Wetland birding habitat

Congaree National Park (Congaree Swamp)

South Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Congaree National Park (Congaree Swamp) is a productive birding destination in South Carolina, with 208 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Turkey Vulture, Downy Woodpecker, and Carolina Chickadee 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

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

4/17/2026Whitehorse Rd1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

4/16/2026Private property1 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

4/15/2026Restricted access, Chauers Pond Road, Eastover, South Carolina, US (34.037, -80.726)1 observed

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

4/11/2026Belser Arboretum (USC)1 observed

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

4/11/20265918 Hampton Leas Lane, Columbia, South Carolina, US (33.972, -80.976)1 observed

Limpkin

Aramus guarauna

4/10/20262672 Sparkleberry Landing Road, Pinewood, South Carolina, US (33.707, -80.527)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Hairy Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

14/16/2026

White-eyed Vireo

54/16/2026

Yellow-throated Vireo

34/16/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

24/16/2026

American Crow

14/16/2026

Carolina Chickadee

34/16/2026

Tufted Titmouse

84/16/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

34/16/2026

Carolina Wren

214/16/2026

Black-and-white Warbler

14/16/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

24/16/2026

Hooded Warbler

14/16/2026

Northern Parula

24/16/2026

Pine Warbler

14/16/2026

Yellow-throated Warbler

24/16/2026

Northern Cardinal

34/16/2026

Wood Duck

44/16/2026

Wild Turkey

14/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Congaree National Park (Congaree Swamp) for birding?
The best months to visit Congaree National Park (Congaree Swamp) for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Congaree National Park (Congaree Swamp)?
Notable species at Congaree National Park (Congaree Swamp) include Turkey Vulture, Downy Woodpecker, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Golden-crowned Kinglet. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Congaree National Park (Congaree Swamp)?
Birding at Congaree National Park (Congaree Swamp) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Congaree National Park (Congaree Swamp)?
Congaree National Park (Congaree Swamp) offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.