Forest birding habitat

Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Big Bend National Park - Cottonwood Campground is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 285 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts White-winged Dove, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, and Ladder-backed Woodpecker 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

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

4/16/2026Big Bend NP--Cottonwood Campground (FWTX 40)1 observed

MacGillivray's Warbler

Geothlypis tolmiei

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

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

4/8/2026Big Bend NP--Oak Creek Road1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

4/6/2026Terlingua—Study Butte WTP (restricted access)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

64/16/2026

Inca Dove

14/16/2026

Common Ground Dove

14/16/2026

White-winged Dove

24/16/2026

Greater Roadrunner

24/16/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

24/16/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

14/16/2026

Bell's Vireo

14/16/2026

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

14/16/2026

Northern Mockingbird

24/16/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

24/16/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

14/16/2026

Lesser Nighthawk

14/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/16/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

14/16/2026

Common Raven

14/16/2026

Verdin

14/16/2026

Barn Swallow

14/16/2026

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