Green birds are a common sight in North Carolina, with a variety of species that inhabit the area. From the small, bright-green Carolina Chickadee to the large, dark green Great Blue Heron, these birds provide a vibrant addition to the North Carolina landscape.
Whether you’re out bird-watching, exploring the outdoors, or just enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, you’re likely to spot some of these green-hued feathered friends.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common green birds you’ll find in North Carolina, as well as some of the interesting facts about them.
1. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a species of hummingbird that is commonly found throughout Eastern North America.
During the winter months, this species of hummingbird migrates south to Central America, Mexico, and Florida, where it can find an ideal climate and food sources.
This migration is an important part of the life cycle of these birds, as they must find warm winter climates to survive. During the summer months, the ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate back to Canada and other parts of Eastern North America.
This is largely due to the abundance of food sources and nesting areas that are available in this region. Once the hummingbirds arrive in their summer habitats, they begin the process of breeding.
This breeding period is crucial for the species, as it helps to ensure their population remains healthy.
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a species of hummingbird that is highly dependent on its annual migration cycle, as it must travel to different climates to survive and reproduce.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Archilochus |
| Species | A. colubris |
2. Green Heron
The green heron is a small heron species native to North and Central America. It is also known as the Butorides virescens, derived from its scientific name.
Butorides comes from Middle English butor, meaning bittern, and the suffix -oides, which is derived from Ancient Greek and means “resembling”. The species’ second part of its scientific name, virescens, is Latin for “greenish”.
This is indicative of the green heron’s primary plumage color. The green heron is a solitary bird, typically found near wetlands or bodies of water such as rivers, streams, lagoons, ponds, and lakes. It is a shy species and is sometimes found perched in trees or shrubs.
Its diet consists of small fish, crustaceans, frogs, and insects. It will often stand still in the water or on land, waiting for its prey to approach, and will then strike quickly with its beak.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Butorides |
| Species | B. virescens |
3. Mallard
The mallard, also known as the wild duck, is a species of dabbling duck that is widely distributed across the temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa.
The mallard is an adaptable species and has been successfully introduced to multiple areas outside of its native range, such as New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa.
This is likely partly due to its wide range of habitat preferences; mallards often inhabit wetlands, lakes, ponds, streams, and other wetland areas, and have also been known to frequent agricultural areas.
The mallard is a relatively large species of duck, with males typically weighing between 1.5-3.5 lbs and females weighing 1.2-2.6 lbs.
The Mallard is also highly recognizable due to its distinctive plumage, with males having a glossy green head, white neck ring, and yellow bill.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
4. Eurasian Teal
The Eurasian teal is a small, dabbling duck found throughout much of Europe and Asia. It is also known as the common teal or Eurasian green-winged teal. This duck is a migratory species, breeding in temperate Eurosiberia and migrating south in winter.
It is an abundant and widespread species, making it the only small dabbling duck in many of its habitats. The Eurasian teal is a medium-sized duck, with males typically weighing between 400 and 450 grams.
They have an overall greenish-brown plumage, with lighter underparts and darker upperparts. Males have a distinctive green head and a white line around the eye, while females have a more mottled brown head.
The wings of both sexes have a distinctive green patch, which gives the species its alternate common name. In terms of habitat, the Eurasian teal is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including shallow lakes, ponds, marshes, and wetlands.
They feed on a variety of aquatic plants, insects, and crustaceans. During the breeding season, males display a courtship ritual and produce a variety of calls. The species is an important game bird and a popular species for duck hunters.
In conclusion, the Eurasian teal is an abundant and widespread species found throughout much of Europe and Asia. It is a medium-sized dabbling duck, with a distinctive green head on males and a mottled brown head on females.
In terms of habitat, the Eurasian teal is found in a variety of wetland habitats and feeds on aquatic plants, insects, and crustaceans. It is an important game bird and a popular species for duck hunters.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. crecca |
5. Ovenbird
The Ovenbird is a small songbird belonging to the New World warbler family. It is a migratory species, meaning it spends part of the year in one place and part in another.
