Imagine standing on a sunlit marsh in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, where the air vibrates with the calls of Red-winged Blackbirds in South Carolina, or hiking a misty trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains as a Black-throated Blue Warbler’s song drifts through the pines.
South Carolina, a gem along the Atlantic coast, is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting an astonishing 426 documented bird species, according to the South Carolina Bird Records Committee (as of 2025). This biodiversity stems from the state’s remarkable ecological diversity, spanning 31,500 square miles of coastal plains, rolling Piedmont hills, and rugged Appalachian peaks.
From the salt marshes of the ACE Basin, which provide habitat for more than 250,000 overwintering waterfowl each year, to the old-growth forests of Congaree National Park, with 150+ breeding species, South Carolina provides a bird paradise and birding haven. Its location along the Atlantic Flyway, a high-pressure migratory superhighway for billions of birds annually, means that spring and autumn migrations are show-stopping events, with counts of up to 10,000+ shorebirds at places such as Huntington Beach State Park.
Mild winters, averaging 50°F in coastal regions, bring overwintering birds such as the Yellow-rumped Warbler, and warm summers, reaching 85°F, foster breeding colonies of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.
This field guide profiles 40 iconic species, listed by family, with key birding locales and conservation tips. With more than 30 state parks and 8 national wildlife refuges protecting 500,000+ acres of ground, South Carolina welcomes you to discover its birds. Let this adventure ignite your passion and inspire your next birding trip!
“The birds of South Carolina are a testament to the beauty of creation, each one a note in nature’s symphony.” – Adapted from Psalm 104:12
Key Takeaways:
- South Carolina hosts 426 bird species, thriving across coastal, forest, wetland, and mountain habitats.
- Top birdwatching destinations include Huntington Beach State Park, Congaree National Park, and Caesars Head State Park.
- Spring and fall migrations bring millions of warblers, shorebirds, and hawks via the Atlantic Flyway.
- Conservation efforts protect endangered species like the Red-cockaded Woodpecker and Piping Plover.
- Tools like binoculars and apps like eBird enhance your birding experience.
Meet South Carolina’s Most Iconic Birds by Family:
From the regal Bald Eagle to the diminutive Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the state is home to proudly claimed 426 species, with 40 expertly profiled herein by family. Spanning varied habitats, these birds call backyard, marsh, and mountain home, providing boundless birding possibilities.
For instance, whether one is birding Congaree National Park, which supports 150+ breeding species, or merely birding one’s garden, these winged jewels are well and truly the stars of South Carolina’s avifaunal tale.
Types of Herons – Amazing Birds You’ll Love to Spot:
Great Blue Heron:
- Scientific Name: Ardea herodias
- Life Span: 15–20 years
- Size: 38–54 in (97–137 cm)
- Weight: 74–88 oz (2100–2500 g)
- Wingspan: 66–79 in (167–201 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Fish, insects, small mammals
- Behavior: Solitary, stalks prey
- Habitat: Marshes, rivers, coastlines
The Great Blue Heron, a coastal landmark, rises in marshes. Its deliberate walk and lightning speed strikes catch fish. Look for them in the ACE Basin, where 10,000+ herons come each year, or at the tidal pools of Huntington Beach State Park.
South Carolina Cardinals – Types, Facts, and Stunning Photos:
Curious about that red flash in your yard? Cardinals, with 1 species in South Carolina, are beloved for their vivid plumage and songs.
Northern Cardinal:
- Scientific Name: Cardinalis cardinalis
- Life Span: 3–5 years
- Size: 8.3–9.3 in (21–23.5 cm)
- Weight: 1.5–1.7 oz (42–48 g)
- Wingspan: 9.8–12.2 in (25–31 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, fruits, insects
- Behavior: Territorial, often in pairs
- Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, shrublands
A red fire, the whistling song of the Northern Cardinal resounds throughout 80% of South Carolina’s counties. Particularly, males and females will frequently duet at sunrise. You can see them readily in Congaree National Park or entice them to your backyard feeders using sunflower seeds.
