South Carolina is situated in the coastal southeastern region of the United States and is bordered by North Carolina, Georgia, and the Atlantic Ocean. This state has an extensive coastline that boasts marshes and subtropical beaches.
Inland, there are many freshwater wetlands, as well as many lakes and rivers. The climate is warm and humid in the summer, and cold during the winter. The state is home to many species of water birds, including herons, kingfishers, ducks, and gulls.
South Carolina Water Birds
1) Great egret (Ardea alba)
- Native to Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The great egret is a tall bird with a very slender build. Individuals are typically 94 – 104 cm (3 ft 1 in – 3 ft 5 in) in length and have a wingspan of 131 – 145 cm (4 ft 4 in – 4 ft 9 in). The plumage of this bird is entirely white, while the legs are long and black, and the bill is bright yellow.
Ardea alba occupies marshes, ponds, shores, and mudflats, where it forages in relatively deep water by wading slowly, watching for prey, and striking with its long bill. Common prey items include fish, amphibians, snakes, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. This species has been reported to consume catfish, even tackling individuals that are up to 25 cm (9.8 in) in length! However, these fish are difficult to handle due to their spines, so are not the great egret’s first choice of food.
2) Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The great blue heron has a striking appearance: it has long, thin legs, a sinuous neck, and a long, heavy bill. The length of this species is between 97 – 137 cm (3 ft 2 in – 4 ft 6 in), and it has a wingspan of 167 – 201 cm (5 ft 6 in – 6 ft 7 in). The plumage of this bird is blue-gray, with a prominent black stripe extending from the top of the eye into the crest. There are shaggy plumes on the body, and the underside is slightly paler in coloration.
This species is found on marshes, swamps, and tide flats – populations often establish their heronries near foraging areas to reduce energy spent on traveling to and from the nest. The diet of this species consists mostly of fish, and one study found that species brought back to the nest include yellow perch, eels, and pollack.
3) American white ibis (Eudocimus albus)
- Native to the mid-Atlantic and Gulf Coasts
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Threskiornithidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American white ibis reaches lengths of 56 – 68 cm (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft 3 in) and has a wingspan of around 90 cm (2 ft 11 in). This bird has a rounded body atop long legs, and its neck is slender. The plumage is entirely white, except for the wingtips, which are black. The legs and the long, curved bill are reddish pink in color, as is the bare face.
Eudocimus albus is common across South Carolina, where it occupies salt, brackish, and freshwater marshes. This species uses tactile cues to detect its prey, thrusting its beak into the water or sediment and grasping any creature it encounters. Prey includes fish or crustaceans that are small enough to be immediately swallowed, as other species often try to steal from the white ibis.
4) Pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Podicipediformes
- Family: Podicipedidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The pied-billed grebe is a small bird with a chunky build, growing to just 30 – 38 cm (1 ft – 1 ft 3 in) in length. Its wingspan is 45 – 62 cm (1 ft 6 in – 2 ft) and it has virtually no tail, lending it a juvenile-like appearance. The plumage is dark brown above and paler below, and during breeding season the throat turns black, while the bill becomes pale gray with a black band around it.
In South Carolina, this species is most abundant during the winter months, however, it can also be seen during spring and fall on its migratory journeys. Over winter, it tends to reside on salt bays, however, individuals can also be seen on ponds and marshes. Pied-billed grebes are predated on by various species, including gulls, raccoons, and red-shouldered hawks.
5) Snow goose (Anser caerulescens)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The snow goose is heavy-bodied with a thick neck and large bill. It reaches lengths of 69 – 83 cm (2 ft 3 in – 2 ft 9 in), with a wingspan of 138 cm (4 ft 6 in). There are two color morphs in this species: white and blue. As expected, the white morph has all-white plumage, except for black at the wingtips, while the blue morph is dark in color with a white face. Both morphs have a ‘grin patch’ on the bill.
Snow geese can be seen in South Carolina in spring and fall, and are rarely seen during winter. During this time, they typically reside on coastal marshes, estuaries, and ponds, where they feed on plant material such as seeds, tubers, and shoots. Younger individuals may also consume insect larvae.
6) Snowy egret (Egretta thula)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The snowy egret grows to 56 – 66 cm (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft 2 in) in length and has a wingspan of 100 cm (3 ft 3 in). As with most members of Ardeidae, it has a slender build with long legs and a long neck. The plumage is white, while the legs are black and the feet yellow. The bill is black, and there is a yellow patch of skin on the face.
