6 Types of Birds You Can See in Murrells Inlet
At Visit Murrells Inlet, we offer the best bird watching tours and eco-cruises near Myrtle Beach! Relax on board our USCG-certified shaded cruise vessel as an expert guide leads you through one of South Carolina’s most pristine wildlife habitats, Murrells Inlet, SC. Here, the coastline boasts an array of natural habitats, such as salt marshes, beaches, and tidal flats, creating the perfect environment for a diverse population of local and migratory birds. Ready for some of the best bird watching in South Carolina? Here are 6 types of birds you can see for yourself in Murrells Inlet:
1. Sprague’s Pipit
During a cruise in Murrells Inlet, you may hear this tiny and elusive animal’s characteristic song cascading from the skies above! Sprague’s Pipet is a small, buffy colored, and ground-dwelling songbird, most often found hiding amongst the tall grasses near the shore. These migratory birds are most often seen in Murrells Inlet during the winter season and are considered a vulnerable species by conservationists. Your best chance of seeing one of these beautiful animals is from above, as it sings its unique, descending birdsong often for minutes at a time!
2. Fulvous Whistling Duck
Primarily spotted in freshwater marshes, ponds, and lakes, the Fulvous Whistling Duck is found throughout the Gulf Coast. Although rare, this gorgeous waterfowl can sometimes be spotted near Murrells Inlet, especially at dawn and dusk, as flocks travel between their roosts and feeding areas. Fulvous Whistling Ducks have a very interesting adaptation; they can filter feed! While these birds do sometimes graze on vegetation, their unique bills allow them to strain through fine mud in search of seeds, bugs, and other invertebrates. These incredible birds also stay bonded after mating for many years, as the male helps raise its offspring!
3. Eastern Brown Pelicans
Known for its large size and dramatic hunting behavior, the Eastern Brown Pelican is a common sight amongst the salt marshes and coastal waters of South Carolina. This amazing animal’s diet primarily consists of fish, which it hunts by diving headfirst into the water and catching with its huge bill! These intelligent birds can dive from about 60 feet up in the air and will adjust the height and speed of their dive based on the depth of their prey. The Eastern Brown Pelican is a conservation success story, as they were once endangered due to widespread pesticide usage. The United States’ banning of DDT and other similar pesticides in the early 70s, plus the Brown Pelican Recovery Plan of 1979, helped this marvelous species regain much of the habitat and population it had formerly lost. Male and female pelicans take turns incubating their eggs and usually nest in tall mangroves or in shallow depressions on the ground. Take a stroll down the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk or a cruise near Myrtle Beach and spot these massive birds flying overhead, and maybe even diving into the water for a fresh catch!
4. Great Blue Herons
Many cultures around the world find deep, spiritual significance in the Great Blue Heron, often symbolizing wisdom, guidance, patience, and grace. When you spot one of these amazing birds, it’s easy to see why. The Great Blue Heron is the most widespread species of heron in North America, and can often be found near saltwater marshes, estuaries, lakes, rivers, and ponds. These graceful avian predators primarily hunt fish, but will also prey on rodents, snakes, frogs, salamanders, and other birds. They are incredibly intelligent hunters, standing completely still, waiting for the perfect moment to strike their prey! These birds can be identified by their long legs, characteristically long neck, and sharp, dagger-like bill. You may even spot an elusive Great White Heron, which is considered a color morph of the more common Great Blue Heron. Take a birdwatching tour of Murrells Inlet, SC, and see these incredible herons in their element!
5. Roseate Spoonbill
Due to their distinctive pink feathers and unique bill, the Roseate Spoonbill might be one of the most easily recognizable birds on our list! These bright birds are becoming an increasingly more common sight for birders in South Carolina, and are often found in marshes, lagoons, mudflats, and mangroves. They prefer areas with access to both saltwater and freshwater, making Murrells Inlet the ideal place to see them in action! Watch these striking animals as they use their long, spoon-like bills to search for small fish and invertebrates under the water’s surface or soar overhead in a dazzling display of pink plumage!
6. Bald Eagles
Found throughout South Carolina, this last bird on our list is truly an American icon! The Bald Eagle became the U.S.’s Official National Bird in late 2024 and is a treasured sight amongst birdwatching enthusiasts in Murrells Inlet! These majestic birds can live up to 30 years in the wild and can be seen flying overhead or perched in tall trees near the water. They are known for their powerful appearance, huge nests, and dramatic mating behavior! During the mating season, bald eagles participate in a “cartwheel courtship flight,” where two birds lock talons and dramatically tumble through the skies above. Take a saltwater marsh eco tour or bird watching cruise in Murrells Inlet for a chance to see these unforgettable animals for yourself!
Book Your Bird Watching Tour in Murrells Inlet Today
Whether you’re an experienced birder or a total beginner, Murrells Inlet is the perfect destination to see amazing wildlife in their natural habitat! Home to over 300 bird species, the Inlet boasts the perfect setting for sightseeing, sunset cruises, and birdwatching. Book your unforgettable bird watching tour near Myrtle Beach, SC, today!