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Subcommittee backs making prothonotary warbler the state migratory bird after youth and conservation testimony
Summary
The subcommittee unanimously voted to move S.383 to full committee after testimony from a 9-year-old student and conservation organizations urging designation to raise awareness and support habitat work for the declining prothonotary warbler.
The House wildlife subcommittee voted 5-0 to advance Senate Bill 383, which would designate the prothonotary warbler as South Carolina’s official migratory bird, after public testimony from conservation groups and a young advocate.
A nine-year-old, Jack Ragley of Columbia, told the committee he wants the bird recognized because it ‘‘comes back to South Carolina every year to build its nest and raise its babies’’ and that the designation would show the state cares about wetland habitat. "I respectfully ask that you vote in favor of this bill today," Ragley said.
Conservation groups backed the designation as a way to spotlight forested-wetland habitat. Jay Keck of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation said the bird is easy to observe, nests low to the ground and that habitat boxes and citizen science work support population monitoring. Matt Johnson of Audubon South Carolina described tracking studies that show birds nesting in South Carolina may make round-trip migrations of some 5,000 miles and return to the same cavity year after year, underscoring the state's role in the species' life cycle.
Why it matters: Supporters said designating a state migratory bird raises public awareness, encourages habitat stewardship and supports citizen-science programs; they noted population declines and conservation actions such as nest-box programs.
Vote and next step: Representative Ford moved the bill; the roll call recorded five ayes (Ford, Gibson, Hartz, Reese, Forrest) and S.383 will move to the full committee.
