has a formidable beak and flat-topped head, which allow it to defend itself effectively. The fact that they have small wings gives the impression that they have a longer tail than they really do. In spite of the fact that many finches have notched tails, the House Finch’s tail notch is much less than that of the other finches in its family.

It is a gregarious bird that congregates at feeders or on trees to share a meal and engage in conversation with its fellow members of the flock. Occasionally, when they aren’t at the feeders, you may get a glimpse of them feeding from weeds or the ground in the surrounding area. When compared to the flight of most finches, their flight is quite bouncy.

They may be observed throughout the year in North Carolina, even the winter. Wintering House Finches from the Great Lakes and the Northeast move south to hunt food, which they do in large numbers.

In addition to parks and urban areas, wooded areas and private property are also excellent sites to seek for these birds. Backyards and private property are also excellent places to look for them. Because they are present in such high numbers, it is hard to ignore them completely.

When feeding your birds, add a little amount of black oil sunflower seeds to their diet to provide a nutritional boost. These birds may visit in large groups of up to 50 birds if they make their way to your feeders, so keep an eye out for them. These critters like to be fed by tubes, which are available from tube feeders. Their favorite meals include hulled sunflower and safflower seeds, as well as Nyjer, which is a kind of snack food that is popular among them.

6. American Goldfinch

Image: © Darren Clark | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Spinus Tristis

Length: 4.3-5.12 in (11-13 cm)

Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz (11-20 g)

Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in (19-22 cm)

Found in 87.87 percent of the sites visited in North Carolina

If you look closely, you can see that when they first emerge from their winter burrows, adult males have a magnificent golden hue with a black forehead and white stripes on their wings. The adult females of the species are recognized by a more olive colour and a duller golden coloration, as opposed to the immature females of the species. In light of the approaching winter, the brown wings of the Goldfinch, which are not striped, seem drab in contrast.

At feeders and in the surrounding area, there is a significant number of American Goldfinches, and they may often be seen in big groups walking about. Because of their undulating and bouncing flight style, together with the fact that they make a lot of noise when flying, they are often noticed by people.

It is possible that they may be found in North Carolina for most of the year; however, they can also be found in northern Michigan, Minnesota, and even Canada at certain periods of the year. It is possible to find them across eastern South Carolina and the remainder of the United States of America as long as they are not reproducing. They are also found throughout Canada and Mexico.

American Goldfinch feeders include hanging feeders, platforms, and hoppers, which are all popular alternatives for the bird, which loves a variety of different feeder designs. Goldfinches are attracted to thistles and other flowering plants that are native to the area, and these plants are known as nectar sources. The things that they are most drawn to are sunflower seeds and Nyjer (a kind of nettle).

7. Red-bellied Woodpecker

Image: © Scott Martin | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Melanerpes carolinus

Length: 9.4 in (24 cm)

Weight: 2.0-3.2 oz (56-91 g)

Wingspan: 13.0-16.5 in (33-42 cm)

Found in 84.72 percent of sites visited in North Carolina

With a stunning reddish and black and white striped back, this woodpecker is a sight to see. It also has white patches on its wings and a black and white striped back, among other characteristics. They have round heads and skinny bodies, which make them seem like Hairy Woodpeckers.

When woodpeckers are perched on tree trunks or branches, they use their enormous beaks to gnaw the bark. The flying path of the Red-bellied Woodpecker is similar to that of other woodpeckers.

It is possible to view this species of woodpecker throughout the year in North Carolina. A handful of these may be found outside of these three areas of the United States, but just a few.

Eastern forests are a year-round haven for eastern woodpeckers, who may be seen perched on tree limbs and trunks throughout the year. Woodpeckers make a lot of noise in the spring and summer, so being familiar with their calls may be advantageous.

If you want them to come to your backyard in the winter, you should provide them with suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. It has been shown that hummingbird feeders are used by the birds. Suet cages and gigantic hoppers are the most frequent types of feeders for them to use. These woodpeckers like a variety of foods, including black oil sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, cracked maize, and mealworms.

