Some of North Carolina’s birds live there all year long, others are migratory and only part-time residents of the state. Below we’re going to take a look at 25 common backyard birds in North Carolina and learn a little about each species.
We’ll also show you how to attract birds to your yard, 10 different types of bird feeders you can use to do so, and mention a few birdwatching hotspots in North Carolina.
How many different species of wild birds are in North Carolina?
It’s difficult to get an exact number on how many bird species are found in North America, the United States, or even in the state of North Carolina. However, according to Wikipedia as of January 2020, there are at least 479 species of birds in the state of North Carolina.
Most reputable sources believe there are between around 800 – 1100 species of birds in North America. For the purposes of this article, we are just going to look at some common and popular species that live in North Carolina.
25 backyard birds in North Carolina
These are some of the more notable and recognizable North Carolina backyard birds. Enjoy!
1. Northern Cardinal
Scientific name: Cardinalis cardinalis
Length: 8.3-9.1 in
Weight: 1.5-1.7 oz
Wingspan: 9.8-12.2 in
Northern Cardinals are among the most recognizable and common backyard birds in North America. Males have bright red feathers and a black mask, females have duller colors and are more pale brown with some reddish coloring. Both males and females are easily recognized by their “mohawks” and reddish orange beaks.
Northern Cardinals are found throughout the state of North Carolina year-round.
Cardinals will visit most seed feeders, offer them mixed seed blends and black sunflower seeds.
You may also like: 21 interesting facts about Northern Cardinals
2. Tufted Titmouse
Scientific name: Baeolophus bicolor
Length: 5.5-6.3 in
Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-10.2 in
These little birds are very common at feeders and in backyards within their range. Like Cardinals, they have a small mohawk that helps you tell them apart from other birds. Titmice are silver-gray on top and lighter on bottom, with a black patch just above their beaks.
The Tufted Titmouse is found throughout the state of North Carolina all year.
Titmice will visit most seed feeders, offer them mixed seed blends and black sunflower seeds.
3. Carolina Chickadee
Scientific name: Poecile carolinensis
Length: 3.9-4.7 in
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz
Wingspan: 5.9-7.9 in
Chickadees are tiny little birds that are very easy to recognize because of their “black cap” and black bib. Their cheeks are solid white, their wings and backs are blackish gray, and their underbodies are puffy and whitish.
Carolina Chickadees, not to be confused with Black-capped Chickadees, are found throughout the state of North Carolina. They are very common at bird feeders and are often seen darting back and forth from a feeder to cover and back again for more. Chickadees are always among the first birds I see visiting a new feeder in my yard.
Chickadees will visit most seed feeders, offer them mixed seed blends and black sunflower seeds.
4. Blue Jay
Scientific name: Cyanocitta cristata
Length: 9.8-11.8 in
Weight: 2.5-3.5 oz
Wingspan: 13.4-16.9 in
Another very well-known bird species in North America and the U.S. is the Blue Jay. They have a large blue crest on top of their heads with mostly blue feathers on top and white feathers on bottom. They also have a black ring around their necks that looks like a necklace. Their wings are barred white, blue, and black.
Blue Jays are another year-round resident to the entire state of North Carolina. They are common in backyards and at feeders.
Blue Jays like platform feeders, peanut feeders, and feeders with large perches. Offer them black sunflower seeds, mixed seeds, and peanuts.
5. Eastern Bluebird
Scientific name: Sialia sialis
Length: 6.3-8.3 in
Weight: 1.0-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 9.8-12.6 in
True to their name, bluebirds are all blue on top with rusty reddish-orange bellies. They are just about the most sought after tenants of birdhouses in the U.S. making the bluebird house industry pretty booming.
They are very common in backyards, though not so much at feeders. Put up a birdhouse and try your luck in attracting a mating pair. I was able to attract nesting bluebirds 2 years in a row with this birdhouse on Amazon.
Eastern Bluebirds are found throughout the state of North Carolina all year.
Bluebirds don’t typically eat seeds, but can be enticed to visit feeders with mealworms on a tray feeder or in a dish.
6. White-breasted Nuthatch
Scientific name: Sitta carolinensis
Length: 5.1-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-10.6 in
White-breasted Nuthatches are very common feeder birds found in most backyards within their range. They get their name from the fact that they stuff nuts and seeds under tree bark, then use their sharp beaks to hatch them back out.
I’ve noticed that they also have the ability to walk vertically on trees better than many other types of birds. They have a thick black stripe on top of their heads, with white on either side and on their bellies. Their wings are mostly gray and black.
White-breasted Nuthatches are found year-round throughout North Carolina.
Nuthatches will visit most seed feeders, offer them mixed seed blends, black sunflower seeds, peanuts, or suet.
