30 Small Birds in North Carolina » Golden Spike Company

With this small birds of North Carolina guide, you can be in your backyard or on a walk, and know what little birds are brightening up your day.

Because these little birds are all 9 inches or less in length and are typically seen in North Carolina, don’t delay; get spotting if you don’t know one warbler from the next.

This Woodlink caged feeder is the finest small bird feeder for keeping big birds away from the food since the cage prevents them from simply putting their heads through.

You can also get a free picture ID printable by learning more about popular backyard birds of North Carolina, big or small.

30 Small Birds in North Carolina:

Northern Cardinal
Carolina Wren
Carolina Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Eastern Bluebird
Eastern Towhee
Downy woodpecker
American Goldfinch
House Finch
Song Sparrow
White-breasted Nuthatch
White-throated Sparrow
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Eastern Phoebe
Pine Warbler
Red-breasted Nuthatch
European Starling
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
Gray Catbird
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Red-eyed Vireo
Common Yellowthroat
Indigo Bunting
Great Crested Flycatcher
Northern Parula
Eastern Wood-Pewee

30 Small Birds of North Carolina

1. Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinals are common all year in North Carolina.

The red male Northern Cardinal stands out against a white winter backdrop, with black across their face. With their brown color, sharp brown crest, red highlights, and red beaks, the females are also a little showy.

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)

During the breeding season, Northern Cardinals will attack their own image because they are obsessively defending their areas.

Sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, millet, and milo are some of the best Northern Cardinal seed sources.

Large tube feeders, hoppers, platform feeders, and ground food will all be sources of food for them.

2. Carolina Wren

Carolina Wrens are common all year in North Carolina.

The dark brown top of the Carolina Wrens contrasts with the light brown underbelly. Their upright tail and loud teakettle song distinguish them from other species.

Length: 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm)
Weight: 0.6-0.8 oz (18-22 g)
Wingspan: 11.4 in (29 cm)

The Carolina Wren is found in every state in the eastern and southeastern regions during the year. They may be spotted in wooded and vegetated areas, as well as at backyard feeding stations.

Suet feeders, hulled sunflower seeds, and peanut hearts in huge tube feeders or on platform feeders can all help you attract more Carolina Wrens to your backyard.

3. Carolina Chickadee

Carolina Chickadees are common all year in North Carolina.

Little birds with huge heads, black head and neck, white cheeks and belly, and a soft gray back, wings, and tail. Carolina Chickadees are tiny birds with a large head.

Length: 3.9-4.7 in (10-12 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (8-12 g)
Wingspan: 5.9-7.9 in (15-20 cm)

They interbreed where their ranges overlap, and they look a lot like the Black-capped Chickadee.

In the Eastern and Southeastern US, they may be found in forested areas, parks, and yards.

Black oil sunflower seeds, Nyjer seeds, suet feeders, and peanuts are all options for enticing additional Carolina Chickadees to your yard. Tube feeders, suet cages, and platform feeders are among the types of feeders they will eat. Nest boxes or nest tubes will be used by them as well.

4. Tufted Titmouse

Tufted Titmouse are common all year in North Carolina.

Tufted Titmice are little grey birds with a lovely grey crest and big eyes that prefer to live in groups with chickadees, nuthatches, and woodpeckers.

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)

Eastern and Southeastern states are home to these people.

They may be found in woodlands, parks, and on backyard feeders and are known for being forceful with smaller birds.

Sunflower seeds, suet, and peanuts on tube feeders or suet cages may all be used to attract Tufted Titmouse to your backyard feeders. Platform feeders will be used to satisfy their hunger.

5. Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Bluebirds are common all year in North Carolina.

Little thrushes with huge, rounded heads, wide eyes, and fat bellies are known as Eastern Bluebirds.

The males have a reddish color on the bottom and are blue on the back. The wings and tail of females are blue, with a subdued orange-brown breast. Females have a grayer top with some blue.

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)

They may be seen perching on wires and posts or low branches, searching for insects in meadows. In the eastern United States, they are most common, but during the winter from the far north, they may migrate south.