Egretta thula prefers shallow water in marshes and swamps, in which it can wade and easily capture its prey. Common food items include polychaete worms, prawns, and fish, which the snowy egret may disturb by moving the foot in a stirring motion. Occasionally, this species has also been observed to hover before dropping down onto prey.
7) American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American bittern has a stout build with a thick neck and shorter legs than most herons. They reach lengths of 60 – 85 cm (2 ft – 2 ft 9 in) and have a wingspan of 92 cm (3 ft). The plumage is colored with streaks of brown, buff, and white, which provides them with excellent camouflage.
Botaurus lentiginosus occasionally breeds on the Coastal Plain of South Carolina, where it resides on shallow, freshwater wetlands with abundant emergent vegetation in which it can forage and hide its nest. This species has declined in the state over recent years, and according to the IUCN, the wider population across North America is declining. Restoration and protection of its habitat have been cited as an essential conservation strategy.
8) Canada goose (Branta canadensis)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Canada goose is a large water bird, growing to 76 – 110cm (2 ft 6 in – 3 ft 7 in) in length with a wingspan of 127 – 170 cm (4 ft 2 in – 5 ft 7 in). This bird has a brown body and back, with a paler chest and white on the underside of the tail. The head and neck are black, and there is a white strap running between the cheeks underneath the chin.
There are three separate populations of Branta canadensis in South Carolina: two groups can only be seen during fall and winter, and the third group remains in the state all year round. The resident population is growing and can be found throughout much of the state, occupying lakes, ponds, marshes, and fields. Individuals feed on stems, shoots, seeds, and berries.
9) Mute swan (Cygnus olor)
- Native to Europe and North Africa
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The mute swan is very large, with a heavy body and a long, slender neck that is usually held in an S-shape. This bird is 127 – 152 cm (4 ft 2 in – 5 ft) in length and has a wingspan of 208 – 238 cm (6 ft 10 in – 7 ft 10 in). The adult plumage is entirely white in color, and the bill is orange with a black base.
Cygnus olor is only occasionally seen in South Carolina – as a non-native species, it may be considered a pest. This species prefers ponds or lakes, where it feeds on plant material and invertebrates such as insects, snails, and worms. The presence of the mute swan may affect the composition of the aquatic plant community, and these birds may also compete with native species for resources.
10) Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis)
- Native to Africa
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The cattle egret is smaller and more compactly built than other egrets. The length of this species is between 46 – 56 cm (1 ft 6 in – 1 ft 10 in) and it has a wingspan of 88 – 96 cm (2 ft 11 in – 3 ft 2 in). The plumage is pure white, however, during breeding season individuals develop golden plumes on the head, chest, and back. The bill and legs are yellow.
This species can be found on farms and marshes and is often associated with cattle, a habit that may lend individuals greater efficiency in finding food. Bubulcus ibis feeds on an enormous variety of insects, including beetles, crickets, and termites, as well as other invertebrates such as spiders, crustaceans, and mollusks.
11) Tundra swan (Cygnus columbianus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The tundra swan can reach lengths of 120 – 147 cm (3 ft 11 in – 4 ft 10 in) and has a wingspan of 168 cm (5 ft 6 in). This bird has a very long, thin neck atop a thickset body, and is white in color with a black bill, legs, and feet. Some individuals have a yellow spot at the base of the bill.
Cygnus columbianus can be seen in South Carolina in the winter, during which time it resides along the coast in bays and estuaries. Although this species has a conservation status of least concern, it may face threats due to habitat degradation and loss. Cygnets may migrate with their parents and continue to receive some level of parental care throughout the winter months, improving their access to resources, and thus, increasing their chances of survival.
12) Green-winged teal (Anas crecca)
- Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The green-winged teal is a small duck, growing to just 31 – 39 cm (1 ft – 1 ft 3 in) in length with a wingspan of 52 – 59 cm (1 ft 8 in – 1 ft 11 in). The female is brown in coloration, with a yellow streak on the tail, while the male has a gray-brown body, with a vertical white line on the shoulder. The male’s head is cinnamon-colored with an iridescent green stripe through the eye. Both sexes have green feathers on the wings, which can be viewed when the bird is in flight.
Anas crecca can be seen in South Carolina during the winter, where it resides on estuaries and coastal marshes, as well as ponds and lakes further inland. This species feeds on plant material and animals such as mollusks and insects. During the winter, it is likely that seeds form a greater proportion of the green-winged teal’s diet.
