Forest birding habitat

Big Bend National Park

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Big Bend National Park is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 301 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Northern Mockingbird, Black Phoebe, and Northern Rough-winged Swallow 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

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

4/15/2026Big Bend NP--Daniels Ranch Rd.1 observed

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

4/15/2026Big Bend NP--Daniels Ranch Rd.1 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

4/14/2026Big Bend NP--Dugout Wells1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

4/13/2026Big Bend NP--Rio Grande Village (FWTX 44)1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/13/2026Big Bend NP--Daniels Ranch Rd.1 observed

MacGillivray's Warbler

Geothlypis tolmiei

4/9/2026Big Bend NP--Cattail Falls1 observed

Carolina Wren

Thryothorus ludovicianus

4/9/2026Big Bend NP--Dugout Wells1 observed

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

4/8/2026Big Bend NP--Daniels Ranch Rd.1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

4/7/2026Big Bend NP--Daniels Ranch Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

64/14/2026

Greater Roadrunner

14/14/2026

Turkey Vulture

64/14/2026

Say's Phoebe

14/14/2026

Bell's Vireo

14/14/2026

Mexican Jay

64/14/2026

Cactus Wren

34/14/2026

Northern Mockingbird

34/14/2026

Black-throated Sparrow

14/14/2026

Canyon Towhee

34/14/2026

Rufous-crowned Sparrow

14/14/2026

Northern Cardinal

24/14/2026

Zone-tailed Hawk

14/13/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

24/13/2026

Gray Hawk

24/12/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

14/12/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

34/12/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

24/12/2026

Pyrrhuloxia

54/12/2026

Golden Eagle

14/4/2026

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 Big Bend National Park for birding?
The best months to visit Big Bend National Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Big Bend National Park?
Notable species at Big Bend National Park include Northern Mockingbird, Black Phoebe, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, White-winged Dove, Greater Roadrunner. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Bend National Park?
Birding at Big Bend National Park is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend National Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.