8. Carolina Chickadee

Image: © Evan Lipton | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Poecile carolinensis

Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)

Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (9-14 g)

Wingspan: 6.3-8.3 in (16-21 cm)

Found in 83.82 percent of the sites visited in North Carolina

The Carolina Chickadee’s predominant colors are black, white, and grey, which are all shades of black. The gray and white feathers that cover the wings add to the overall appearance. The crown and bib of the skull are both painted in a dark shade of black, as is the rest of the skull. It is difficult to detect the bird’s eyes, in part because the black cap extends beyond the black eyes, which makes it difficult to recognize the bird’s eyes. Chickadees have a skull that is generally spherical in shape and a short neck when compared to other species of birds. Despite the fact that they have long and slender tails, their bills are short and powerful.

Scientists have discovered that the Carolina Chickadee learns to remember hundreds of hiding sites where they store food and seeds so that they can locate them later on. Birds of prey are inquisitive, and they are constantly scanning their surroundings, which includes humans, for possible dangers to their survival. The fact that Carolina Chickadees live year-round in North Carolina does not diminish the fact that they are one of the first birds that people get acquainted with due of their predilection for finding feeders.

Chickadees are one of the birds that are most easily attracted to bird feeders, and they are also one of the most frequent birds that visit. Suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts are among of the foods that this specific bird looks for at feeders to augment their meals. You may be able to attract chickadees to your yard if you plant willow, birch, or alder trees in the area where they will be nesting in the future.

9. Downy Woodpecker

Image: © Evan Lipton | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Dryobates pubescens

Length: 5.5-6.7 in (14-17 cm)

Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz (21-28 g)

Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in (25-30 cm)

Found in 83.60 percent of sites visited in North Carolina

They feature a checkered black and white pattern on their wings, a striped black and white pattern on their heads, and a little red patch on the top of their heads when they are in the male form of the species. Downy Woodpeckers are a type of woodpecker that is native to North America. Downy Woodpeckers in the western hemisphere are often a darker shade of brown than their counterparts in the eastern hemisphere. Their wings are lighter in color in the Eastern hemisphere as a consequence of this change. In the Pacific Northwest, they have a dark brown overall color due to the environment.

Mixed-species flocks are formed when Downy Woodpeckers assemble with other birds of prey during the course of the winter season. When they are in large groups, they have less time to keep an eye out for predators, and they may be able to collect food more rapidly since others are present to aid them in their efforts.

Across the year, the Downy Woodpecker may be found throughout North Carolina, as well as much of the rest of the North American continent.

Most of the time, this kind of Woodpecker may be seen at a bird feeder in the backyard. Additional delights include black oil sunflower seeds, millet, and chunks of peanut butter, which they like eating while perched on the top of their suet cages. They also enjoy eating a variety of vegetables. Hummingbird feeders are sometimes utilized as a source of water by the birds.

10. Dark-eyed Junco

Image: © Chris Wood | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Junco hyemalis

Length: 5.5-6.3 in (14-16 cm)

Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz (18-30 g)

Wingspan: 7.1-9.8 in (18-35 cm)

Found in 82.02 percent of sites visited in North Carolina

While juncos may be found in a broad range of colors in the United States, dark gray and brown colors are the most often seen. In addition to being pink, their beaks and tail feathers have a faint blue color. The Dark-eyed Junco may be found in a broad variety of habitats across the world. Slate-colored, Oregon; Pink-sided; Red-backed; Grey-Headed; and White-Winged Juncos are among the fifteen species of the Junco family.

The dark-eyed juncos, which may be seen in large numbers in the forests of the United States and Canada, are easy to spot. As a consequence, they may be found all throughout North America, from Alaska to Canada, and from the southern United States to the northern United States, as well as in Mexico and Central America. Nests are constructed in shrubs and trees, from which the birds graze for seeds that have fallen from the sky throughout the day.

Juncos’ food is mostly comprised of cereal grains such as oatmeal and cracked maize, as well as Nyjer (a kind of seed oil). In addition to seeds that have been deposited in large hoppers or platforms, since they are ground feeders, they will consume seeds that have been distributed on the ground as well.