Complete Guide to Types of Finches (With Photos and Key Facts)!
Noticed tiny birds at feeders? Finches, with 7 species in South Carolina, bring energy to forests and suburbs, often in flocks.
House Finch:
- Scientific Name: Haemorhous mexicanus
- Life Span: 2–3 years
- Size: 5–6 in (12.5–15 cm)
- Weight: 0.6–0.9 oz (16–27 g)
- Wingspan: 8–10 in (20–25 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, berries, insects
- Behavior: Social, forms flocks
- Habitat: Urban areas, forests, fields
Rosy-headed House Finches chatter in suburban areas, bringing a cheerful ambiance. Their warbling songs regularly brighten feeders. For those seeking them, look for these lively birds in Francis Marion National Forest, where flocks of 20+ often gather.
Purple Finch:
- Scientific Name: Haemorhous purpureus
- Life Span: 3–5 years
- Size: 5.5–6.3 in (14–16 cm)
- Weight: 0.6–1.1 oz (18–32 g)
- Wingspan: 8.7–10.2 in (22–26 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, buds, berries
- Behavior: Migratory, forms loose flocks
- Habitat: Coniferous forests, mixed woods
Raspberry-hued Purple Finches visit in winter, their melodic warbles filling pine forests. In particular, Caesars Head State Park sees hundreds during migration, as they feed on conifer seeds.
American Goldfinch:
- Scientific Name: Spinus tristis
- Life Span: 3–6 years
- Size: 4.3–5.1 in (11–13 cm)
- Weight: 0.4–0.7 oz (11–20 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5–8.7 in (19–22 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, especially thistle
- Behavior: Social, acrobatic
- Habitat: Fields, gardens, forests
Summer yellow, American Goldfinches delight with spry flight. They throng thistle feeders, where 50+ are seen at single locations. See them at Congaree National Park.
Pine Siskin:
- Scientific Name: Spinus pinus
- Life Span: 2–8 years
- Size: 4.3–5.5 in (11–14 cm)
- Weight: 0.4–0.6 oz (12–18 g)
- Wingspan: 7.1–8.7 in (18–22 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, insects
- Behavior: Nomadic, social
- Habitat: Coniferous forests, feeders
Streaked Pine Siskins wander in winter, their wheezy calls signaling flocks. Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge hosts flocks of 30+, mingling with goldfinches.
Types of Sparrows Explained:
Heard a chip from the bushes? Sparrows, with 30+ species in South Carolina, blend in but sing boldly, thriving in diverse habitats.
Chipping Sparrow:
- Scientific Name: Spizella passerina
- Life Span: 3–7 years
- Size: 4.7–5.9 in (12–15 cm)
- Weight: 0.4–0.6 oz (11–16 g)
- Wingspan: 8.3 in (21 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, insects
- Behavior: Social, ground-forager
- Habitat: Lawns, woodlands, parks
Rusty-capped Chipping Sparrows trill during spring. Widespread in suburbs, they hop across lawns, usually on fences or shrubs. For example, Lynch’s River County Park sees dozens a day in grassy clearings, where they pick up seeds and insects.
Song Sparrow:
- Scientific Name: Melospiza melodia
- Life Span: 3–7 years
- Size: 4.7–6.7 in (12–17 cm)
- Weight: 0.4–1.9 oz (12–53 g)
- Wingspan: 7.1–9.4 in (18–24 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, insects, berries
- Behavior: Solitary, territorial
- Habitat: Brushy areas, marshes, gardens
Streaked Song Sparrows sing distinctive songs. They will habitually frequent dense thickets, coming to feeders during winter, where they eat sunflower seeds and millet. Especially, Caw Caw Interpretive Center experiences 20+ birds in brushy borders, particularly in the colder months.
