Eastern Kingbirds in South Carolina
When eastern kingbirds are present in South Carolina, when they nest, which native South Carolina plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 7a–9a yard.
- Status in South Carolina
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- April–July
- Broods
- 1 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 7a–9a
When to expect eastern kingbirds in South Carolina
Eastern Kingbirds are summer residents in South Carolina, arriving shortly before nesting begins in April and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on bees, wasps and beetles.
Humid subtropical, from the Blue Ridge foothills to the Lowcountry marshes.
Nesting in South Carolina
Across South Carolina, eastern kingbirds typically nest from April–July. Nest site: cup on horizontal tree limbs, often over water. Females lay 2–5 eggs, incubate for 14–17 days, and young leave the nest after 16–17 days.
Hot, humid summers.
- Eastern Kingbirds don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as flowering dogwood, eastern red cedar, serviceberry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.
Native South Carolina plants that attract eastern kingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for South Carolina, these 8 provide food or cover eastern kingbirds use:
Fat-rich red fall fruit taken by thrushes, bluebirds and woodpeckers.
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Early-summer berries arrive exactly when nestlings are being fed.
Deciduous holly holding red fruit into mid-winter.
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Acorns plus hundreds of caterpillar species for nestling food.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Feeding eastern kingbirds through the South Carolina year
Kingbirds fearlessly chase hawks and crows; they perch on fences over open fields.
- Best foods: .
- In South Carolina's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Frequently asked
Are eastern kingbirds in South Carolina year-round?
No. Eastern Kingbirds are summer breeders in South Carolina and leave for the winter.
When do eastern kingbirds nest in South Carolina?
Nesting in South Carolina typically runs April–July, with 1 per season. Clutches are 2–5 eggs, incubated for 14–17 days.
What native plants attract eastern kingbirds in South Carolina?
Flowering dogwood, Eastern red cedar, Serviceberry, Winterberry, Smooth sumac, White oak, Black cherry, American elderberry are native plants in South Carolina that provide food or cover for eastern kingbirds.
Eastern Kingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in South Carolina
Sources
- Eastern Kingbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Eastern Kingbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Eastern Kingbird — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — South Carolina
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.