The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub
Closeup of Monarch butterfly

National Butterfly Center - General & area North of Levee

Texas · Southeast

ModerateOfficial Site View on eBird Directions
Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
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

Plain ChachalacaInca DoveWhite-tipped DoveMourning DoveTurkey VultureWhite-winged DoveGreen JayCurve-billed ThrasherNorthern MockingbirdHouse SparrowRed-winged BlackbirdPyrrhuloxia

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/30/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

Altamira x Audubon's Oriole (hybrid)

Icterus gularis x graduacauda

5/29/2026National Butterfly Center--General & area North of Levee1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

5/28/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

5/27/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

5/27/2026Pharr Vanguard Academy Nature & Birding Center3 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/27/2026Santa Ana NWR--Tour Road1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/26/2026335 Diana Drive1 observed

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

5/26/2026Santa Ana NWR (LTC 059)2 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

5/25/2026Pharr Vanguard Academy Nature & Birding Center1 observed

Purple Gallinule

Porphyrio martinica

5/24/2026Santa Ana NWR (LTC 059)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

15/29/2026

Plain Chachalaca

55/29/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

125/29/2026

Inca Dove

35/29/2026

White-tipped Dove

25/29/2026

White-winged Dove

265/29/2026

Mourning Dove

65/29/2026

Groove-billed Ani

35/29/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

35/29/2026

Buff-bellied Hummingbird

15/29/2026

Gray Hawk

15/29/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

85/29/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

55/29/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

55/29/2026

Great Kiskadee

15/29/2026

Couch's Kingbird

35/29/2026

White-eyed Vireo

25/29/2026

Green Jay

45/29/2026

Black-crested Titmouse

45/29/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/29/2026

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.

Amenities

Parking
Trails

Nearby Attractions

  • Santa Ana NWR
  • Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
  • World Birding Center

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Legendary Texas coast migrant trap where trans-Gulf birds make landfall during spring fallouts.

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge

Subtropical Rio Grande Valley forest with rare Mexican species found nowhere else in the US.

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Remote Chihuahuan Desert park with the only US breeding population of Colima Warbler.

Texas Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Texas →

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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.