White-throated Sparrow:
- Scientific Name: Zonotrichia albicollis
- Life Span: 3–7 years
- Size: 6.3–7.1 in (16–18 cm)
- Weight: 0.8–1.1 oz (22–32 g)
- Wingspan: 7.9–9.1 in (20–23 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, insects, berries
- Behavior: Migratory, ground-forager
- Habitat: Forests, brush, gardens
White-throated Sparrows whistle “oh-sweet-canada” in winter. Meanwhile, they dig through leaf litter to find insects and dropped seeds. Interestingly, Congaree National Park receives hundreds in the understory, especially around the wetlands where they have copious food.
Dark-eyed Junco:
- Scientific Name: Junco hyemalis
- Life Span: 3–7 years
- Size: 5.5–6.3 in (14–16 cm)
- Weight: 0.6–1.1 oz (18–30 g)
- Wingspan: 7.1–9.8 in (18–25 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, insects
- Behavior: Ground-forager, migratory
- Habitat: Forests, suburban yards
Slate-gray Dark-eyed Juncos indicate winter’s onset, hopping underneath feeders. Furthermore, Caesars Head State Park captures 500+ in migration, attracted to seeds, particularly at the early mornings when they forage most intensively.
Types of Towhees and Buntings:
Spotted a rainbow-hued bird? Towhees and buntings, with 5 species in South Carolina, add vibrant colors to shrubby habitats.
Eastern Towhee:
- Scientific Name: Pipilo erythrophthalmus
- Life Span: 3–5 years
- Size: 6.8–8.2 in (17–21 cm)
- Weight: 1.1–1.8 oz (32–52 g)
- Wingspan: 7.9–11 in (20–28 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, insects, berries
- Behavior: Ground-scratcher, shy
- Habitat: Shrubby forests, thickets
Black, white, and rufous Eastern Towhees rustle in leaf litter, calling drink-your-tea. Francis Marion National Forest’s thickets host dozens in spring.
Indigo Bunting:
- Scientific Name: Passerina cyanea
- Life Span: 2–6 years
- Size: 4.7–5.1 in (12–13 cm)
- Weight: 0.4–0.6 oz (12–18 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5–8.7 in (19–22 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, insects, berries
- Behavior: Territorial, migratory
- Habitat: Forest edges, fields
Electric-blue Indigo Buntings dazzle in summer, singing from treetops. Lake Marion’s woodlands see 100+ males during breeding season.
Painted Bunting:
- Scientific Name: Passerina ciris
- Life Span: 3–6 years
- Size: 4.7–5.5 in (12–14 cm)
- Weight: 0.5–0.7 oz (13–19 g)
- Wingspan: 8.3–9.1 in (21–23 cm)
- Status: Near Threatened
- Diet: Seeds, insects
- Behavior: Secretive, migratory
- Habitat: Coastal scrub, thickets
The Painted Bunting, a living rainbow, boasts blue, green, and red hues. Males sing softly in coastal thickets. Huntington Beach State Park records 50+ pairs in summer.
Types of Doves of South Carolina:
Heard a soft coo in your backyard? Doves, with 5 species in South Carolina, bring gentle beauty to rural and urban areas.
Mourning Dove:
- Scientific Name: Zenaida macroura
- Life Span: 1–5 years
- Size: 9–13 in (23–34 cm)
- Weight: 3.4–6 oz (96–170 g)
- Wingspan: 17–19 in (43–48 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, grains
- Behavior: Gentle, often in pairs
- Habitat: Open fields, urban areas
Mourning Doves coo softly, their long tails a common sight. They waddle on the ground, picking seeds. Huntington Beach State Park sees 200+ in open areas.
Types of Blackbirds and Orioles in Carolina:
Seen a bird flash red wings? Blackbirds and orioles, with 9 species in South Carolina, bring drama to wetlands and forests.