13) Green heron (Butorides virescens)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)
Butorides virescens is a small and stocky heron, reaching lengths of just 41 – 46 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 6 in). This bird has a wingspan of 64 – 68 cm (2 ft 1 in – 2 ft 3 in), and its back and wings are dark green-gray in color, while the underside is chestnut. The top of the head is green, and the legs are orange.
Green herons reside on lakes, ponds, or marshes, where they feed on fish such as minnows, sunfish, and shad. They will also consume crustaceans, aquatic insects, and amphibians. This species nests in colonies, creating strong nests which the parents keep very clean. Females typically lay three to five eggs – both parents are involved in incubation and feeding, which they do by regurgitating food.
14) Wood duck (Aix sponsa)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The wood duck is around 47 – 54 cm (1 ft 7 in – 1 ft 9 in) in length, with a wingspan of 66 – 73 cm (2 ft 2 in – 2 ft 5 in). This bird has a thin neck and a crest, which makes the head appear quite large. Its tail is also comparatively long for a member of Anatidae. Female wood ducks are gray-brown in coloration, with a crisp white circle around the eye. In contrast, the male has buff-colored sides, a chestnut breast, and an iridescent green head with white stripes across it.
Aix sponsa is commonly seen in South Carolina, where it occupies wooded swamps, rivers, and ponds. These ducks are especially reliant on cover, both for molting and for nesting, as their nests are constructed in tree cavities. Females select their nesting sites carefully, with specific requirements for the size of the cavity and the position of the entrance: this is likely an attempt to avoid predation.
15) Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The bufflehead is a small, compactly built duck that reaches just 32 – 40 cm (1 ft 1 in – 1 ft 4 in) in length. This bird has a wingspan of 55 cm (1 ft 10 in) and a large head with a wide bill. The female bufflehead has brown plumage with a white chest and a white patch underneath the eye. Males display a white body, dark back, and dark, iridescent head with a white patch wrapping around the back of it.
Bucephala albeola can be found throughout South Carolina in the winter months, during which time it occupies salt bays. This species has been found to prefer shallower areas with more emergent and floating vegetation, where it feeds predominantly on mollusks and crustaceans. Buffleheads have been shown to have a good homing ability, and as such they often return to the same wintering sites each year.
16) American wigeon (Mareca americana)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American wigeon is 42 – 59 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 11 in) in length and has a wingspan of 84 cm (2 ft 9 in). Females have warm brown plumage on the body, with a slightly darker back and a gray-brown head. There is a dark ring encircling the eye. Males have a cinnamon-colored body, with a mottled gray-brown neck and head, a white crown, and a striking green stripe traveling through the eye and down the back of the neck.
Mareca americana can be observed in South Carolina all year round, however during the winter months this species tends to be seen more on the southern Coastal Plain. The American wigeon is highly territorial, occupying marshes, lakes, bays, and fields. Its diet consists largely of plant material, however during breeding season adults may consume animal matter as well, to meet their protein requirements.
17) Hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The hooded merganser is a relatively small duck, growing to lengths of 40 – 49 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 7 in), with a wingspan of 60 – 66 cm (2 ft – 2 ft 2 in). This bird has a collapsible crest, which when erected makes the head appear large. Females are gray-brown in color across the body, while their crest is a warmer cinnamon-brown color. Males are much more distinctive, with chestnut sides, and a black back, head, and neck with a white patch on the crest.
While some members of Lophodytes cucullatus reside in South Carolina all year round, most are just seen there over winter. Those birds that do permanently reside in the state have been observed breeding on the Coastal Plain, where they occupy wooded lakes or ponds. Wooded habitat is essential for breeding, as the nests are created in cavities created by other animals such as woodpeckers.
18) Common loon (Gavia immer)
- Native to North America
- Order: Gaviiformes
- Family: Gaviidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The common loon is large with a long body – it typically reaches lengths of 66 – 91 cm (2 ft 2 in – 3 ft) and has a wingspan of 104 – 131 cm (3 ft 5 in – 4 ft 4 in). Adults have incredible plumage, with a black and white checkered back, black and white striped chest, and a black head and neck. The eye is red and the black bill is long and sharp.
Gavia immer can be seen wintering in South Carolina. This species tends to avoid highly turbid water, as this can interfere with its vision – the primary sense used by this bird to detect prey. The common loon mainly consumes fish, but will also feed on crustaceans, mollusks, aquatic insects, leeches, and frogs. Research has found that these birds are attracted to the erratic swimming behavior of prey when hunting.
