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

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

5/30/2026Big Bend NP--Rio Grande Village (FWTX 44)1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

5/29/2026Big Bend NP--Rio Grande Village Nature Trail2 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

5/27/2026Big Bend NP--Sam Nail Ranch1 observed

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

5/25/2026Big Bend NP--Dugout Wells1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Acorn Woodpecker

25/31/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

Mexican Jay

35/31/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/31/2026

Canyon Wren

15/31/2026

Bewick's Wren

25/31/2026

Black-headed Grosbeak

25/31/2026

Violet-green Swallow

25/31/2026

Rufous-crowned Sparrow

15/31/2026

Spotted Towhee

15/31/2026

White-winged Dove

15/31/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

35/31/2026

Black-crested Titmouse

25/31/2026

Crissal Thrasher

15/31/2026

Canyon Towhee

15/31/2026

Scott's Oriole

15/31/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

35/30/2026

Mourning Dove

25/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/30/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

25/30/2026

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.