Congaree National Park (Congaree Swamp)

South Carolina · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
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

Loading map...

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

Red-cockaded Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus borealis

3/4/2026Restricted access, Columbia, South Carolina, US (34.002, -80.854)3 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

3/3/20264522 Marion Avenue, Columbia, South Carolina, US (34.008, -80.941)1 observed

Henslow's Sparrow

Centronyx henslowii

3/1/2026Watkins Tract (Restricted Access, Invite Only)3 observed

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

2/26/202640 Brooksby Ct, Columbia US-SC 33.96100, -80.944641 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

2/25/2026Whitehouse Road loop1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

2/22/2026Congaree Creek HP--Timmerman Trail1 observed

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

2/21/2026Wildwood Orangeburg County2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Turkey Vulture

23/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

13/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

13/1/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

13/1/2026

Carolina Wren

13/1/2026

American Goldfinch

13/1/2026

Pine Warbler

33/1/2026

Mourning Dove

13/1/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

43/1/2026

Barred Owl

23/1/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

13/1/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

33/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

113/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

23/1/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

33/1/2026

Northern Flicker

73/1/2026

Eastern Phoebe

23/1/2026

White-eyed Vireo

23/1/2026

Fish Crow

13/1/2026

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.