11. Eastern Bluebird

Image: © Keith Kennedy | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Sialia sialis

Length: 6.3-8.3 in (16-21 cm)

Weight: 1.0-1.1 oz (28-32 g)

Wingspan: 9.8-12.6 in (25-32 cm)

Found in 79.78 percent of the sites visited in North Carolina

As a mature male bluebird, his upperparts are brilliant blue with a brown neck and breast, and his throat is also brown. While the female Eastern Bluebird’s upper body is gray, she has a blue tail and wing tips, as well as white underparts, which contrast with her gray upper body. Because of their huge, round heads, wide eyes, and fat bodies, these birds are said to be a hybrid between a sparrow and a robin in appearance.

According to the National Audubon Society, the Eastern Bluebird like to sit on wires, low branches, and even posts to have a good view of its surroundings. They often perch in open areas to survey the ground for prey and scout the ground for prey. During the winter, they will eat the fruit from trees, but during the summer, they will descend to feed on insects and other insects that are in the area.

Eastern Bluebirds may be seen all year long in North Carolina, and they are most common in the spring and fall. These individuals are either long-term residents or those who travel a short distance each year to see family.

The Eastern Bluebird may be found in a variety of habitats, including places with sparse vegetation, tall trees, and nest boxes. Power lines and fences are among the most popular perching spots for these birds.

Despite the fact that it is doubtful that these bluebirds would develop a habit of visiting feeders on a regular basis, they may appear if food is readily accessible to them. Adding mealworms to your garden feeder will attract the attention of the birds, who will gladly consume them. In addition to feeding on the ground, this bird has been seen eating from a platform feeder on many occasions. Eastern Bluebirds eat a variety of foods, including mealworms, fruit, peanut hearts, and suet, among others.

12. Blue Jay

Image: © Scott Martin | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Cyanocitta cristata

Length: 9.8-11.8in (25-30 cm)

Weight: 2.5-3.5 oz (70-100 g)

Wingspan: 13.4-16.9 in (34-43 cm)

Found in 79.78 percent of sites visited in North Carolina

Variations in Blue Jay’s blue plumage may be seen. There’s a colour for any occasion, whether it’s a brilliant blue on the wingtips or a more muted one on the back. Necks, wings, and eyes of these creatures are all black. Their whole body, including their eyes, neck, and stomach, is white.. This songbird has a prominent crest on the top of its head in addition to its broad, rounded tail. Crows are far smaller than these birds, which fall somewhere in the middle of the two in terms of size.

It’s not uncommon to hear the blue jay’s calls for kilometers around. There are numerous Blue Jays in the area, and they are all singing from a neighboring tree’s branches. While flying, blue jays, particularly those on migratory routes, tend to be quite quiet. Food is carried in a pouch around the neck of the wearer.

All the way up the Oregon and Washington coasts, all the way up into eastern Canada, and all year round in North Carolina, you can see them.

Both their shrieks and their sociable nature make blue jays well-known. Blue jays gather in huge flocks along shorelines, making them more visible. Many people may congregate in wide regions, yet they fly quietly and one-by-one over the enormous terrain.

A hopper feeder or raised tray is preferred by Blue Jays when it comes to feeding time. For these birds, tray feeders outperform hanging feeders. Suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts are among their favorite snacks. If there are oak trees in the area, the jays will be able to produce acorns in the future.

13. White-breasted Nuthatch

Image: © Ryan Schain | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Sitta carolinensis

Length: 5.1-5.5 in (13-14 cm)

Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz (18-30 g)

Wingspan: 7.9-10.6 in (20-27 cm)

Found in 74.38 percent of sites visited in North Carolina

The White-breasted Nuthatch has a grey-blue back. White cheeks and a white underbelly contrast sharply with the black of the creature’s upper body. Chestnut is a good description for their fur and belly.

Despite their little size, nuthatches, a species of bird, like to consume huge seeds and insects. To “hatch” nuts and seeds, birds use their beaks to “consume” the insides by pushing them into the bark of trees. Nuthatches may be little, but their raucous squawks often put you on the right path.

North Carolina is home to the White-breasted Nuthatch, which may be observed throughout the year. The nonbreeding season is an excellent time to watch them in central Kansas.

This species’ favorite foods are peanuts, mealworms, suet, and hulled sunflower seeds. Suet cages and tube feeders are a typical location for them to be found.

