Where Birds Nest
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| Carolina Wren nest at townhome. This species and the Winter Wren build domed nests. |
It is now late spring and most of the summer residents have arrived with hedgerows, woodland, old fields, and gardens becoming nurseries for next generation of birds. I am writing this article on this Memorial Day, Cardinals, Orchard Orioles, Carolina Wrens, House Finches, and Yellow Throated Warblers are singing outside my townhouse, and the suet and mealworm feeders are busy with wrens, starlings, thrashers, and Grey Catbirds. Most outings to Greenfield Lake have been rewarded with the sights and sounds of nestlings, fledglings, and other youngsters as birdsongs fade away and cicadas begin to dominate the chorus. Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by bird nests and remembered children's books at the school library about American Robins, bluebirds, or even ducks and their nesting cycles. Finding a nest is always rewarding as you get to watch a family of birds raise their offspring and in many cases you will gain an intimate relationship with that species. Birds can nest in a variety of locations and virtually any garden, park, or woodlot can become an avian nursery. In this article I will discuss the habitats and sites used by garden birds and how you can provide such amenities in your garden or property.
Basic Needs
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| Female Ruby Throated Hummingbird on nest at Greenfield Lake May 29th, 2021 |
Like many animals, birds share the same basic needs in order to survive and successfully raise their young. This includes a reliable source of food, water, shelter, and a place to raise their young. Many gardens and dooryards can support adult birds, with bird tables, fruit bearing shrubs, and a water feature being enough for most species. However, many birds will leave a sparse or manicured garden or suburban neighborhood for a woodland, overgrown lot, or riparian buffer once spring arrives, as lawns, nonnative plants, and hardscape provide little habitat, while pesticides and herbicides destroy potential food sources. Minor improvements to properties such as adding hedges or hedgerows, native plants and trees, and nesting boxes can go a long way in providing nest habitat for birds, while the reduction of pesticides and fertilizers (such as target applications or alternative methods) can make a lawn or manicured area more suitable for birds (and safer for humans and pets). For many birds in the Carolinas, insect and invertebrates are crucial for nesting success with many studies and research papers supporting evidence that native plants or even just flowering plants can boost bird populations in suburban or urban gardens. Other needs include providing appropriate and safe areas for nests, places for fledglings to seek shelter when a hawk, cat, or other predator arrives, and supplemental food sources (like fruit bearing trees) to give the adults a quick energy boost while raising their broods.
Simple Improvements for Nesting Birds
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| Lush gardens with flowering plants are lifelines for suburban and rural bird populations. |
- Flowering plants, especially natives and perennials with long flowering seasons.
- Flowering shrubs and trees, these double as nest sites
- Fruit Bearing shrubs, trees and vines for adult birds
- Dense shrubs or evergreens with sturdy branches such as Wax Myrtle, Camellia, Red Cedar
- Nesting boxes for birds such as Eastern Bluebird, Carolina Chickadee, House Wren
- Deciduous trees such as oaks, hickories, sycamores, dogwoods for nesting
- Pines or other conifers for certain species
- Safe foraging areas including lawns, gardens, or shrubs without pesticide or herbicide use (remember weeds like clover, Lyre Leaved Sage, dandelion, fleabane boost biodiversity)
- Keep cats inside or confined, also try to keep dogs, and children away from nest sites
Common Nesting Sites
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| Barred Owl chick in a nest box at Greenfield Lake, April 2021 |
Birds can nest in a wide range of habitats and locations and are among the most adaptable creatures in our area. The majority of birds nest out in the open and construct nests in shrubs, trees, or even on the ground. However, some birds such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees can make cavities or holes in decaying woods, while others such as titmice, bluebirds, and starlings use preexisting cavities or nooks. Other birds such as Barn Swallows, Cliff Swallows, and Eastern Phoebes will nest directly on human structures including beams, rafters, or inside barns or garden sheds. Lastly, some birds such as Brown Headed Cowbirds and in Europe the Eurasian Cuckoo lays eggs in the nests of other species, a behavior known as Brood Parasitism. A garden or dooryard with a mixture of shrubs, trees, herbaceous plants, and supplemental nest sites such as boxes, ledges, or even repurposed flowerpots, mailboxes, and containers can host a dozen or more breeding species. If your garden or property is wooded or near forests, parklands, or has established trees, 30-40 species may be present. Nests can be found by listening for the sound of nestlings, or watching for adults carrying nest material or food but it is important to respect the nest sites by keeping a safe distance.
