The Red Crowned Pilated is so similar, with just a 20% difference in wingspan, that it is hard to rule on any sighting.
29.5 inch wingspan versus 36. Big bird versus very big bird. The wing coloring, which to me makes up the other main identifier is so elusive, open for a second and then gone, that I would not feel sure without extensive photos from a top lens.
I have to say the idea that they are in North Carolina coming to some lady’s feeder seems really farfetched. Take a picture next time, but given the last place they were seen was in the Louisiana swamps 80 years ago, color me skeptical.
You would practically need a DNA test to be sure................