14. American Robin

Image: © Alex Eberts | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Turdus migratorius

Length: 7.9-11.0 in (20-28 cm)

Weight: 2.7-3.0 oz (77-85 g)

Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in (31-40 cm)

Found in 67.87 percent of the sites visited in North Carolina

The majority of American Robins are grey-brown in color, with a dark brown or blackhead. Yellow is the primary color of their beaks Bright orange covers the undersides of these creatures. Both ladies have gray heads and backs, although their heads are noticeably lighter in color. These birds are one of a kind because of their large, spherical bodies, long tails, and tiny legs. For example, the robin’s form may be used to estimate other bird species’ sizes and shapes by comparison.

Its beak is directed skyward as it flies over the grass, taking in its surroundings. During the winter, birds need to forage for berries and build nests in trees. American Robins get inebriated just by consuming honeysuckle berry ripe fruit. The American Robin consumes a lot of fruit in the autumn and winter.

North Carolina is home to a variety of robins of this species throughout the year. American Robins may be found in every region of the United States to the south of Canada. There have been a few samples from the Gulf Coast region, the Southwest, and Mexico.

Depending on where you live, you may see robins digging for worms in the park or on your land. It’s simple to locate them if you pay attention to their characteristically lovely sounds. You may hear their chirps all winter long if you keep an eye out for them perched on the branches of fruit trees.

The ground or platform feeders are preferred by the American Robin. All of these ingredients will draw these birds to your bird feeders, including suet, fruit, mealworms, hulled sunflower seeds, and peanut hearts.

15. Spotted/Eastern Towhee (Rufous-sided Towhee)

Image: © Mason Maron | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Pipilo maculatus/erythrophthalmus

Length: 6.7-8.3 in (17-21 cm)

Weight: 1.2-1.7 oz (33-49 g)

Wingspan: 11.0 in (28 cm)

Found in 66.97 percent of the sites visited in North Carolina

The Spotted Towhee is a huge sparrow with a long, rounded tail and an outwardly pointed beak. In males, the upper torso and neck are jet black. It has a reddish cinnamon flank and a white belly.

“Double-scratching” is a term used to describe the backward hopping of Spotted Towhees as they search for seeds and other small invertebrates. Hopping about on the ground under plants and scaling lower branches in quest of food are two favorite activities for these birds.

Most of North Carolina is home to the Eastern Towhee year-round, but in the northern part of the state, this Towhee is only seen during the breeding season. For the Towhees, migration is both a way of life and a way of life.

It’s common to observe Towhees sauntering at the edges of forests and weedy regions. They make a mewing cry that sounds like a cat’s, and they sing quickly. Search low among the bushes and along the ground in leaf litter-filled places as well.

Spotted Towhees frequent backyard feeders and may even settle in your yard permanently. They prefer to eat from a platform or the ground, rather than from a dish. Fill your backyard feeder with sunflower seeds, cracked corn, millet, milo, and peanut hearts if you want to attract these Towhees.

16. White-throated Sparrow

Image: © Keenan Yakola | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Zonotrichia albicollis

Length: 6.3-7.1 in (16-18 cm)

Weight: 0.8-1.1 oz (22-32 g)

Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 in (20-23 cm)

Found in 66.29 percent of the sites visited in North Carolina

When seen from above, the White-throated Sparrow’s head has a striking pattern of striped lines. Birds of prey with spherical heads and large, pointed beaks are among the largest and slenderest of all birds of prey. Beak to eye, the bird’s beak shows a bright yellow patch.

This sparrow like to be on the ground. Sifting among the leaves on the ground, they will discover food. In the summer, the White-throated Sparrow feeds on newly developed buds at the foot of trees.

Outside of the mating season, White-throated Sparrows are short- to medium-distance migratory birds in North Carolina. Seasonal residents of the northern United States depart for the south around late September or early October.

Near trees or the brushy fields’ boundaries, you may often spot these birds. Throughout the winter, these birds may be recognised by their whistling sound.

This bird, which frequents birdfeeders on a daily basis, feeds on the seeds that fall to the ground. sunflower seeds, broken maize, milo, and millet are White-throated Sparrows’ favorite food sources.