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| Northern Cardinals nest mostly in shrubs within gardens or near dwellings |
Shrub Nesting Birds: The majority of garden birds in our region nest in shrubs or small trees and generally build their homes within 3m (10ft) of the ground. Evergreen shrubs such as hollies, and conifers such as Common Juniper or Eastern Red Cedar are among the best sites as they offer protection from the elements, and predators, and have sturdy sites for nests. Roses (especially climbers), and members of the hawthorn family are also popular nest sites for songbirds. Some shrub nesters include Mockingbirds, Northern Cardinals, Grey Catbirds, and some species of warblers such as the Yellow Warbler, American Redstart, and Prairie Warbler.
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| Orchard Orioles nest high in deciduous trees in relatively open areas |
Tree Nesting Birds: Trees are important structures as they can provide nesting sites for many kinds of birds. A large shade tree such as an oak or hickory might have shrub nesters such as cardinals using the lowest branches, a Wood Pewee or Orchard Oriole in the mid-levels, and vireos and Blue Jays nesting in the canopy. Smaller trees such as birch, dogwoods, Crepe Myrtles, and Cherry Laurels are more popular than large trees as most birds nest less than 6m (20ft) above the ground. Gardens or parks with copses (groves), windbreaks, or clusters of trees can provide the same value as a woodlot. Underplanting large shade trees with subcanopy and understory species can simulate a woodland habitat, while hedgerows with shrubs, trees, and vines cater to almost all categories of birds. Examples of tree nesters include American Robin, Wood Thrush, House Finch (in most cases), Orchard Oriole, Yellow Throated Warbler, Red Eyed Vireo, and Blue Jay.
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| Pine Warblers nest only in native pines and are common year-round residents |
Pine Nesters: I decided to include pines in their own category as they provide habitat for specific species of birds, and are preferred nest sites for crows, hawks, and woodpeckers. In the Cape Fear Region, Longleaf, Loblolly, Shortleaf, and Pond Pines are a prerequisite for Brown Headed Nuthatches, Pine Warblers, and Chipping Sparrows (this species prefers shrubs and small trees in the Northeast). Aside from these birds, Yellow Pines and White Pines (for the Piedmont) are used by Blue Jays, Common Crows, American Robins, House Finches, and are often tall enough to entice an Osprey or Red Tailed Hawk. Other conifers such as White Cedar, Hemlock, Red Spruce, Fir, or even Blue Spruce also provide habitat and but are better options for the Piedmont and Mountain Regions.
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| Song Sparrows nest on or near the ground and are often overlooked |
Ground Nesters: A number of birds nest directly on the ground including the majority of grassland and meadowland species. Ground nesting birds have the most difficulty surviving in developed or cultivated regions as underbrush and herbaceous growth is managed by mowing, pruning, and herbicide treatments, while cats, hawks, raccoons, foxes, snakes, and Fish Crows can easily attack nests on the ground (and all do well in suburban, urban, or agrarian sites). In the garden, most ground nesters nest within shrubs, hedgerows, or coppices where they are more protected from predators. Some examples of ground nesters include Brown Thrashers, Eastern Towhees, Field or Song Sparrows, Northern Bobwhite, Wild Turkey and most species of waterfowl (Canada Geese, Mallards, Black Ducks in our case). Some birds such as Mourning Doves, Carolina Wrens, and Common Yellowthroats may nest on the ground or just above the ground while Killdeers (a plover species) and Nighthawks nest on open ground or flat rooftops.
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| Nuthatches nest mostly in old woodpecker holes or tree hollows |
Hole or Cavity Nesters: Hole nesting birds are birds nest within cavities, tree hollows, nooks, or other enclosed spaces. In the Carolinas, there are two categories of hole nesting birds, the primary species which are capable of excavating their own cavities, and the secondary species that use preexisting holes. All woodpeckers are considered primary cavity nesters while Brown Headed Nuthatches, and Carolina Chickadees are also capable of creating their own cavities. Secondary species include Eastern Bluebirds, White Breasted Nuthatches, Tufted Titmice, Common Starlings, Tree Swallows, House Wrens, Crested Flycatchers, and certain species of owls (Barn, Barred, or Screech). A few species such as House Sparrows, Carolina and Winter Wrens, and House Finches may use cavities or nooks, but will also nest in other locations including shrubs, ledges, vines, or inside human-made objects. Most hole nesting birds will use nest boxes of appropriate size (see Birdhouse Article) although Carolina Chickadees, House Wrens, Eastern Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, Brown Headed Nuthatches, and the nonnative and invasive House Sparrow are the most likely birds to accept nesting boxes. Purple Martins also fall into this category but require specific condo type nest boxes or gourd clusters, while Wood Ducks and owls may nest in large specialized nest boxes placed in appropriate habitat.