7. American Robin
Scientific name: Turdus migratorius
Length: 7.9-11.0 in
Weight: 2.7-3.0 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
Another one of the most common backyard birds in North Carolina is the American Robin. Robins are mostly seen hopping around the grass looking for worms and other invertebrates to eat. While they will occasionally visit bird feeders, they do not typically eat seeds. Their bright red, round bellies, and yellow beaks make them easy to identify.
American robins are very common backyard birds pretty much everywhere in North America, including North Carolina.
American Robins do not often visit bird feeders, so attract them with meal worms, native fruit-bearing plants, or a bird bath.
8. Mourning Dove
Scientific name: Zenaida macroura
Length: 9.1-13.4 in
Weight: 3.0-6.0 oz
Wingspan: 17.7 in
About the size of a robin, doves are very common in backyards and will often sit perched on telephone wires or in groups in trees. I sometimes see them on my tray feeder, but more often than not they are seen walking around on the ground. Mourning Doves are mostly gray with black spots on top and a pale peachy color below.
Mourning Doves are found throughout North Carolina as well as the rest of the lower 48 states, Mexico, and areas of Central America.
Doves will often visit seed feeders, but prefer scouring the ground for seeds that have fallen. Try a ground feeder with a mixed seed blend, or simply scatter some seeds on the ground.
9. European Starling
Scientific name: Sturnus vulgaris
Length: 7.9-9.1 in
Weight: 2.1-3.4 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
100 starlings were set loose in New York in the 1890s and they have since taken over the country. They destroy other birds’ nests, kill their young, and will overtake feeders not allowing other birds to get any of the food that you put out. They are mostly all dark with white specks on their backs and wings, and have yellow beaks and feet. Starlings can also be a purple and green iridescent color and in the right light can actually be quite pretty.
Unfortunately starlings are found in every one of the lower 48 states year-round, and are one of the most common backyard birds in North Carolina.
European Starlings will eat almost anything. They are an invasive species so we suggest you do not attempt to attract them, they’ll show up anyway.
10. American Goldfinch
Scientific name: Spinus tristis
Length: 4.3-5.1 in
Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in
Goldfinches are among my favorite birds to see at feeders, especially when they have their bright yellow feathers in the Spring and Summer. During this period they are mostly yellow, or “gold”, with black-tipped wings and black cap on top of their heads.
In the winter they will molt and lose these flashy colors and have more dull brownish or olive colors. You can always recognize them any time of year by the black on their wings, and their finch-like beaks.
Goldfinches are found all year in the majority of North Carolina.
Goldfinches prefer thistle feeders, they may also eat sunflower chips but a thistle feeder is your best chance to attract them.
11. House Finch
Scientific name: Haemorhous mexicanus
Length: 5.1-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 in
The House Finch is yet another very common backyard bird in North Carolina. Though they are invasive to North Carolina, they are not universally hated like House Sparrows, and do not cause the problems that the sparrows do.
If you attract them, which is fairly easy to do, they may show up in large flocks and mob your feeders. Males are mostly streaked brown in color with some red on the head and chest, females are all brown (female pictured above).
House Finches are common in many eastern states, North Carolina included.
Like other finches, House Finches often visit thistle feeders. They are seen at seed feeders more than Goldfinches, so try some black sunflower seeds to attract them as well.
12. House Sparrow
Scientific name: Passer domesticus
Length: 5.9-6.7 in
Weight: 0.9-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-9.8 in
Generally look at as pests, Houses Sparrows are the only other species of wild birds in the U.S. besides starlings that you can legally trap and humanely kill. Like starlings, they were introduced in New York in the 1800s and have since spread across our country like wildfire.
They are mostly brown in color, with some black and brown streaking on their wings and buffy chest. They are overall aggressive towards other birds, especially around nests.
House Sparrows are permanent residents in North Carolina, the rest of the United States, Mexico, Central America, and much of Canada.
Like the European Starling, House Sparrows are invasive and pose a threat to native species. They will eat almost anything.
13. Red-winged Blackbird
Scientific name: Agelaius phoeniceus
Length: 6.7-9.1 in
Weight: 1.1-2.7 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
Among the most abundant birds in all of North America, male Red-winged Blackbirds are unmistakable because of their red wings. The females of this species however, look quite different and are mostly brown with some yellow highlights.
They are known as a polygynous species, meaning males will have up to 15 different females that they are mating with. Red-winged Blackbirds are common in North Carolina all year.
Red-winged Blackbirds visit most types of feeders and will eat seed as well as suet.
