By Avian Feathers Team
Published July 2025
North Carolina is full of birds in every season. Whether you’re strolling through a neighborhood park or hiking the Appalachian trails, you’re bound to spot some feathered friends. Here are ten of the most common birds you’ll likely see across the state.
1. Northern Cardinal
Bright red and easy to spot, the Northern Cardinal is North Carolina’s state bird. Males are a vivid red, while females are warm brown with red tinges. They sing loud, clear whistles and love backyard feeders. You’ll often see them in pairs.
Size
Length: 8.3–9.1 in (21–23 cm)
Wingspan: 9.8–12.2 in (25–31 cm)
Weight: 1.5–1.7 oz (42–48 g)
Scientific Name: Cardinalis cardinalis
2. Carolina Chickadee
This tiny, cheerful bird has a black cap and bib with white cheeks. Carolina Chickadees are curious and energetic. They’re frequent visitors to feeders and are often seen hanging upside down on branches.
Size
Length: 3.9–4.7 in (10–12 cm)
Wingspan: 5.9–7.9 in (15–20 cm)
Weight: 0.3–0.4 oz (8–12 g)
Scientific Name: Poecile carolinensis
3. American Robin
American Robins are one of the first signs of spring. These plump birds have orange bellies and gray backs. You’ll spot them hopping across lawns or pulling up worms after the rain.
Size
Length: 7.9–11 in (20–28 cm)
Wingspan: 12.2–15.8 in (31–40 cm)
Weight: 2.7–3 oz (77–85 g)
Scientific Name: Turdus migratorius
4. Mourning Dove
With soft gray feathers and a gentle cooing sound, Mourning Doves are peaceful backyard visitors. They like to perch on telephone wires or feed on the ground. Their wings make a sharp whistling noise when they fly.
Size
Length: 9.1–13.4 in (23–34 cm)
Wingspan: 17.7 in (45 cm)
Weight: 3.4–6 oz (96–170 g)
Scientific Name: Zenaida macroura
5. Tufted Titmouse
This small gray bird has a tufted crest and large black eyes. Tufted Titmice are often seen in mixed flocks with chickadees and nuthatches. Their whistled “peter-peter-peter” call is easy to recognize.
Size
Length: 5.5–6.3 in (14–16 cm)
Wingspan: 7.9–10.2 in (20–26 cm)
Weight: 0.6–1 oz (18–26 g)
Scientific Name: Baeolophus bicolor
6. Blue Jay
Loud and bold, Blue Jays have bright blue feathers and a strong personality. They mimic hawk calls and are known to stash food. You’ll find them in forests and suburbs alike.
Size
Length: 9.8–11.8 in (25–30 cm)
Wingspan: 13.4–16.9 in (34–43 cm)
Weight: 2.5–3.5 oz (70–100 g)
Scientific Name: Cyanocitta cristata
7. Carolina Wren
This small, round bird has a loud voice that seems too big for its body. Carolina Wrens are reddish-brown with a bold white eyebrow stripe. They love to explore, sing year-round and often nest near homes.
Size
Length: 4.7–5.5 in (12–14 cm)
Wingspan: 11 in (28 cm)
Weight: 0.6–0.8 oz (18–22 g)
Scientific Name: Thryothorus ludovicianus
8. Red-bellied Woodpecker
Despite the name, these woodpeckers have a red crown and nape, not a bright red belly. You’ll hear them drumming on trees and calling loudly. They love wooded areas and backyard feeders with peanuts or suet.
Size
Length: 9.4 in (24 cm)
Wingspan: 13–16.5 in (33–42 cm)
Weight: 2–3.2 oz (56–91 g)
Scientific Name: Melanerpes carolinus
9. Eastern Bluebird
These colorful birds are a treat to see. Males have bright blue backs and rusty chests. They prefer open areas with scattered trees. You can attract them with nest boxes and mealworms.
Size
Length: 6.3–8.3 in (16–21 cm)
Wingspan: 9.8–12.6 in (25–32 cm)
Weight: 0.9–1.2 oz (27–34 g)
Scientific Name: Sialia sialis
10. American Goldfinch
In summer, these birds are a flash of yellow and black. In winter, they turn olive but still visit feeders. Goldfinches love sunflower and nyjer seeds. Their flight is bouncy, and their song is cheerful.
Size
Length: 4.3–5.1 in (11–13 cm)
Wingspan: 7.5–8.7 in (19–22 cm)
Weight: 0.4–0.7 oz (11–20 g)
Scientific Name: Spinus tristis
Where to Spot Common Birds in North Carolina
These common birds are widely distributed across North Carolina and can be found in various habitats:
Northern Cardinal: Found across all of North Carolina in almost any habitat with trees and shrubs. Common in backyards, suburban areas, parks, forests, and shrubby fields.
Carolina Chickadee: Widespread throughout North Carolina’s woodlands, suburban areas, parks, and backyard feeders. Look for them in areas with deciduous or mixed trees.
American Robin: Extremely common and found in lawns, parks, gardens, open woodlands, and urban areas across the entire state. Often seen foraging on the ground.
Mourning Dove: Ubiquitous across all habitats in North Carolina, from rural farmlands to suburban neighborhoods and city parks. They are frequent visitors to backyard feeders and often perch on wires.
Tufted Titmouse: Common in deciduous and mixed forests, suburban areas, and parks throughout the state. Often seen at backyard feeders and in association with chickadees.
Blue Jay: Found in forests, woodlands, suburban neighborhoods, and parks across all of North Carolina. They are often noisy and conspicuous.
Carolina Wren: Common in wooded areas, suburban gardens, parks, and dense thickets throughout North Carolina. They often nest near human dwellings and have a very loud song for their size.
Red-bellied Woodpecker: Widespread in woodlands, forests, suburban areas, and parks across North Carolina. They are frequent visitors to backyard feeders offering suet or peanuts and are often heard drumming.
Eastern Bluebird: Prefers open woodlands, orchards, suburban areas with scattered trees, and meadows. They are attracted to nest boxes and can be found across the state, especially in more open rural or semi-rural settings.
American Goldfinch: Common in open fields, meadows, suburban gardens, and areas with thistle and sunflower plants across North Carolina. They are very frequent visitors to bird feeders offering nyjer or sunflower seeds.
North Carolina’s birds are colorful, vocal, and full of life. Which of these have you spotted near your home?