North Carolina is a bird watcher’s paradise, with so many different species of birds that flutter and soar through our skies. One special family within the bird-watching community is blackbirds, which have been delighting us with their vocalizations and tender movements for generations. Whether you’re looking to observe them in an urban park or on the edge of a rural field, 20 species of blackbirds can be seen across North Carolina’s varied landscapes.
Black Birds Of North Carolina
As a part of the avian family, blackbirds are incredibly diverse and offer abundant majestic beauty throughout North Carolina. From the bright red cardinal to the beloved blue jay, each species has unique features that make it an essential part of our ecosystem. In this blog post, we’ll focus on some of the most popular types of blackbirds in North Carolina, sharing interesting facts about their behavior and habits while offering tips on spotting them yourself!
- European Starling
- Common Grackle
- Red-winged Blackbird
- Brown-headed Cowbird
- Eastern Meadowlark
- Boat-tailed Grackle
- Orchard Oriole
- Baltimore Oriole
- Rusty Blackbird
- Bobolink
- Bullock’s Oriole
- Brewer’s Blackbird
- Shiny Cowbird
- Yellow-headed Blackbird
- Bronzed Cowbird
- Scott’s Oriole
- Western Meadowlark
- Hooded Oriole
- American Crow
- Common Gallinule
European Starling
The European Starling is a common bird found across North Carolina. It is easily recognized by its glossy black plumage with white spots and yellow bill and its distinctive song of “cheer-up, cheerily.” They are very social birds and can often be seen in large flocks around urban areas. To spot them in the wild, look for a large flock of birds flying around or perched on trees and wires.
The European Starling is a beautiful black bird with an iridescent sheen. They can be Often found in urban and rural areas, flocking in large groups to protect themselves from predators. They feed on a variety of insects as well as some fruits and seeds. During winter, they are more likely to flock together in open fields or even in suburban neighborhoods.
Common Grackle
The Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is a large, black bird found annually in the southern United States. They have a glossy black plumage with a blue-green sheen and yellow eyes and measure 11 – 13.4 inches in length with a wingspan of 14.2 – 18.1 inches. They are omnivorous birds, feeding insects, fruits, seeds, and even small rodents. They are very social creatures and can often be seen around water sources or open fields in large flocks. Common Grackles mate for life and form strong pair bonds that last throughout the breeding season. During courtship displays, males fan their tail feathers while singing to attract females.
Both parents work together to build nests and care for the young in urban and rural areas. In addition to their unique physical appearance, Common Grackles are known for their loud vocalizations that sound like harsh squeaks or rattling calls. They use these vocalizations as both a way to communicate with other grackles and to ward off potential predators from the flock’s territory. To spot them in the wild, look for a large flock of birds flying around or perched on trees and wires near water sources such as creeks or ponds.
Red-winged Blackbird
The Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is one of North America’s most widely distributed blackbirds, stretching from coast to coast. They are relatively small birds, measuring 6.7-9.1 inches long, with a wingspan of 12.2-15.8 inches and a weight of 1.1-2.7 ounces. Males have glossy black feathers with bright red and yellow shoulder patches visible when they are in flight or singing, while females are a dull brown color with streaks of gray or white throughout their bodies and wings.
Red-winged Blackbirds are found in wetland areas such as marshes, ponds, rivers, lakes, open fields, and grasslands. They feed primarily on insects such as beetles and caterpillars but will also eat seeds, grain, fruits, and nectar from plants and trees when available. During the breeding season, the males will sing to attract females by fluffing out their red and yellow shoulder patches during courtship displays. Both parents work together to build nests near water sources using mud, dried grasses, twigs, feathers, and other materials found around the nest site for protection from predators.
In addition to its beautiful coloring and song, another interesting behavior seen in Red-winged Blackbirds is their “anting” behavior which involves rubbing ants onto their feathers for pest control purposes; this helps keep them safe from parasites while also providing them with nutrition at the same time! To spot them in the wild, look for large flocks flying around or perched on wires near wetlands or open fields during the summer months when they’re most active.