During the breeding season, it can be found in the eastern regions of North America, while in winter its range includes Central America, Florida, many Caribbean Islands, and northern Venezuela.
The Ovenbird is a ground-nesting species, often making its nest on the ground near tree roots. It feeds mainly on insects, which it captures by foraging on the ground and in low vegetation. It is an important species for insect control in its habitat.
The Ovenbird is a fairly common species that can be identified by its distinctive song, which is a series of loud, whistled notes. It is also noted for its unique courtship display, which involves the male bird swaying back and forth while vocalizing.
Overall, the Ovenbird is an important species for insect control and a valuable source of song in its range. It is an interesting migratory species and one of the most well-known songbirds in its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Seiurus |
| Species | S. aurocapilla |
6. Kentucky Warbler
The Kentucky warbler is a small species of bird belonging to the New World warbler family. It is a rather slow-moving bird with a short tail, preferring to spend most of its time on or near the ground, rather than in the air.
This is in contrast to other warbler species, which tend to be more active and agile and are often seen flying through the air in search of food. The Kentucky warbler is most often seen in low shrubs and near the ground, where it feeds on insects.
It is also known to sing from a low perch, often atop a bush or tree. Its song is described as a pleasant, slow-paced trill. The Kentucky warbler is a common species in its range, found in deciduous forests in the eastern and midwestern United States.
It is migratory, spending the winter in the southern regions of its range. The Kentucky warbler is a unique species, with a distinct appearance and behavior.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Geothlypis |
| Species | G. formosa |
7. Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
The ruby-crowned kinglet is a tiny passerine bird commonly found in North America. This bird is in the kinglet family and is easily recognized by its olive-green plumage. It also has two white wing bars and a white eye ring, which is unique to this species.
The males have an added feature that distinguishes them from the females: a red crown patch, which is usually hidden. The ruby-crowned kinglet is a very small bird, measuring in at a mere 4 inches in length, and weighing around 8-11 grams.
Its diet consists of mostly insects and spiders, and it can often be found foraging for food in the trees. This bird is also known for its song, which is clear and loud and is a series of short trills and warbles.
The ruby-crowned kinglet is a fascinating species, and its unique appearance and behavior make it an interesting bird to observe in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Regulidae |
| Genus | Corthylio |
| Species | C. calendula |
8. Red-Eyed Vireo
The red-eyed vireo is a small American songbird found throughout much of the continent. It is a member of the Vireonidae family and is easily distinguished from the numerous warbler species found in the New World by its size and distinct calls.
This species is easily recognizable by its bright red eyes, which stand out even among its drab gray feathers. The red-eyed vireo is commonly found across its vast range, which extends from Canada to Central America and the Caribbean.
They tend to inhabit wooded areas and open forests and have been reported in a wide variety of habitats from sea level to the tops of mountains. This species is quite adaptable and is not considered threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The red-eyed vireo mainly feeds on insects, but can also eat some fruit and berries. They are social birds and usually live in flocks of up to 100 individuals.
They are known to be quite vocal and sing several different songs, which are used to defend their territories and attract mates. The red-eyed vireo is an important species to the ecosystem, as it helps to control insect populations.
This species also provides an important source of food for larger birds, such as hawks and owls. As long as this species remains widespread, it will continue to be an important part of the North American avifauna.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Vireo |
| Species | V. olivaceus |
9. White-Eyed Vireo
The white-eyed vireo is a small songbird belonging to the family Vireonidae. It is found in areas around the United States, Mexico, and Central America, and is known for its distinctive white eyes and yellowish-green body.
The white-eyed vireo is a small passerine bird, ranging in size from 4.7 to 5.5 inches long. Its wings are short, rounded, and pointed, and its tail is long and fan-shaped. It has a short, chunky bill and a yellowish-green head, throat, and upper breast.
Its lower breast and belly are yellowish-white with a greyish wash, and it has a white eye-ring. The white-eyed vireo’s diet consists of insects, spiders, and berries. It feeds in trees and shrubs, often hovering to reach its food.
