Topics Related to Birds

Scientific Name: Ixobrychus exilis

Classification: Nongame-State listed as Special Concern

Abundance: Found along the coast (blue)

Scientific Name: Scolopax minor 

Classification: Game Species

Abundance: Found throughout most of the state.

Scientific Name: Picoides borealis
Classification: Endangered
Abundance: Rare

Scientific Name: Falco peregrinus
Classification: Nongame Species
Abundance: Found statewide

Scientific Name: Bubo virginianus
Classification: Nongame Species
Abundance: Statewide

The 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 varia
Classification: Nongame Species
Abundance: Statewide

Scientific Name: Tyto alba
Classification: Nongame Species
Abundance: Statewide

Scientific Name: Buteo jamaicensis

Classification: Nongame Species

Abundance: Found statewide

Scientific Name: Buteo lineatus

Classification: Nongame Species

Abundance: Found statewide

The 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 Species

Abundance: Found statewide