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| House Sparrows nest mainly on or inside buildings in agricultural or urban settings. |
Building Nesters: This category includes birds that often or in some cases primarily nest on human-made structures. These include Rock Doves, Barn Swallows, Cliff Swallows, Chimney Swifts, and Eastern Phoebes which are more-or-less dependent on buildings, ledges, or other structures for breeding and formerly used cliffs, caves, or embankments. House Sparrows, Starlings, House Finches, American Robins, and Crested Flycatchers use building ledges, voids, and nooks as nest sites, while Carolina Wrens (or Winter Wrens in Appalachia) are infamous for nesting behind window screens, door wreaths, storm shutters, hanging planters, and even garden or farm equipment in regular use. Chickadees, Eastern Bluebirds, titmice, Flickers, and Prothonotary Warblers (near water) also use human structures ranging from streetlamps and mailboxes to stonewalls with missing pieces for nesting.
Common Garden Nesters
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| American Robins are symbolic garden birds across North America although in our region they are outnumbered by Northern Mockingbirds in most suburban areas. |
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| Chickadees are present in just about every garden in the Carolinas and will readily use birdhouses |
Killdeer: Nests are always on the ground in open areas with this plover preferring gravel lots, barren fields, ploughed croplands, and expansive fields and lawns. Killdeers will nest in residential areas with open ground and may use driveways, be careful when mowing the grass during the late winter or spring as killdeers build no nest and lay eggs directly on the ground. Young are able to run as soon as hatching.
Mourning Dove and Collared Dove: Look for nests in small or mid-sized trees (with sturdy branches, sometimes in pines or in hedgerows, woodland borders, or clumps of vines. Mourning Doves will also nest on the ground in meadows or perennial borders, in vine-covered trellises or on hanging planters. May nest anywhere but usually prefers relatively secluded areas. Nest is a flimsy platform of sticks which one may see the eggs from below.
Yellow-Billed Cuckoo: Nests are usually found along woodland edges, hedgerows, or in copses 2-4 (6-15ft) above the ground, sometimes lower. Cuckoos will nest in gardens but fluctuate in numbers and will likely be present if there are a lot of webworm or tent moth caterpillars in trees (especially hickories such as Mockernut, or Pecan, or oaks, mulberries). Nest is usually in shrubs, vines, or lower branches of trees and resembles Mourning Dove nest. This cuckoo does not lay eggs in other nests.
Owls: Not a common garden nester, the Barred Owl might move into a large Wood Duck-sized nest box or a specially built owl box placed near a riparian grove, swamp, or large woodland tract. Great Horned Owls often nest in crow, eagle, or hawk nests during the winter (when the builders are away), while Barn Owls generally nest in human structures such as barns, abandoned buildings, church belfries, or bridges. Screech Owl may take bluebird or starling-sized nest box but generally are uncommon in suburban or urbanized area and are displaced by Great Horned Owls.
Hawks: Red-Tailed Hawks often nest in rural, suburban, and urban neighborhoods with tall pines or hardwoods and vast open areas, and are the most common hawk to nest in garden settings. They will nest atop pines or tall supercanopy trees, but also use radio towers, telephone poles, high-rises, and other human-made sites. Red Shouldered Hawks might nest in a wooded garden or nearby woodland or park near water, while Cooper's Hawks (an sparrowhawk species) may nest in urban or suburban gardens. Another bird of prey that may nest in gardens include the insectivorous Mississippi Kite, which often nests in tall trees in neighborhoods, golf courses, and parks. Properties near water may host Osprey or Bald Eagles, while American Kestrels will use nesting boxes placed 3-4m (10-15ft) above the ground in rural areas. With the exception of the Cooper's Hawk, and hole nesting Kestrel, all hawks generally nest at the tops of tall trees or structures.