17. Pine Siskin

Image: © Ryan Sanderson | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Spinus pinus

Length: 4.3-5.5 in (11-14 cm)

Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz (12-18 g)

Wingspan: 7.1-8.7 in (18-22 cm)

Found in 61.57 percent of sites visited in North Carolina

Pine Siskins have the look of sparrows due to their sharp beaks and notched tails. These blackbirds’ wings and tails have a tinge of yellow on them. Unlike most other birds, thin-billed finches have a unique appearance. While these birds are in flight, it is crucial to keep an eye out for forked tails and pointed wingtips.

The Pine Siskin is able to obtain energy five times faster at night when the temperature is lower. If they do this, they can withstand temperatures as low as –70°C (–94°F) for long periods of time.

North Carolina is a fantastic place to see Pine Siskins while they aren’t mating. Throughout the year, these birds may be seen in large swaths of North America. It’s possible to find them throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in certain parts of Mexico.

The Pine Siskin lives among fir trees. In fact, they can be hung upside down. You should constantly be on the watch for a piercing, twisted screech in your peripheral vision. This scream has a disconcerting resemblance to the shredding of paper for some ears. One winter, the Pine Siskin appears in North America, and the following, it vanishes.

With a Nyjer or thistle feeder, Pine Siskins may be lured to your yard. They also like millet and smaller seeds like hulled sunflower seeds. They like to feed on the seeds of weeds and plants.

18. Chipping Sparrow

Image: © Evan Lipton | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Spizella passerina

Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)

Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz (11-16 g)

Wingspan: 8.3 in (21 cm)

Found in 59.78 percent of the sites visited in North Carolina

Its long tail compensates for the Chipping Sparrow’s medium-sized beak in comparison to other sparrow species. Their chilly undersides contrast with their pale cheeks and red hats, making these birds stand out.

To escape predators, the Chipping Sparrow likes to dine on the ground, away from plants. From the tops of little trees, you may hear them singing as well. In 1998, a Chipping Sparrow found in Ontario was at least 10 years and 11 months old.

During the breeding season, they may be found all across North Carolina. They will all move to Baja California or Mexico during the winter months for the birds of the north.

During the winter months, Chipping Sparrows may be seen in small groups on open ground near trees. Chipping Sparrows prefer black oil sunflower seeds as their primary source of nutrition. When given the option, these sparrows will search for food on the ground rather than at feeders, however, this is not unheard of.

19. Brown Thrasher

Image: © Martina Nordstrand | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Toxostoma rufum

Length: 9.1-11.8 in (23-30 cm)

Weight: 2.1-3.1 oz (61-89 g)

Wingspan: 11.4-12.6 in (29-32 cm)

Found in 59.33 percent of the sites visited in North Carolina

Brown Thrashers dwarf Northern Mockingbirds in size and mass, yet being smaller than Blue Jays. The underparts of these birds, which are white with black lines, are dark. Their look is comprised of dark skin and vivid yellow eyes.

To remain undetected, these birds prefer to browse in the underbrush or in shrubs and bushes. When they sing from the branches of trees and plants, they like generating a lot of noise. Furious birds, Brown Thrashers have been known to inflict serious injury and even death on humans and their pets.

During their annual migration, Brown Thrashers stop over in various parts of the country. They migrate southward from the north of their breeding range in the dead of winter. Year-round inhabitants of southern North Carolina, Brown Thrashers may be seen in northern regions of the state during their nesting season.

To increase your chances of observing this bird, keep an eye out for densely wooded regions like hedgerows and forest margins. The scurrying noises generated by these birds are difficult to ignore.

As long as it’s provided, the Brown will eat. People’s yards may also be frequented by thrashers, in addition to feeding stations. The thick cover provided by shrubs and bushes that provide fruit may attract thrashers.

