53 Bird Species Face Extinction in S.C.

[jpak]

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/tech/2007/nov...

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Nearly 30 percent of the nation's most threatened birds species can be found in South Carolina, according to a conservation report released Wednesday.

Of 178 rare bird species in danger of extinction, 53 spend at least part of their lives in the Palmetto State. The biggest threat to them is suburban sprawl, especially along the coast, according to the Audubon and American Bird Conservancy's WatchList 2007.

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Birds come to South Carolina for its wide range of habitats, from the beaches and salt marshes to the mountains, but development is limiting their places to breed and rest, according to the report.

WatchList species in South Carolina include the swallow-tailed kite, red-headed woodpecker, wood thrush and Bachman's sparrow.

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