Nighthawk: Similar to Killdeer, this species nests directly on the ground in open areas and may use a gravel driveway although most birds seem to like railway corridors, flat rooftops, or waste grounds. Nighthawks may also nest in sparse woodlands, near buildings, or in stumps or debris piles. Nests are hard to find as this species just lays eggs on the ground and rarely flushes. Whippoorwills and Chuck-Wills-Widows generally nest in woodlands but are can be heard from suburban and rural gardens during the spring and early summer. The forest-dwelling nightjars could nest in wooded gardens or hedges but this is unlikely.
Chimney Swift: Nests in hollow trees, although most birds in the Carolinas rely on smokestacks, silos, chimneys, ventilation shafts, or sometimes sheltered walls between high-rises. Swift Towers can also be built from plans online. Look for this species flying in and out of chimneys in any suburban or urban neighborhood. Nests are made of saliva and sticks and are plastered to the wall of a chimney or silo.
Hummingbirds: Ruby Throated Hummingbirds almost always nest in deciduous woodlands near water and their nests can be hard to spot. Look for a small lichen nest (like a thimble) on branches overhanging water, trails, or woodland edges. Hummingbirds may nest in wooded gardens and could choose a shade tree, small specimin tree, or less commonly, a shrub, trellised vine, or in some instances clotheslines, or vine-covered porches. They nest in loose colonies and need insects, and flowering plants (like Salvia or Coral Honeysuckle) to sustain themselves and their young.
Woodpeckers: At least four species will nest in gardens or neighborhood including Downy, Hairy, Red Bellied, and Pileated Woodpeckers. The Common Flicker is more common inland and prefers the countryside or open woodlands, while the Red Headed Woodpecker may occupy a neighborhood with widely spaced oaks, hickories, beeches, or pines. Red Bellied, Red Headed, and Pileated Woodpeckers will use nest boxes on occasions (with the latter using a owl or Wood Duck box), while Common Flickers frequently use specialized nest boxes. In general, Downy Woodpeckers nest on decaying stubs, or small dead trees or limbs. Hairy, and Red Bellied Woodpeckers use larger limbs, or standing trees, and Pileated needs very large limbs, or dead trees of substantial size to nest.
Wood Pewee: May nest in wooded gardens and neighborhoods and is often overlooked except for its "Pheeweeee" whistle (as the bird can be mistaken for a titmouse). Nests are usually in the mid-level of the canopy or in a isolated deciduous tree between 3-5m (10-20ft) above the ground. The structure is a cup of lichens, Spanish Moss, or grass that is suspended from branches.
Eastern Phoebe: Nests almost exclusively on human structures, look for a tight cup of moss, lichen, or animal fur on windowsills, doorframes, eaves, beams, or under bridges. They often nest on porches, outdoor light fixtures, garden sheds, or inside sunrooms.
Crested Flycatcher: May nest in wooded neighborhoods or parks with established hardwood or coniferous forests. As a hole nester, this species normally nests in old woodpecker cavities, tree hollows, or decayed stubs, high above the ground (greater than 3m/10ft). In the Carolinas, this flycatcher may nest in bluebird or starling-sized nest boxes or use mailboxes, rain gutters, crevices in buildings, or gaps between window screens. Nest is made of moss, pine straw, rubbish, and other material and can resemble a Starling nest
Eastern Kingbird: A bird of the countryside that will nest in open suburban or exurban neighborhoods with isolated to scattered tree. Nest is a cuplike structure of grass, resembling a robin's nest placed 3-4m (10-15ft) above the ground. May nest in the same trees as American Robins, Orchard Orioles, House Finches, and Cardinals.
Vireos: Red Eyed Vireos may nest in wooded neighborhoods with mature to old-growth hardwoods such as oaks, hickories, maples, or beeches. Nests are above 5m (20ft) and are woven of lichens, silk, and moss between the outer branches of trees (often on small twigs). The White Eyed Vireo nest low to the ground in dense brambles, vines, or shrubs and builds a sack-like nest of lichen, grass, and moss. This vireo will use climbing roses, blackberries, azaleas, or wisteria and can live in a relatively small garden with or without canopy trees.