Brown-headed Cowbird
The Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) is a medium-sized blackbird in North America. They measure between 7.6 – 8.7 inches in length and weigh 1.3 – 1.8 ounces with a wingspan of 14.2 inches. The male cowbirds have glossy black feathers with brown heads, while the females are dull.
The Brown Brown-headed headed Cow Cowbirdbird ( (MMololothothrusrus a matter)) is a medium-sized-sized black bird with a brown head and white-white eyes. They measure 19 19 – – 22 22 centimeters in length with a wings wingspan pan of 36 36 cm and weigh between 42 42 – – 50 50 grams. Males Males have glossy black feathers with a green, greenish-ish–purpurpleple sheen and white eyes. At the same time, females are dry and drab in color colorationation, typically ranging from light to dark brown.
BrownBrown–headed Cow Cowbirdsbirds found throughout the United United States States, preferring open wood woodlandslands and wooded wood areas such as past pastures, ures, grass grasslands lands, she shrubublandslands, and even city parks. They feed on insects such as beetles, flies, cater caterpillpillarsars, spiders, and waspsps, as well as grains, fruits, and seeds when available. During the breeding season, they will sing to attract females by fan fanning nine out their tail feathers while singing. Both parents work together to build nests using small tw twigsigs lined with grasses or fur for insulation to protect their young from predators.
In addition to their unique physical appearance and song, another interesting behavior seen in Brown Brown-headed headed Cow Cowbirdsbirds is communal or roostostinging, which involves them gathering in fl flock socks at night or during cold, cold weather to keep warm. To spot them in the wild, look for large groups of birds perched on trees near open fields during the summer months when they’re active.
Eastern Meadowlark
The Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) is a medium-sized bird found in open woodland, grassland, and meadows in the eastern United States. This blackbird measures 7.5 – 10.2 inches long and weighs 3.2 – 5.3 ounces with a wingspan of 13.8 – 15.8 inches. The males have yellow breasts and white patches on their wings, while the females are more brownish with light streaks around their eyes and necks.
The Eastern Meadowlark is well known for its melodious song, which consists of vibrant whistles, trills, purrs, and pops that can often be heard from great distances away! They feed mainly on insects such as beetles, spiders, grasshoppers, and caterpillars but will also eat seeds, grain, nuts, and fruits when available during the winter months when food is scarce.
When spotting them in the wild, look for these birds perched atop fence posts or singing from the tops of tall weeds during springtime, their most active breeding season! Not only do they add beauty to our landscape, but they also play an important role by controlling harmful insect populations too, making them an essential part of our ecosystem!
Boat-tailed Grackle
The Boat-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus major) is a remarkable black bird that can be seen in many areas throughout North Carolina. Growing up to 14.6 inches long, these birds have slate-colored feathers on their backs and heads with a metallic green sheen, while the males display iridescent purple wings and tail feathers. They are relatively large compared to other species of blackbirds, weighing between 3.3 and 8.4 ounces with a wingspan of 15.3 to 19.7 inches. Boat-tailed grackles are incredibly social creatures and are often seen in large flocks looking for food sources such as insects, fruit, nuts, grain, and seeds, as well as raiding garbage cans or bird feeders if necessary.
When it comes to nesting, they build sturdy cup-shaped nests of twigs lined with grass or moss high up in trees, using their long claws to reach branches that other birds couldn’t reach. These magnificent birds also create an incredible cacophony by clattering their bills together at night during the breeding season, which is believed to be part of a courtship display! Additionally, some flock members may join in on the song by snapping their wings open and shut like an accordion while others flap their wings rapidly over their heads or even engage in aerial acrobatics!
While the Boat-tailed Grackle has no specific habitat preference, they tend to thrive in urban areas due to their ability to scavenge food from manufactured sources, making them an essential part of our ecosystem!