20. Purple Finch

Image: © Henry Trombley | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Haemorhous purpureus

Length: 4.7-6.3 in (12-16 cm)

Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz (18-32 g)

Wingspan: 8.7-10.2 in (22-26 cm)

Found in 58.43 percent of sites visited in North Carolina

On their breasts and heads, male Purple Finches have a pinkish-red hue, while their backs are deeper reddish-brown. To distinguish it from other birds, the finch has a white belly and a reddish-pink head. Unlike male Purple Finches, ladies don’t have a crimson bottom. To the contrary, they have a deeper brown underside that is striped with a lighter brown color. Additionally, their eyes feature a white stripe. As an adult, a Purple Finch may reach a size comparable to that of a House Sparrow. They are fearsome predators because of their conical skull beaks and notch-like tails. In comparison to their eastern counterparts, Pacific Coast Purple Finches have drabber plumage, according to experts.

Seeds and nuts are broken open by slicing open their beaks and tongues using these instruments. Besides collecting nectar from flowers, Purple Finches employ this method to do it. Coniferous woods, particularly those with a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, have the highest percentage of breeding.

You can view North Carolina’s Purple Finch year-round, even when it is not breeding. The short-distance travels of this migratory bird seem to be guided by cone crops. When the birds return to their nesting sites in Canada, they may be found in the central and southern United States.

A high probability that you won’t see it this year if you reside in its winter range is that it will return the following year.

You may attract Purple Finches to your tube, hopper, or platform feeders by offering sunflower seeds, Nyjer, and millet. If you have any coniferous trees in your yard, you may encounter a Purple Finch.

21. Northern Mockingbird

Image: © Jay McGowan | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Mimus polyglottos

Length: 8.3-10.2 in (21-26 cm)

Weight: 1.6-2.0 oz (45-58 g)

Wingspan: 12.2-13.8 in (31-35 cm)

Found in 57.98 percent of the sites visited in North Carolina

While the Northern Mockingbird has a grey-brown body, it has a lighter breast and abdomen. There are white patches on the wings, as well as two white bands across the top and bottom of the wingtips. The size of mockingbirds and robins are comparable.

The Northern Mockingbird has no qualms about perching on fences, trees, and telephone poles to make its presence known. These birds, which are often observed in couples, may be violent against intruders and drive them away from their area if necessary.

Because these birds don’t migrate or hibernate, they’re confined to a certain area. As far north as North Carolina, the northern mockingbird may be found.

It’s possible to see mockingbirds in your yard after the grass has been cut. In their natural environment, Northern Mockingbirds often perch on tall trees, phone poles, and even power lines.

Northern Mockingbirds are popular backyard visitors, although they don’t typically stop at feeders. If you keep an open lawn with fruiting trees and bushes, they will be lured to your property. Mulberries, hawthorns, and blackberries are some of their favorite fruits to consume in the wild.

22. Song Sparrow

Image: © Jonathan Irons | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Melospiza melodia

Length: 4.7-6.7 in (12-17 cm)

Weight: 0.4-1.9 oz (12-53 g)

Wingspan: 7.1-9.4 in (18-24 cm)

Found in 56.40 percent of the sites visited in North Carolina

Brown and white streaks on the Song Sparrow’s back and breast give it a streaked appearance. These sparrows, despite their little stature, pack a punch. There is a lot going for the Song Sparrow’s appearance.

Song Sparrows often wander through low plants or branches in quest of food. Male Song Sparrows generally sing from perches that are easily accessible, such as the top of a tree. Across the United States, these sparrows may be found.

There are Song Sparrows in the Pacific Northwest, Northern Midwest, Eastern U.S., and Western U.S. Other parts of the U.S. and Mexico are where you can find them when they’re not breeding. Canada is home to the Song Sparrow’s breeding population.

Near wetlands and lush foliage, look out for Song Sparrows. They like to sing from the tops of trees. Song sparrows may be fed on platforms or on the ground. These birds will be drawn to your feeders if you put out milo, millet, safflower, peanut hearts, nyjer, and cracked corn.

23. Pine Warbler

Image: © Ryan Schain | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Setophaga pinus

Length: 5.1-5.5 in (13-14 cm)

Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (9-15 g)

Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 in (19-23 cm)

Found in 55.73 percent of the sites visited in North Carolina

Although the Pine Warbler is a brightly colored bird, its back is olive green and its belly is white. These large birds have long tails and powerful beaks.

As they perch high in pine trees, these warblers might be difficult to notice. However, they also consume fruits and seeds in addition to insects. The Pine Warbler may sometimes be seen foraging on the ground or even from birdfeeders.