Blue Jay: May nest in neighborhoods or parks with mature oaks, hickories, beeches, or pines, but is absent in younger woodlands or most coastal areas. Look for nests high in hardwood or coniferous trees 6-12m (20-40ft) above the ground. This species forms loose colonies so multiple nests may be present in a woodland. In gardens, jays will sometimes use smaller trees or hedgerows and may nest in trees near dwellings.
Common Crow: Not a garden nester, this species nests within forests with supercanopy trees or in copses or woodlands bordering fields or wetlands. In rural properties or heavily wooded neighborhoods, crows may nest in adjacent woodlots or parks forming cooperative colonies. Nests are massive structures of sticks placed near the crown of a tree (often pines) that are used for many years unless taken over by a hawk, owl, or eagle. The smaller Fish Crows is more of an urban species that may nest in trees in parks, commercial developments or near rivers though not usually in gardens. Nests are more likely to be in shrubs and colonies are often dense where food (whether natural or human-provided) is abundant. Fish Crows commonly raid nests of songbirds and seabirds, while Common Crows raid nests occasionally.
Swallows and Martins: Open suburban or rural gardens might host Barn or Cliff Swallows if the surrounding area is relatively open or is bordered by water. Both species build mud nests on the sides of buildings, or walls with overhangs and will form colonies. Barn Swallows build open cups while Cliff Swallows build gourd like nests. Tree Swallows may nest in any garden or park with scattered trees or water and will use bluebird sized boxes placed near lawns, golf courses, or parks, while Purple Martins nest exclusively in multiroom nest boxes or in gourds in urban or agricultural areas. Rough Winged Swallows may nest in steep embankments or might nest in a crevice in a building (including a house).
Carolina Chickadee: Among the most frequent species to use gardens and will nest in almost any location with shrubs, trees, and flowering plants. This species may drill a cavity into a decaying limb or stub, a rotting fencepost, or pole, but tends to use birdhouses, gourds, outdoor light fixtures, and crevices more often in garden settings. Will nest almost anywhere including in front gardens, dooryards, and even inside sheds or carports. Nest is a mattress of moss, animal fur, and bark fibers with no cup and is the most common type of nest found in nest boxes.
Tufted Titmouse: Similar to the chickadee, this species prefers more forested areas with mature oaks, hickories, beeches, sycamores, or maples but can be abundant in suburban or urban neighborhoods with shade trees. This bird generally uses natural cavities, old woodpecker holes, or hollows and uses nest boxes only occasionally, preferring boxes that are 3-4m (10-15ft) above the ground. Titmice will however, nest in mailboxes, light fixtures, gaps in window screens, or in gaps in stone or brick walls and at our last home, has nested within our garden shed in a old watering can. Nest is a messy pile of moss, pine straw, bark, debris, and other material, similar to a Crested Flycatcher or Common Starling.
Nuthatches: Brown Headed and White Breasted Nuthatches will both nest in gardens and neighborhoods with established trees. The Brown Headed Nuthatch needs pines although I have seen this species in mixed forests, oaks, Baldcypress swamps, and other areas with a few pine trees. They normally excavate their own cavities into dead or dying trees or limbs but often use birdhouses meant for chickadees or wrens and will form loose colonies. Filling boxes with sawdust may encourage this nuthatch. Nest are generally made of bark, wood fiber, plant down, cottony material, and pine seed husks. The White Breasted Nuthatch nests only in preexisting cavities and generally uses old woodpecker holes or natural hollows (like places where branches broke off). Their nest is similar to the other nuthatch except with more moss and large eggs. White Breasted Nuthatches use nest boxes placed near wooded areas but not as frequently as Brown Headed Nuthatches. In Appalachia the Red Breasted Nuthatch may nest in gardens or near cabins bordering spruce or hemlock forests and might use a birdhouse.
Carolina Wren: This common garden species will nest just about anywhere. Look for their domed nest of grass, pine straw, and other materials in hedges, dense brambles, or in overturned roots in wooded areas or ravines, generally less than 1m (3ft) above the ground or water. In gardens wrens may nest between window screens, in dryer vents, old lawnmowers, ivy covered facades, stonewalls, watering cans, mailboxes, inside shed, and on eaves. They seldom use nest boxes but may move into a gourd, repurposed teapot or pail, or a door wreath. Carolina Wrens are often unafraid of humans and will be present in any wooded or shrubby garden. Winter Wrens in Appalachia have similar nest habits and may nest behind shutters in a cabin, or rural homesite if it borders heathlands, coniferous forests, or rocky cliffs.
