Topics Related to Birds

Scientific Name: Ixobrychus exilisClassification: Nongame-State listed as Special ConcernAbundance: Found along the coast (blue)

Scientific Name: Scolopax minor Classification: Game SpeciesAbundance: Found throughout most of the state.

Scientific Name: Picoides borealisClassification: EndangeredAbundance: Rare

Scientific Name: Falco peregrinusClassification: Nongame SpeciesAbundance: Found statewide

Scientific Name: Bubo virginianusClassification: Nongame SpeciesAbundance: StatewideThe great horned owl is the largest owl species in North Carolina. It is found in woodland habitats statewide, including suburbia. The barred owl is also found statewide, but is more typical of swamps, floodplains and moist woodlands. The great horned owl’s closest relative is the eagle owl (Bubo bubo) of Eurasia.

Scientific Name: Strix variaClassification: Nongame SpeciesAbundance: Statewide

Scientific Name: Tyto albaClassification: Nongame SpeciesAbundance: Statewide

Scientific Name: Buteo jamaicensisClassification: Nongame SpeciesAbundance: Found statewide

Scientific Name: Buteo lineatusClassification: Nongame SpeciesAbundance: Found statewideThe red-shouldered hawk is a fairly common bird in North Carolina. While most North Carolinians cannot identify this hawk by sight, many are familiar with its two-part call. The blue jay often imitates the red-shoulder’s scream, ‘’kee-ah kee-ah.” This bird of prey can live right in towns and suburbs, wherever it finds its favorite habitat—mature woods along streams and rivers and in swamps.

Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus Classification: Nongame SpeciesAbundance: Found statewide