South Texas Nature Guide (2013_10_11 21_35_07 UTC)

Transcription

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South Texas
Nature Guide
Featuring the remarkable
Lower Rio Grande Valley
by Keith W. Hackland
This guide is written for visitors from North America and Overseas
who have never visited Tropical Texas. It is also for local Valley residents
who want to find out why so many thousands of visitors show up here
with strange accents and carrying optics.
Consulting Editors:
Mike Quinn, Invertebrate Biologist for Texas, Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept.,
Austin, Texas
Martin Hagne, Executive Director, Valley Nature Center, Weslaco, Texas
Photographers:
Carmen P. Tarrentino, Dave Hansen, Martin Hagne, Keith W. Hackland, Tim
Henson, Elizabeth Cavazos, Ray Bieber, Valley Nature Center.
Sketches:
Grover Terry Beaman
Design & art work:
Monica Santillan
Publisher:
RGV Nature Marketing Co-op www.southtexasnature.com July 2004
Copyright Keith W. Hackland 2004
All opinions expressed here are those of the author. Please mail suggestions &
comments to Keith Hackland, Alamo Inn, 801 Main Street, Alamo, TX 78516 or
email to [email protected]
South Texas Nature Guide ■ 1
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Dedication & Acknowledgments
This guide is dedicated with thanks: Firstly, to my wonderful wife, Dr
Audrey Jones, D.O., whose consistent love, support and encouragement
made writing this guide possible.
Secondly, to the impressive group of nature and tourism
professionals and volunteers who work so well together in the LRGV,
with whom it is my privilege to be associated, and who generously
share their knowledge with me, especially Mike Quinn and Martin
Hagne.
Thirdly, to the legendary Nancy Millar, who has done more than any
other single person to make the LRGV a nature tourist destination, and
whose vision and leadership has a huge beneficial effect on nature
conservation and nature tourism here and elsewhere.
Finally, to the South Texas Nature co-op, which is very well chaired
by Connie Ledbetter, who are the publisher and distributor of this
guide, and who do a wonderful and important job very well, promoting
LRGV nature tourism.
E M E R G E N C Y • Call 911
Call 911 from any telephone for any medical emergency or property
emergency (fire, serious accident, robbery). They will connect you
directly with the appropriate local authorities. It is always a free call. Be
ready to describe the type of emergency and your street address or
road location.
AUTO (CAR) ACCIDENT
If there is injury or damage over $500 call 911. Otherwise trade
information and leave. Always in every case obtain copy of other drivers
license (or Name, Address, License number, State of Issue) and
insurance details (Name of insured, Name of Insurance Company, Policy
number). Be very wary of other traffic after an accident. Frequently
things are compounded with another collision due to confusion at the
scene.
2 ■ South Texas Nature Guide
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Contents
Introduction
Step into the magical Texas tropics ..........................................5
South Texas Nature co-op ........................................................7
Your input is requested ............................................................7
Maps
North America ..................................................................8
Lower Rio Grande Valley ................................................8
Birding & Butterflying South Texas
Overview ................................................................................10
Specialties ..............................................................................10
Rarities, vagrants & accidentals ..............................................11
Other species ..........................................................................11
Hot spots ................................................................................11
How much time do I need to allow for the LRGV? ................11
Rare bird alerts ......................................................................11
Rare butterfly alerts ................................................................12
Nature viewing, alternative approaches ................................12
Nature Festivals & Events ..................................................13/14
Handicap Facilities & Viewing Enhancements ........................15
Mexico ....................................................................................15
Information sources ..............................................................16
Birding and hiking private land in Texas ................................16
References ..............................................................................16
Websites ................................................................................17
Tips for Travelers
Culture, language and food ....................................................19
Currency ................................................................................19
Driving ....................................................................................19
Health care ............................................................................20
Insects and bugs ....................................................................20
Planning, budgeting, & miscellaneous ..................................22
Budgeting ..........................................................................22
Clothing and personal items ..............................................22
Drinking and hiking ............................................................23
Weather ..............................................................................23
Internet access....................................................................24
Laundry ..............................................................................24
Tea ......................................................................................24
Telephone ..........................................................................24
A Note to Non-birding Spouses ..............................................25
Tourist Points of Interest ........................................................26
Art and collectibles ............................................................26
Beach and lagoon ..............................................................26
Education ....................................................................26
Fun......................................................................................26
Fishing ................................................................................26
Gardens and Parks..............................................................26
Historic areas / buildings ....................................................27
Mexico ................................................................................27
Museums ............................................................................27
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Performing Arts ..................................................................28
Religious ............................................................................28
Water Events ......................................................................28
Zoo......................................................................................28
Services
Accommodation......................................................................28
Airports ..................................................................................28
Audio & Bird Calls ..................................................................28
Auto Rental (car hire)..............................................................29
Beach ....................................................................................29
Bicycles ..................................................................................29
Birding Bed & Breakfasts ........................................................29
Books and optics suppliers......................................................29
Botanic Gardens......................................................................29
Canoes & Kayaks ....................................................................30
Car hire – see Auto rental ......................................................29
Eating & drinking ....................................................................30
Fishing ....................................................................................30
Golf ........................................................................................30
Guiding ..................................................................................30
Horse Riding............................................................................31
Hunting ..................................................................................31
Maps ......................................................................................31
Medical ..................................................................................32
Optics......................................................................................32
Photographic Supplies ............................................................32
Ranches ..................................................................................32
Real Estate (Property) ............................................................32
Rentals (short term) ................................................................32
Shopping ................................................................................32
Tours ......................................................................................32
Checklists for the Lower Rio Grande Valley
Nature Hot Spots ....................................................................34
Not to be missed Hot Spots................................................34
Productive specialty Hot Spots ..........................................37
Other Hot Spots ..................................................................40
Vertebrates, excluding birds and fish ......................................40
Odonates ................................................................................44
Butterflies ..............................................................................47
Birds........................................................................................55
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Introduction
Step into the magical Texas tropics . . .