If your property is largely open and vast, supplying mealworms and nest boxes might entice more Eastern Bluebirds to visit.

6. Eastern Towhee

Eastern Towhees are common all year in North Carolina.

The males of the eastern Towhees have a white belly and long, slender log tails. They are known for hunting huge sparrows about the size of Robin. Females have a brown coloration rather than a black coloration.

Length: 6.8-8.2 in (17.3-20.8 cm)
Weight: 1.1-1.8 oz (32-52 g)
Wingspan: 7.9-11.0 in (20-28 cm)

Birds migrate south for the winter and may only be seen on the western border of their range, although they are resident in Southeastern States.

The eastern Towhees, who live near the fringes of woodlands and thickets, spend their time rummaging in the vegetation.

If your yard has overtaken hedges, you may visit dowhees for fallen seed at feeders, as well as black oil sunflower seeds, hulled sunflower seeds, chipped corn and millet at platform feeders.

7. Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpeckers are common all year in North Carolina.

Backyard feeders are home to the Downy Woodpecker, a small bird. Other birds like chickadees and nuthatches are frequently mixed in.

They have a crimson patch on the back of their heads and are black and white in color. They resemble the Hairy Woodpecker in appearance.

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)

Most US states and Canada are home to the Downy Woodpecker.

Try suet feeders to attract more Downy Woodpeckers, but they will eat black oil sunflower seeds, millet, and peanuts on platform feeders in addition to suet.

8. American Goldfinch

American Goldfinch are common all year in North Carolina.

In the spring, male American Goldfinches have a vivid yellow and black plumage. In the winter, females and males are both browner.

Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz (11-20 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in (19-22 cm)

Before moving to the Southern States, American Goldfinches breed in the Northern and Canadian regions all year. Foraging for sunflower, thistle, and aster plants, they can be found in weedy fields and overgrown areas. Suburbs, parks, and backyards are also overrun with them.

Planting thistles and milkweed in your yard may help to attract more American Goldfinches. They’ll eat sunflower seed and nyjer seed at most bird feeders.

9. House Finch

House Finch are common all year in North Carolina.

Males have a crimson head and breast, while females have a brown-streaked coloration. It was first only seen in the Western US, but it has since expanded to the Eastern US, even displacing the Purple Finch.

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)

Parks, farms, forest borders, and backyard feeders are all places where they may be found. They feed on seeds, buds, and fruit including thistle, cactus, cherries, apricots, plums, and strawberries. They can be found in noisy groups that are hard to miss.

Black oil sunflower seeds or nyjer seeds in tube feeders or platform feeders may help you attract more House Finches to backyard feeders.

The Woodlink caged feeder is the finest small bird feeder, since the cage keeps bigger birds from simply putting their heads through it.

10. Song Sparrow

During the year, song Sparrows can be found all over North Carolina, however they are most visible between October and May.

Song sparrows, which are mostly brown-streaked little birds and sing their nearly constant song to attract mates in the spring and summer, are not as amazing as other backyard birds.

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)

They are often seen perched on a low shrub singing in open, shrubby, and damp areas. Backyard feeders are a common place to find them. Beetles, caterpillars, midges, spiders, and earthworms are among the insects and plants Song Sparrows consume. Buckwheat, sunflowers, raspberries, wild cherries, blackberries, wheat, and rice will also be eaten by them.

Black oil sunflower seeds, broken corn, and nyjer on platform feeders may help you attract more song sparrows to your backyard feeders.

11. White-breasted Nuthatch

Throughout the year, White-breasted Nuthatches are common little birds in North Carolina.

White-breasted Nuthatches are active little birds that are gray-blue on the back and white on the face and belly, with a black cap. They will often have a chestnut color on the lower belly and under the tail.

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)

Deciduous woods, woodland borders, parks, and shrubbery with trees provide habitats for them as well as feeders. Beetles and their larvae, caterpillars, ants, and spiders are the main insects they consume.

Acorns, hawthorns, sunflower seeds, and occasionally maize crops are also eaten by White-breasted Nuthatches.

They pound huge nuts and acorns with their beaks until the seed falls out, then they stuff them into tree bark.

