Island Wildlife

organized by the four habitats: Dune, Maritime Forest, Salt marsh, and Freshwater Lagoons

Please keep checking back often as we update these pages.

• Ocean/Beach/Dune •

 

Ghost Crab (Ocypode quadrata) – Head out onto the beach any summer evening, and you’re bound to see something scurry across the beach and disappear! Ghost crabs, aptly named for their whitish appearance and quickness along the sand, live in burrows that they dig in the upper reaches of the beach. Although they appear to be terrestrial crabs, they are still tied very closely to the ocean. Ghost crabs have gills, which means they must get to the water several times a day in order to keep their gills wet and oxygenated.

Their square carapace is not very thick, nor or their pincers super strong, so the ghost crab must rely more on their protective coloration and quickness in order to avoid becoming lunch for a seagull or raccoon. Ghost crabs feed on mole crabs, beach fleas, coquina clams, and sea turtle hatchlings. They have eyes that sit up on stalks, which can rotate 360 degrees, making them quite difficult to sneak up on!

Mole Crab  (Emerita talpoida) – Mole crabs are small, oval shaped crustaceans that have tan/gray coloration and are found in the surf zone on the beach. As waves recede, they quickly bury themselves in the sand so as not to be gobbled up by a bird or swept out to sea and eaten by a fish! Once buried, they stick their feathery antennae up through the sand so they can trap tiny plankton and food particles brought back by the wave. Several animals prey upon mole crabs, including other crabs, shorebirds and fish.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) – Loggerhead sea turtles, a threatened species and protected by the Endangered Species Act, are the most commonly found turtle nesting on Bald Head’s beaches. In recent years, the island has averaged about 77 nests. Loggerheads are carnivores and feed primarily on crabs, lobsters, fish and shrimp. Adult turtles can attain weights of 300-350 pounds and reach 3-4 feet in length. It is thought they do not reach sexual maturity until about 20 years of age and live about 80-100 years. Most sea turtles nest every 2-3 years, and in North Carolina, the nesting season is May-October. Females lay their clutches of eggs (usually 4-5 clutches per season) from May-August, depositing approximately 120 eggs each time.

Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) If you spend any time along the beach, you are bound to catch a glimpse of our resident bottlenose dolphins frolicking about in the surf. Or, you may even be lucky enough to see one on the ferry ride over to the island. Bottlenose dolphins can be seen year-round in the surrounding waters, with large numbers seen especially in the late summer and early fall. Their coloration is a type of camouflage known as countershading, which helps them to blend in with the environment. The dorsal (upper) side is a slate gray and the ventral (lower) side is whitish. When a predator is looking down at a dolphin from above, the gray color helps it to blend in with the dark water color. When looking up at a dolphin from below, the whitish belly blends in well with the light from the surface. In this area, dolphins feed on a variety of fish, squid and crustaceans. Often times they will work together to push fish into a tight ball, and then the dolphins will take turns charging through the school of fish to feed. They have also been known to “drive” fish against sand bars and shorelines, trapping them in shallow water, thus making capture that much easier. The Marine Mammal Protection Act protects bottlenose dolphins in United States waters.

 

Shorebirds

There are dozens of shorebirds that can be found along Bald Head Island’s beaches. Some of the most common birds include:

Brown Pelican

Laughing Gull

Royal Tern

Willet

Sanderling

Black Skimmer

Ruddy Turnstone

 

Some species nest on Bald Head Island and it is critical that their nesting sites be undisturbed. When the parents are forced off the nest, the eggs and hatchlings will die in the summer sun or another bird will have them for lunch. Should you see signs on the beach regarding colonial water bird nesting sites, please keep your distance and try not to disturb these beautiful birds.

 

Seashells and other cool marine organisms

One of the most popular beach pastimes is beachcombing. Every tide brings in something new, and you just never know what you’ll find! Low tide is the best time to look for shells and cool ocean critters. Here are some of the most commonly found shells and marine animals found along our beaches:

 

Shells:

Knobbed Whelk

Lightning Whelk

Channeled Whelk

Oyster

Quahog Clam

Jingle (Anomia simplex) 

 

Ark

 

Angel Wing

 

Coquina

 

Other Cool Marine Organisms:

 

Sponges

Sea Whips

Sand Dollars

 

Sea Urchin

 

And the snake:

Black Racer (Coluber constrictor)

Description: Racers are large, relatively slender snakes known for their speed. They have rather large eyes, smooth scales, and in North Carolina are solid black as adults, although some have a whitish chin. As juveniles, racers are gray or brown with dark reddish-brown spots running along their backs.