Waves of people from north and south of the Rio Bravo (today called
the Rio Grande), who began settling the Lower Rio Grande Valley
(LRGV) 100 years ago, named this the “Magic Valley”. They were very
impressed with this unique corner of United States, recognizing the
magical biodiversity that today we are just beginning to quantify.
The area was first inhabited (as far back as records go) by nomadic
Karankawa Indians, with European and Mexican settlement led by
ranchers and missions in the 1700s. Then in the early 1900s there was
a major influx of farmers from the Mid-West. They purchased farms of
tens to several hundred acres and employed workers from Mexico to
clear trees, level land, and develop an extensive irrigation system. The
farm workers from Mexico also settled here and so the population
grew.
This is a floodplain, where temperate semi-desert lands, brush lands,
and grassy plains meet and mingle with sub-tropic vegetation and
riparian forest, river and resacas (ox-bow lakes), lagoons and ocean. It
lies under the converging Eastern and Central bird migration routes of
North America as they round the Gulf of Mexico. It is a southerly scoop
of Texas intruding into Mexico.
Biologically this is the richest, most diverse area in United States. The
flora of the LRGV is known collectively as Tamaulipan brushland. The
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has defined eleven distinct biotic
communities (flora and related fauna), sharing this small four county
area, up to 40 miles wide by 140 miles long, running west along the Rio
Grande from its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico to Falcon Dam in Starr
County. The communities identified are:
1. Clay Loma / Wind Tidal Flats
2. Coastal Brushland Potholes
3. Sabal Palm Forest
4. Mid-Valley Riparian Woodland
5. Mid-Delta Thorn Forest
6. Woodland Potholes and Basins
7. Upland Thorn Scrub
8. Barretal
9. Upper Valley Floor Forest
10. Ramaderos
11. Chihuahuan Thorn Forest
503 of the 624 Texas bird species of the 930 U.S. bird species, and
300 of the 500 U.S. butterfly species are found in the LRGV. This very
rich wildlife attracts an equivalent wealth of Wildlife Watchers. The
LRGV the most popular destination in North America for birders and
butterfliers. Other fauna and the flora are also rich and unique,
attracting a share of attention from Wildlife Watchers as well.
The area has three National Wildlife Refuges, the world famous
Santa Ana N.W.R., Laguna Atascosa N.W.R., and Lower Rio Grande
Valley N.W.R.. It has numerous state, county, city, non-profit, and for
profit refuges and sanctuaries, all richly endowed with flora and fauna,
many quite different from each other. Not all of the eleven biotic
communities are yet represented on protected lands, so setting aside
additional conservation sanctuaries is a continuing concern.
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There are just four counties, with a population of almost 1,000,000,
and about 2,000,000 people on the Mexico side. Urban development is
expanding fast into the extensive irrigated and dry intensive cultivated
land and ranching land. Clearing of native brush continues on both
sides of the river. The local culture is a blend of Texas and Mexico,
producing a very attractive and unique milieu that intrigues visitors and
is much loved by residents.
The poorest county in United States lies in the LRGV. Economic
development is a priority. This is one of the fastest expanding
population and urban areas in U.S., posing many threats to the survival
of its unique native flora and fauna. During the past 100 years 95% to
99% of the land on the Texas side of the river has been cleared. This
means the LRGV is not only the most diverse part of U.S., but also the
most threatened.
97% of the land in the LRGV is in private ownership. This means
participation of private land owners in improving wildlife habitat and
the future of Wildlife Watching is critical.
A product of these converging interests, the LRGV has become a
development hot bed of services for Wildlife Watchers. The LRGV
attracts some of the most knowledgeable naturalists and biologists in
the nation. It attracts innovative and successful nature tourism
professionals, top nature photographers, writers, and artists, non-profit
and commercial nature ventures. Novel and effective Wildlife Watching
ventures are under way, many of them partnerships of government, city
economic development corporations, chambers of commerce, travel
facilities, non-profit groups, and for profit entrepreneurs, who develop,
package, market and present the LRGV’s nature resources to Wildlife
Watchers from across North America and Europe.
Although hard statistics are tough to come by, it is safe to say that
over 200,000 Wildlife Watchers a year currently visit the LRGV, coming
primarily from North America and Europe, mostly between September
and May. They spend over $34,000,000 in the area, and create over
2,000 jobs. Researchers tell us that the number of Wildlife Watchers
visiting the LRGV is expected to increase to 2,000,000 a year over the
next 10 to 20 years.
Welcome to the magical Texas tropics . . .
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South Texas Nature co-op
Outside of serious birder circles, the LRGV tends to be a well kept
secret. So two years ago in 2002 the Chambers of Commerce,
International Airports, and the World Birding Center pooled some of
their resources in a marketing co-op to inform nature tourists about the
LRGV. The co-op runs a web site at www.southtexasnature.com,
exhibits at the British Birding Fair, and works with writers and
publications to provide and disseminate information on birding and
nature in the LRGV.
Members of the co-op:
Alamo Chamber, 956-787-2117 www.alamochamber.com
Brownsville CVB, 956-546-3721 www.brownsville.org
Brownsville & South Padre Island International Airport
Edinburg Chamber, 956-383-4974 www.edinburg.com
Hidalgo Chamber, 956-843-2734 www.hidalgotexas.com
McAllen Chamber & CVB, 956-682-2871
www.mcallenchamber.com
McAllen International Airport
Mission Chamber, 956-585-2727 www.missionchamber.com
Pharr Chamber, 956-787-1481 www.visitpharr.com
South Padre Island CVB, 956-761-3000 www.sopadre.com
Valley International Airport, Harlingen
Weslaco Chamber, 956-968-2102 www.weslaco.com
World Birding Center, 956-584-9156 www.worldbirdingcenter.org
Your input is requested
This guide is the first of its kind for this area. It has been compiled
and written by Keith W. Hackland, a Valley resident, birder, and
owner/innkeeper of Alamo Inn lodging for birders, Birding & outdoor
shop, and Birding Guide. He is solely responsible for any short-comings.
This being the first edition of the nature guide, it is likely that it will
need improvement. We therefore welcome suggestions from users.
Email suggestions and ideas to [email protected], or write to Keith
Hackland, Alamo Inn, 801 Main Street, Alamo, Texas 78516 U.S.A.
on
83
Valley
Nature
Center
186
281
48
Sabal Palm
Grove Sanctuary
Brownsville
Hugh Ramsey Park
Los Ebanos
Preserve
Laguna
Madre
100
Laguna
Atascosa
N. W. R.
Harlingen
77
Raymondville
186
Port Mansfield
Frontera Audubon
Center
Alamo Weslaco
Bentsen-RGV
Anzalduas Hidalgo
State Park
NABA Butterfly Park County Park
Santa Ana
N. W. R.
Chihuahua
Woods Preserve
Edinburg
World Birding
Center Wetlands
Delta Lake
County Park
Mission
McAllen Pharr 83
Edinburg
La Sal
Vieja
Tract
Boca Chica
(Mouth of Rio Grande)
South Padre
Island
Gulf of
Mexico
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Salineño
Roma
La Sal
Del Rey
Tract
77
8/10/04
Chapeño
Falcon State Park
281
Lower Rio Grande Valley
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Birding & Butterflying
South Texas
/ Overview
The South Texas region receives on average 22 to 26 inches of
rainfall a year, but the delivery system is unpredictable – it may rain
throughout the year, or 3 inches in ten months and 20 inches in two
months, as occurred in 2003. There are dramatic drought and wet
multi-year cycles, which alternate, and are much more typical than the
average years. The vegetation has to handle this inconsistency. The
greater South Texas region consists primarily of Tamaulipas
brushlands dominated by mesquite (a thorny legume tree), live oak
(an evergreen oak whose southerly limit is the sand plains to the
north of LRGV), acacias (thorny legumes) and hackberry trees (the
celtis family with small berries favored by birds), many shrubs, herbs,
and succulents. The extensive grasslands of earlier centuries have
succumbed to brush cover due to suppression of fires and heavy
grazing by cattle, sheep and goats, who also eat the legumes and
thereby spread their seed. This area covers 12% of Texas and is 20.6
million acres.
The Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) is found at the tip of South
Texas and is quite distinct from the greater South Texas area. It lies on
the Rio Grande delta and falls into a subtropical zone. The floodplain
supported diverse hardwood riparian forest, including 4,000 acres of
Sabal Palm groves, thousands of acres of Texas Ebony groves, giant
Ash and Anacua, and large stands of Montezuma Bald Cypress along
the Rio Grande (once called the Rio Bravo). With the advent of dams
on the Rio Grande in the 1950s, flooding of the delta has ceased and
the riparian forest is giving way to mesquite brush invading from the
north. (Much of this information is taken from The Texas
Ornithological Society Handbook of Texas Birds, Lockwood &
Freeman, 2004, page XXII.)
The LRGV’s large species count for birds and butterflies is
supported by the following conditions:
1. Subtropical and temperate climates meet here, allowing for overlap
of subtropical and temperate birds and butterflies.
2. Semi-desert with its cactus and prickly pear, Tamaulipas brushland,
riparian forest, Sabal palm groves, coastal dune vegetation, ocean,
Laguna Madre’s estuarine lagoon and islands, the Rio Grande river,
arroyos (drainage channels), fresh water resacas (oxbow lakes,
some seasonal and some year round), reservoirs, ponds, and inland
salt lakes all occur in the LRGV, combined with urban areas,
cultivated lands, and ranching, together provide a rich variety of
bird and butterfly habitat.
3. The North American Eastern and Central migration flyways meet
over the LRGV due to a combination of the Gulf of Mexico on one
side and the mountains of Mexico on the other side, funneling
millions of migrants, particularly song birds, waterfowl, waders and
raptors through the LRGV, where some stop off for the winter.
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The large species count for butterflies is supported primarily by the
great diversity of flora (eleven biotic communities), and supported by a
favorable climate with few cloudy cold days, allowing butterflies to
emerge and fly most days of the year. Furthermore, overlapping the
LRGV from the south is flora and fauna from Tamaulipas, Mexico’s most
biologically diverse state (which contains the western hemisphere’s
northernmost cloud forest, contained within La Reserva Biosfera El
Cielo). The LRGV is generally the northern limit of flora and fauna from
this rich reservoir to the south.
/ Specialties
There are some 50 specialty birds of the LRGV. Generally these are
tropical birds that reach their northern limit here. Some of the species,
such as the Black-bellied Whistling-Duck and White-winged Dove are
successfully expanding northward from the LRGV, while others, such as
the Red-billed Pigeon and Brown Jay, are tenuously hanging on in small
numbers as their habitat is disappears along the Rio Grande, and may
soon shrink back into Mexico.
There are some 125 species of North American butterflies that can
best be seen in the LRGV, approximately 70 specialties of which have
only been recorded in Texas’ three south-most counties. There are
nearly as many butterfly species recorded for these three south-most
counties in Texas as there are for all of eastern North America
combined!
/ Rarities, vagrants & accidentals
Exciting rarities and vagrants constantly show up in the LRGV,
some northern, some southern, some Caribbean, and some remote. In
the Checklist of Lower Rio Grande Valley Birds by Brad McKinney
(Valley Nature Center, 3rd Ed. 2002) 78 species of rare bird sightings
are listed for the LRGV which number is added to every year. For
example the northern Trumpeter Swan (1990), Jabiru stork (1997),
and lately Blue Mockingbird (2003 & 2004) and Black-headed
Nightingale-Thrush (another first in 2004) are on this list. Masked
Duck and Grey-crowned Yellowthroat make periodic appearances.
There are currently over 80 species in this growing category, which in
turn increases the species count for the area, pushing it over the 500
count in 2004.
The pattern is similar for butterflies, with the added excitement of
frequently discovering new resident species, increasing the count year
by year. One interesting aspect of stray butterflies is that they often
show up in a wave of individuals, rather than as a singleton (compared
to birds) . . .
Some recent Lepidoptera records for the LRGV indicate the
excitement of butterfly identification here as new species are recorded:
• December 6, 2003, 1st U.S. record of the Turquoise Longtail
recorded at NABA International Butterfly Park, Mission.
• November 19-20, 2003, 1st U.S record of the Stag Haristreak
recorded at NABA International Butterfly Park, Mission.
• October 23, 2003, 1st U.S. Record of the Pale Sicklewing recorded
north of Weslaco.
• April 13, 2003, 1st U.S. record of a Beautiful Beamer recorded at
Bentsen-RGV State Park, Mission.
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/ Other species
The other 270 species of birds include permanent breeding nonspecialty residents, non-breeding part-time residents (majority in
winter), and in transit migrants. There are migrants present in the area
most months of the year, coming or going, resting and refueling.
There is much less known about butterflies (and odonates) in the
LRGV than about the birds. Some good field guides are available, but
don’t expect the range maps to reflect everything you may find here.
We’re all LRGV explorers and pioneers in this field.
/ Hot spots
There are over 100 recognized hot spots in the LRGV. The most
visited, proven, productive ‘Not to be Missed Hot Spots’ sites are
listed here at the end of the book in the checklists section, followed
by additional sites that are more specialized, ‘Productive Specialty Hot
Spots’, and then ‘Other Hot Spots’ with information sources for more
sites not listed here.
Key ingredients for a productive hot spot are public access, good
habitat (a range of habitats is more productive), frequent visitation
and recording activity, and an information reporting and
dissemination mechanism.
There are no doubt countless great ‘undiscovered’ hot spots with
good habitat and their share of specialties, vagrants, rarities, and
accidentals that don’t meet all these criteria.
/ How much time do I need to allow for the
LRGV?
We constantly hear comments from travelers along the following
lines:
“I wish I had more time to spend here in the Valley – I wanted to see
and do so much more – I could have seen so many more species if I had
a little more time – this is a wonderful spot – I plan to come back and
spend more time.”
Many travelers allow only 2 to 3 days for the LRGV because they
look at the size of the area without taking into account its diversity. This
is not enough time to cover the dramatically diverse habitats of the
area. Do yourself a favor and add 3 to 5 extra days for the Valley.
You will need a week here to cover the area, two weeks if you
want to experience it without rushing around and cutting
productive visits short. You will be very pleased afterwards that you
added the extra time.
/ Rare bird alerts
The LRGV is a rich area for vagrants and rarities to show up. There
are several ways of getting the latest information.
TexBirds. A detailed approach to finding out what is currently being
seen is to subscribe to a list serve or subscriber’s list (bird chat line)
called Texbirds. It can be time consuming, but is an interesting source
of information and opinions.
To subscribe to TexBirds, email a message to
[email protected] with the message “Subscribe Texbirds
your_name” in the body of the email.
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TexBirds Archive Web Site:
http://www.audubon.org/listserv/texbirds.html
Rare Bird Alert 956-584-2731. There is a rare bird alert or “recent
birding news update” recorded message line run by the World Birding
Center. It provides a summary, detailed reports, directions, and an
option for reporting back information. This is a much faster means of
getting the latest information.
Personal Contact. Word of mouth is a very successful way of
locating rare birds. Many birding hot spots maintain a board listing the
latest rarities. Some accommodations have birders on staff who can
direct guests to locations for particular species (for example El Canelo
Inn, Vieh’s Bed & Breakfast, Alamo Inn). Staff at sanctuaries can offer
general directions of where to look. In the field in the winter season
there are sometimes docents and interpreters on location (for example
at Santa Ana Refuge on the A trail) who will point out or even have
their scope focused on rarities, specialties and other birds of interest.
And of course there is word of mouth – every experienced birder knows
to speak to other birders in the field – they are often the very best
source of information.
/ Rare butterfly alerts
Here are sources for the latest information on Lepidoptera:
http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabast/recent.html
Tex-Butterfly. Subscribe at:
http://home.satx.rr.com/txento.TXBL.htm
/ Nature viewing, alternative approaches
Boat tours, Kyaks, Canoes
There are some excellent water tours in the Valley. Scarlet & George
Colley on Laguna Madre (South Padre Island). Allen Williams’ Red
River Tours on the Arroyo Colorado. Air Boats and Regular boats at
the Port Mansfield cut. Pontoon the Rio Grande on the Riverside
Cruiser near Anzalduas Dam (Mission). Canoe trips on the river at
Santa Ana and by Canoe Guiding (Alamo Inn). See our web site.
Photo Blinds
There is a network of property owners in the Valley who have
developed specialized Photo blinds to meet the needs of nature
photographers. See our web site and the McAllen Chamber link.
Horse Riding
This is available on South Padre Island.
RV Parks
There are many many excellent parks across the Valley. See our web
site.
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/ Nature Festivals & Events
The Valley loves cultural celebrations, parades and festivals. The first
Valley nature festival was started in Harlingen in 1994 by the legendary
Nancy Millar, who now is responsible for McAllen’s Tropical Texas
Nature Festival. There are 12 annual nature festivals and special events
in the LRGV.
Events
Christmas Bird Counts
The Audubon CBCs began in the U.S. over 100 years ago and there
are now over 2,000 counts across the country. Six counts are held
during the Christmas count season in the Valley. Each counting team
typically records 40 to 100 species and thousands of birds in a fun
day of identifying and counting all the species and birds in their piece
of the 15 mile diameter circle tackled by the counting group. The
team receives a detailed map and gets to travel the back roads and
lesser known parts of their area. To participate contact Valley Nature
Center 956-969-2475, World Birding Center 956-584-9156, Santa
Ana National Wildlife Refuge 956-784-7500, or Bentsen Rio Grande
Valley State Park 956- 585-1107.
Fourth of July & Memorial Day Butterfly Counts
Butterfly counts are exciting and allow one to sleep in too. Contact
NABA at www.naba.org to participate. The direct link is
http://www.naba.org/counts.html. Dates and contacts for Texas
counts can be found at http://www.naba.org/tx.html.
Great Texas Birding Classic
Would you enjoy seeing 200 species in one (long) day? The teams
competing in the Classic see an amazing number of birds. Their 24
hour route includes the LRGV and Texas Coast. Sponsored by Texas
Parks and Wildlife this event runs in April and is the biggest bird
watching tournament in the U.S. It covers the coastal bend and Valley
areas of South Texas. 1-888-TXBIRDS
512-389-4500
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/gtbc
Hawk Watch Spring & Fall
The spectacle of watching 5,000 hawks take off after dawn, or
circling in a kettle in the sky, is unforgettable. This is the sort of
experience that awaits participants in hawk watch. Hawk Watch
(identifying, counting and recording hawks in migration) in the Valley
takes place twice a year, from March 15 to April 15 in the Spring, and
from September 15 to November 15 in the Fall. Contact Santa Ana
National Wildlife Refuge 956-784-7500, and also World Birding
Center 956-584-9156.
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Festivals & Mini-Festivals
Festivals and mini-festivals typically run several days, and include
seminars and workshops, field trips, dinner with key note speaker, and
a trade show. They are run by a volunteer committee and are backed by
sponsors, often including the hosting city Chamber of Commerce. Top
speakers and field trip leaders are flown in from across North America.
These events are very high caliber and are designed and run to appeal
to and be useful for advanced naturalists through enthusiasts and
novices. They all produce booklets about the event and advance
registration is recommended because most of the trips and seminars
sell out in advance.
Dragonfly Days
Weslaco, mid May, hundred participants. This excellent quality,
smaller friendly event takes an in depth look at odonates. Valley
Nature Center 956-969-2475 www.valleynaturecenter.org
Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival
Harlingen, early November, many thousands of participants make it
the largest festival. Harlingen Chamber of Commerce 956-423-5440
www.rgvbirdfest.com
Brownsville International Bird Festival
Brownsville, 3rd week in February, hundreds of participants.
Includes local, pelagic and Mexico birding. Brownsville CVB 1-800686-2693 www.brownsville.org
Texas Butterfly Festival
Mission, late October, high hundreds of participants. Mission
Chamber of Commerce 956-585-2727 www.texasbutterfly.com
Texas Tropics Nature Festival
McAllen & Mexico, late March early April, thousands of participants,
includes many Mexico trips, and while it focuses on birding, includes
many other nature areas. McAllen Chamber of Commerce 956-6822871
Springfest
Weslaco, late February when spring hits the Valley, thousands of
participants. This event focuses on nature for those who are not
experts and in addition to some of the workshops and field trips one
would expect includes many other fun areas, like a nature film fest,
outdoor acoustic music, a taste of Valley cuisine, a beer garden,
animal alley, art show, and crafts. Valley Nature Center 956-969-2475
www.valleynaturecenter.org
Wild in Willacy
Raymondville, October, hundreds of participants. This unique festival
focuses on nature found on area ranches, Laguna Madre, and Padre
Island. Raymondville & Port Mansfield Chambers of Commerce 956689-3171 www.raymondvillechamber.com
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/ Handicap Facilities & Viewing Enhancements
The following is an incomplete list of handicap and enhanced
facilities that I have noticed are currently available in the Valley. It is
best to call ahead to check as there are no doubt additional facilities
available that are not listed here.
Paved Roads for Cars and Bicycles:
Santa Ann National Wildlife Refuge (limited use summer only),
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, Bentsen-Rio Grande State
Park, Falcon State Park, Anzalduas County Park, Delta County Park
Boardwalks:
South Padre Island Convention Center; Sable Palm Grove Audubon
Sanctuary over the Resaca (may require assistance accessing it).
Smooth Hard Dirt (Earth) Trails:
Sable Palm Grove Audubon Sanctuary
Concrete, Brick & Paved Trails:
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge A Trail, Valley Nature Center
Loaner 3-wheel Scooter:
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
Handicap Restrooms:
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Laguna Atascosa National
Wildlife Refuge, Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park.
I have been asked why developing countries have better birding
enhancement facilities such as towers and elevated board walks than
the U.S. Ironically, the American Disabilities Act that was designed to
improve facilities for the handicapped here, has resulted in fewer
nature facilities being built, handicap accessible or otherwise, due to
the ADA’s stringent and unforgiving rules that can increase the cost of
a facility and the area it requires with handicap access ramps often by
a factor of ten. I have worked on several projects and every time we
have found that elevated walks and viewing towers, that are ADA
compliant, are prohibitively expensive. They are therefore rare in U.S.
Furthermore, most existing handicap facilities pre-date this act, and are
in need of maintenance, which is another problem, because that work
invokes the ADA and requires a major investment for minor
maintenance.
/ Mexico
Mexico offers many exciting birding opportunities. The LRGV
provides an excellent base for trips into the Mexico interior, and guides
and tours may be arranged from here. Refer to our web site, and also
check out Nature Festivals and Events, particularly the Texas Tropics
Nature Festival.
Tamaulipas, the state of Mexico that meets Texas along the Lower
Rio Grande Valley, is northern Mexico’s most biologically diverse state
and contains the western hemisphere’s northernmost cloud forest
(within La Reserva Biosfera El Cielo). In addition, close to the state of
Tamaulipas, the pine-oak forests around Monterrey are higher and
dryer than the lowland tropical forests of southern Tamaulipas, further
increasing the biodiversity within easy exploring distance of the LRGV.
[Note that Mexico has very strict rules about fire arms, ammunition,
and medications in the possession of anyone crossing into Mexico.
The general rule everyone goes to jail and waits there while
investigations are slowly made.]
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/ Information sources
The groups that make up the South Texas Nature co-op may be
reached through www.southtexasnature.com and they represent all the
major airports and cities in the LRGV. Through following the links to
their web sites the user can obtain much useful information and
contacts and telephone numbers.
• Texas DOT Travel Information Center for Valley (US 77 at US 83,
Harlingen) 956-428-4477 www.dot.state.tx.us
• Valley Nature Center can put you in touch with other nature groups
across the Valley. 956-969-2475 www.valleynaturecenter.org
/ Birding and hiking private land in Texas
97% of Texas and LRGV land is privately held. Trespassing on private
land is not appreciated and is handled as a major offense. Fences and
signs that say “Posted” mean private land, no trespassing. There are
unfortunately no public footpaths or right of ways in the LRGV. There
are also laws protecting fruit and vegetables, even when there are no
fences, and it is an offence to pick anything without permission.
Beaches, Laguna Madre, rivers, arroyos and dams on the other hand
are frequently open to the public provided they are approached from
public access points.
/ References
Recommended resources for Lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas –
obtainable from our listed book shops.
Computer C.D. & Audio
Birds of North America C.D., Thayer / Cornell (for computers) $69.95
Butterflies of LRGV, Dave Hansen $17.95
Bird Songs of LRGV, Cornell Labs (110 species) $14.95
Maps (see also notes titled Maps)
Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, Lower Texas Coast, Texas Parks &
Wildlife 512-389-4937, 512-389-8900
www.tpwd.state.tx.us, free or up to $2
Birding & Butterfly map of LRGV, Chambers of Commerce,
free or up to $2
Road Map of Texas, Texas Department of Transportation,
free or up to $2
Rio Grande Valley Map, Summary map of the routes through LRGV,
Texas RV Association, Chambers of Commerce, free
Rio Grande Valley Atlas, TexMaps, complete and detailed coverage of
the Valley, $26.95 at most major book stores.
Guides
Checklist of Birds of LRGV, Brad McKinney, Valley Nature Center $9.95
48 Specialty Birds of the LRGV with color photos,
Valley Nature Center $2.00
48 Butterflies of the LRGV with color photos,
48 Native Flowers of the LRGV with color photos,
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Birding & Butterfly Guide to LRGV, RGV Guide Books
(The Monitor), free
Guide Book, Tourist points of interest in LRGV,
RGV Guide Books (The Monitor), free
Rio Grande Valley Visitor’s Guide (Times Media Group), free
Books
Sibley Field Guide to Birds, Eastern North America $19.95
National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America,
4th Edition $21.95
Texas Ornithological Society Handbook of Texas Birds, Lockwood
& Freeman, Texas A & M University Press, 2004, $24.95
(shows occurrence of every species by county in Texas)
Birds of Texas, John L. Tveten $24.95
(well-written natural history of the major species)
Guide to the Birds of Mexico and N. Central America, Howell &
Webb, Oxford $39.95 [this is a larger heavier book than
Edwards but has better illustrations and is more
comprehensive]
Birds of Mexico and Adjacent Areas, Ernest Preston Edwards,
University of Texas Press $22.95 [smaller lighter book than
Howell, easier to manage, but poorer illustrations, and less
comprehensive]
Birder’s Guide to the Rio Grande Valley, ABA/Lane Birdfinders
Guide $23.95 (excellent where to go guide with
maps and directions)
Birding Texas, Roland H.Wauer & Mark A. Elwonger, A Falcon
Guide $22.95 (although its treatment of the LRGV is
rather brief, it does provide a useful overview, good
maps of the National Wildlife Refuges, and is a useful
guide for areas adjoining the LRGV).
