Big Bend National Park - Santa Elena Canyon

Texas · Southeast

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Canyon
Best Seasons
SpringFallWinter
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Big Bend National Park - Santa Elena Canyon is a productive birding destination in Texas, with 236 species recorded on eBird. This canyon habitat attracts White-winged Dove, White-throated Swift, and American Kestrel 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

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

3/3/2026Lajitas (FWTX 37)1 observed

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

2/23/2026Lajitas (FWTX 37)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater Roadrunner

13/5/2026

White-throated Swift

13/5/2026

Say's Phoebe

13/5/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

53/5/2026

Rock Wren

33/5/2026

Canyon Wren

53/5/2026

Marsh Wren

23/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/5/2026

Pyrrhuloxia

23/5/2026

White-winged Dove

13/2/2026

American Kestrel

13/2/2026

Common Raven

33/2/2026

Verdin

23/2/2026

Common Poorwill

12/25/2026

Eastern Phoebe

12/22/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

12/22/2026

Chipping Sparrow

12/22/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

12/22/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.

  2. 2

    Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.

  3. 3

    Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Bend National Park - Santa Elena Canyon for birding?
The best months to visit Big Bend National Park - Santa Elena Canyon for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Big Bend National Park - Santa Elena Canyon?
Notable species at Big Bend National Park - Santa Elena Canyon include White-winged Dove, White-throated Swift, American Kestrel, Say's Phoebe, Common Raven. The area supports canyon habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Bend National Park - Santa Elena Canyon?
Birding at Big Bend National Park - Santa Elena Canyon is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Big Bend National Park - Santa Elena Canyon?
Big Bend National Park - Santa Elena Canyon offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.