Discover the 18 Largest Flying Birds in North Carolina

The sky over North Carolina is a stage for the grand efficiency of many winged wonders. Among them, the biggest flying birds steal the highlight with their spectacular wingspans and sleek maneuvers. They are a testomony to nature’s unimaginable means to engineer flight on a big scale. This article will introduce you to a few of the largest flying birds that grace the skies of North Carolina. With every flap of their wings, they inform a narrative of a world the place sheer dimension and sleek flight come collectively in a single stunning show. Get prepared to fulfill these avian giants and find out about their lives within the Tar Heel State!

1. American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) – Wingspan: 7′ 11″ to 10′

During the winter months, you’ll be able to see the magnificent American white pelican in North Carolina close to each the ocean and freshwater our bodies.

Length: 50 inches to 70 inches

Wingspan: 95 inches to 120 inches

This chicken holds the title of being the biggest chicken that may fly in North Carolina. Only the California condor beats it within the entirety of North America on the subject of the typical wingspan. While American white pelicans could seem clumsy once they’re walking on land, these pelicans are surprisingly agile when flying or swimming.

These giant water birds are distinguished by their expansive wings, elongated necks, and outsized payments that create a uniquely lengthy head form. Their physique is powerful, supported by quick legs and a stubby, squared-off tail.

They’re present in environments like lakes, wetlands, and salty bays. Their weight loss plan primarily consists of varieties of fish that folks don’t generally devour, and so they additionally eat crayfish and salamanders.

2. Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) – Wingspan: 7′ 1″ to eight′

In the summer time, you’ll be able to spot magnificent frigatebirds alongside North Carolina’s shoreline. It’s the state’s second-biggest chicken able to flight.

Length: 35 inches to 45 inches

Wingspan: 85 inches to 96 inches

The magnificent frigatebird is a large, all-black chicken. It has a protracted, grey beak that ends in a hook. The tail resembles a pair of scissors on account of its deep fork, and its wings are sharply pointed. During courtship, males show purple throat sacs, which they inflate to be a focus for feminine birds.

You’ll typically discover these birds in heat coastal and island areas. As for his or her weight loss plan, magnificent frigatebirds primarily devour flying fish, tuna, herring, and squid. They have a knack for snatching meals from the water’s floor with out getting drenched.

3. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) – Wingspan: 6′ 7″ to eight′

Bald eagles are a typical sight at Falls Lake and Jordan Lake within the Piedmont and Lake Mattamuskeet in Hyde County.

Length: 36 inches to 43 inches 

Wingspan: 79 inches to 96 inches

The adults, whether or not male or feminine, have brown our bodies however are simply identifiable by their white heads, necks, and tails. Their eye coloration is a pale yellow, matching their beaks and claws.

These majestic birds favor environments with lakes or reservoirs, typically near forested areas. Their favourite meals is fish. As a few of the largest flying predators, they’ll ascend to heights of as much as 10,000 toes.

4. Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) – Wingspan: 7′ 11″

In North Carolina, recognizing a trumpeter swan is kind of a uncommon occasion, as these birds should not generally discovered within the state.

Length: 45 inches

Wingspan: 95 inches

Fully grown trumpeter swans are all white, that includes a black invoice and legs. Younger swans are a grayish-brown in coloration. These birds typically feed in shallow waters, diving or tipping ahead to snack on underwater vegetation, very similar to dabbling geese do.

Preferred habitats for these swans are fairly various, together with waterside woodlands, lakes, marshes, ponds, and even open prairies. While they primarily devour aquatic vegetation, they sometimes take pleasure in fish and fish eggs.

As the biggest swan species, trumpeter swans additionally rank among the many largest flying birds globally.

5. Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) – Wingspan: 6′ 10″ to 7′ 10″

Mute swans are principally year-round residents and might be noticed in varied components of North Carolina.

Length: 50 to 60 inches

Wingspan: 82 to 94 inches

These swans are all white and have an orange invoice with a black base. Young mute swans, referred to as cygnets, are sometimes a shade of brownish-gray and have a gray-black invoice.

Mute swans favor water-rich areas like bays, rivers, wetlands, and the shallow components of lakes and ponds which have loads of underwater vegetation. Their weight loss plan primarily consists of plant-based meals like seeds, leaves, and roots of water vegetation, however they’ll additionally eat bugs, small fish, and snails once in a while.

