BirdAnalyst
Species · South Carolina · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Great Egret Population Trend in South Carolina

All statesWetland birds

Great Egret in South Carolina has fallen sharply: down 52% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

-52%Since 1968
29Routes In State
55Years

Notable Great Egret Trends in South Carolina

long arc declinecomputed index

Great Egret has fallen sharply in South Carolina: down 52% on the route-weighted index since 1968.

Great Egret Population Forecast in South Carolina

If the recent trend holds, Great Egret in South Carolina is projected to fall about 24% by 2029 — from 1.0 in 2024 to a central estimate of 0.76 (95% range 0.00–3.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±12.9%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

-24%Change by 2029
0.76Projected 2029 index
0.00–3.295% range
±12.9%Backtest error
19662029
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected index95% low95% high
20250.820.003.3
20260.810.003.3
20270.790.003.3
20280.780.003.3
20290.760.003.2

Great Egret Survey Routes in South Carolina

Routes recording Great Egret in South Carolina.
Johns Isle1619791966
Bennettsville1320172001
Kiawah Island820241998
Holly Hill620241972
New Holland520211968
Bishopville520151986
Jamestown420041971
Barton Creek420171990
Adams Run420241989
Dale320221998
Red Bluff320231996
Rome220221971
Whitmire220242021
Olar220132001
Pinewood220081998
Hardeeville120231967
Coward120161967
Foreston120211966
Wagener120211967
Dillon120062001
Sandhills120031997
Walterboro120171970
Nixonville119951993
New Ellenton120232023
Kingstree120102010

Great Egret Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.