Chisos Mountains rising above the Chihuahuan Desert at Big Bend

Big Bend National Park

Texas · Southwest

Habitat
DesertMountainForest
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May

Entrance Fee

$30 per vehicle (7-day pass)

Hours

Open 24 hours

About This Location

Big Bend National Park encompasses a vast and remote desert landscape along the Rio Grande in far west Texas. The Chisos Mountains rise from the Chihuahuan Desert, creating sky island habitats where the Colima Warbler breeds at its only US location.

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

4/17/2026Big Bend NP--Rio Grande Village (FWTX 44)2 observed

Least Grebe

Tachybaptus dominicus

4/17/2026Big Bend NP--Daniels Ranch Rd.1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

4/17/2026Big Bend NP--Rio Grande Village (FWTX 44)1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/17/2026Big Bend NP--Daniels Ranch Rd.2 observed

Couch's Kingbird

Tyrannus couchii

4/17/2026Big Bend NP--Rio Grande Village (FWTX 44)1 observed

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

64/16/2026

Scott's Oriole

14/16/2026

Rock Wren

14/15/2026

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

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Hike the Pinnacles Trail to Boot Canyon for Colima Warbler

  2. 2

    The Rio Grande Village area has excellent riparian birding

  3. 3

    Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity

  4. 4

    Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons

  5. 5

    Listen for woodpecker drumming and warbler songs before scanning the canopy

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 April-May. The best seasons are Spring.
What birds can I see at Big Bend National Park?
Notable species at Big Bend National Park include Colima Warbler, Lucifer Hummingbird, Mexican Jay, Scott's Oriole, Black-capped Vireo, Northern Mockingbird, Black Phoebe, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, White-winged Dove, Greater Roadrunner. The area supports desert, mountain, forest habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Bend National Park?
Birding at Big Bend National Park is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
Is there an entrance fee at Big Bend National Park?
The entrance fee at Big Bend National Park is $30 per vehicle (7-day pass). Hours: Open 24 hours.
What amenities are available at Big Bend National Park?
Big Bend National Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Trails, Campground.