House Wren: A hole nester that uses mostly old woodpecker holes, or natural hollows in shrublands, or sparse woodlands. In gardens and towns, this species uses birdhouses, gourds, mailboxes, and human dwellings exclusively and creates a nest of twigs and sticks. House Wrens will form loose colonies and males build multiple nests for the female to select. In the Piedmont and Mountain regions and further north House Wrens are among the most common birdhouse user.
Blue Grey Gnatcatcher: A common but overlooked inhabitant that is present in just about any garden with trees, shrubs, and open space. This tiny bird nests in the mid to upper levels of trees or as low as 2m above the ground in dense shrubs or small trees. They build a thimble like nest of lichens, silk, and moss that is similar in size to the hummingbird and are very difficult to find. The buzzing calls of this species is often the best indicator of its presence.
Eastern Bluebird: Bluebirds are likely to be present in any garden, neighborhood, or park with open lawns or low flowerbeds, scattered trees, fences, or powerlines. They nest mostly in birdhouses in open or semi-open areas but will use natural cavities, woodpecker holes, or human-made sites such as mailboxes, streetlamps, or building crevices. Nest is a neat cup of grass or pine straw with "robin blue" eggs. One of the most frequent users of birdhouses in the Carolinas.
American Robin: This ubiquitous thrush can nest in almost any woodland or forest habitat and is a mainstay of suburban neighborhoods, and city parks in New England, the Midwest, and in the Peidmont and Appalachian Region of the Carolinas. In the Cape Fear Region, robins are mostly transients and winterer with localized breeding in interior regions from Wilmington westward. Robins in our region generally nest in pines or large hardwoods like oaks, hickories, or beeches 3-6m (10-20ft) above the ground and may form loose colonies. They sometimes nest in smaller trees such as Red Cedar, Crepe Myrtle or Dogwood, or use hedgerows and in other regions robins will nest on ledges, open-sided nest boxes, or even park statues. Nest is a classic cup-shaped structure of grass, or pine straw, with a mud lining and blue eggs.
Wood Thrush: Nests mostly in deciduous or mixed forest and woodlands but will nest in wooded gardens, neighborhoods with old-growth trees, and in city parks. Nests are usually in a small or mid-sized tree bordering a woodland or hedgerow between 3-5m (10-15ft) above the ground in a forking branch or crotch. The nest is similar in shape and size to the Robin except with rootlets, leaves, and other materials mixed in, and the absence of mud. Eggs are also blue.
Northern Mockingbird: A very common resident that breeds mostly around human settlement and is generally scarce in more naturalized areas. Mockingbirds mostly nest in shrubs, vines, or small trees between 1-3m (3-10ft) above the ground and prefer foundation plantings, hedges, and parking lot trees bordering lawns, fields, or roadsides. Their nest is a cup of twigs, sticks, and bramble canes with a grass lining and whitish eggs with brown spots. Mockingbirds will defend their nests from predators including humans although most pairs are tolerant of people and allow close observation.
Grey Catbird: May nest in gardens near wetlands, creeks, or ponds if there is dense brambles, coppices, or hedgerows. Nest is similar to a Wood Thrush with rootlets, leaves, and vines and is generally less than 3m (10ft) above the ground (sometimes right on the ground) in dense shrubs, vines, or coppiced shrubs. Their eggs are also blue. They form loose colonies and can be aggressive towards humans or pets.
Brown Thrasher: Thrashers may nest in shrubby or wooded gardens with a mixture of trees, subcanopy and understory shrubs, and open space, similar to the Wood Thrush. They build a large layered nest of twigs, thorny vines, and other materials with a root and leaf living on the ground or up to 2m (6ft) above the ground. Thrashers may also nest in small trees, foundation shrubs, or hedges close to homes and like roses, brambles, and shrubs such as azaleas, boxwood, or wax myrtles. This bird may attack humans or pets near nests but is generally nonaggressive and approachable.
