The brightly colored Painted Bunting is one of the most sought after birds for birdwatchers visiting South Carolina. With its stunning plumage in hues of blue, green, yellow, and red, it’s easy to see why. Though they can be found along coastal South Carolina and even up into the western mountains during migration, the core of their breeding range in the state is in the Lowcountry region.
When and Where to See Painted Buntings in South Carolina
Painted Buntings can be found in South Carolina primarily during the spring and summer months as they migrate north from their wintering grounds in South Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America. Here are some key times and places to spot them:
- Late March to early May – The birds arrive back in South Carolina to breed during this prime spring migration period.
- May to August – They are most widespread during peak breeding season. Males sing and defend territories and can be easier to spot.
- Early September to mid-October – Fall migration starts, providing another chance to see them before they leave the state.
- Coastal islands and marshes – Buntings nest in shrubby vegetation, especially around the edges of saltmarshes on islands like Kiawah, Seabrook, and Edisto Islands.
- Maritime forests – Forests with shrub understories around live oak trees on islands and along the immediate coastline provide habitat.
- Inland shrublands – Overgrown fields, young pine forests, powerline cuts, and other shrubby areas, primarily in the Lowcountry region, hold buntings.
During migration Painted Buntings can turn up along the coast and inland, but the Lowcountry islands and shrublands are the most reliable places to find them in summer.
Top Spots to See Painted Buntings in South Carolina
Here are some specific destinations and locations in South Carolina that offer the best opportunities to find Painted Buntings:
Kiawah Island
This barrier island south of Charleston is one of the most famous places to see Painted Buntings in South Carolina. They nest in the maritime forests and shrublands around the island’s golf courses and resorts. Some key spots include:
- Maritime forest between Night Heron Park and the Beach Club.
- Bushes along the main road leading into the island.
- Thickets around the ponds at Cougar Point Golf Course.
Edisto Island
Edisto Island State Park offers great opportunities to find Painted Buntings along its hiking trails through maritime forest and along the edges of its saltmarsh. Buntings also inhabit areas like the Edisto Beach State Park campground and shrubby residential neighborhoods across the island.
Francis Marion National Forest
Painted Buntings breed within the coastal shrublands and young pine forests of the Francis Marion National Forest north of Charleston. Some of the best spots include:
- Open areas along the Trail of the Painted Bunting hiking trail
- Road edges and powerline cuts on Forest Service Roads 106 and 107
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area
This WMA protects maritime forest and shrublands northeast of Charleston near Bears Bluff. Hiking trails lead through prime Painted Bunting habitat.
Huntington Beach State Park
Though best known as a winter birding spot, this state park north of Myrtle Beach can be good for seeing Painted Buntings in migration in April/May and September/October. Check around the campground and along the causeway into the park.
Tips for Finding Painted Buntings
Here are some tips for having success locating those brilliantly colored Painted Buntings when birding in South Carolina:
Focus your search by habitat
Look for shrubby areas, especially at habitat edges – coastlines, marshes, forest openings, overgrown fields, etc. Shrubs provide food, shelter, and nesting sites.
Listen for singing males
A male Painted Bunting’s song is a distinctive fast, rhythmic series of high-pitched, buzzy phrases. If you hear one singing, scan all the shrubs in the area carefully.
Be persistent
Painted Buntings tend to hop through shrubs quickly and can be difficult to spot at first. You may need to watch a promising area for 15 minutes or more before one pops out briefly.
Use squeaking and pishing sounds
Making squeaking kissing noises and “pishing” sounds can attract curious Painted Buntings closer to investigate.
Try early morning
Painted Buntings are most actively singing and foraging early in the morning when there is less heat. Start your search shortly after sunrise for your best chance of observing them.
Best Times and Locations to See Painted Buntings in South Carolina By Season
Here is a breakdown of the best locations and timing for finding Painted Buntings during spring migration, summer breeding season, and fall migration in South Carolina:
Spring Migration (Late March – Early May)
Location | Time Frame |
---|---|
Coastal hotspots like Huntington Beach SP | Late March – Mid April |
Inland shrublands and young pine forests | Mid April – Early May |
Summer Breeding Season (May – August)
Location | Time Frame |
---|---|
Kiawah Island | All summer |
Edisto Island | All summer |
Other coastal islands | All summer |
Francis Marion NF | May – July |
Fall Migration (Early September – Mid October)
Location | Time Frame |
---|---|
Inland shrublands | Early September |
Coastal islands and marshes | Late September – Mid October |
As you can see, the core summer breeding season provides the best chance for finding Painted Buntings in prime coastal island and Lowcountry habitat. But don’t overlook spring and fall migration for opportunities to observe them elsewhere in the state.
Conclusion
With their magnificently painted plumage in hues of blue, green, yellow and red, Painted Buntings are one of the most spectacular bird species that can be found in South Carolina. Though they can occur statewide during migration periods, the core of their range centers around the Lowcountry and coastal islands. By focusing efforts there in maritime forests, saltmarsh edges and shrublands during summer and migration, birdwatchers have an excellent chance to spot these tropical beauties. Some patience and persistence may be needed to spot them hopping furtively through thickets, but with a bit of luck, you’ll be rewarded with a glimpse of one of the most colorful birds in North America.