Brown-headed Cowbird:
- Scientific Name: Molothrus ater
- Life Span: 3–7 years
- Size: 7.5–8.7 in (19–22 cm)
- Weight: 1.3–1.8 oz (38–50 g)
- Wingspan: 12–15 in (30–38 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, insects
- Behavior: Parasitic, social
- Habitat: Fields, forest edges
Brown-headed Cowbirds, nest parasites, lay eggs in others’ nests. Their gurgling calls echo in fields near Lake Marion, with flocks of 50+ common.
Red-winged Blackbird:
- Scientific Name: Agelaius phoeniceus
- Life Span: 2–15 years
- Size: 6.7–9.1 in (17–23 cm)
- Weight: 1.1–2.7 oz (32–77 g)
- Wingspan: 12.2–15.8 in (31–40 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, insects
- Behavior: Territorial, colonial
- Habitat: Marshes, fields
Red-winged Blackbirds flaunt red patches, singing conk-la-ree. Caw Caw Interpretive Center’s marshes host 1,000+ in the breeding season.
Baltimore Oriole:
- Scientific Name: Icterus galbula
- Life Span: 5–12 years
- Size: 6.7–7.5 in (17–19 cm)
- Weight: 1.1–1.4 oz (30–40 g)
- Wingspan: 9–12 in (23–30 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Nectar, fruit, insects
- Behavior: Migratory, solitary
- Habitat: Dec.
Common Grackle:
- Scientific Name: Quiscalus quiscula
- Life Span: 5–17 years
- Size: 11–13 in (28–34 cm)
- Weight: 2.6–5 oz (74–142 g)
- Wingspan: 14–18 in (36–46 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, insects, small vertebrates
- Behavior: Social, noisy
- Habitat: Fields, urban areas
Iridescent Common Grackles strut in noisy flocks. Their creaky calls fill fields. Lake Marion’s shores host flocks of 100+, foraging boldly.
Types of Mockingbirds and Thrashers of South Caroline:
Heard a bird mimic a car alarm? Mockingbirds and thrashers, with 3 species in South Carolina, are vocal virtuosos in suburbs and thickets.
Northern Mockingbird:
- Scientific Name: Mimus polyglottos
- Life Span: 8–20 years
- Size: 8–11 in (20–28 cm)
- Weight: 1.6–2 oz (45–58 g)
- Wingspan: 12–14 in (31–36 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, berries
- Behavior: Mimics songs, territorial
- Habitat: Suburbs, shrublands
Northern Mockingbirds endlessly mimic, singing during the day and at night. Urban park benches often have them, but they also abound at Huntington Beach State Park, where dozens sing each day, usually high in tall trees.
Brown Thrasher:
- Scientific Name: Toxostoma rufum
- Life Span: 3–10 years
- Size: 9.3–12 in (23.5–30.5 cm)
- Weight: 2.1–3.1 oz (61–89 g)
- Wingspan: 11.4–12.6 in (29–32 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, berries
- Behavior: Shy, ground-forager
- Habitat: Thickets, forests
Rufous Brown Thrashers have different-sounding phrases that they sing while rooting through leaf litter. Particularly in winter, Francis Marion National Forest’s thicket conceals 20+ birds, their calls ringing through dense cover as they forage for food.
Types of Jays and Crows in South Caroline:
Spotted a bold blue bird stealing peanuts? Jays and crows, with 4 species in South Carolina, are clever corvids in forests and suburbs.
Blue Jay:
- Scientific Name: Cyanocitta cristata
- Life Span: 7–17 years
- Size: 9–12 in (22–30 cm)
- Weight: 2.5–3.5 oz (70–100 g)
- Wingspan: 13–17 in (34–43 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Nuts, seeds, insects
- Behavior: Intelligent, social
- Habitat: Forests, suburbs
Blue Jays mimic hawks, caching acorns. Congaree National Park sees 50+ in its woods, their sharp calls ringing out.