19) Wood stork (Mycteria americana)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Ciconiiformes
- Family: Ciconiidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The wood stork is a large wading bird that can attain lengths of 85 – 115 cm (2 ft 9 in – 3 ft 9 in). Individuals have a wingspan of 150 – 175 cm (4 ft 11 in – 5 ft 9 in) and their bodies are heavy, perched atop very thin legs. The plumage of this bird is mostly white, with black feathers on the wings and tail. Their head and neck do not have feathers and display dark gray, scaly skin instead.
There are seven nesting colonies of Mycteria americana in South Carolina, which are situated in coastal or marshy areas. The number of wood storks in the state declines in winter, as many are thought to move further south into Florida. This species typically feeds on fish, crayfish, crabs, snakes, frogs, and rodents, which it detects using visual and tactile cues.
20) Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga)
- Native to the southeastern US, and Central and South America
- Order: Suliformes
- Family: Anhingidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The anhinga reaches lengths of 75 – 95 cm (2 ft 6 in – 3 ft 1 in) and has a tall, slender build with an S-shaped neck. The wingspan of this bird is 109 cm (3 ft 7 in). Female anhingas have a lighter brown head, neck, and chest, while the rest of their body is black. There are silvery white patterns on the wings. In contrast, males have pure black plumage, with the same wing patterning as females.
This species is commonly seen in South Carolina Lowcountry, usually along the coast, where it may occupy lagoons, marshes, and wooded lakes. Anhingas hunt by diving and swimming underwater, usually with their wings slightly extended – this is thought to help stabilize their movement. The diet of this bird includes fish, aquatic insects, shrimp, crayfish, young alligators, and small turtles.
21) American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus)
- Native to the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, and the Pacific Coast of South America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Haematopodidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American oystercatcher is fairly large for a shorebird, reaching lengths of 40 – 44 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 5 in). It has a wingspan of 81 cm (2 ft 8 in), and its legs are long and stout. The plumage on the underside is white, while the back is brown, and the head and breast are black. The eye is yellow, encircled by red skin, and the long bill is a vibrant orange-red.
There are approximately 400 pairs of American oystercatcher nesting in South Carolina, as well as many additional birds which overwinter in the state. This species prefers mudflats with an abundant supply of shellfish and marine worms. During breeding season, the female lays between one and four eggs, although when the density of birds is high, two females may share one nest with a single male.
22) Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
- Native to North, Central, and South America, Europe, and North Africa
- Order: Accipitriformes
- Family: Pandionidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The osprey is a medium-sized bird of prey, usually around 54 – 58 cm (1 ft 9 in – 1 ft 11 in) in length, with an enormous wingspan of 150 – 180 cm (4 ft 11 in – 5 ft 11 in). This bird has a slender build, with relatively long legs and powerful talons, as well as a sharp, hooked bill – it is the perfect predator! The plumage is white below and dark brown above, with a white head and a brown stripe traveling through the yellow eye.
Pandion haliaetus is found in South Carolina during winter, and also on its migratory journeys in spring and fall – it tends to travel further south for breeding. This species requires open expanses of water in which to hunt and high places to perch. Fishes make up the majority of the diet, however, some individuals have also been seen feeding on birds.
23) Belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)
- Native to North America
- Order: Coraciiformes
- Family: Alcedinidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The belted kingfisher has a stout build with a large head and thick, pointed bill. It ranges in length from 28 – 35 cm (11 in – 1 ft 2 in) and has a wingspan of 48 – 58 cm (1 ft 7 in – 1 ft 11 in). The back, wings, breast, head, and tail of this bird are blue-gray, while the chest and neck are white. Females display a rusty brown band across the belly.
Megaceryle alcyon is most prevalent in South Carolina during the winter months, although some individuals remain in the state all year round. This species can be seen along streams and over lakes, and during breeding season requires steep banks in which to construct its nests. Research has found that kingfishers residing in southeastern North America have elevated levels of mercury in their feathers, which raises concerns for populations of these birds, and their future.
24) Virginia rail (Rallus limicola)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Gruiformes
- Family: Rallidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Virginia rail grows to 20 – 27 cm (7.9 – 10.6 in) in length and has a laterally compressed body, with a small head and an upturned tail. Its wingspan is around 32 – 38 cm (1 ft 1 in – 1 ft 3 in). The plumage of this bird is rusty brown, with a grayish face, dark mottling on the back, and black and white stripes along the sides. The reddish bill is long and has a slight downward curve.