14. American Crow
Scientific name: Corvus brachyrhynchos
Length: 15.8-20.9 in
Weight: 11.2-21.9 oz
Wingspan: 33.5-39.4 in
American Crows are solid black in color, and quite large in size. They are also know for being highly intelligent problem solvers, like their cousin the Raven. Crows will roost higher up in the tree tops in large groups where they can get a birds eye view of everything below.
If an owl or a hawk shows up, the roost will call out and let everyone known that there is danger nearby. I recently saw 3 crows and a red-shouldered hawk team up to chase off a great-horned owl, it was cool to watch.
Crows are found throughout the entire state of North Carolina all year long.
American Crows are omnivorous and generally do not visit bird feeders, they are much too large.
15. Song Sparrow
Scientific name: Melospiza melodia
Length: 4.7-6.7 in
Weight: 0.4-1.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-9.4 in
These sparrows are mostly brown on the back and wings, with heavy brown streaks on a white breast. Song Sparrows are very common throughout most of North America and their plumage can vary a bit from region to region. The male of the species uses his song to attract females as well as to defend his territory.
Song Sparrows are common throughout NC but are typically permanent residents in western North Carolina, and winter residents only in eastern parts of the state.
Song Sparrows will sometimes visit bird feeders and snack on mixed seeds and sunflower seeds.
16. Red-bellied Woodpecker
Scientific name: Melanerpes carolinus
Length: 9.4 in
Weight: 2.0-3.2 oz
Wingspan: 13.0-16.5 in
These medium-sized woodpeckers are fairly common at feeders and in backyards in general. Though they are described as “red-bellied” you may first notice the bright red streak along the back of their heads.
They have a plain white break with an area of pinkish red lower down in their “belly” area which is often not visible. Their wings are what really makes them easy to identify though, with the white and black barring.
Red-bellied Woodpeckers are permanent residents in North Carolina.
Attract Red-bellied Woodpeckers with a suet feeder, though they will also sometimes eat at seed feeders.
17. Downy Woodpecker
Scientific name: Picoides pubescens
Length: 5.5-6.7 in
Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz
Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in
Downy’s are very common backyard birds that love to visit bird feeders. They are the smallest woodpeckers in North America and are always one of the first species I see at a new bird feeder.
They are easily identifiable by their all white underbodies, black wings with white spots, black and white striped heads, and the red spot on the back of their heads (in males, females have no red). Though they do closely resemble another bird on this list, the Hairy Woodpecker, Downy’s are smaller.
Downy Woodpeckers are found all year throughout the whole state of North Carolina.
Downy Woodpeckers are very common at most types of bird feeders. Offer them mixed seed, black sunflower seed, and suet.
18. Common Grackle
Scientific name: Quiscalus quiscula
Length: 11.0-13.4 in
Weight: 2.6-5.0 oz
Wingspan: 14.2-18.1 in
Though they fall into the bully bird category like the starling does, Grackles are also quite pretty in the right light with their iridescent feathers. Overall they appear mostly black in color and will roost with other types of blackbirds, sometimes in massive flocks numbering in the millions of birds.
They are easy to identify by their solid coloring and yellow ringed eye. Grackles are common in North Carolina and found throughout the state.
Grackles are foragers and will eat just about anything, they are often thought of as pests.
19. Hairy Woodpecker
Scientific name: Leuconotopicus villosus
Length: 7.1-10.2 in
Weight: 1.4-3.4 oz
Wingspan: 13.0-16.1 in
There’s not much to differentiate Hairy Woodpeckers from Downy Woodpeckers, aside from the Hairy’s larger size and a few other key features. They both have very similar markings and are almost always found in the same places of the country as each other. I have found though that the Hairy Woodpecker does not visit bird feeder near as often as Downy’s do.
Hairy Woodpeckers are found throughout the state of North Carolina all year.
While not as common as Downy Woodpeckers, Hairy Woodpeckers will visit suet and seed feeders.
20. Golden-crowned Kinglet
Scientific name: Regulus satrapa
Length: 3.1-4.3 in
Weight: 0.1-0.3 oz
Wingspan: 5.5-7.1 in
These little birds can be difficult to spot because of their size, but are very cute. They’re often found in shrubs and deciduous trees. Golden-crowned kinglets are tiny migratory birds that can be seen throughout North Carolina and most of the lower 48 states in the non-breeding season, so look for them in the winter.
They’re easily identified by their small size and “golden crown” on the top of their head. Golden-crowned kinglets are one of the smallest backyard birds in North Carolina, aside from hummingbirds.
Kinglets rarely visit feeders, but you may still spot one in your backyard when they’re in town.
21. Baltimore Oriole
Scientific name: Icterus galbula
Length: 6.7-7.5 in
Weight: 1.1-1.4 oz
Wingspan: 9.1-11.8 in
Orioles are fruit eating birds and like dark colored berries and fruits. If your backyard has native fruit-bearing trees and plants you have a good chance of attracting Baltimore Orioles.