American Crow:
- Scientific Name: Corvus brachyrhynchos
- Life Span: 7–15 years
- Size: 16–21 in (40–53 cm)
- Weight: 11–21 oz (316–620 g)
- Wingspan: 33–39 in (85–100 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Omnivorous, scavenges
- Behavior: Social, intelligent
- Habitat: Fields, urban areas
Glossy American Crows caw loudly, using tools. Fields near Lake Marion host flocks of 100+, scavenging with confidence.
Discover the Different Types of Bluebirds and Robins in South Caroline (With Stunning Photos):
Seen a blue flash on a fencepost? Bluebirds and robins, with 3 species in South Carolina, charm open spaces with bright colors.
Eastern Bluebird:
- Scientific Name: Sialia sialis
- Life Span: 6–10 years
- Size: 6.3–8.3 in (16–21 cm)
- Weight: 1–1.1 oz (28–32 g)
- Wingspan: 9.8–12.6 in (25–32 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, berries
- Behavior: Cavity-nester, social
- Habitat: Open woods, fields
Vibrant Eastern Bluebirds sit on fences, warbling serenely. Frequent in open fields and woodlands, nest boxes increase numbers, hundreds at Lynches River County Park, where they tend to congregate in small groups during the breeding season.
American Robin:
- Scientific Name: Turdus migratorius
- Life Span: 2–14 years
- Size: 9–11 in (23–28 cm)
- Weight: 2.7–3 oz (77–85 g)
- Wingspan: 12–16 in (31–41 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Worms, berries
- Behavior: Ground-forager, migratory
- Habitat: Lawns, forests
Red-breasted American Robins pull worms out of the ground, chirping happily. Indeed, they are a ubiquitous presence in both city parks and Congaree National Park, where thousands are seen during migration, particularly at dawn when they are most active.
Types of Woodpeckers – Complete Guide:
Heard a tap on a tree? Woodpeckers, with 7 species in South Carolina, are forest percussionists, carving homes in trunks.
Red-bellied Woodpecker:
- Scientific Name: Melanerpes carolinus
- Life Span: 12 years
- Size: 9–10.5 in (23–27 cm)
- Weight: 2–3.2 oz (56–91 g)
- Wingspan: 13–17 in (33–42 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, nuts, fruits
- Behavior: Tree-climber, territorial
- Habitat: Forests, suburbs
Red-capped Red-bellied Woodpeckers drum, storing nuts in bark. Francis Marion National Forest hosts dozens, their calls echoing.
Downy Woodpecker:
- Scientific Name: Dryobates pubescens
- Life Span: 2–12 years
- Size: 5.5–6.7 in (14–17 cm)
- Weight: 0.7–1 oz (21–28 g)
- Wingspan: 9.8–11.8 in (25–30 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, seeds
- Behavior: Agile, tree-forager
- Habitat: Forests, backyards
Tiny Downy Woodpeckers tap softly, clinging to branches. Congaree National Park’s trees shelter 50+, probing for larvae.
Types of Titmice and Chickadees:
Noticed a tiny bird upside-down? Titmice and chickadees, with 3 species in South Carolina, are acrobatic charmers at feeders.
Tufted Titmouse:
- Scientific Name: Baeolophus bicolor
- Life Span: 2–13 years
- Size: 5.5–6.3 in (14–16 cm)
- Weight: 0.6–0.9 oz (18–26 g)
- Wingspan: 7.9–10.2 in (20–26 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, seeds, berries
- Behavior: Curious, acrobatic
- Habitat: Deciduous forests, suburbs
Gray Tufted Titmice whistle peter-peter, cracking seeds. Lynches River County Park sees dozens at feeders.
