In partnership with Wildlife Forever, the South Carolina Wildlife Federation proudly presents the South Carolina Songbird Art Contest. This contest invites K–12 students to explore our native birds through art and creative writing. This fun competition celebrates our feathered friends while encouraging young artists to learn about their habitats and conservation.

2026 South Carolina Eligible Species:

Wild Turkey
Roseate Spoonbill
Chuck-wills-widow
Belted Kingfisher
American Robin

The Bird Art Contest invites you to choose a bird, learn its story, and bring it to life through your own art. If you’re in grade 4 or higher, you’ll also write a short creative writing piece to share what makes your bird special.

Judging: There will be first, second, and third place awards given to each of the grade ranges listed below.

Grade Kindergarten

• 1st Place:  Ranger Rick subscription
• 2nd Place: Ranger Rick subscription
• 3rd Place: Ranger Rick subscription

Grades 1–3

• 1st Place: Youth Binoculars · Ranger Rick subscription · Prismacolor Art Supplies
• 2nd Place: Ranger Rick subscription · Prismacolor Art Supplies
• 3rd Place: Ranger Rick subscription

Grades 4–6

• 1st Place: Youth Binoculars · South Carolina Bird Guide · Prismacolor Art Supplies
• 2nd Place: Prismacolor Art Supplies · How to Draw Birds Book
• 3rd Place: Bird Guide

Grades 7–9

• 1st Place: Youth Binoculars · South Carolina Bird Guide · Prismacolor Art Supplies
• 2nd Place: Prismacolor Art Supplies · South Carolina Bird Guide
• 3rd Place: Prismacolor Art Supplies

Grades 10–12

• 1st Place: Youth Binoculars · South Carolina Bird Guide · Prismacolor Art Supplies
• 2nd Place: How to Draw Birds Book · Prismacolor Art Supplies
• 3rd Place: South Carolina Bird Guide

Please note that all South Carolina state winners will automatically be included in the national contest.

Quick Guidelines

• Eligibility: Open to all South Carolina students, grades K–12.
• Artwork: Art mediums may include but are not limited to: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil). Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.
• Digital art is a newly accepted medium for international students and select U.S. states. We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technologies (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as mediums as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. To verify authenticity, digital artists must document their progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges: 3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.
• Entries utilizing AI will be disqualified.
• Writing: Grades 4–12 must include a short creative writing piece (optional for grades K–3).
• Limit: One entry per student.
• Deadlines: South Carolina entries due November 30, 2026

Please review the complete contest rules and entry details, here: Wildlife Forever Bird Art Contest Rules .