Sunflower seeds and peanuts on tube feeders or suet feeders may entice more White-breasted Nuthatches to your property.

12. White-throated Sparrow

Throughout the winter in North Carolina, from October to May, White-throated Sparrows are a common little bird.

The black and white striped head, bright white throat, and yellow between the eye and beak distinguish White-throated Sparrows. Brown on the back, with a gray underbelly.

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)

They’re migratory birds that breed in Canada and then travel to the Eastern and Southern United States during the winter.

White-throated Sparrows may be seen in large flocks on the ground in woodlands and forests, as well as along the outskirts of woodland.

Grasses and weeds seeds, as well as fruits such as grape, sumac, mountain ash, blueberry, blackberry, and dogwood are the main foods of White-throated Sparrows. In the summer, they will also eat a lot of insects from the forest floor.

Millet and black oil sunflower seeds on platform feeders may be used to attract White-throated Sparrows to your backyard feeders.

13. Yellow-rumped Warbler

Between October and May in North Carolina, Yellow-rumped Warblers are a common little bird.

The face, sides, and rump of yellow-rumped warblers are gray with flashes of yellow, while the wings are white. Winter birds are paler brown with a brilliant yellow rump and sides, while spring birds are more vivid brown with bright yellow rumps and sides.

They travel in enormous numbers south across much of the Southern and Central States, as well as the Pacific Coast, and throughout Mexico and Central America after breeding predominantly in Canada.

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)

Coniferous woodlands are home to Yellow-rumped Warblers, which may be seen throughout the breeding season and also in open areas with fruiting shrubs during winter. They eat mostly insects in the summer, and fruit, notably bayberry and wax myrtle, on migration. In the winter, they primarily eat insects.

Sunflower seeds, suet, raisins, and peanut butter are all options for attracting Yellow-rumped Warblers to your yard.

14. Chipping Sparrow

Throughout North Carolina, Chipping Sparrows can be found all year, but they are most visible between May and August.

With a grayish belly and brown and black-streaked back, chipping Sparrows have a rusty crown and black eye line. They are slender, long-tailed birds. The hues are muted during the winter.

Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz (11-16 g)
Wingspan: 8.3 in (21 cm)

Before flying to Mexico and Florida for the winter, they breed throughout much of North America and Canada. They stay in the south all year.

Little flocks of these may be seen on open land, and they will come to feed on a variety of birdseed in your yard.

15. Eastern Phoebe

Throughout the spring and fall migrations, eastern Phoebe are ubiquitous in North Carolina, but their numbers rise.

The back of the eastern Phoebes is grayish-brown, while the underneath is white. The head is darker than that of a western Phoebes.

Before migrating to the southeast and Mexico for winter, these migratory birds breed across northeastern and central states and into Canada. In the south of its range, some birds may stay year-round.

Length: 5.5-6.7 in (14-17 cm)
Weight: 0.6-0.7 oz (16-21 g)
Wingspan: 10.2-11.0 in (26-28 cm)

In quiet woodland, lonely adult Eastern Phoebes wagging their tails from low perches are more common than pairs or flocks. Insects, spiders, and other insects, tiny fruit and seeds are the main foods of these flycatchers, who are also fond of flying. They build nests out of mud and grass, which they do on bridges and barns or houses.

Install a nest box or native plants that produce berries to entice more Eastern Phoebes to your property.

16. Pine Warbler

Throughout the year, Pine Warblers may be seen in North Carolina, however they are most frequent from October to May.

Little fat yellow birds with olive backs, white belly, and gray wingbars, the Pine Warblers are a tiny species. Females may have more white on their bellies and appear browner.

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)

Pine Warblers, as the name implies, prefer to live in pine woods, which are often located high up in the trees. Caterpillars, beetles, spiders, and other arthropods are among the insects and larvae they consume when the weather is chilly.

They live in the Southeast, but after breeding, they will migrate south.

Tube feeders and platform feeders with millet, cracked corn, sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, and suet can attract more Pine Warblers. Bayberry, grape, sumac, and Virginia creeper are among the native fruits and vines you may grow.