Orchard Oriole
The Orchard Oriole (Icterus spur) is a small black bird with striking yellow-orange accents that can be found throughout North Carolina. It typically measures 5.9 – 7.1 inches, weighs 0.6 – 1.0 ounces, and has a wingspan of 9.8 inches; however, the male tends to be slightly larger than the female on average.
These beautiful birds are most active during the spring and summer months when they migrate south to the state from as far away as Central America! They feed mainly on insects such as beetles, spiders, larvae, and caterpillars but occasionally eat berries, fruits, and seeds. During the breeding season, they make their nests in tall trees near open fields using pieces of bark, grasses, and other materials to line them for insulation against predators like hawks and cats that may try to steal their eggs or young chicks.
The Orchard Oriole has an unforgettable song that consists of short whistles, trills, and chirps that can often be heard from great distances away! It’s believed that this call attracts a mate while warning other males that they’re encroaching on their territory! Additionally, these birds are incredibly territorial during nesting season, often chasing away any other species of birds that come too close such as crows or bluejays!
Overall, the Orchard Oriole is an essential part of the avian family, offering majestic beauty throughout North Carolina and its impressive ability to control harmful insect populations making it an invaluable asset to our ecosystem!
Baltimore Oriole
The Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) is a stunning black bird known for its bright orange and yellow feathers that can be found in many areas of North Carolina. Growing up to 7.5 inches long and weighing between 1.1-1.4 ounces, these birds have a wingspan of 9.1-11.8 inches and display bright orange heads, backs, and chests with black wings and tails; however, the males typically have more vibrant colors than their female counterparts.
Baltimore Orioles are highly social creatures that live in small flocks during the day while they search for food sources such as insects, berries, fruits, nuts, and seeds; they also visit backyard bird feeders if necessary! During the breeding season, they create an incredibly intricate cup-shaped nest made from bark strips, grasses, weeds, and other materials lined with soft fur or feathers to keep their eggs safe from predators such as hawks or cats. They also sing an unforgettable song which consists of soft warbling calls consisting of chirps and trills that can often be heard from great distances!
Not only is Baltimore Orioles visually captivating with their striking colors, but they also play an important role by controlling harmful insect populations, making them an essential part of our ecosystem! In addition, they will often use nearby water bodies to gather mud to build their nests, which is a natural form of pest control in those environments! So not only do these beautiful birds serve as excellent entertainment for us, but they provide invaluable services for our environment too!
Rusty Blackbird
The Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) is a stunning black bird found throughout North Carolina that can grow up to 8.3-9.8 inches in length, 1.7-2.8 ounces in weight, and 14.6 inches in wingspan. With their distinctive rusty/brown shoulders, yellow eyes, and beak, these birds are unmistakable and offer an exciting contrast to the other black birds of the state!
These birds are omnivorous, feeding on various insects, seeds, grains, and berries; however, they tend to favor wet areas where food is plentiful, such as wetlands or meadows near lakes and rivers! Rusty Blackbirds are also highly social creatures that live in large flocks during the day while they search for food, but when night falls, they often take refuge in roosts high above the ground to avoid any potential predators! Additionally, they have an unmistakable call that consists of loud raspy whistles that can often be heard from quite some distance away!
Overall, the Rusty Blackbird is an incredible species offering amazing beauty throughout North Carolina and essential services by controlling harmful insect populations making it an invaluable asset to our ecosystem!
Bobolink
The Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) is a beautiful black bird found throughout North Carolina that has a length of 5.9-8.3 inches (15-21 cm) and weighs between 1.0-2.0 ounces (29-56 g). It also has an impressive wingspan of 10.6 inches (27 cm). This exciting bird has distinctive white patches on its wings and tail, which makes it stand out compared to other blackbirds in the area! In addition to its striking white pattern, male Bobolinks have a bright yellow head and chest with dark brown backs, while females typically have more muted colors such as browns and blacks with some white patches on their wings!
