Birds of Big Bend

An adult make grosbeak sits on grass next to a brown juvenile, which is looking at the male with its mouth open.
Blue Grosbeaks in the grass

NPS/CA Hoyt

 
A silver RV sits underneath the shade of large cottonwood trees whose leaves have turned yellow and orange.
Fall at Cottonwood Campground

NPS/J. Jurado

Birding Hotspots

The park has a variety of excellent birding locations because of its mulitple habitats. These include riparian river corridor or desert springs, open desert, grasslands, pinyon-oak-juniper woodlands and moist forested canyons. Finding a maximum number of birds can best be accomplished by visiting all of the different habitats within the park.
 
A gray bird with a black and white checkered back and orange on the back of the head and red on the top of the head sits on a tree branch.
Golden-fronted Woodpecker

NPS/L. Benavidez

Birding Seasons and Specialties

Timing is very important for seeing specific birds or a diversity of species. Of the 450 species reported in the park, only 56 species live in Big Bend year-round. This highlights the importance of spring and fall migrants, as well as summer and winter visitors. If you wish to find a particular species of bird, it is best to search within appropriate habitats at the proper time of year.
 
A large black bird sits on a branch above a nest.
Common Black Hawk above nest

NPS/R. Negele

Bird Stories

Several of Big Bend's birds have been more closely studied than others, whether they are endangered, rarely seen in the United States, or making a comeback. Learn more about the research and work being done with these special birds.

In Search of the Colima Warbler

Bird Studies in Big Bend

 
A man and a woman stand on a boardwalk, using binoculars and a camera to look for birds.
Birding the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail

NPS/CA Hoyt

Get Involved

There are many ways that you can contribute to our knowledge of birds. From visits to Big Bend to world-wide birding celebrations brought to your neighborhood, find out how reporting your bird sightings can make a difference.
 

Last updated: August 17, 2020

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 129
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834-0129

Phone:

432-477-2251

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