17. Red-breasted Nuthatch

Red-breasted Nuthatch can be spotted all year in North Carolina.

In the winter if cone crops are poor, red-breasted Nuthatches may move across all of North America, remaining throughout the year in Northeastern and Western States, Alaska, and Canada.

They have a rusty bottom and blue-gray feathers with black and white stripes on the head.

Length: 4.3 in (11 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (8-13 g)
Wingspan: 7.1-7.9 in (18-20 cm)

Coniferous woods are home to red-breasted Nuthatches, who seek out cones and visit backyard feeders.

Black oil sunflower seeds, suet feeders, peanuts, and mealworms can all help you attract more Red-breasted Nuthatches to your yard.

18. European Starling

Throughout the year, North Carolina is home to European Starlings.

While they are not originally from Europe, European Starlings are now one of the most common songbirds. They have iridescent purple, green, and blue hues and are stocky black birds.

Length: 7.9-9.1 in (20-23 cm)
Weight: 2.1-3.4 oz (60-96 g)
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in (31-40 cm)

Beetles, flies, caterpillars, earthworms, and spiders are among the insects that starlings consume. Cherries, holly berries, mulberries, Virginia Creeper, sumac, and blackberries are among the fruits they consume. Grains and seeds are also eaten.

Most of North America is home to them.

These birds, which are considered a pest by some because of their aggressive demeanor, fly in huge noisy flocks and may be seen congregated on the tops of trees or flying across fields.

Black oil sunflower seeds, suet, shattered corn, and peanuts are all options for increasing the number of European Starlings in your yard.

19. Dark-eyed Junco

In North Carolina, all year round, Dark-eyed Juncos may be seen, but they are most often seen between November and April.

Juncos with dark eyes are a group of birds that varies in color depending on the region. In the east, they’re slate-colored, whereas in the west, they’re black, white, and brown.

Length: 5.5-6.3 in (14-16 cm)
Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz (18-30 g)
Wingspan: 7.1-9.8 in (18-25 cm)

They are prevalent across the continent and may be found in open and partly wooded areas on the ground. In the western United States and in the Appalachian Mountains, some species remain resident throughout the year. During the winter, those that breed in Canada and Alaska travel across much of the United States.

Dark-eyed Juncos may be attracted to backyard feeders with a range of seeds, including black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer, cracked corn, millet, and peanuts. The best option is to use platform feeders or scattered feeders.

This Woodlink caged feeder, which has a cage that is far enough away from the feeder to prevent bigger birds from just placing their heads through, is the best bird feeder for attracting small birds without bully birds such as grackles eating all the seed.

20. Red-winged Blackbird

Red-winged Blackbirds are common all year in North Carolina.

Save for the bright red and yellow shoulder patches, red-winged blackbirds are very common and easy to identify. In comparison to brown streaky coloring, the females are rather dull.

Length: 6.7-9.1 in (17-23 cm)
Weight: 1.1-2.7 oz (32-77 g)
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in (31-40 cm)

Over most states, as well as into Mexico and Central America, Red-winged Blackbirds are resident. Several head south for the winter on a limited range of territory.

Males will fiercely defend their territories in the breeding season, even attacking people who get too close to nests, and they can frequently be spotted sitting on telephone wires. They roost in millions during the winter.

Mixed grain and seeds scattered on the ground are a good way to attract additional Red-winged blackbirds to your yard. Large tube feeders or platform feeders may also be used to feed them.

21. Gray Catbird

In North Carolina, Gray Catbirds may be seen year-round, however they are most frequent between April and November.

The catty mew song of Gray Catbirds can last up to ten minutes, and this is why they are called Gray Catbirds.

Slate gray plumage, black head and tail, and a reddish patch beneath their tails distinguish these medium-sized songbirds.

Length: 8.3-9.4 in (21-24 cm)
Weight: 0.8-2.0 oz (23.2-56.5 g)
Wingspan: 8.7-11.8 in (22-30 cm)

Before heading south to the Gulf Coast of the United States, Mexico, and Central America, and the West Indies, Gray Catbirds breed across much of the country save for along the Pacific Coast. Along the Atlantic Coast, some may be found year-round.