These birds are omnivorous, feeding on various insects, seeds, grains, fruits, and berries; however, they tend to favor grasslands during the breeding season, where food sources are plentiful! Bobolinks make their nests from twigs, grasses, leaves, and other materials lined with soft feathers for added insulation against predators like hawks or cats that may try to steal their eggs or young chicks. They also sing an enchanting song consisting of fast warbling trills that can often be heard from great distances when looking for mates in the springtime!
These beautiful birds offer majestic beauty throughout North Carolina and provide invaluable services by controlling harmful insect populations, making them an invaluable asset to our ecosystem! So not only do they entertain us, but they serve as natural pest control too!
Bullock’s Oriole
The Bullock’s Oriole (Icterus bullockii) is a stunning black bird found throughout North Carolina that can grow up to 6.7-7.5 inches in length (17-19 cm), 1.0-1.5 ounces in weight (29-43 g) and 12.2 inches in wingspan (31 cm). This species has incredibly beautiful plumage with yellowish, orange, and black colors on its wings and tail, as well as white patches around its eyes, making it one of the most spectacular black birds in North Carolina! The Bullock’s Oriole is an omnivorous bird that feeds mostly on insects, seeds, grains, fruits, and berries; however, they tend to favor open grasslands where food sources are plentiful!
These birds also have a complex and exciting song that consists of low musical phrases that often linger in the air! They offer incredible beauty throughout North Carolina and provide important services by controlling harmful insect populations, making them an essential part of our ecosystem!
So these lovely birds serve as excellent entertainment for us, and they perform invaluable services for our environment too!
Brewer’s Blackbird
The Brewer’s Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) is an incredible species of blackbird found throughout North Carolina that can grow up to 7.9-9.8 inches in length (20-25 cm), 1.8-3.0 ounces in weight (50-86 g) and 14.6 inches in wingspan (37 cm). This bird has a striking appearance characterized by its glossy black plumage with some iridescent blue/green and purple colors appearing on its back and wings when the light hits it just right!
Males have brighter yellow heads compared to females, who typically have browner heads with dark streaks. The Brewer’s Blackbird is an omnivorous species, feeding on insects, seeds, grains, fruits, and berries; however, they tend to favor open grasslands and wooded areas during the breeding season where food sources are plentiful!
During this time, they construct their nests from twigs, straws, grasses, and other materials, then line them with soft feathers for added insulation against predators such as hawks or cats that may try to steal their eggs or young chicks. They also have an exciting song consisting of squeaky whistles and trills that can often be heard from great distances when looking for mates during springtime!
In addition to offering stunning beauty throughout North Carolina, the Brewer’s Blackbird provides essential services by controlling harmful insect populations making it an invaluable asset to our ecosystem! So not only do these majestic birds entertain us, but they serve as natural pest control too!
Shiny Cowbird
The Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) is a beautiful black bird found throughout North Carolina that can grow up to 7.1 inches in length (18 cm), 1.1-1.4 ounces in weight (31-40 g), and 13.8 inches in wingspan (35 cm). This species has an incredible glossy black plumage with purple, green, and blue iridescent colors on its head, neck, back, and wings that can become quite dazzling when the light hits it just right!
The males tend to have smaller yellow patches at the base of their bill, while females usually have larger yellow patches along their lower jawline. The Shiny Cowbird is an omnivorous species, feeding on insects, seeds, grains, fruits, and berries; however, they prefer open grasslands with plentiful food sources!
During the breeding season, they construct their nests from twigs, straws, and other materials, then line them with soft feathers for added insulation against predators like hawks or cats that may try to steal their eggs or young chicks.
Furthermore, they possess a surprisingly complex song repertoire consisting of repetitive squawks and whistles combined with more musical notes that can be heard from great distances during mating season. In addition to offering stunning beauty throughout North Carolina, the Shiny Cowbird provides essential services by controlling harmful insect populations making it an invaluable asset to our ecosystem!
So not only do these lovely birds offer entertainment for us, but they serve as natural pest control too!