Carolina Chickadee:
- Scientific Name: Poecile carolinensis
- Life Span: 2–10 years
- Size: 4.7–5.9 in (12–15 cm)
- Weight: 0.3–0.4 oz (9–12 g)
- Wingspan: 5.9–7.9 in (15–20 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, seeds
- Behavior: Social, vocal
- Habitat: Forests, backyards
Black-capped Carolina Chickadees chatter chick-a-dee-dee, caching food. Congaree National Park hosts 100+, drawn to feeders.
Types of Nuthatches:
Seen a bird walking down a tree? Nuthatches, with 3 species in South Carolina, are quirky climbers with nasal calls.
White-breasted Nuthatch:
- Scientific Name: Sitta carolinensis
- Life Span: 2–10 years
- Size: 5.1–5.5 in (13–14 cm)
- Weight: 0.6–1 oz (18–30 g)
- Wingspan: 7.9–10.6 in (20–27 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, seeds
- Behavior: Tree-climber, agile
- Habitat: Deciduous forests
Blue-gray White-breasted Nuthatches creep headfirst, yanking nasally. Francis Marion National Forest shelters dozens, cracking seeds.
Brown-headed Nuthatch:
- Scientific Name: Sitta pusilla
- Life Span: 2–9 years
- Size: 3.9–4.3 in (10–11 cm)
- Weight: 0.3–0.4 oz (10–12 g)
- Wingspan: 6.3–7.1 in (16–18 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, pine seeds
- Behavior: Social, cavity-nester
- Habitat: Pine forests
Squeaky Brown-headed Nuthatches flit in pines, calling like rubber ducks. Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge hosts 50+, using tools to pry bark.
Types of Wrens –
Heard a loud song from a tiny bird? Wrens, with 5 species in South Carolina, pack big voices into small bodies.
Carolina Wren:
- Scientific Name: Thryothorus ludovicianus
- Life Span: 2–7 years
- Size: 4.7–5.5 in (12–14 cm)
- Weight: 0.6–0.8 oz (18–22 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5 in (19 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, spiders
- Behavior: Bold, vocal
- Habitat: Forests, backyards
South Carolina’s state bird, the Carolina Wren, sings teakettle-teakettle. Urban gardens and Congaree National Park report hundreds, nesting in odd spots.
Types of Warblers:
Spotted a yellow flash in trees? Warblers, with 37 species in South Carolina, are colorful migrants bringing song to forests.
Pine Warbler:
- Scientific Name: Setophaga pinus
- Life Span: 2–7 years
- Size: 5.1–5.5 in (13–14 cm)
- Weight: 0.3–0.5 oz (9–15 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5–9.1 in (19–23 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, seeds
- Behavior: Arboreal, migratory
- Habitat: Pine forests
Olive-yellow Pine Warblers trill in pines, foraging high. Francis Marion National Forest’s pines host dozens, visiting feeders in winter.
Yellow-rumped Warbler:
- Scientific Name: Setophaga coronata
- Life Span: 2–7 years
- Size: 4.7–5.5 in (12–14 cm)
- Weight: 0.4–0.5 oz (12–13 g)
- Wingspan: 7.5–9.1 in (19–23 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, berries
- Behavior: Active, migratory
- Habitat: Forests, shrublands
Yellow-patched Yellow-rumped Warblers flick their tails in winter, their chips filling the woods. Huntington Beach State Park sees thousands of visitors.
Types of Kites:
Ever seen a bird soar with a forked tail? Kites, with 2 species in South Carolina, are aerial acrobats in open skies.
Swallow-tailed Kite:
- Scientific Name: Elanoides forficatus
- Life Span: 5–7 years
- Size: 20–25 in (50–64 cm)
- Weight: 13–21 oz (370–600 g)
- Wingspan: 48–50 in (122–127 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, small vertebrates
- Behavior: Agile, migratory
- Habitat: Wetlands, forests
Swallow-tailed Kites glide with forked tails, snatching insects mid-air. Francis Beidler Forest records 50+ in summer, soaring over wetlands.