Males have a dark hood on their entire head, black backs with white stripes on their wings, and they are totally orange on their breasts and underbodies. They also have an orange rump and some orange tail feathers. Females coloring is a much more muted yellowish-orange.
Baltimore Orioles are migratory birds that only show up during the breeding season in most of the country, including North Carolina. So look for them in the Spring and early Summer mainly in the western half of the state.
Orioles love sweet things, put out an oriole feeder and offer them jelly and orange halves to attract them when they’re in town.
22. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
Length: 2.8-3.5 in
Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz
Wingspan: 3.1-4.3 in
Though only common in the eastern half of the United States, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the most abundant species of hummingbirds in the country. They are also the only breeding species of hummingbird found in the Eastern U.S. They get their name because males have a bright ruby-red throat.
Ruby-throated Hummers are emerald-green on their backs, wings, and heads with white under-parts. Females lack the red throat feathers.
You might find a couple of rare wandering species from time to time, but Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are generally the main hummingbirds found in North Carolina. They are found throughout the state from Spring to Fall and are the smallest backyard birds in North Carolina.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are very common in backyards if you put out nectar feeders, in most cases this should be done in April or May.
You may like: Facts, Myths, and FAQ about hummingbirds
23. Brown Thrasher
Scientific name: Toxostoma rufum
Length: 9.1-11.8 in
Weight: 2.1-3.1 oz
Wingspan: 11.4-12.6 in
These backyards birds in North Carolina aren’t as well-known as others on this list, but they can be found if you know where to look. As the name suggests they are mostly brown in color and I assume they are called thrashers because of the way they will thrash through fallen leaves looking for bugs, don’t quote me on that though.
Brown Thrashers are accomplished songbirds and are believed to have over 1100 different songs, including those of other bird species. They’re found throughout the state and are some of the more musical backyard birds in North Carolina.
Brown Thrashers don’t usually visit bird feeders but may pick up seeds on the ground. They mainly dig through leaves and sticks looking for bugs to find their food.
24. Gray Catbird
Scientific name: Dumetella carolinensis
Length: 8.3-9.4 in
Weight: 0.8-2.0 oz
Wingspan: 8.7-11.8 in
Most Catbirds are dark slate gray, with black caps on top of their heads, blackish gray wings, and long tails. They are mostly fruit eating birds so attract them with native fruit-bearing trees and bushes. They get the name catbird from their calls that somewhat resemble that of a meowing cat.
Gray Catbirds are found in most of North Carolina in the breeding season only, however there are permanent residents near the coast.
You may be able to attract catbirds if you offer some fruits, berries, and other sweet things but they prefer to forage on the ground or in bushes for food.
25. Northern Flicker
Scientific name: Colaptes auratus
Length: 11.0-12.2 in
Weight: 3.9-5.6 oz
Wingspan: 16.5-20.1 in
These medium to large sized woodpeckers are quite common in backyards throughout the United States, though not extremely common at feeders. In my opinion they are also among some of the most colorful birds in North America.
Flickers feed mainly on insects and are slightly less common at feeders as the other woodpecker species on this list, but if you know where to look you will still spot them in your backyard. Identify them by their black spots on their bellies, solid black bib, red patch on the back of their necks, and barred black and gray wings.
Northern Flickers are common all year in the state of North Carolina.
Northern Flickers occasionally visit a suet feeder, but more often than not they find their own food. They will however visit a bird bath if you have one out.
Bird watching in North Carolina
North Carolina is a wonderful state for birding if you want to go take your hobby outside of your own backyard. The North Carolina Audubon Society has 12 chapters and is always having meetups, workshops, field trips, and birding tours, should you want to get a little more involved. Or you can stick to your home base and just watch backyard birds in North Carolina. Either way is fine.
North Carolina birding locations, hotspots, and resources
I am not a resident of NC, however I do live in a neighboring state and have been to some of these places. If you are a North Carolina resident and would like to add some new species to your life list, then take a look at this list I’ve compiled of some popular birding locations and resources in North Carolina.
- Carolina Bird Club – map
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore/Pea Island NWR
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Mt. Mitchell State Park
- Blue Ridge Parkway
- Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge
- South Mountains State Park
- Jordan Lake State Recreation Area
- Weymouth Woods/Sandhills Nature Preserve
- Carolina Beach State Park
- Lake Mattamuskeet/ Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge
- NC Birding Trail
- Wake Audubon
- Birding in North Carolina – audubon.org
You can learn more about several of these locations from here.
Jesse has been feeding birds in his backyard and bird watching across the country for years. He loves learning about the different species and sharing his knowledge and experiences on this website.