Yellow-headed Blackbird
The Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) is a stunning black bird found throughout North Carolina that can grow up to 8.3-10.2 inches in length (21-26 cm), 1.6-3.5 ounces in weight (44-100 g), and 16.5-17.3 inches in wingspan (42-44 cm). This species has an eye-catching appearance characterized by its glossy black plumage with bright yellow patches on its head, neck, and chest that become even more dazzling when the light hits it just right!
Males tend to have brighter yellow heads when compared to females, who usually have browner heads with some dark streaks. The Yellow-headed Blackbird is an omnivorous species, feeding on insects, seeds, grains, fruits, and berries; however, they prefer open grasslands or wet areas during the breeding season where food sources are plentiful! During this time, they construct their nests from twigs, straws, and other materials, then line them with soft feathers for added insulation against predators such as hawks or cats that may try to steal their eggs or young chicks. They also possess an intriguing song that includes both musical trills and grunts that can often be heard from great distances while searching for mates during springtime!
Furthermore, unlike most birds of this genus, the Yellow-headed Blackbird is known for forming large Numbers flocks in open areas across North Carolina, making them a breathtaking sight!
In addition to providing beautiful entertainment, these birds also provide essential services by controlling harmful insect populations, making them an indispensable asset to our ecosystem! So not only do these majestic birds offer enjoyment, but they also act as natural pest control!
Bronzed Cowbird
The Bronzed Cowbird (Molothrus aeneus) is a striking black bird found throughout North Carolina that can grow up to 7.9 inches in length (20 cm), 2.3-2.6 ounces in weight (64.9-73.9 g) and 13 inches in wingspan (33 cm). This species has an eye-catching plumage characterized by its glossy black color with green and bronze iridescent colors that become even more dazzling when the light hits it just right! Males tend to have a slightly more bronzed coloring than females, who usually possess more brownish feathers along their back and wings. These birds are known for their nomadic behavior, often traveling long distances between breeding grounds yearly; however, they prefer open grasslands or wet areas during the breeding season where food sources are plentiful!
During this time, they construct their nests from twigs, straws, and other materials, then line them with soft feathers for added insulation against predators such as hawks or cats that may try to steal their eggs or young chicks. The Bronzed Cowbird is an omnivorous species, feeding on insects, seeds, grains, fruits, and berries; however, they also have a special diet of small vertebrates like lizards or baby mice, which makes them an essential part of our ecosystem by controlling harmful populations!
Furthermore, they possess captivating songs consisting of rapid twittering sounds combined with musical notes, which can be heard from great distances during mating season!
In addition to providing stunning beauty throughout North Carolina, the Bronzed Cowbird offers essential services by controlling harmful insect populations making it an irreplaceable asset to our environment! So these beautiful birds give us something beautiful to look at, and they serve as natural pest control too!
Scott’s Oriole
The Scott’s Oriole (Icterus variorum) is a stunning black bird found throughout North Carolina that can grow up to 9.1 inches in length (23 cm), 1.1-1.4 ounces in weight (32-41 g) and 12.6 inches in wingspan (32 cm). This species has an eye-catching plumage characterized by its glossy black color with bright yellow patches across its head, neck, and chest that become even more vibrant when the light hits it just right! Additionally, males tend to have brighter yellow heads than females, who usually have browner heads with some dark streaks. Unlike most birds of this genus, the Scott’s Oriole is solitary and will form small flocks when feeding; however, they prefer woodlands and thickets during the breeding season, where food sources are plentiful!
During this time, they construct their nests comprised of twigs, straws, and other materials, then line them with soft feathers for added insulation against predators such as hawks or cats, which may try to steal their eggs or young chicks. They also possess a unique song that includes beautiful melodies and occasional chirps and whistles that can often be heard from great distances when searching for mates during the springtime!
Furthermore, these birds are known for being excellent insect eaters, which makes them an essential part of our ecosystem by controlling harmful populations! Not only do these majestic birds entertain, but they act as natural pest control too!