Unlike other warblers, Pine Warblers are only partial migratory. North Carolina is home to these warblers.

A pine woodland in the eastern United States is the greatest place to find the Pine Warbler. This Warbler prefers to nest in the tops of pine trees, where it has a safe haven. Millet, broken corn, sunflower seeds, even peanuts and suet are favorites of the Pine Warbler.

24. Yellow-rumped Warbler

Image: © Ezra Staengl | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Setophaga coronata

Length: 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm)

Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz (12-13 g)

Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 in (19-23 cm)

Found in 53.71 percent of the sites visited in North Carolina

Yellow-rumped Warbler is a large warbler despite its modest stature. Some of the traits of this bird are long, thin tails and a large, strong beak. Warblers are comparable in size to the Black-capped Chickadee.

This species of warblers prefers eating at moderate heights in the outer reaches of tree canopies. It’s common to witness Yellow-rumped Warblers swooping down to catch flying insects or flying long distances.

These warblers may be seen in North Carolina during the non-breeding season.

Yellow-rumped Warblers love to sit on tree branches, especially their outer limbs. They’re simple to see when they’re in plain sight. These birds may be seen at backyard feeders throughout the winter. Warblers like sunflower seeds, raisins, and suet, but even peanut butter may entice them.

25. Brown-headed Nuthatch

Image: © David Hollie | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Sitta pusilla

Length: 3.9-4.3 in (10-11 cm)

Weight: 0.3 oz (10 g)

Wingspan: 6.3-7.1 in (16-18 cm)

Found in 53.03 percent of the sites visited in North Carolina

The Brown-headed Nuthatch is a very tiny, compact bird, they appear to be very round because of their short tails. They are white below and grey above, their head is brown that has a white spot on the back.

These birds like to zigzag up and down tree trunks and branches, as they do this they squeak. These nuthatches are quite social birds, they often fly in shallow dips from tree to tree.

Found in most of the southeast United States, the Brown-headed Nuthatch can be found in parts of North Carolina year-round.

These birds are most common in a mature pine forest, you will hear a sound similar to rubber duckies coming from the trees. Look out for tiny birds zigzagging up and down the trunks of trees. You might also be able to spot them flying from tree to tree.

These birds have been found feeding on suet feeders in southeastern pine forests, so putting up a suet cage might attract the Brown-headed Nuthatch to your yard.

Bird watching in North Carolina

Bird watching in North Carolina is an excellent way to connect with nature. This lovely state is home to an abundance of wildlife, including birds. Many different bird species can be spotted in North Carolina with a little planning and preparation.

One of the best things about bird watching in North Carolina is that it is possible to do it all year. The state’s mild climate and diverse habitats make it ideal for bird watching. In the summer, migratory species such as songbirds, hawks, and waterfowl can be found. Ducks, owls, and other winter birds can be seen in the winter.

Preparation is essential when it comes to bird watching in North Carolina. It is critical to dress appropriately for the weather and have the necessary equipment. Binoculars are an essential tool for bird watching because they allow you to see the birds up close. It’s also a good idea to bring a birding checklist with you so you can keep track of the species you see.

Consider joining a local bird watching club to make bird watching in North Carolina even more enjoyable. This will provide you with access to experienced birders who can assist you in identifying species and providing advice on how to attract birds to your backyard.

Attracting backyard birds in North Carolina

Attracting birds to your North Carolina backyard is a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature in the comfort of your own home. There are numerous bird species that you can attract to your backyard, each with its own distinct beauty and song.

Providing food is one of the simplest ways to attract birds to your North Carolina backyard. Bird seed and suet are both excellent sources of food for birds and are reasonably priced. Other types of food, such as fruits, nuts, and mealworms, can also be provided.

You can create a bird-friendly habitat in your backyard in addition to providing food. Planting native plants and shrubs can provide birds with shelter, food, and nesting sites. You can also add birdhouses, birdbaths, and other bird-friendly features to your backyard to make it more appealing to birds.

Finally, you can think about providing water for birds. A shallow birdbath or water feature can provide a drinking and bathing area for birds. Keep your birdbath clean as well, because dirty water can harbor bacteria and parasites.