We are so used to seeing birds flying overhead and perching in our backyard trees that it is easy to simply look past them. Taking a moment to truly observe these amazing creatures will quickly reveal that your own landscape is full of dozens of different varieties of birds. Each species has unique habits and coloring that set it apart. Here are some common North Carolina birds and some details about how they live.
Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal is the most common bird in North Carolina. They are considered relatively large birds and like to travel in pairs. You will usually see a male and a female together. The male is distinguished by beautiful red feathers and black face markings directly by the beak. The female is mostly brown with some red highlights. They tend to nest in dense shrubs and have a varied diet that can include insects, berries, and seeds.
Carolina Wren
The Carolina Wren is actually common across the eastern United States. They gravitate towards warm weather and aren’t built to handle cold winters. You can identify a Carolina Wren by its reddish-brown body, white throat, and long thin beak. They also have distinctive barring along their wings. Unlike other species, only the male actually sings. Together, the male and female build a dome-like nest with a side entrance where they can lay eggs and feed their young spiders, moths, grasshoppers, beetles, and other insects.
Carolina Chickadee
The Carolina Chickadee is a small bird with a short neck. Its wings are a light gray while the body is mostly white except for a black cap and throat. Males and females tend to mate for life and like to build nests in holes in trees, which are often left behind by woodpeckers. In the spring, the female will lay 5-8 eggs and both parents are in charge of feeding the young once they hatch. These birds will feed on insects, seeds, and berries. If you want to attract them into your yard, try a bird feeder full of sunflower seeds.
Next time you are enjoying the outdoors, take a moment to observe the different birds in your yard. There is a good chance you will see a Cardinal, Carolina Wren, or a Carolina Chickadee flying around. If you want additional help protecting your home from pests and creating an enjoyable outdoor space, contact the experts at PMi Pest Management. We can make sure that you get to enjoy nature without having unwanted pests take over.