Gray Catbirds may be seen in thickets, small trees, and forest borders or hedgerows.

Fruit and fruit trees or shrubs such as dogwood, winterberry, and serviceberry may be used to attract more Gray Catbirds to your backyard feeders.

22. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

All year in North Carolina, blue-gray Gnatcatchers can be found, but they are most common between March and October.

On the back is a little blue-gray songbird with white underparts. They feature wing patches and a black tail. In the summer, males have a distinctive black “V” on their foreheads.

Their legs, tails, and bills are all small and thin.

Length: 3.9-4.3 in (10-11 cm)
Weight: 0.2-0.3 oz (4.8-8.9 g)
Wingspan: 6.3 in (16 cm)

They stay in Florida and in the southern coastal areas throughout the year, breeding in deciduous woods throughout the Southern and Eastern States.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher nests are tiny and placed on branches, giving them the appearance of a tree knot with lichen, which make them look similar to hummingbird nests.

By constantly hopping around and flicking its tail up and down, it can feed on insects and spiders.

23. Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Between mid-September and March, Ruby-crowned Kinglets are common in North Carolina.

The males have a brilliant red crown that is usually flat, but really great if you do. Ruby-crowned Kinglets are small songbirds that are olive-green in color.

Length: 3.5-4.3 in (9-11 cm)
Weight: 0.2-0.3 oz (5-10 g)
Wingspan: 6.3-7.1 in (16-18 cm)

Before going to Southern and Southwestern States and Mexico for the winter, they breed across Canada and the western mountains. When they’re common, they may also be visible during migration.

Ruby-crowned Kinglets, which flit around in the foliage of lower branches and shrubs and trees looking for spiders and insects, can be difficult to spot.

Hulled sunflower seeds, peanut hearts, and mealworms are fed to them at suet feeders or platform feeders.

24. Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds may be seen year-round in North Carolina, however they are most prevalent between April and October.

Males of the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have an iridescent red throat and a bright green back and crown. The females are gray-white on the bottom.

Green on the back and white underneath with brownish crowns and sides, female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are green.

Length: 2.8-3.5 in (7-9 cm)
Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz (2-6 g)
Wingspan: 3.1-4.3 in (8-11 cm)

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a North American breeding species that migrates to Central America for the winter. Some go around Texas on the shore, while others go across the Gulf of Mexico.

These small birds catch insects in the air or on spider webs, zipping from one nectar source to the next. Their legs are so short that they can only shuffle along a perch, and they occasionally stop on a small twig.

In the summer, they’re easiest to find when out in flowering gardens or woodland borders. In addition, they can be found in towns, especially near nectar feeders.

25. Red-eyed Vireo

Between April and October, red-eyed vireos may be found in North Carolina.

The backs of red-eyed Vireos are olive green, and the underparts are white. Gray crowns with a white stripe above the eye, they have. When seen from a distance or in bright lighting, their crimson eyes may seem dark.

Length: 4.7-5.1 in (12-13 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.9 oz (12-26 g)
Wingspan: 9.1-9.8 in (23-25 cm)

Except for Alaska, Canada’s far north, and the southwestern United States, they breed across much of the country. They spend the winter in South America.

In the summer, they’re prevalent in woods, although they frequently hang out in the trees.

26. Common Yellowthroat

Throughout the year, Yellowthroats may be seen throughout North Carolina, however from April to October, they are more common during the spring and autumn migrations.

Little brownish-backed songbirds with long tails, Common Yellowthroats are small songbirds. A black mask covers the face of the males. The yellows may be more olive in parts underneath, depending on where they are located geographically.

Length: 4.3-5.1 in (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.3 oz (9-10 g)
Wingspan: 5.9-7.5 in (15-19 cm)

They may be found in marshy or wetland regions and brushy fields throughout the spring and summer, breeding across most of North America.

They are most often seen in vast backyards with thick vegetation, where they eat mostly insects.

27. Indigo Bunting

Between April and October, Indigo Buntings are a common sight in North Carolina.

Indigo Buntings are tiny birds that range in color from brown to brilliant blue with black streaks on the wings and tail.