Feeding/Diet: Racers do not constrict, but chase their prey down and swallow it alive. They eat a variety of animals, including small rodents, lizards, frogs, insects, and other snakes.

Activity/Behavior: They are active only during the daytime and have very good vision. When out and about, they are very alert and often hunt with their heads raised above the ground.

Habitat/Range: Black racers live in a variety of habitats, but are often found in somewhat open areas where they can bask in the sun.

Reproduction: During June or July, the black racer lays 4–31 eggs, which like its relative, the coachwhip, has small bumps like grains of salt all over its surface. Miscellaneous: Although they are often confused with the black rat snake, the black racer can be easily distinguished by their smooth scales. Although racers will often aggressively defend themselves and will usually bite repeatedly if picked up, they do not chase people as is often claimed. When pursued, they often climb into bushes or trees to escape their would-be captor. Though they are fast for a snake, a person can easily outrun one on open ground.

• Maritime Forest •

raccoons

opossums

gray squirrel

white tailed deer

red fox

gray fox

southern toads

tree frogs

snakes:

yellow rat

black racer

rough green

corn

 

• Salt marsh •

Mammals:

Deer

Raccoons

Foxes

bats

Birds:

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) This is the only raptor that dives feet-first into the water to capture fish with its sharp talons.  You can often see the large nests that ospreys built in the tops of tall trees or on platforms.  Osprey are found along the entire east coast and typically live near rivers and lakes.

 

White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) Easily distinguished from other marsh birds by a long, curved, red bill and red legs.  Rather than stalking its prey like egrets and herons do, ibis filter through the water and mud eating fish and invertebrates.  White ibis are brown with a white belly and rump when immature, and adults are solid white with black wing tips.  Approximately 7000-9000 ibis nest annually on Battery Island, an Audubon refuge in the Cape Fear River.

 

Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) The Snowy Egret is distinguished from the Great Egret by its black bill, yellow feet and smaller size.  This smaller egret stalks its prey at the waters edge, and then stabs it repeatedly with its sharp beak.

 

Great Egret (Casmerodius albus) Similar in size and stature to the Great Blue Heron, this large all-white bird has a long yellow bill.  The legs and feet of a Great Egret are black.  When stalking prey, the Egret stretches out its long neck, but when flying, it folds its neck in.

 

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) This majestic blue-gray bird stands approximately 4 feet tall and has a wingspan of 7 feet.  Great Blues have white and black markings on the head and a yellowish bill.  Herons are in the same family as the Egrets, and have a similar appearance and feeding behavior.

 

Little Blue Heron (Florida caerulea) The Little Blue Heron is a medium size heron colored slate blue with a maroon-brown neck.  The bill is gray and the legs dark yellow. When immature, the Little Blue is white. 

 

Tricolored Heron (Hydranassa tricolor) This species can often be confused with Little Blue Heron – distinguishing features include a white belly and rump and maroon-brown feathers on the lower back.  Called a Tricolored Heron due to the blue, maroon and white colors that make this a beautiful member of the Heron family.

 

Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) This brightly colored songbird migrates to our island each summer to nest.  In the winter, the Painted Bunting migrates to places as far away as Mexico and Cuba.  The males are brightly colored, while the females of this species are an olive-yellow.  Males can often be heard singing from the tops of trees.  There is a study being done on Bald Head Island with Painted Buntings by capturing, banding and then recapturing these birds.  So if you are lucky enough to see a bunting, check the legs for colored bands!

 

Arthropods:

 

Fiddler Crabs (Several Species) These crabs grow to less than one inch and live in small burrows that they make in the mud.  It is estimated that there are 1 million fiddler crabs per acre of salt marsh flats and mud banks.  These crabs got their name from the males large front claw that they hoist up and wave around to attract females (looks like they are playing a fiddle).  If you look closely during the spring and summer, you can see the males performing this courtship wave.  Fiddler crabs hibernate in their burrows during the winter months.

