Wetland birding habitat

Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

Florida · Southeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Florida, with 271 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Mourning Dove, King Rail, and Common Gallinule 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

Blue-crowned Parakeet

Thectocercus acuticaudatus

6/1/2026Palm Bach Polo3 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

6/1/2026Gulfstream Park1 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

5/25/2026Shawano Drainage District3 observed

Black-whiskered Vireo

Vireo altiloquus

5/24/2026Lantana Nature Preserve1 observed

Sooty Tern

Onychoprion fuscatus

5/23/2026Palm Beach Pelagics leg 52 observed

Bridled Tern

Onychoprion anaethetus

5/23/2026Palm Beach Pelagics leg 51 observed

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

5/23/2026Palm Beach Pelagics — Leg 22 observed

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

5/20/2026Boynton Beach Inlet Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

66/1/2026

Mourning Dove

56/1/2026

Common Gallinule

216/1/2026

Purple Gallinule

56/1/2026

Sandhill Crane

26/1/2026

Killdeer

16/1/2026

Wood Stork

26/1/2026

Anhinga

126/1/2026

White Ibis

3006/1/2026

Glossy Ibis

106/1/2026

Roseate Spoonbill

46/1/2026

Little Blue Heron

76/1/2026

Tricolored Heron

66/1/2026

Snowy Egret

66/1/2026

Green Heron

26/1/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

406/1/2026

Great Egret

126/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

Black Vulture

156/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

76/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge include Mourning Dove, King Rail, Common Gallinule, Purple Gallinule, Limpkin. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge?
Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.