Learn About the Bird of North Carolina and Its Facts

The Bird of North Carolina is a fascinating topic. The Brown Pelican is the official state bird of North Carolina, known for its distinctive brown and white plumage.

Found along the coastal regions, Brown Pelicans can be spotted scanning the waters for their favorite food, fish. They have a unique way of hunting, using a pouched bill to scoop up fish right out of the water.

One of the most interesting facts about Brown Pelicans is their impressive wingspan, which can reach up to 7.5 feet. This allows them to soar effortlessly over the ocean.

The Northern Cardinal is the official state bird of North Carolina, designated in 1943. It's a favorite among backyard bird enthusiasts, known for its distinctive appearance and song.

The Northern Cardinal is a brilliant scarlet red, with females sporting a buff brown color and reddish wings. Both males and females have a jet-black mask and a pronounced crest.

One of the most notable characteristics of the Northern Cardinal is its aggressive defense of its territory. Male cardinals have been known to attack small red objects mistaken as other males.

The Northern Cardinal breeds 2-3 times each season, with females building the nest and tending to the hatchlings for about 10 days while the male brings food.

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The Northern Cardinal is a common backyard bird in North Carolina, designated as the official state bird in 1943. They're known for their distinctive appearance and song, with males singing nearly year-round.

Male cardinals are a brilliant scarlet red, while females are a buff brown with reddish wings. Both have a jet-black mask, pronounced crest, and heavy bill. The male aggressively defends his 4-acre territory, even attacking small red objects mistaken as other males.

The cardinal breeds 2-3 times each season, with the female building the nest and tending to the hatchlings for about 10 days while the male brings food. The male then takes over the care of the first brood while the female moves on to a new nest and lays a second clutch of eggs.

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The Northern Cardinal is a year-round resident in North Carolina, and since 1943, it's been the state bird. They're such a common sight, you might find it surprising if you haven't spotted one in your backyard at least once.

Male Northern Cardinals are a deep, scarlet red, while females are a brick-like brown with red in their wings. Their wings are pronounced, and they have a heavy black-colored crest and cone-shaped bill.

In the summer, male cardinals stand out against the green foliage with their bright red coloration, and in the winter, they're even more striking against snowy landscapes. Their black mask around their face and elegant crest atop their head make them unmistakable.

Females, while not as bold in color, are equally beautiful with warm, brownish tones accented by reddish hues on their wings, crest, and tail.

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One of the best places to spot a Northern Cardinal is right in your own backyard, where they frequently visit bird feeders stocked with sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and peanuts.

If you don't have a backyard feeder, you can still catch a glimpse of these beautiful birds at Carolina Beach State Park, which offers diverse habitats, including maritime forests and open areas.

Northern Cardinals are non-migratory birds, so you can spot them in North Carolina throughout the year. They thrive in a variety of habitats, from suburban gardens to dense forests.

To increase your chances of spotting a Northern Cardinal, look for them in wooded areas and brushy fields, where they often perch low to the ground while foraging for food.

Here are some prime locations to find Northern Cardinals: