The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

National Butterfly Center - General & area North of Levee

Texas · Southeast

ModerateOfficial Site View on eBird
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

Greater Pewee

Contopus pertinax

3/6/2026Houston Ave, McAllen1 observed

Crimson-collared Grosbeak

Periporphyrus celaeno

3/6/2026Edinburg Scenic Wetlands WBC (LTC 061)1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

3/5/2026Bentsen-Rio Grande Val. SP--Hawk Watch1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Plain Chachalaca

33/5/2026

Inca Dove

33/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/5/2026

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Great Kiskadee

13/5/2026

Green Jay

23/5/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

13/5/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

13/5/2026

Clay-colored Thrush

13/5/2026

Hooded Oriole

13/5/2026

Altamira Oriole

23/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

103/5/2026

Bronzed Cowbird

13/5/2026

Great-tailed Grackle

43/5/2026

Northern Cardinal

73/5/2026

White-tipped Dove

43/5/2026

Mourning Dove

23/5/2026

Gray Hawk

13/5/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

23/5/2026

Couch's Kingbird

13/5/2026

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

More in Texas

High Island

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.

Big Bend National Park

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

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

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.