Priority Birds

Priority Species

A priority species is one that is particularly threatened in terms of the species' long-term survival.  
Photo: Mark Musselman
Priority Birds

Priority Species

A priority species is one that is particularly threatened in terms of the species' long-term survival.  

What is a priority species? 

A priority species is one that is particularly threatened in terms of the species' long-term survival. All priority species have been selected through rigorous scientific analysis, and most represent a broad array of other birds and wildlife that use the same habitat type. Conservation focused on priority species is almost always focused on priority habitats as well. Audubon has identified 32 priority-bird species within the Atlantic Flyway.  

Bird species that are included in the Audubon North Carolina Conservation Plan

  • American Oystercatcher
  • Black Skimmer
  • Brown-headed Nuthatch
  • Brown Pelican
  • Cerulean Warbler
  • Common Tern
  • Golden-winged Warbler
  • Least Tern
  • Piping Plover
  • Prothonotary Warbler
  • Red Knot
  • Saltmarsh Sparrow
  • Sanderling
  • Seaside Sparrow
  • Semipalmated Sandpiper
  • Western Sandpiper
  • Wilson's Plover
  • Wood Thrush

Special NC specific information about some of our most iconic species

For a complete list of Audubon's priority-bird species click here.

For a list of other species Audubon North Carolina programs are working to protect, see below.

How you can help, right now