 

Mollusks:

Marsh Periwinkle Snail (Littorina irrorata) There are several species of periwinkles, but the most common is the Marsh Periwinkle.  This periwinkle is gray to white in color and moves up and down the Cordgrass as the tide flows in and out of the salt marsh.  This herbivore grazes the Cordgrass eating algae and detritus.  This snail serves as food for various birds, crabs and even humans.

 

Atlantic Ribbed Mussel

Oyster

Mussels

Clams

Juvenile Fish

Shrimp

 

Arachnids:

Black-and-Yellow Argiope (Argiope aurantia) Harmless spider that produces large webs along the trail.  This spider is sometimes called the writing spider due to the thick zigzag webbing spun by the male in the center of the web.  After the female lays her eggs she dies and the young over winter in the egg sac.

 

Reptiles:

Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) This lizard is 5-8 inches long and is commonly seen on Bald Head Island.  It is often incorrectly called a chameleon due to its color-changing abilities (found from a brown to green color).  This ability allows the small lizard to camouflage itself and protect itself from predators.  Anoles eat insects and live in the shrubs and trees.  Anoles are not found any further north than North Carolina.

 

Rough Green Snake (Opheodrys aestivus) A slender dainty snake colored bright green above and pale yellow below.  This snake has amazing climbing abilities and spends its life living in trees and shrubs.  Crickets, spiders, grasshoppers and other insects are food for Rough Green Snakes.

Black Racer

Rat snake

Glass lizard

• Freshwater Lagoons •

American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) American Alligators are found from North Carolina to Texas. Direct descendents of dinosaurs, alligators have been on theearth for 230 million years. In North Carolina, females grow to 8 feet, males average size is 12feet, weighting 400-700 lbs. They feed on insects, fish, turtles, birds, and mammals. During winter months, alligators move to dens or deep holes,where they undergo periods of dormancy and may stop feeding. While alligators are not prone to approaching people, you shouldalways remain cautious near bodies of fresh water on Bald Head.Take measures to protect your children and pets, and remember thatit is against the law to feedan alligator.

Yellow-Bellied Sliders  (Trachemys scripta)   Yellow Bellied Sliders derive their name from the yellow color of their lower shell, and their tendency to slide into the water when danger approaches. They range in size from 5-12 inches, with females growing much larger than males. Males exhibit larger claws which they wave in the face of females in order to flirt with them. They feed on aquatic insects and vegetation. Many of the sliders in the overlook have been “marked,” meaning researchers etched markings into their shells which help them identify individual turtles. This research can help us learn more about the lives of this species, as well as the health of the ecosystem in which they are found.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Osprey are commonly seen soaring overhead or sitting on their nests,which are located near the overlook. These agile birds of preycan swoop down with amazing accuracy pulling fish from the water with their talons.

Green Darter (Anax junius) Can be seen resting on grasses close to the ground, or flying in larger groups hunting for mosquitoes to feed on. This common species of dragonfly is found throughout the US.

Southern Toad (Bufo terresttris) Commonly seen around the edges of freshwater looking for insects and grubs. They can also be heardin the spring and summerattracting mates with a highpitched trill which could bemistaken for a cricket.

Black-Crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) Most active at dusk and during the night, they will stalk the edges of the marshes in search of fish and other small prey. They can be seen perching in trees on the edges of the water during the day.

• Mammals and Herp list of BHI •

 

