South Carolina's Bald Eagles - Past Surveys

During the early 1960s, the nesting eagle population was estimated at about 412 pairs in the 48 contiguous states. In 1982, the number of nesting pairs was up to 1,482. Based on the most recent data, there are over 9,800 nesting pairs of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. Eagles nest in every state except Hawaii. South Carolina ranked twelfth in the nation in terms of the numbers of nesting bald eagle pairs in 2005. In 1977, there were 13 occupied nesting territories in South Carolina and by 2005 the state's population increased to over 200 pairs. In 2016 SCDNR monitored over 350 bald eagle nesting pairs.

Bald Eagle Nesting in South Carolina 1977-2005

Historical Trend: 1977-1984 / 1977-1989 / 1977-1994 / 1977-1999 / 1977-2005