Closeup of Monarch butterfly

National Butterfly Center - General & area North of Levee

Texas · Southeast

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

Entrance Fee

$15 adults

Hours

Open Tue-Sun, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

About This Location

National Butterfly Center - General & area North of Levee is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 302 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Plain Chachalaca, Inca Dove, and White-tipped Dove 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

Altamira x Audubon's Oriole (hybrid)

Icterus gularis x graduacauda

7/20/2026National Butterfly Center--General & area North of Levee1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/18/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

7/15/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)2 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

7/8/2026W Mile 7 rd W. of Penitas1 observed

Varied Bunting

Passerina versicolor

7/8/2026Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR--Yturria Tract1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Plain Chachalaca

97/20/2026

Wild Turkey

17/20/2026

Inca Dove

57/20/2026

White-tipped Dove

27/20/2026

White-winged Dove

87/20/2026

Mourning Dove

47/20/2026

Groove-billed Ani

67/20/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/20/2026

Common Nighthawk

17/20/2026

Great Egret

17/20/2026

Gray Hawk

17/20/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

77/20/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

27/20/2026

Couch's Kingbird

57/20/2026

Western Kingbird

17/20/2026

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

17/20/2026

White-eyed Vireo

27/20/2026

Green Jay

37/20/2026

Black-crested Titmouse

27/20/2026

Verdin

17/20/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Waterproof boots are recommended as trails near marshes can be muddy, especially after rain.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit National Butterfly Center - General & area North of Levee for birding?
The best months to visit National Butterfly Center - General & area North of Levee for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at National Butterfly Center - General & area North of Levee?
Notable species at National Butterfly Center - General & area North of Levee include Plain Chachalaca, Inca Dove, White-tipped Dove, Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, White-winged Dove, Green Jay, Curve-billed Thrasher, Northern Mockingbird, House Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Pyrrhuloxia. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at National Butterfly Center - General & area North of Levee?
Birding at National Butterfly Center - General & area North of Levee is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at National Butterfly Center - General & area North of Levee?
The entrance fee at National Butterfly Center - General & area North of Levee is $15 adults. Hours: Open Tue-Sun, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
What amenities are available at National Butterfly Center - General & area North of Levee?
National Butterfly Center - General & area North of Levee offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.