Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

North Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in North Carolina, with 271 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Blue-winged Teal, American Black Duck, and Northern Pintail among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

3/5/2026Alligator River NWR--Twiford Rd.2 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

3/4/2026Bodie Island--Coquina Beach1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/4/2026Nags Head--Jennette's Pier1 observed

American Herring x Glaucous Gull (hybrid)

Larus smithsonianus x hyperboreus

3/3/2026Harvey Soundside Park1 observed

Pacific Loon

Gavia pacifica

3/2/2026Nags Head--Jennette's Pier1 observed

Green-winged Teal (Eurasian)

Anas crecca

2/28/2026Alligator River NWR--Sawyer Lake Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

23/1/2026

American Black Duck

63/1/2026

Northern Pintail

5003/1/2026

Green-winged Teal

3003/1/2026

Mourning Dove

33/1/2026

Black-bellied Plover

13/1/2026

Killdeer

83/1/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

43/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

123/1/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/1/2026

Northern Harrier

23/1/2026

Bald Eagle

13/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Northern Flicker

33/1/2026

American Kestrel

83/1/2026

Merlin

13/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge include Blue-winged Teal, American Black Duck, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Mourning Dove. The area supports river/riparian, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge?
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.