Common Starling: A nonnative species that may compete with native birds for nest sites although studies show that starlings have a marginal effect on native cavity nesters with the exception of sensitive species such as Red Cockaded Woodpeckers or Sapsuckers. Starlings always nest within cavities or holes and in our region prefer natural hollows, old Pileated or Red Bellied Woodpecker holes, or natural crevices. They also nest under the eaves of barns, multistory buildings, apartment houses (including the eaves of our current townhome property), and behind signage. Starlings seldom use nest boxes although they may use Purple Martin condos, or owl boxes placed at least 3m (10ft) above the ground. Starling-sized boxes may be used to entice this species and unlike House Sparrows they nest singly. Nests are made up of grass, leaves, plant stems, twigs, and often have green leaves in them (like the Crested Flycatcher and Titmouse), although this species also puts in green leaves. Eggs are blue like the robin or bluebird.
Warblers: Several species of warblers may nest in gardens or neighborhoods including the Northern Parula, American Redstart, Yellow Throated, Pine, Yellow, and Prairie Warbler depending on where you live. Yellow Throated Warblers will nest in deciduous or pine trees amongst forking branches, branch clusters, or Spanish Moss/Old Man's Beard and often nest in parks and gardens near water. Pine Warblers nest exclusively in Yellow or White Pine species (Longleaf, Loblolly, Pond, Pitch, or White Pines), while Parulas prefer oaks or sycamores draped with Spanish Moss, close to water. The Yellow Warbler, Prairie Warbler, and American Redstart all nest close to the ground in shrubs, brambles, or vines and build a classic cupped nest of plant fibers, grass, or cottony material. Most gardens in Southeastern NC will probably host Yellow Throated, Pine, Prairie Warblers, or Northern Parulas, while Redstarts, and Yellow Warblers are more likely to be found further north and inland. The Protonotary Warbler is a hole nesting species that may use a birdhouse or gourd in a garden near a creek, river, or swamp forest.
Common Yellowthroat: This warbler is a meadowland inhabitant that generally forages and nests close to the ground in herbaceous growth or marshes. This species will nest in perennial gardens, meadow gardens, or hedgerows of rural, suburban, or even urban properties, and builds a cuplike nest (may be domed) amongst grasses, plant stalks, or brambles less than 1m (3ft) above the ground. Be careful when mowing the grass, or tending the garden as Common Yellowthroats, and Song Sparrow nests can be difficult to spot.
Northern Cardinal: Cardinals can be found in just about any habitat from forests to barrier islands and are most common in gardens and parks than in natural areas. This bird will nest close to dwellings and generally nests less than 3m (10ft) above the ground in dense shrubs, small trees, vines, or brambles and forms loose colonies. They will readily choose foundation shrubs, hedges, and garden trees and are unafraid of people. Nests are made of twigs, roots, and leaves and can be mistaken for a Wood Thrush or catbird nest. Cardinals can breed from March to August and raise 2-3 broods per year.
Buntings and Grosbeaks: Indigo Buntings are common summer residents that are usually identified by their canary like songs. This finchlike bird will nest in rural, suburban, or urban areas and uses old fields, hedgerows, wooded borders, and disturbed areas. Nests are made of grass or plant down and are generally less than 2m (6ft) above the ground in brambles, shrubs, vines, or small trees (usually out of sight). They may nest in hedgerows or borders in gardens and are likely to be present if your garden backs up to a utility corridor, major road, or a wooded border. Painted Buntings occur in coastal and estuarine areas and often nest in gardens, choosing sites similar to the Cardinal. Blue Grosbeaks are uncommon but may nest in dense shrubs or brambles behind new suburban developments, or rural homesites, building a larger nest similar in size to the cardinal. All three bunting species have breeding cycles similar to cardinals.
Summer Tanager: Summer Tanagers may nest in open neighborhoods or parks with scattered oaks, hickories, beeches, or pines and often use shade trees in cities or towns. This cardinal like bird nest high in treetops and constructs a robin-like nest of grass, pine needles, and plant down near the top of hardwoods or pines.
Chipping Sparrow: Chipping Sparrows are localized breeders in Southeastern NC and generally choose areas with mature pines and open ground such as pine savannas, golf courses, or some parks. In our region, Chipping Sparrows generally nest in the crown of pine trees though they may use junipers, red cedars, or deciduous trees. New subdivisions, pine dominated areas, and rural properties may host small colonies of sparrows. Their nests are tightly woven cups of grass and weeds that contain blue or greenish eggs. In other regions such as New England, Chipping Sparrows may nest in shrubs, on the ground, or in hanging planters.