During the breeding season, the male white-eyed vireo has a distinctive song that can be heard throughout the day. It is a loud, clear, and melodic song that can be heard from up to a mile away.
The white-eyed vireo is an important member of the Vireonidae family, and plays a vital role in the ecosystem, helping to keep insect populations in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Vireo |
| Species | V. griseus |
10. Green-Winged Teal
The American teal, also known as the green-winged teal, is a type of duck that is found in many parts of North America, except the Aleutian Islands.
It is one of the most widespread ducks in the area, and for some time, it was thought to be the same species as the Eurasian teal. However, it has since been recognized as its distinct species.
The American teal is a small duck, usually measuring between 16 and 20 inches in length. It has a brownish-grey color on top and a lighter color on its underside, with green and black patches on its wings.
Additionally, it has a white stripe on its face and a yellow patch on its shoulder. During the breeding season, males become more brightly colored, with a green head and neck, and a metallic-looking chest.
The American teal usually breeds in the northern areas of North America, often in wetland areas such as marshes and ponds.
During the breeding season, the males can be seen performing courtship rituals, such as shaking their heads, making loud calls, and performing aerial displays. The female will then build a nest in the ground, lined with vegetation and down feathers, and will lay 4 to 8 eggs.
The female will then incubate the eggs for 21 to 24 days, while the male stands guard. The American teal is an important species for hunters, as it is a popular game bird.
It is also an important part of the North American ecosystem, as it helps to maintain the balance of wetland habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. carolinensis |
11. Golden-Crowned Kinglet
The golden-crowned kinglet is an incredibly small songbird found in the family Regulidae. This species of bird is native to a large majority of North America, as they are located in parts of Canada, the United States, and even parts of Mexico.
This species is quite small, reaching a maximum length of only four inches. They are easily identified by their bright yellow crown of feathers, which can be seen on the head of both males and females.
The diet of the golden-crowned kinglet consists mainly of insects and spiders, although they will also eat small berries and seeds. They can move around quickly and can often be seen hovering around shrubs and trees in search of food.
During the winter months, they migrate south and can be seen in large flocks. These birds are also known for their beautiful songs, which are composed of a high-pitched warbling. These songs are believed to help the birds find mates and establish territories.
The golden-crowned kinglet is an important part of our North American ecosystems, and we must take steps to protect them and their habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Regulidae |
| Genus | Regulus |
| Species | R. satrapa |
12. Orange-Crowned Warbler
The orange-crowned warbler is a small songbird found in North and Central America. It is a member of the New World warbler family, a group of birds that breed in the Americas and are related to Old World warblers (which breed in Europe and Asia).
The orange-crowned warbler is a migratory bird and can be found in different parts of the continent depending on the season.
In the spring and summer, they are found in the forests of the northern United States and Canada, while in the winter they are found in the southern United States and Mexico. The orange-crowned warbler is a small bird with a white belly and olive-green back.
It has a distinctive orange crown on its head, which is where it gets its name. Its wings are short and rounded and its tail is relatively long.
It has a pointed bill and black legs. The orange-crowned warbler is a fairly common bird, and can often be found in open woodlands and wooded areas. It is most commonly found in the western part of North America, but can also be found in other parts of the continent.
It is a solitary bird and is usually seen alone or in pairs. The orange-crowned warbler has a sweet, melodic song that it uses to attract mates and defend its territory.
It is a shy bird, and will usually flee from humans if it feels threatened. The diet of the orange-crowned warbler consists mainly of insects, spiders, and other invertebrates.
It also feeds on berries and other small fruits. The orange-crowned warbler is an important species in the ecosystem, as it helps to control insect populations and disperse nutrients throughout its habitat.
It is also an important part of the food chain, as it is preyed upon by larger birds and animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Leiothlypis |
| Species | L. celata |
13. Green-Breasted Mango
The green-breasted mango, also known as Prevost’s mango, is a species of hummingbird that belongs to the subfamily Polytminae of the Trochilidae family. This species is native to eastern Mexico and is widely distributed across Central America, from Colombia to Venezuela.