Types of Hummingbirds:
Caught a buzzing blur at flowers? Hummingbirds, with 2 species in South Carolina, are tiny dynamos of color and speed.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird:
- Scientific Name: Archilochus colubris
- Life Span: 3–5 years
- Size: 2.8–3.5 in (7–9 cm)
- Weight: 0.1–0.2 oz (2–6 g)
- Wingspan: 3.1–4.3 in (8–11 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Nectar, insects
- Behavior: Territorial, migratory
- Habitat: Gardens, woodlands
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds flash emerald and red, hovering at feeders. Coastal gardens report hundreds in summer, migrating across the Gulf.
Types of Eagles:
Seen a massive bird soaring high? Eagles, with 2 species in South Carolina, are apex predators ruling skies and waters.
Bald Eagle:
- Scientific Name: Haliaeetus leucocephalus
- Life Span: 20–30 years
- Size: 28–40 in (70–102 cm)
- Weight: 105–222 oz (3000–6300 g)
- Wingspan: 66–96 in (168–244 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Fish, birds, mammals
- Behavior: Solitary, territorial
- Habitat: Coasts, rivers, lakes
Bald Eagles, with white heads, soar over rivers, snatching fish. Santee National Wildlife Refuge reports 50+ nesting pairs, a conservation success.
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks, especially among the birds of South Carolina.” – John Muir
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Visit South Carolina’s Top Birdwatching Destinations:
South Carolina’s 800 miles of coastline host 10,000+ shorebirds annually. Stroll boardwalks or scan with binoculars for unforgettable sightings. Brown Pelicans dive, Willets probe sand, and Royal Terns screech.
Coastal Hotspots:
Huntington Beach State Park, a 2,500-acre gem in Murrells Inlet, is renowned for its causeway and jetty, where 5,000+ shorebirds like Willets and Black-bellied Plovers gather alongside diving Brown Pelicans and screeching Royal Terns.
The park’s tidal pools and salt marshes also host hundreds of wading birds, including rare Roseate Spoonbills. Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, accessible by ferry, spans 66,000 acres of barrier islands and marshes, supporting thousands of nesting seabirds.
Inland Favorites:
Congaree National Park, a 123,000-acre UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, boasts one of the world’s tallest deciduous forests, sheltering 150+ breeding species, including Barred Owls, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, and Prothonotary Warblers. Its boardwalks and canoe trails reveal dozens of birds daily, with eBird logging 20,000+ sightings yearly.
Lake Marion, part of the 110,000-acre Santee Cooper Lakes, attracts thousands of waterfowl like Wood Ducks and Canada Geese, alongside 50+ nesting pairs of Bald Eagles at nearby Santee National Wildlife Refuge.
Mountain Retreats:
Blue Ridge Mountains, though only 2% of the state, pack a punch with high-altitude habitats hosting unique species. Caesars Head State Park, perched at 3,200 feet, is a fall migration hotspot, with hawk-watching platforms recording 500+ raptors, including Broad-winged Hawks and Peregrine Falcons, in September–October.
Its trails also reveal dozens of warblers, like Black-throated Blue, during spring. Table Rock State Park, spanning 3,000 acres, offers forested trails where Wood Thrushes and Scarlet Tanagers sing, with 50+ species spotted in a single hike.
Discover South Carolina’s Wetland Bird Wonders:
Covering more than 350,000 acres of marshes, swamps, and floodplains, South Carolina’s wetlands are a keystone of the state’s ecological diversity. Nourishing over 250,000 migratory waterbirds every year, they also provide vital breeding habitats for over 50 species of birds, making them an integral component of the state’s biodiversity.
These wetlands, supplied chiefly by rivers such as the Santee and Edisto, present a maze of pools and channels where Wood Ducks breed in tree cavities. Hundreds of pairs raise chicks here every spring, adding to the healthy bird population. The 650 acres of old rice fields at the Caw Caw Interpretive Center provide boardwalks for seeing dozens of rails and herons, whose kek-kek calls and gliding strides seem to cut through the morning mist.
