South Carolina · Summer breeder

Lark Sparrows in South Carolina

When lark sparrows 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.

New World sparrows (Passerellidae)Lark SparrowChondestes grammacus

Status in South Carolina: Summer breeder
Nesting window: March–July
Broods: 1–2 per season
Hardiness zones: USDA 7a–9a

When to expect lark sparrows in South Carolina

Lark Sparrows are summer residents in South Carolina, arriving shortly before nesting begins in March and leaving after the young are independent.

Humid subtropical, from the Blue Ridge foothills to the Lowcountry marshes.

Nesting in South Carolina

Across South Carolina, lark sparrows typically nest from March–July. Plan around that window: February for setup, July for clean-out.

Hot, humid summers.

Lark Sparrows don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as red maple for nest sites.
Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after July.

Native South Carolina plants that attract lark sparrows

Of the regional native plants we track for South Carolina, these 6 provide food or cover lark sparrows use:

Wild bergamot

Monarda fistulosa · Perennial

Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.

Purple coneflower

Echinacea purpurea · Perennial

Leave seed heads up through winter for goldfinches.

Black-eyed Susan

Rudbeckia hirta · Perennial

Prolific seed heads for finches and sparrows.

Little bluestem

Schizachyrium scoparium · Perennial

Native bunchgrass; winter seed and ground cover for sparrows and juncos.

Tall goldenrod

Solidago altissima · Perennial

Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.

Red maple

Acer rubrum · Tree

Among the first spring bloomers; early insects for returning migrants.

Feeding lark sparrows through the South Carolina year

Top foods: Millet, Cracked corn.
In South Carolina's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.

Full diet breakdown for lark sparrows · Best feeder for lark sparrows

Frequently asked

Are lark sparrows in South Carolina year-round?

No. Lark Sparrows are summer breeders in South Carolina and leave for the winter.

When do lark sparrows nest in South Carolina?

Nesting in South Carolina typically runs March–July, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 3–6 eggs, incubated for 11–12 days.

What native plants attract lark sparrows in South Carolina?

Wild bergamot, Purple coneflower, Black-eyed Susan, Little bluestem, Tall goldenrod, Red maple are native plants in South Carolina that provide food or cover for lark sparrows.

Other backyard birds in South Carolina

Northern Cardinal Eastern Bluebird Carolina Chickadee Purple Martin Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker American Goldfinch Tufted Titmouse White-breasted Nuthatch House Wren Blue Jay House Finch Purple Finch Ruby-throated Hummingbird Carolina Wren Mourning Dove American Robin Dark-eyed Junco White-throated Sparrow Song Sparrow Chipping Sparrow Red-bellied Woodpecker Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Red-headed Woodpecker Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-breasted Nuthatch Brown-headed Nuthatch Brown Creeper Common Grackle Red-winged Blackbird Orchard Oriole Pine Siskin Indigo Bunting Painted Bunting Eastern Towhee Gray Catbird Northern Mockingbird Brown Thrasher Cedar Waxwing Tree Swallow Barn Swallow Eastern Phoebe Chimney Swift Yellow-rumped Warbler Pine Warbler Eastern Screech-Owl Wood Thrush Great Crested Flycatcher Eastern Kingbird House Sparrow European Starling Rufous Hummingbird White-crowned Sparrow Fox Sparrow Eurasian Collared-Dove American Crow Cooper's Hawk Sharp-shinned Hawk Red-tailed Hawk Barred Owl Great Horned Owl American Kestrel Wood Duck Wild Turkey Northern Bobwhite Mallard Great Blue Heron Belted Kingfisher Scarlet Tanager Eastern Meadowlark Brown-headed Cowbird Ruby-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet Hermit Thrush Winter Wren Red Crossbill Field Sparrow Gray Catbird Hooded Merganser Yellow Warbler Common Yellowthroat American Redstart Black-and-white Warbler Yellow-throated Warbler Prothonotary Warbler Ovenbird Yellow-breasted Chat Orange-crowned Warbler Palm Warbler Red-eyed Vireo Warbling Vireo White-eyed Vireo Eastern Wood-Pewee Cliff Swallow Northern Rough-winged Swallow Bank Swallow Common Nighthawk Eastern Whip-poor-will Canada Goose American Coot Killdeer Spotted Sandpiper American Woodcock Green Heron Great Egret Black-crowned Night Heron Turkey Vulture Black Vulture Osprey Bald Eagle Red-shouldered Hawk Merlin Peregrine Falcon Northern Saw-whet Owl Barn Owl Red-cockaded Woodpecker Savannah Sparrow Swamp Sparrow Vesper Sparrow Horned Lark Blue Grosbeak White-winged Crossbill Brown-headed Nuthatch Yellow-billed Cuckoo Brewer's Blackbird Rusty Blackbird Boat-tailed Grackle Rock Pigeon

Sources

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.