This species resides on fresh, brackish, and saltwater marshes, preferring shallow water with tall, dense vegetation. Individual populations may be affected by habitat loss or degradation, however, overall the Virginia rail appears to be increasing in numbers. Factors such as overgrazing by livestock, irrigation causing wetlands to dry out, and lack of controlled burns to remove monotypic vegetation are all factors that may contribute to the degradation of habitat and should be considered for the conservation of future populations of Virginia rail.
25) Ring-necked duck (Aythya collaris)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The ring-necked duck has a long, thin neck and a large head. It grows to 39 – 46 cm (1 ft 3 in – 1 ft 6 in) in length and has a wingspan of 62 – 63 cm (2 ft – 2 ft 1 in). The plumage of the female is brown, with a paler, grayish face, and white feathers around the eye and the base of the bill. In contrast, the male is glossy black, with pale gray sides and an orange eye. The male’s bill is dark gray, with two rings of white – one at the base and one further down – and a black tip.
Aythya collaris is found in South Carolina during the winter months, where it occupies lakes or ponds. Studies have found that this species prefers shallower waters with abundant emergent and floating vegetation. Individuals feed on aquatic plants and insects, which they forage for by diving underwater.
26) Eared grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)
- Native to Europe, Asia, Africa, and North, Central, and South America
- Order: Podicipediformes
- Family: Podicipedidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The eared grebe is a small waterbird that reaches just 30 – 35 cm (1 ft – 1 ft 2 in) in length and has a wingspan of 52 – 55 cm (1 ft 8 in – 1 ft 10 in). This bird has a short tail, a thin neck, and a small head. During breeding season, both sexes display black plumage with chestnut-colored sides. The eyes are bright red, and there are golden plumes extending backward from them. Outside of breeding season, the plumage is grayish-black, with a white neck.
Sightings of this species in South Carolina are sparse; it may be seen in lakes, prairies, or salt bays, where it forages for insects and crustaceans. Females lay between three and five eggs, which are incubated by both sexes. After hatching, the young leave the nest, and the parents may separate, each taking some of the brood with them.
27) Black tern (Chlidonias niger)
- Native to Europe, Asia, and North America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Laridae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The black tern is around 23 – 36 cm (9 in – 1 ft 2 in) in length and has a delicate build with a forked tail. This bird has a wingspan of 57 – 60 cm (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft). The breeding plumage is dark gray above, with a black head and black underside. The feathers underneath the wings and under the tail are white.
Chlidonias niger can be seen on the Coastal Plain of South Carolina, where it occupies marshes and lakes as well as coastal waters. Studies have found that individuals prefer semi-permanent wetlands over seasonal wetlands, for both foraging and nesting. The diet of this species is composed largely of fish and insects, as well as amphibians, spiders, and crustaceans.
28) European storm petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus)
- Native to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa
- Order: Procellariiformes
- Family: Hydrobatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The European storm petrel is a tiny seabird, reaching just 14 – 18 cm (5.5 – 7.1 in) in length with a wingspan of 36 – 39 cm (1 ft 2 in – 1 ft 3 in). This bird has dark brown plumage across its entire body except for the rump, which displays a bright white patch. The tail is wedge-shaped.
Little is known about the population status of Hydrobates pelagicus in South Carolina. Being a seabird, it is most likely found along the coast, where it nests in crevices and burrows. Comparatively little is known about the ecology of this bird in North America; it is thought to feed on zooplankton and ichthyoplankton.
29) American coot (Fulica americana)
- Native to North America
- Order: Gruiformes
- Family: Rallidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American coot is a small waterbird with a ‘chicken-like’ build; it is around 39 – 43 cm (1 ft 3 in – 1 ft 5 in) in length and has a wingspan of 58 – 64 cm (1 ft 11 in – 2 ft 1 in). The plumage of this bird is dark gray or black, with white skin on the forehead and a white bill with a black mark near the tip. The eyes are red, and the legs are yellow.
Fulica americana can be seen inland in South Carolina on its migratory journeys in spring and fall, and during the winter months becomes highly abundant in the state. Its preferred habitat includes ponds, lakes, and marshes, and it often selects areas with greater cover and relatively stable water levels. This species is highly territorial, even outside of the breeding season – they maintain their territories using antisocial displays.