6. Black-Browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) – Wingspan: 6′ 7″ to 7′ 10″

Spotting a black-browed albatross in North Carolina is kind of a uncommon prevalence, so think about your self fortunate if you happen to do see one. 

Length: 31 to 37 inches 

Wingspan: 79 to 94 inches

These birds have principally white underwings with irregular black edges, a darkish forehead, and a yellow-orange beak that has a darker orange tip. 

They spend most of their lives at sea, coming ashore just for breeding. When it involves consuming, they often fly near the water floor to catch meals like krill and fish, however in addition they devour jellyfish and squid once in a while. 

7. Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) – Wingspan: 7′

Great blue herons are current all year long in North Carolina, particularly within the areas of the Coastal Plain and Piedmont. 

Length: 50 inches

Wingspan: 84 inches

These are the biggest herons in North America, simply recognizable by their elongated legs, winding neck, and pointed beak. Of course, their blue-gray feathers are their signature look. In flight, they tuck their necks into a definite ‘S’ curve, their wings seem broad, and their legs stretch out past their tails. 

They adapt effectively to numerous environments, whether or not it’s freshwater or coastal areas. Primarily, they prefer to feast on sizable fish they’ll catch.

8. Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) – Wingspan: 6’ to 7′

In North Carolina, you’ll discover a couple of brown pelicans sticking round all 12 months, though extraordinarily chilly climate may cause frostbite on their webbed toes and pouches. 

Length: 48 inches

Wingspan: 84 inches

These giant birds are principally gray-brown and have a singular, pouched beak. When it’s time to mate, their head feathers flip a vivid yellow, and their necks go white, however these colours fade to extra muted tones once they’re not breeding. 

These birds are generally discovered close to coastal seashores and lagoons, the place they feed on medium-sized fish and a few small sea creatures, needing about 4 kilos of meals every day. Brown pelicans are the one species identified for his or her dramatic dives from heights of 30 to 60 toes to catch their prey. 

9. Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis) – Wingspan: 6′ 8″

Spotting a sandhill crane in North Carolina is uncommon and unpredictable. 

Length: 37 inches

Wingspan: 80 inches

These birds have a grayish coloration, typically tinged with a rusty shade on their backs. Adult cranes have lighter cheeks and purple pores and skin on high of their heads, whereas younger birds lack these options and are principally grey and brown. 

These cranes often reside in marshes, grassy wetlands, and river valleys. Their weight loss plan is various, starting from bugs and plant roots to small animals like rodents, frogs, and even young birds, in addition to varied fruits and seeds. 

10. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) – Wingspan: 6′ 6″

In North Carolina, golden eagles favor secluded mountain areas for his or her nests, the place they’ve each security and a large view.

Length: 27 to 33 inches

Wingspan: 78 inches

These eagles have darkish brown feathers, with a contact of white on the tail base and gold-colored feathers on the again of their heads. Their beaks and claws are black. Younger golden eagles have a large white stripe on their tails and large white spots below their wings.

These birds favor habitats like open mountains, hills, and plains. In phrases of weight loss plan, golden eagles primarily eat small mammals like mice, jackrabbits, and prairie dogs, however they’ll additionally devour different birds, reptiles, fish, and enormous bugs.

11. Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) – Wingspan: 6′ 3″

The Canada goose is without doubt one of the most acquainted waterfowl in North Carolina.

Length: 25 to 45 inches

Wingspan: 75 inches

This giant chicken has a black head and neck, set aside by a singular white stripe beneath the chin. Its again and wings are a shade of brownish-gray, whereas its breast and sides are lighter in coloration.

For nesting, the Canada goose chooses a spread of wetlands like icy tundras, freshwater marshes, and wooded lakes. It typically grazes in open areas, primarily throughout winter. Though vegetation make up most of their weight loss plan, these birds sometimes eat bugs, shellfish, and even small fish.

12. Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) – Wingspan: 6’

One of North Carolina’s greatest vultures is the turkey vulture.

Length: 32 inches

Wingspan: 72 inches

From afar, these birds look black, however up shut, they’re darkish brown with a bald purple head and a light-colored beak. The undersides of their wings have a lighter shade, giving them a two-tone look.

Turkey vultures are present in each open and wooded areas however often keep away from cities and suburbs. Their weight loss plan consists primarily of useless animals and human rubbish.

Turkey vultures can cowl as much as 200 miles in a single day. Though their toes aren’t able to killing, their beaks are sturdy sufficient to tear by way of powerful animal pores and skin.

13. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) – Wingspan: 4′ 2″ – 5′ 11″

Another one of many largest birds you’ll typically see flying in North Carolina is the osprey.

Length: 20 to 26 inches

Wingspan: 50 to 71 inches

This chicken of prey primarily feeds on fish. It has a white head marked by a singular brown line throughout its eyes. Both men and women have white undersides and brown higher our bodies, although females typically have an additional brown spot on their chests. While adults have yellow eyes, the younger ospreys have orange eyes.

In North Carolina, ospreys are frequent in coastal areas throughout spring and summer time, nesting close to our bodies of water like estuaries, lakes, and rivers. They’re additionally noticed inland, near mountainous lakes and rivers.

Interestingly, ospreys are discovered on each continent aside from Antarctica.

14. Great Black-Backed Gull (Larus marinus) – Wingspan: 4′ 11″ to five′ 7″

In North Carolina, you’ll discover nice black-backed gulls all 12 months, however solely alongside the Atlantic coast. Their giant dimension makes them simple to identify.

Length: 25 to 31 inches

Wingspan: 57 to 67 inches

This is a giant, strong gull with broad wings, a thick neck, and a considerably rounded invoice. Adults have darkish grey, almost black higher our bodies and white heads and bellies. They even have pink legs.

For nesting, they choose secluded, protected spots like piers or islands. After the breeding season, they scatter to search out meals at sea, alongside shorelines, or in rubbish dumps. Their weight loss plan is diversified, together with useless animals, fish, shellfish, sea worms, bugs, small mammals, and even different birds’ eggs and young.

It’s value noting that the good black-backed gull is the biggest gull species on this planet.

15. Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) – Wingspan: 4′ 4″ to five′ 6″

In North Carolina, black vultures aren’t frequent however might be seen sometimes.

Length: 22 to 29 inches

Wingspan: 52 to 66 inches

Black vultures are modern birds with all-black feathers, a featherless black head, and distinctive white spots below their wingtips. Unlike the longer and extra uneven flight of turkey vultures, black vultures fly with sturdy, regular wingbeats and have shorter tails.

They often hand around in open or semi-wooded areas, typically close to human communities. Their foremost weight loss plan consists of huge animal carcasses, preferring the recent ones, however they’ll additionally eat meat that’s began to decay.

When it involves feeding, black vultures are often seen in massive teams. They’re so aggressive when consuming that different varieties of vultures usually hold their distance.

16. Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) – Wingspan: 5′ to five′ 5″

The wooden stork is exclusive in North Carolina for being one of many largest waterbirds and a federally protected species.

Length: 35 to 45 inches

Wingspan: 60 to 65 inches

The wooden stork is the one stork species that breeds in North America and might be recognized by its naked gray-to-black neck and head, contrasting with a white physique and black-tipped tail and wings. The chicken additionally has a protracted, barely curved black invoice and prolonged legs.

These birds favor to breed in each recent and barely salty forested wetlands. Their various weight loss plan contains every part from fish and frogs to giant bugs and infrequently even small rodents.

17. American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) – Wingspan: 4′ 3″ to five′ 5″ 

The final chicken on the record of largest flying birds in North Carolina is the American flamingo. It is a uncommon species within the state and is tough to search out.

Length: 47 to 57 inches

Wingspan: 51 to 65 inches

The American flamingo positively stands out with its pink plumage and wings which have black suggestions. It options an elongated neck, lengthy pink legs, and webbed toes with three toes. Its giant invoice is curved downward and ends in a black tip.

Typically present in shallow saltwater or brackish our bodies of water, in addition to alkaline lakes, these flamingos munch on algae, tiny seeds, and water-dwelling critters like brine shrimp and small shellfish.

18. Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) – Wingspan: 4′ 6″

The nice horned owl is commonly noticed in North Carolina.

Length: 24 inches

Wingspan: 54 inches

This owl is sizable, with two noticeable tufts of feathers on its head. It has grey and brown feathers, a face tinged with reddish-brown, and shiny yellow eyes. Its wings and tail characteristic alternating mild and darkish stripes. Its throat lightens and expands when it makes a name.

The nice horned owl is present in wooded areas, beside streams, and in open areas. Though it favors consuming mammals, it additionally hunts birds, reptiles, bugs, fish, and different sea creatures. It even eats useless animals and scorpions. When meals is scarce, it eats no matter is accessible.

Summary of the Largest Flying Birds in North Carolina