When kayaking through the Francis Beidler Forest, home to the largest old-growth cypress-tupelo swamp in the world, you’ll likely spot Prothonotary Warblers glowing golden in the canopy. In fact, more than 50 nesting pairs have been documented. These wetlands, as vital rest stops along the Atlantic Flyway, see tens of thousands of shorebirds and waterfowl during migration, filling the skies with life.
Yet, they face threats from development and climate change, with 20% of coastal wetlands at risk by 2050. Visiting sites like the ACE Basin or Caw Caw. Whether you paddle quietly or tread boardwalks, South Carolina’s wetlands promise a front-row seat to nature’s feathered spectacle.
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Experience South Carolina’s Migration Magic:
Imagine a cool September dawn in South Carolina, where the sky vibrates with the wings of tens of thousands of warblers, hawks, and shorebirds, their silhouettes creating a stunning tapestry against the break of day.
As an integral part of the Atlantic Flyway, a flyway leading billions of birds each year across North America, South Carolina becomes a swirling avian highway in the spring (April–May) and fall (September–October).
Coastal locations such as Bull Island within Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, 66,000 acres in size, are used as staging grounds for 10,000+ shorebirds, including Black-bellied Plovers and Semipalmated Sandpipers, replenishing on rich crustaceans.
Back in the interior, the Francis Beidler Forest, an 18,000-acre cypress swamp, provides refuge for flocks of 100+ Prothonotary and Black-and-white Warblers, their bright songs ringing through ancient trees as they migrate during spring.
South Carolina’s latitude guarantees prime migration occurrences, and eBird counts 50,000+ observations in May at coastal birding hotspots such as Huntington Beach State Park. The migrations, fueled by instinct and astronomical guidance, witness species such as the Ruby-throated Hummingbird migrating 2,000+ miles over the Gulf of Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are the most common birds in South Carolina?
South Carolina hosts a rich diversity of birds throughout the year. Some of the most common species include the Northern Cardinal, easily recognized by its bright red color in males and warm brown in females. The Carolina Wren, known for its energetic behavior and loud voice, is another frequent visitor.
How do I identify a bird in my yard?
Identifying a bird in your yard involves observing several key features. Start by noting the bird’s size and general shape to differentiate between small songbirds and larger birds like hawks. Pay close attention to the bird’s color patterns, including any unique markings. Beak shape offers vital clues; short, thick beaks often belong to seed-eaters, while long, slender beaks suggest insect feeders.
What is South Carolina’s state bird?
South Carolina’s official state bird is the Carolina Wren. This small, lively bird is celebrated for its loud, cheerful song that seems much larger than its size. The Carolina Wren sports a rich, reddish-brown color with a prominent white eyebrow stripe.
What is the big bird in South Carolina?
One of the largest and most iconic birds in South Carolina is the Great Blue Heron. Towering at nearly four feet tall, the Great Blue Heron is easily recognizable by its long legs, massive wingspan, and graceful movements. It frequents wetlands, marshes, and coastal areas throughout the state.
Final Thoughts:
South Carolina’s 426 bird species shine on 31,500 square miles of mountains, wetlands, and coasts. From 10,000+ shorebirds along 800 miles of beaches to 250,000 waterfowl in 350,000 acres of swamps and 500+ hawks over the Blue Ridge, places such as Cape Romain (66,000 acres), Congaree (123,000 acres), and Caesars Head teem with life.
The 40 highlighted birds, such as Painted Buntings and Bald Eagles, dazzle in 500,000+ conserved acres. Millions of birds migrate through the Atlantic Flyway, yet 20% of wetlands are under threat.
Explore 30+ state parks, utilize eBird, and connect with thousands of bird enthusiasts to conserve them. Pick up binoculars and explore this avian paradise!