Governor McMaster, Audubon Celebrate Prothonotary Warbler Designation at Beidler Forest

HARLEYVILLE, S.C. — Governor Henry McMaster joined Audubon South Carolina today at Francis Beidler Forest for a ceremonial bill signing of the “Prothonotary Warbler Recognition Act,” officially designating the Prothonotary Warbler as South Carolina’s state migratory bird.

The legislation passed unanimously in both chambers of the General Assembly, reflecting broad, bipartisan support for conserving the state’s natural heritage and the habitats that migratory birds depend on.

The ceremonial signing took place at the Francis Beidler Forest Audubon Center and Sanctuary, home to the largest remaining old-growth Cypress-Tupelo swamp in the world and critical habitat for Prothonotary Warblers and other migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway.

“South Carolina is uniquely blessed with beautiful natural resources, and we have a responsibility to protect them,” Governor McMaster said. “Naming the Prothonotary Warbler as our state migratory bird represents the importance of preserving our wetlands and ensuring future generations can experience places like Beidler Forest.”

Sometimes called the “swamp canary,” the Prothonotary Warbler is a bright yellow songbird that nests in forested wetlands across South Carolina. Each year, approximately 50,000 of these birds return to the state after completing a remarkable 5,000-mile migration between South America and the Southeast, often returning to the same nesting sites in swamps and river corridors.

“This designation is about awareness and education, because the more people understand these birds and the habitats they depend on, the more likely we are to protect them for the long-term,” said Rebecca Haynes, Executive Director at Audubon South Carolina. “For species like the Prothonotary Warbler, South Carolina isn’t just a stop along the way—it’s where they nest and raise their young, and is essential to their survival. What we do to conserve habitat here has an out-sized impact on the future of this species.”

The effort to designate the bird brought together lawmakers, conservation organizations, and community advocates from across the state, underscoring a shared commitment to stewardship and conservation.

By elevating the Prothonotary Warbler as a symbol of South Carolina’s migratory bird heritage, leaders hope to inspire greater awareness of the importance of protecting wetlands, which support wildlife, improve water quality, and buffer communities from flooding.

For visitors, Beidler Forest offers a close-up look at this iconic species, with Prothonotary Warblers returning each spring to nest among the ancient cypress trees that define this unique landscape.

About Audubon South Carolina

Audubon South Carolina protects birds and the places they need, right here in South Carolina. We’re the state office of the National Audubon Society, which has more than one million members and a century-long track record of success. In South Carolina, we represent nearly 30,000 members and supporters, 10 Audubon chapters and bird club partners, two Audubon sanctuaries, one nature center, and more than 30,000 acres of land that we own or manage using bird- and climate-friendly forestry. Learn more about what we do and how to help at sc.audubon.org. Follow us on Facebook at @scaudubon and Instagram at @audubon_sc.

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Photos or Media Contact: Ben Graham, ben.graham@audubon.org