South Carolina wildlife
Painted Bunting (male)
Passerina ciris
Males are colorful; females are plain greenish-yellow.
See the Painted Bunting (male) up close
Best months
Apr · May · Jun · Jul
Watch early morning in late spring; check the eBird Species Map for recent sightings.
Where to look
ACE Basin, coastal scrub oak, South CarolinaFrancis Marion National Forest, near Awendaw, SCHuntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet, SC
Conservation status
declining along coast due to habitat loss and cowbird parasitism
Good to know
When is the best time to see painted buntings in South Carolina?
Late spring to early summer (May–July) when males are in bright breeding plumage and singing actively.
Where along the South Carolina coast can I find painted buntings?
The ACE Basin, especially near Edisto Island and the Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, is a reliable location.
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