Birds
1. American Robin
This bird can easily be identified by the white around its eyes and its brownish-red underbelly.
Males and females look similar; however, the females are paler.
American Robins are oftentimes found on the ground eating earthworms instead of birdseed.
The American Robin is a typical backyard bird found year round!
2. Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is one of the most commonly seen backyard birds in NC!
You can identify males vs females by looking at the back of their heads. Males have a black spot on the back of their heads and females don’t!
Downy woodpeckers love peanuts (peanut butter), suet, and sunflower seeds and are found in NC year-round
3. American Goldfinch
These birds are unique because, in the summer, males are bright yellow with a black cap and wings, whereas the females are pale yellow and completely lack any black color.
In the winter, both sexes are light brown and have black wings.
These birds are quite timid and can be found eating sunflower seeds and Nyjer seeds.
4. House Sparrow
House sparrows are small invasive birds originating from the Middle East
Males are gray, black, white, and chestnut.
Females are a dull brown color and can be distinguished by the tan line that extends behind their eye.
They love grains, cracked corn, millet, and milo.
5. House Finch
Fun fact! House Finches are often the first birds to discover new bird feeders.
They tend to travel in groups and attract other birds too. They help other birds find your feeders too!
Males have red on their heads and upper breasts. They have brown streaks on their back, tail, and belly. Females also have these brown streaks, however no red!
6. White-breasted Nuthatch
Both sexes of the white-breasted Nuthatch look almost identical except for their caps. Males have a black cap whereas females have a blue-gray cap.
To attract nuthatches, put out sunflower seeds, peanuts, suet and avoid milo and grains.
7. Northern Cardinal
When a Cardinal comes to your mind, it is the stunning red bird right?! If so, you are imagining the male Cardinal. Female Cardinals are quite dull and pale with their light orangish-brown feathers.
Cardinals often visit bird feeders and are very commonly seen throughout North Carolina
They are our state bird after all!
They love sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, corn, and peanuts.
8. Blue Jay
Blue Jays are quite unique and hard to mistake for another bird.
Males and females look the same with their beautiful blue feathers and white underparts
Blue jays are highly intelligent and are the only birds that can crack open the shells on whole peanuts.
They also love sunflower seeds and corn!
9. Tufted Titmouse
This bird has a unique triangular-shaped head. They are grayish blue and have white underparts.
Males and females look the same.
Tufted Titmouses can be found at bird feeders very frequently, especially in the winter.
They are shy and oftentimes take their food to go, so catch them quickly before they fly away!
They snack on sunflower and safflower seeds, peanuts, and suet.
10. Brown-headed Nuthatch
The Brown-headed Nuthatch can be recognized by its blue-gray back, brown crown, and white underbelly. This small bird is on the Audubon Society Endangered List. There has been a significant decline in their population due to deforestation and urbanization. An effective way to conserve the Brown-headed Nuthatch is to build bird feeders and houses in our backyards!
11. Red-bellied Woodpecker
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the sole breeding hummingbird in our area. This species is incredibly small, but incredibly fast. They are beautiful red, green, and white birds that are incredibly brilliant. These birds are found feeding at hanging plants and feeders around houses. They love to feed on sugar water and bugs. Fun fact - the Hummingbird beats its wings about 53 times a second!
12. Pine Siskin
The Pine Siskin is a small yellowish-black bird that tends to be nomadic. Both sexes look the same; in fact, they are the only North Carolinian Finch that looks the same between sexes. These birds eat small seeds, millet, and occasionally suet. They have a distinctive, harsh call that can be referred to as a “watch-winding” call.
Featured Work
“Birds.” Audubon North Carolina, 15 Sept. 2023, nc.audubon.org/birds.
“Red-Bellied Woodpecker Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology.” Overview, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 2024, www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-bellied_Woodpecker/overview#.
About Me
My name is Kirina H. I have been a Girl Scout for 6 years and am honored to work and complete my Girl Scout Gold Award. Birds hold a special place in my heart, and I wanted to share some information on the various species that come and visit us here in Eastern North Carolina! In addition to this website, I have built birdhouses and placed them at my local hospice center, Kitty Askins, in Goldsboro, NC. I hope you found this website to be informative and helpful! Thank you so much!