Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail

Texas · Southeast

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 293 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Blue-winged Teal, and Cinnamon Teal among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Blue-winged Teal Cinnamon Teal Northern Shoveler Gadwall

Live Bird Data

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

17/20/2026

Plain Chachalaca

17/20/2026

Common Ground Dove

17/20/2026

White-winged Dove

17/20/2026

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

Groove-billed Ani

17/20/2026

Killdeer

17/20/2026

Western Cattle-Egret

17/20/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/20/2026

Swainson's Hawk

17/20/2026

Green Kingfisher

17/20/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

17/20/2026

Black Phoebe

17/20/2026

Great Kiskadee

17/20/2026

Couch's Kingbird

17/20/2026

White-eyed Vireo

17/20/2026

Verdin

17/20/2026

Carolina Wren

17/20/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/20/2026

House Sparrow

17/20/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Auto Tour Route

More in Texas

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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 Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail for birding?▼

The best months to visit Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail?▼

Notable species at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail include Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Blue-winged Teal, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall. The area supports wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail?▼

Birding at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail?▼

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge - Pintail Lakes Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.