Bald Eagles are a prominent part of South Carolina’s natural environment. The Southern Bald Eagle population has dramatically rebounded and now thrives across the landscape, particularly near large water sources. Their flourishing demonstrates successful conservation efforts. The current ecosystem provides the necessary resources for year-round residency and a well-established breeding cycle.
Current Distribution and Preferred Habitats in South Carolina
Bald Eagles in South Carolina are closely tied to large, open bodies of water, which supply their primary food source of fish and waterfowl. Their habitat requirements center on an undisturbed area with a reliable aquatic food supply and suitable nesting structures. The major river drainages of the Lower Coastal Plain represent the most densely populated regions for these raptors.
The Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto River Basin, known as the ACE Basin, is a significant nesting hotspot, containing approximately 40% of the state’s nesting eagle pairs. Inland, large reservoirs like the Santee Cooper Lakes (Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie) and Lake Murray also support high concentrations of eagles. These areas feature shallow, slow-moving water and minimal human disturbance, which are ideal conditions for foraging.
Eagles construct their massive nests, called eyries, in tall trees located near or within a half-mile of open water. The birds show a strong preference for live pine trees, which account for nearly 80% of nesting sites, though they also utilize live cypress trees. These large trees must feature an open limb structure to support the nest. The proximity to the water provides a clear line of sight for hunting and easy access to their foraging grounds.
The Annual Cycle: Nesting and Reproduction
Bald Eagles in South Carolina are resident breeders with an early annual cycle that begins in the fall. The pair bond is re-established, and the eagles begin refurbishing or building their immense stick nests as early as October. This early start distinguishes the Southern Bald Eagle population from its northern counterparts.
Egg-laying typically occurs in December, though the period can range from November through March, with females usually laying a clutch of one to three eggs. Both the male and female take turns incubating the eggs for approximately five weeks.
Once the eaglets hatch, they remain in the nest for 10 to 12 weeks before taking their first flight. Even after fledging, the young birds stay in the territory and depend on their parents for food for about four more weeks. This entire breeding cycle lasts nearly seven months, ending around mid-May when the juveniles are fully independent.
Conservation Status and Recovery Efforts
The Bald Eagle population in South Carolina experienced a decline in the mid-20th century due to the use of the pesticide DDT. This chemical caused females to lay eggs with thin, brittle shells that often broke during incubation, preventing successful reproduction. By 1977, state biologists recorded a low of only 13 active nesting territories.
Following the ban of DDT in the United States, the population began a steady recovery, supported by habitat protection efforts. The species was removed from the federal Endangered Species list in 2007, marking a significant conservation success. Today, the state monitors over 475 active nesting pairs in recent years.
The species remains federally protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibit the disturbance of the birds, their nests, or their eggs. State and federal agencies track population health through monitoring programs like the annual Midwinter Eagle Survey. These ongoing efforts ensure the long-term stability of the Bald Eagle population.