30) Black-necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)
- Native to North, Central and South America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Recurvirostridae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The black-necked stilt is tall but has a short body, reaching just 35 – 39 cm (1 ft 2 in – 1 ft 3 in) in length with a wingspan of 72 – 76 cm (2 ft 4 in – 2 ft 6 in). The plumage of this bird is white on the underside, and black on the wings, back, the back of the neck, and the top of the head. The exceptionally long legs are pink in color.
Himantopus mexicanus has previously been recorded nesting in South Carolina, although little appears to be known about populations in the state. This species resides on marshes, mudflats, and shallow lakes, where it feeds on insects and crustaceans. Black-necked stilt chicks are especially vulnerable to predation and show antipredator behaviors such as hiding.
31) Black skimmer (Rynchops niger)
- Native to the Atlantic Coast of North and South America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Laridae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The black skimmer has an unusual appearance, with long, slender wings and a large bill that has an oversized lower mandible. This bird is 40 – 50 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 8 in) in length and has a wingspan of 109 – 115 cm (3 ft 7 in – 3 ft 9 in). The plumage is white below and black across the back, wings, and top of the head and neck. The bill is red with a black tip.
Rynchops niger can be found in the coastal regions of South Carolina – it breeds in the state, usually selecting barrier island beaches or areas of dredged material to construct its nests. This species nests later than most other seabirds, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has urged people not to boat too close to them on the islands, in an effort to reduce disturbance. Black skimmers fly low to the water to capture fish and shrimp.
32) Sanderling (Calidris alba)
- Native to North America, Europe, and Asia
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Scolopacidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The sanderling is a very small, plump, wading bird. It is just 18 – 20 cm (7.1 – 7.9 in) in length and has a wingspan of 35 cm (1 ft 2 in). The non-breeding plumage of this bird is pale gray above and white below, with a black mark on the shoulder. The breeding plumage is much more striking, with a white underside and mottled brown, black, and white across the back, neck, and head. The bill and legs are black.
Calidris alba is found in South Carolina during the winter months, where it usually resides on tide flats, lake shores, and beaches. This species feeds on various invertebrates, but has a particular preference for crabs – populations have also been found to feed on horseshoe crab eggs during their migratory journeys in spring.
33) Willet (Tringa semipalmata)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Scolopacidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The willet has a stocky build, with thick legs and a long, thick bill. This bird is around 33 – 41 cm (1 ft 1 in – 1 ft 4 in) in length and has a wingspan of 70 cm (2 ft 4 in). The summer plumage of the willet is mottled gray, brown, and black, whereas during the winter it is a plainer gray. The legs are blueish-gray, and the bill is dark in color.
Tringa semipalmata is typically found in South Carolina in spring and summer – it is rarely seen during the winter months. Individuals occupy marshes, mudflats, and wet meadows, where they feed on bivalve and gastropod mollusks, as well as insects. During breeding season females lay four eggs, which are incubated by both parents. The female remains for two or three weeks after hatching has taken place, and then leaves, while the male continues with parental care alone.
34) Red knot (Calidris canutus)
- Found on all continents except Antarctica – native range difficult to determine
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Scolopacidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The red knot is a stockily built sandpiper that reaches 23 – 27 cm (9.1 – 10.6 in) in length and has a wingspan of 57 – 60 cm (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft). This bird has relatively short legs for a wader, and these are dark green or gray in color. The plumage of the red knot during breeding season is orange on the underside, while across the back and wings, it displays mottled gold, buff, and black. Non-breeding adults are plainer, with brown-gray plumage above, and paler feathers below.
Calidris canutus is a winter resident in South Carolina, usually occupying sandy beaches or mudflats. Like the willet, these birds rely heavily on horseshoe crab eggs for sustenance while they are in the state – as a result, individuals are often found on beaches with little wave action. This species also consumes mollusks, insects, and plant material.
35) Ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis)
- Native to North America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Laridae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The ring-billed gull is 43 – 54 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 9 in) in length and has a wingspan of 105 – 117 cm (3 ft 5 in – 3 ft 10 in). This bird has long, slender wings and is very agile. Its plumage is gray across the back and wings, while the underside, head, neck, and tail are plain white. The bill is yellow, with a prominent black ring near the tip.
This species is widespread in South Carolina, although it does not breed in the state and has usually left by May. Larus delawarensis is flexible in terms of habitat, residing on lakes or coastlines, as well as in fields and landfill sites. As such, its diet is highly variable – being an opportunistic feeder, it will consume animal and plant matter, as well as refuse. In more urban areas, landfill sites are a vital supply of resources for this bird.