Length: 4.7-5.1 in (12-13 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz (12-18 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in (19-22 cm)

In the Eastern States, they travel to Florida, Central and South America, and the Caribbean during the winter months.

Indigo Buntings search for seeds and insects in weedy fields and shrubby areas. Little seeds like nyjer and thistle may help you attract more visitors to your yard.

28. Great Crested Flycatcher

Between April and October, you may see Great Crested Flycatchers in North Carolina.

The back of Great Crested Flycatchers is brown, and their belly and throat are yellow. The wing and tail feathers of these birds are crimson. The crest isn’t particularly noticeable.

Length: 6.7-8.3 in (17-21 cm)
Weight: 0.9-1.4 oz (27-40 g)
Wingspan: 13.4 in (34 cm)

Great Crested Flycatchers spend the winter in southern Florida, southern Mexico, and Central America, breeding across much of Eastern North America.

Large insects flying butterflies, grasshoppers, moths, wasps, and spiders are among the species that perch up high in woodlands waiting for them. They can be spotted perched on fenceposts or other man-made constructions in mixed woodlands and along the fringes of clearings, parks, and tree-lined communities. Berries and tiny fruit will also be devoured.

Planting native species of plants and leaving brush piles to attract insects can help to attract more Great Crested Flycatchers to your backyard. Plants that produce berries readily take up residence in nest boxes, so plant berry-producing plants.

29. Northern Parula

Between April and November in North Carolina, particularly during the spring and fall migrations, northern Parula may be seen throughout the summer. During the winter, a few remain.

The Northern Parula is a cheerful warbler that lives in woodlands and has a vivid contrast of gray and yellow.

They have two white wingbars and are blue-gray on the back with a yellow patch. The yellow neck and chest that adorns both sexes is separated by a chestnut band on males. Females have a lighter complexion than males.

Length: 4.3-4.7 in (11-12 cm)
Weight: 0.2-0.4 oz (5-11 g)
Wingspan: 6.3-7.1 in (16-18 cm)

Before heading to Central America and the Caribbean for winter, Northern Parulas breed in the Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. In southern Florida, they may overwinter.

Nesting in long clumps of lichen and moss that drape from the branches, feeding on insects high up in deciduous forests. In the summer, you may identify them by looking at vast clusters of hanging moss.

30. Eastern Wood-Pewee

Between mid-April and November, Eastern Wood-Pewee may be seen in North Carolina.

Eastern Wood-Pewee is an unassuming gray flycatcher with off-white undersides, and they are named after the call they make.

Length: 5.9 in (15 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.7 oz (10-19 g)
Wingspan: 9.1-10.2 in (23-26 cm)

The Eastern Wood-Pewee breeds across eastern states and into Canada, arriving later than most birds from overwintering in South America.

They are frequently seen perched on exposed trees in woodlands, waiting for tiny flying insects to come by.

This Woodlink caged feeder, which has a cage that is far enough away from the feeder to keep bigger birds from just putting their heads through, is the most effective birdfeeder for attracting small birds without bully birds such as grackles.

How to Identify Birds

Here are some ideas for assisting you identify birds wherever you may be birding in North Carolina, so that you may record and locate the species in a guide:

The easiest thing to notice about a bird is its size. In guide books, birds are frequently measured in inches or centimeters. To be able to locate the bird later, take a note of it in terms of tiny, medium, or big. A sparrow is the size of a small bird, a pigeon is the size of a medium bird, and a goose is the size of a large bird.
Shape–Note the bird’s silhouette, write it down, or sketch the outline in your notebook. Tail length, beak shape, wing shape, and overall body shape should all be noted.
Main color and any secondary colors or patterns – Take a note of the head, back, belly, and wings’ main color as well as any additional colors or patterns. Patterns like banding, spots, and highlights should also be observed.
Are they on the ground or in the trees? – Ask them. Are they alone or in flocks? Can you tell what they’re eating?
Woodlands, parks, shrubs, meadows, beaches, and marshes make up the majority of habitat.
Using an ebird or Audubon app, for example, is a good way to identify birds.