Key West

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Key West is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Anhinga, Turkey Vulture, and Gray Catbird among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

3/3/2026Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Gardens1 observed

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

3/3/2026Old State Road 4a (Sugarloaf Key)1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

2/27/2026Clarence S. Higgs Memorial Beach6 observed

Osprey (Caribbean)

Pandion haliaetus

2/21/2026Key West NWR1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Anhinga

12/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

12/26/2026

Gray Catbird

12/26/2026

Red Junglefowl

32/26/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

12/26/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

12/26/2026

Brown Pelican

12/26/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

12/25/2026

Mourning Dove

22/25/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

132/25/2026

Boat-tailed Grackle

12/25/2026

Rock Pigeon

2/24/2026

White-crowned Pigeon

32/24/2026

White-winged Dove

12/23/2026

Laughing Gull

22/21/2026

Royal Tern

12/21/2026

Magnificent Frigatebird

22/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

352/21/2026

Osprey

12/21/2026

European Starling

102/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Key West for birding?
The best months to visit Key West for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Key West?
Notable species at Key West include Anhinga, Turkey Vulture, Gray Catbird, Red Junglefowl, Great Black-backed Gull. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Key West?
Birding at Key West is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Key West?
Key West offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.