Birds documented on Bald head Island/Smith Island Complex

Red-Throated Loon

Common Loon

Pied-Billed Grebe

Horned Grebe

Red-necked Grebe

Eared Grebe

Northern Gannet

Brown Booby

Brown Pelican

White Pelican

Magnificent Frigatebird

Double-crested Cormorant

Anhinga

American Bittern

Great Blue Heron

Little Blue Heron

Tri-colored Heron

Great Egret

Snowy Egret

Cattle Egret

Reddish Egret

Green Heron

Black-crowned Night Heron

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

White Ibis

Glossy Ibis

Wood Stork

Tundra Swan

Canada Goose

Snow Goose

Brant

Wood Duck

Green-Winged Teal

Blue-winged Teal

American Black Duck

Mallard

Northern Shovele

Gadwall

American Wigeon

Redhead

Ring-necked Duck

Greater Scaup

Lesser Scaup

Black Scoter

Surf Scoter

White-wing Scoter

Common Eider

Bufflehead

Hooded Merganser

Red-breasted Merganser

Ruddy Duck

Turkey Vulture

Black Vulture

Osprey

Bald Eagle

Northern Harrier

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Cooper’s Hawk

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

Rough-legged Hawk

Merlin

American Kestral

Peregrine Falcon

Black Rail

Clapper Rail

Virginia Rail

Sora Rail

Common Moorhen

American Coot

Sandhill Crane

Black-bellied Plover

Wilson’s Plover

Piping Plover

Semipalmated Plover

Killdeer

American Oystercatcher

Black-necked Stilt

Greater Yellowlegs

Lesser Yellowlegs

Willet

Solitary Sandpiper

Spotted Sandpiper

Whimbrel

Long-billed Curlew

Marbled Godwit

Ruddy Turnstone

Red Knot

Sanderling

Semi-palmated Sandpiper

Western Sandpiper

Least Sandpiper

Dunlin

Short-billed Dowitcher

Common Snipe

American Woodcock

Parasitic Jaeger

Laughing Gull

Bonaparte’s Gull

Ring-billed Gull

Herring Gull

Great Black-backed Gull

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Gull-billed Tern

Caspian Tern

Royal Tern

Sandwich Tern

Common Tern

Forster’s Tern

Least Tern

Sooty Tern

Bridled Tern

Black Tern

Black Skimmer

Dovekie

Rock Dove

Mourning Dove

White-winged Dove

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Eastern Screech Owl

Great Horned Owl

Barred Owl

Short-eared Owl

Common Nighthawk

Whip-poor-will

Chuck-will’s-widow

Chimney Swift

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Belted Kingfisher

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Northern Flicker

Downy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpecker

Eastern Phoebe

Say’s Phoebe

Eastern Wood Pewee

Great Crested Flycatcher

Eastern Kingbird

Western Kingbird

Purple Martin

Tree Swallow

N. Rough-winged Swallow

Barn Swallow

Blue Jay

American Crow

Fish Crow

Carolina Chickadee

Red-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatch

Brown Creeper

House Wren

Carolina Wren

Winter Wren

Sedge Wren

Marsh Wren

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

American Robin

Swainson’s Thrush

Hermit Thrush

Northern Mockingbird

Gray Catbird

Brown Thrasher

Cedar Waxwing

Loggerhead Shrike

European Starling

White-eyed Vireo

Blue-headed Vireo

Red-eyed Vireo

Black-whiskered Vireo

Bay-breasted Warbler

Orange-crowned Warbler

Northern Parula

Magnolia Warbler

Cape May Warbler

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Prothonotary Warbler

Yellow Warbler

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Blackburnian Warbler

Prairie Warbler

Palm Warbler

Yellow-throated Warbler

Pine Warbler

Blackpoll Warbler

Cerulean Warbler

Black-and-White Warbler

American Redstart

Worm-eating Warbler

Ovenbird

Northern Waterthrush

Louisiana Waterthrush

Kentucky Warbler

Connecticut Warbler

Common Yellowthroat

Hooded Warbler

Yellow-breasted Chat

Summer Tanager

Scarlet Tanager

Northern Cardinal

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Blue Grosbeak

Indigo Bunting

Painted Bunting

Eastern Towhee

Chipping Sparrow

Lark Sparrow

Savannah Sparrow

Nelson’s Sparrow

Saltmarsh Sparrow

Seaside Sparrow

Fox Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

Song Sparrow

White-throated Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrow

Field Sparrow

Dark-eyed Junco

Bobolink

Red-winged Blackbird

Rusty Blackbird

Eastern Meadowlark

Boat-tailed Grackle

Common Grackle

Brown-headed Cowbird

Baltimore Oriole

Orchard Oriole

House Finch

American Goldfinch

 

Total Species: 234