Joy of Birds

October Birds: 8 Fall Migrants and Winter Arrivals

Leaves are changing, and so are the birds in your backyard and local parks.

With peak of fall migration behind us, you may be noticing new birds in your backyard. Late migrating birds are still traveling through, and a whole new cast of feathered characters are arriving in North Carolina for the winter.

Here are eight birds to look for during this time of transition:

  • Swainson's Thrush - fall migrant, September to mid-October
  • Ring-necked Duck - winter resident, arrives mid-October
  • White-throated Sparrow - winter resident, arrives early October
  • Pine Siskin - winter resident, arrives mid-September to October
  • Fox Sparrow - winter resident, arrives early November
  • Rusty Blackbird - winter resident, arrives mid-October
  • Magnolia Warbler - fall migrant, September to mid-October
  • Yellow-rumped Warbler - winter resident, arrives mid-September to October

For more information on which species to be watching for throughout late fall, check out eBird’s bar chart function for North Carolina here. The webpage shows when you can expect specific species to arrive, based on historical data.

To find recent sightings of these species near you, download Audubon's free Bird Guide app. Search for the species you want to see and click Sightings to see recent eBird observations. 

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