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

Great Blue Heron (Great White)

Ardea herodias

7/15/2026Boynton Beach Inlet Park1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

7/11/2026Green Cay Wetlands & Nature Center1 observed

Blue-crowned Parakeet

Thectocercus acuticaudatus

7/8/2026Home2 observed

Sargasso Shearwater

Puffinus lherminieri

7/6/2026Palm Beach Pelagics 7/6/26 - Leg 41 observed

Bridled Tern

Onychoprion anaethetus

7/6/2026Palm Beach Pelagics 7/6/26 - Leg 41 observed

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon

7/5/2026Boynton Beach Inlet Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

37/17/2026

White Ibis

47/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/17/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

47/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/17/2026

Purple Martin

27/17/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

17/17/2026

Northern Mockingbird

27/17/2026

Chimney Swift

17/15/2026

Common Gallinule

47/15/2026

Anhinga

27/15/2026

Little Blue Heron

37/15/2026

Green Heron

17/15/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

27/15/2026

Great Egret

17/15/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

17/15/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

37/15/2026

Monk Parakeet

37/15/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

17/15/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

17/15/2026

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.