Waterbirds

Order Coraciiformes Family Alcedinidae (Kingfishers) Belted Kingfisher	Because of their highly territorial natures, it is rare to see more than one pair of kingfishers at any given small body of water. These birds eat primarily fish, and hunt by diving into the water after their target. No other kingfisher species occurs in the Eastern United States.
Order Podicipediformes Family Podicipedidae (Grebes) Pied billed Grebe Horned Grebe	While duck-like in appearance, the grebe's closest relatives are actually flamingos! Three other species of Grebe are known to occur in South Carolina, including Eared Grebes, Red-necked Grebes, and Western Grebes. However, these species are unlikely to visit Furman.
Order Pelicaniformes Family Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants) Double-crested Cormorant	These odd-looking water birds may resemble ducks in the water, but stand uprighton their perches. Cormorants often hold their wings outstretched to dry. One other species of cormorant, the Great Cormorant, has been documented in coastal South Carolina but it is highly unlikely to occur at Furman. It is a very rare coastal species, and its typical range does not extend much farther south than New England. Picture (showing an immature Double-crested Cormorant) courtesy of Alex Plasencia.
Order Ciconiiformes Family Ardeidae (Herons, Bitterns) Great Blue Heron Green Heron Great Egret	Herons are common fixtures along the shores of every body of water on campus, often seen standing frozen in place or taking long, graceful strides as they quietly stalk their prey. Lake Conestee Nature Park, located just a few miles south of Greenville, has recorded several other species, including: American Bitterns, Snowy Egrets, Black-crowned Night Herons, and Yellow-crowned Night Herons. However, these species prefer more marshy habitats not found at Furman. Other Species that occur in South Carolina include: Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Reddish Egret, and Cattle Egret. None of these species are expected to occur at Furman, as most are found only on the coastal plain. Cattle Egrets are sometimes found farther inland, but prefer farmland, as the name suggests. Pictured at right is a Great Blue Heron.
Order Family (Laridae) Subfamily Larinae Ring-billed Gull	There are roughly seventeen species of Gull that can be found in the Eastern half of the United States, and not one of them is named "seagull". The word 'seagull' has become a quick reference word, as most gulls are found near the sea, but is inaccurate as an identification. No other species is expected to occur at Furman. Picture courtesy of Anne Baker.
Order Anseriformes Family Anatidae (Swans, Geese, Ducks) Subfamily Cygninae (Swans) Mute Swan Black Swan Subfamily Anserinae (Geese) Canada Goose Greylag Goose Greater White-fronted Goose Subfamily Anatinae (Marsh Ducks) Mallard Muscovy Blue-winged Teal Subfamily Aythyinae (Diving Ducks) Bufflehead Redhead Ring-necked Duck Lesser Scaup Subfamily Oxyurinae (Stiff-tailed Ducks) Ruddy Duck Subfamily Merginae (Mergansers) Hooded Merganser Red-breasted Merganser	Individuals from the order Anseriformes make up the vast majority of the birds that take residence on Furman lake. This group includes Swans, Geese, and many different kinds of ducks. Several other species of ducks are possible occurrences at Furman. Pictured at right, from top to bottom, are: Female Mallard and ducklings, Greylag Goose, and Mute Swan.
Order Gruiformes Family Rallidae (Rails) American Coot	The American Coot, yet another duck-like imposter, shares with other rails its disproportionately large feet, which creates a rather odd appearance when on land. Other species of Rail have been seen within an hour's drive of campus, and are potential but unlikely visitors on campus, as most prefer marshy habitat.
Order Charadriiformes Family Charadriidae (Plovers) Killdeer Family Scolopacidae (Sandpipers) Solitary Sandpiper Spotted Sandpiper	These birds are most commonly included in the group called "shorebirds" by birders. As the name implies, they are often seen on beaches and lake shores. Due to the relative dearth of shoreline at Furman University, shorebird sightings are rare. The Killdeer is one of several species that have adapted to many other habitats, and as such is a more common occurrence at Furman. Picture courtesy of Anne Baker.
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