Western Meadowlark
The Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) is a stunning black bird found throughout North Carolina that can grow up to 10.2 inches in length (26 cm), 4.1 ounces in weight (115 g), and 16.1 inches in wingspan (41 cm). This species has an eye-catching plumage characterized by its glossy black color with yellow patches across its chest, belly, and flanks that become even more vibrant when the light hits it just right! Additionally, males tend to have brighter yellow patches than females, who usually have browner feathers along their back and wings. Unlike most birds of this genus, the Western Meadowlark is a ground-dwelling species and prefers open grasslands or farmlands during the breeding season where food sources are plentiful! During this time, they construct their nests comprised of twigs, straws, and other materials, then line them with soft feathers for added insulation against predators such as hawks or cats, which may try to steal their eggs or young chicks.
Furthermore, these birds possess a unique song that includes beautiful melodies and occasional chirps and whistles that can often be heard from great distances when searching for mates during the springtime! They are also known for being excellent insect eaters, which makes them an important part of our ecosystem by controlling harmful populations! Not only do these majestic birds entertain, but they act as natural pest control too!
Hooded Oriole
The Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus) is one of the most beautiful black birds found in North Carolina Is Home, with its glossy sheen and bright yellow patches along its wings and tail. This species is a medium-sized songbird that grows up to 7.1-7.9 inches in length (18-20 cm), 0.8 ounces in weight (24 g), and 9.1-11 inches in wingspan (23-28 cm). It has a distinctively beautiful plumage, characterized by its gleaming black color with a yellow cinnamon chest, belly, and flanks, which become even more vibrant when the light hits it just right! Additionally, males tend to have brighter yellow markings than females, who usually have browner feathers along their back and wings. Moreover, they possess a unique song that includes beautiful melodies and occasional chirps and whistles that can often be heard from great distances when searching for mates during the springtime!
The Hooded Oriole is an active bird that prefers to stay close to the ground while foraging for food rather than soaring high like many other species of birds. They typically feed on insects such as ants, spiders, beetles, and caterpillars while taking advantage of fruit sources such as berries or figs. During the breeding season, they construct their nests comprised of twigs, straws, and other materials, then line them with soft feathers for added insulation against predators such as hawks or cats, which may try to steal their eggs or young chicks. Furthermore, these birds are known for being excellent insect eaters, which makes them an essential part of our ecosystem by controlling harmful populations! Not only do these majestic birds entertain, but they also act as natural pest control!
So if you’re ever lucky enough to spot this species out in nature, be sure to take notice of its beautifully unique features that make it an irreplaceable asset to North Carolina’s wildlife diversity!
Conclusion
Blackbirds in North Carolina are diverse, fascinating creatures that play essential roles in the state’s ecosystem. From the intelligent American Crow to the striking Red-winged Blackbird, these avian wonders offer birdwatchers ample opportunities for observation and enjoyment. By understanding their unique behaviors, habitats, and conservation challenges, we can better appreciate and protect these beautiful birds for future generations.
FAQs
What is the most common blackbird in North Carolina?
The American Crow is the most common blackbird in North Carolina, found throughout the state in various habitats.
Do all blackbirds in North Carolina migrate?
No, not all blackbirds in North Carolina migrate. Some species, like the American Crow, are year-round residents, while others, such as the Red-winged Blackbird and Common Grackle, are migratory.
What kind of habitats do blackbirds prefer in North Carolina? Blackbirds can be found in various habitats in North Carolina, including wetlands, forests, grasslands, and even urban environments.
What do blackbirds in North Carolina eat?
Blackbirds in North Carolina have diverse diets, with many species being omnivorous. Depending on the species and available resources, they feed on insects, seeds, fruits, and small vertebrates.
How can I identify different blackbird species in North Carolina?
You can identify different blackbird species by observing their size, shape, plumage, and vocalizations. Using binoculars and a field guide can help distinguish between species.
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Thank you for reading!