It is also a vagrant bird in the United States and can be seen there occasionally. The green-breasted mango is characterized by its slim body and long, pointed bill. Its head, back, and wings are green, and its underparts are gray with some yellow feathers.
The males are more brightly colored than the females, with a bright green throat and a black stripe across the breast. In addition, the male has orange patches on the sides of the throat. The green-breasted mango typically feeds on nectar from flowering plants.
It can also take advantage of the abundant insects found in its habitat. This species is also known to visit hummingbird feeders and bathe in birdbaths. The green-breasted mango is a solitary species and is not known to form large flocks.
During the breeding season, the male may be seen defending his territory by chasing away other hummingbirds. The nest is usually built in a protected tree cavity, and the female lays two eggs. The eggs are incubated for about two weeks before the chicks hatch.
The female then takes care of the chicks until they can fly. The green-breasted mango is an important species for the conservation of the hummingbird family. Its range is considered to be stable, and the estimated global population is over 1 million birds.
Conservation efforts have been undertaken in some areas to promote the species’ survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Anthracothorax |
| Species | A. prevostii |
14. Black-Throated Green Warbler
The black-throated green warbler is a species of bird belonging to the New World warbler family, or Parulidae. It is a small songbird, typically growing to around 4.75 inches in length and weighing about 0.3 ounces.
The male has a black throat and upper breast, with bright yellow on the sides of its head, neck, and upper breast. It also has a yellow line over its eyes and a bright yellow patch on its rump.
The female is a duller version of the male, with olive-green feathers on the back and wings. The black-throated green warbler is usually found in deciduous and mixed forests of North America, ranging from southeastern Canada to the Gulf Coast and from the Great Lakes states to east Texas.
It is a migratory species, wintering in Central America and the Caribbean. During the breeding season, the black-throated green warbler will build a cup-shaped nest in the fork of a branch or tree.
It feeds mainly on insects, such as caterpillars and flies, as well as spiders and other small invertebrates. The black-throated green warbler is an important species for the North American avian community, providing food for other birds and helping to keep insect populations in check.
This species is not considered to be of conservation concern at this time, though its population is declining due to habitat loss and degradation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Dinosauria |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. virens |
15. Calliope Hummingbird
The Calliope Hummingbird is an incredible species of bird, as it is the smallest bird native to the United States and Canada. This bird has a western breeding range mainly from California to British Columbia, providing a wide range of habitats in which to live and breed.
It is an incredibly adaptable species, and during the winter months, the calliope hummingbird migrates to more southerly locations such as the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America.
This allows the calliope hummingbird to find more hospitable climates and food sources during the colder months, giving it the ability to thrive in a variety of different environments.
This species of bird is highly adaptive, making it a successful species in both its breeding and wintering grounds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. calliope |
16. Mexican Violetear
The Mexican violetear is a species of hummingbird found in Central America. It is a medium-sized bird, with a metallic green coloring. It is usually found in forested areas, ranging from Mexico to Nicaragua.
This species was previously grouped with the lesser violetear and was collectively known as the green violetear. The two species are now recognized as separate, and the Mexican violetear is the larger of the two.
The Mexican violetear has a distinctive plumage, with the back of its head and neck being a light grey, while the rest of the body is a vibrant metallic green. The wings are black, and the tail is long and deeply forked.
The throat of the Mexican violetear is white, with a broad black band running down each side. The beak and legs are black. The Mexican violetear is a nectar feeder, and it can often be seen hovering near flowers. It also feeds on insects, which it catches in mid-air.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Colibri |
| Species | C. thalassinus |
Conclusion
The presence of green birds in North Carolina is a testament to the diverse and vibrant avian wildlife that calls this state home.
While the exact species of green birds is not known, it is clear that these birds are a valuable part of the North Carolina ecosystem.
By protecting and promoting conservation efforts, we can ensure that these green birds will continue to thrive in North Carolina for years to come.