South Carolina S 383: Official state migratory bird

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 383 Text of Previous Version (Feb. 19, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 383

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

Committee Report

February 18, 2026

S. 383

Introduced 
by Senators Davis, Goldfinch, Graham, Zell and Rankin 

S. Printed 2/18/26--H. [SEC 
2/19/2026 10:44 AM]

Read the first time May 8, 2025

________

The committee on House Agriculture, 
Natural Res. and Environmental Affairs

To whom was referred a Bill (S. 383) to amend 
the South Carolina Code of Laws by enacting the "Prothonotary Warbler 
Recognition Act" by adding Section 1-1-613 so as to designate the Prothonotary 
Warbler, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered 
the same, and recommend that the same do pass:

WILLIAM HIXON for Committee.

statement of estimated fiscal impact

Explanation of Fiscal Impact

State Expenditure

This bill designates the Prothonotary 
Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) as the official state migratory bird of South 
Carolina. 

This bill does not operationally or 
fiscally impact state agencies. Therefore, the bill will have no fiscal impact. 

Frank A. Rainwater, Executive Director

Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office

_______

A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS by ENACTing THE 
"PROTHONOTARY WARBLER RECOGNITION ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-613 SO AS TO 
DESIGNATE THE PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (PROTONOTARIA CITREA) AS THE OFFICIAL STATE 
MIGRATORY BIRD OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, the 
Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) is a strikingly beautiful, 
golden-yellow songbird that migrates annually between South Carolina and its 
wintering grounds in Central and South America; and

Whereas, South Carolina 
provides critical breeding, stopover, and foraging habitat for the Prothonotary 
Warbler during its annual lifecycle, particularly in the state's bottomland 
hardwood forests, swamps, and wetlands, such as Audubon's 18,000 acre Francis 
Beidler Forest in Four Holes Swamp, providing tree 
cavities for nesting and an abundant supply of insects for food, which are 
essential for nesting, feeding, and resting as the species travels thousands of 
miles between continents; and

Whereas, the warbler is 
an indicator species, meaning its presence reflects the health of South 
Carolina's wetland ecosystems, and protecting its habitat benefits not only the 
Prothonotary Warbler but also a diverse array of wildlife, including other migratory 
birds, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates that rely on these environments; and

Whereas, South 
Carolina's natural resources-including its rivers, forests, and wetlands-are 
vital to the state's economy, culture, and biodiversity, and recognizing the 
Prothonotary Warbler as the official state migratory bird will underscore South 
Carolina's commitment to conservation, ecotourism, and the protection of its 
natural heritage; and

Whereas, promoting 
awareness of the Prothonotary Warbler and its habitat needs will help encourage 
responsible land and water management, ensuring that South Carolina's rich 
environmental legacy is preserved for future generations. Now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the 
General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1. This act may be cited as the "Prothonotary Warbler Recognition Act."

SECTION 2. Article 9, Chapter 1, Title 1 of the S.C. Code is 
amended by adding:

 Section 
1-1-613. The Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) is the official state 
migratory bird of South Carolina.

SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon approval 
by the Governor.

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This web page was last updated on February 19, 2026 at 10:44 AM