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

5/30/2026Whitehouse Road loop1 observed

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

5/27/2026RESTRICTED ACCESS, Hopkins, South Carolina, US (34.027, -80.805)8 observed

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

5/23/2026Congaree NP--Visitor Center1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

45/29/2026

Chimney Swift

5/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/29/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

15/29/2026

Barred Owl

25/29/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

35/29/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/29/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

25/29/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/29/2026

Acadian Flycatcher

95/29/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

15/29/2026

White-eyed Vireo

65/29/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

65/29/2026

Blue Jay

15/29/2026

Tufted Titmouse

25/29/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/29/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

45/29/2026

Carolina Wren

75/29/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/29/2026

Prothonotary Warbler

25/29/2026

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.