Song Sparrow: Song Sparrows are common in gardens in interior regions of the Carolinas and further north, but are expanding their range. This species may nest on the ground or in low shrubs and builds a cupped nest of grass and weeds. Be careful when tending the garden or mowing as Song Sparrows often nest on the edge of lawns or amongst flowerbeds near houses or wooded borders. Field Sparrows may also nest in rural gardens and also nest on or near the ground.
Eastern Towhee: Towhees are generally not garden residents though large suburban and rural properties may host this sparrow if there is enough shrubbery with minimal tree canopy. Towhees may nest in azaleas or wax myrtle borders, amongst roses, brambles, or in hedgerows. They nest on the ground and build a nest of roots, leaves, and vines.
Orchard Oriole: Orchard Orioles are the only orioles that nest in Eastern North or South Carolina and are very common in rural, suburban, and urban communities but are overlooked. Their songs can be mistaken for Indigo Buntings, Goldfinches, House Finches, or even American Robins. Orioles nest high in deciduous trees such as cottonwoods, sycamores, oaks, or hickories and create sack-like nests. They nest from April to June and depart by July. In Western NC and further north, you may also host Baltimore Orioles which have a similar breeding cycle but build a larger nest and have a different song. Oriole nests are often discovered once the leaves fall in autumn, so any sack like nests in the tops of trees are likely belong to this species.
Common Grackle: In the Carolinas, there are multiple species of subspecies of grackles although the species that breeds in Southeastern NC is generally the Florida Grackle. This subspecies nests only near water in wooded wetlands while the Bronzed Grackle and Purple Grackle are more likely to nest in trees away from water. If your neighborhood has a creek, riparian buffer, or is near a wetland, there may be Common Grackles nesting nearby. They may build their nests up to 24m (80ft) in pines or hardwoods, or less than 1m (3ft) above the water in an alder, willow, or amongst reeds. Regardless of their location, nests are bulky and made of sticks, reeds, grass, roots, and other materials and consist of a open cup. Grackles nest in colonies with up to 100 birds and vacate as soon as the young fledge. In regions with Bronzed or Purple Grackles, expect nests in most suburban and urban gardens with tall trees.
Red Winged Blackbird: If your garden has a permanent water feature or contains a natural wetland, you may host a colony of Red Winged Blackbirds. These birds nest in cattails, sawgrass, or herbaceous plants within marshes or wetlands, or may use low growing shrubs. In other regions Redwings may nest in hayfields, roadside ditches, or meadows. Nests are tightly woven cups of reeds or grass. Males and females will aggressively defend nest sites from intruders, including humans.
Brown Headed Cowbird: Cowbirds do not build a nest but instead lay eggs in the nests of other birds. The brownish females search for the nests of songbirds after they mate with males and may parasitize a number of species. If your garden or neighborhood hosts vireos, warblers, sparrows, Mockingbirds, Carolina Wrens, Indigo Buntings, or Wood Thrushes, cowbirds are likely not far behind. This is the only true brood parasite in the Carolinas and this species is rarely seen in heavily wooded areas or in urban centers as it prefers pastureland, meadows, and natural grasslands.
House Finch: House Finches are generally found near human habitation and are among the most commonly reported nests in the region. They will nest in loose colonies and time their cycles to natural plant or tree seeds such as thistle, pine seeds, or fleabane. Nests are made of plant stems, seed heads, and grass and are light and airy. This species usually nests in pines, red cedars/junipers, or in dense hardwoods near open areas, although they will nest in small garden trees such as Crepe Myrtle or Dogwood. House Finches in urban areas may also nest on ledges, windowsills, outdoor lights, hanging planters, or inside outbuildings. They may accept wicker baskets or open-sided nest boxes.
American Goldfinch: Goldfinches generally nest late in the summer when thistles, sunflowers, asters, and other seed-producing plants are plentiful. They may nest in any open or semi-open habitat including the edges of fields, pastures, or woodlands. Goldfinches will nest in flowerbeds, hedges, or small trees and feed their young plant seeds. Nests are small cups of thistle and milkweed fluff, plant down, and weed stems placed less than 2m (6ft) above the ground. They form loose colonies and vacate as soon as their young can fly.