Butterflies of North America, Jim Brock & Kenn Kaufman $22.00
Butterflies through Binoculars, Jeffrey Glassberg, East $18.95,
West $19.95 [The West is the more appropriate of
the two books for the LRGV]
Illustrated Checklist of the Lepidoptera of the Lower Rio Grande Valley,
Charles Bordelon & Edward Knudson, $45.00
The Mammals of Texas, David J. Schmidly $29.95
Roadside History of Texas, Leon Metz $18.00
Guide to Texas Historical Roadside Markers, Dooley $16.95
A Lady’s Day Out in the Rio Grande Valley and South Padre Island,
A Shopping Guide and Tourist Handbook, Spiced with
Local History and Heritage, Jennifer Ramsey $17.95
/ Web sites
The following were used in preparation of this guide and will be
useful information references.
www.southtexasnature.com and its many links to other valley
sites
www.valleynaturecenter.org and its links to other nature sites
www.worldbirdingcenter.org (Useful birding information plus
checklists for the 9 participating sites)
www.naba.com and http://www.naba.org/chapters/nabast/
(butterflies)
www.fermatainc.com (it includes a section that provides an
overview of LRGV nature)
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Tips for Travelers
/ Culture, language, and food
The wonderful friendly LRGV is smilingly referred to locally as the
Republic of the Rio Grande, or the Republic of Texmeco. Our “official
language”, some say, is Spanglish. Our food is definitely Tex-Mex, our
music Tejano, and a party here is called a pachanga. Our families are
large, and supportive. Everyone knows almost everyone else who lives
here, or at least we feel that we do. Weddings and funerals are huge
family events (by western standards). To me living here still has the feel
of living in the 1950s.
Residents are very friendly and welcoming to visitors. It is just one
big family here and y’all are welcome. Mi casa es su casa (my home is
your home) is a common saying and is often seen hung over a door or
on a wall.
The LRGV is a unique blend of Mexico, Texas, and the Mid-West – a
blend of South-Western Hispanic-American and Mid-Western AngloAmerican. There is much Spanish and English spoken, and often a
mixture of the two, with English or Spanish words and phrases
interjected into the other language. The majority of people are bilingual
so there is no problem communicating in the King’s English. English is
generally the language of business and tourism.
Music is equally exciting, from Mexican to Texan country and
western, plus a mixture of the two called Tejano (pronounced Tehano,
made up of Texas (Tejas) and Mexicano, hence the name). The food is
also unique, a rich and flavorful (flavourful) mixture of Texas and
Mexico, called Tex-Mex. (Some dishes are made spicy hot with chili, and
hot jalapeno peppers are served on the side with many dishes, so
travelers who are not used to eating hot spicy food should enquire and
explore carefully.)
There is just nowhere else on earth quite like the LRGV. A visit here
is unforgettable and the visitor leaves wanting to return.
/ Currency
The banks here generally do not exchange European currency. The
most efficient means of paying is to carry some U.S. dollar travelers
checks (cheques) which are accepted by many hotels and restaurants
and by all banks, and to use ATM cards (Bank Cards) to withdraw cash
from the very common ATM machines (there is usually a $1 to $2
charge to your home bank for use of the ATM), and to use Visa or
Master Card credit cards which are accepted by most motels and
restaurants and grocery stores.
/ Driving
It is easy and economical to rent a car at any airport and drive.
Rental cars are automatic (i.e. not standard transmission) and come
with air conditioning and usually are priced with unlimited mileage.
Specialty vehicles, like SUVs, or mini-vans, or 15 passenger vans have
to be booked in advance as they will not normally be available at the
counter on arrival.
One can usually obtain a lower rate by booking from out of town
rather than locally or showing up at the rental counter without a
reservation. Even better rates can often be found by booking on-line,
and can often be done on the same web page while you book your
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plane tickets, but do some research first so you know what is a good
rate and what is not.
The lowest rate for the smallest car before taxes and insurance with
unlimited mileage for a 7 day rental is $160 to $180 per week
according to calls to a few car rental companies locally in the LRGV.
Maps and roads are excellent and reliable. Birding hot spots are
generally easy to locate and sign posting is generally good. Gas (petrol)
is reasonably priced and easy to find, though some distances between
towns are long when driving outside the LRGV, so watch the distances
ahead on the map and keep the tank appropriately topped up.
The roads of Texas ger than might at first be imagined. The LRGV
consists of 4 counties and it is a manageable 140 miles from beach to
Falcon, and up to 40 miles wide. Some driving distances from other
cities to South Padre Island (the beach):
Austin 340 miles
Corpus Christi 160 miles
Dallas 531 miles
Houston 367 miles
San Antonio 285 miles
El Paso 815 miles
Mexico City 666 miles
Monterrey 225 miles
Driving times can be conservatively calculated, allowing for birding
and other stops, by assuming an average speed of 50 m.p.h., and so
dividing 50 into the distance. Obviously single minded people who stay
close to the limit and never stop for gas (petrol) will cover it faster.
People here fly the long distances whenever possible, to save time,
money and wear. An inexpensive alternative is to travel by Greyhound
Bus (Coach) and let them do the driving, then rent a car locally.
Greyhound drives through the night and passengers are comfortably
seated in airline style seats.
/ Health Care
Emergency rooms at hospitals cannot turn anyone away for medical
care regardless of ability to pay or country of origin. Sometimes the
wait to be seen can be many hours. The cost at an emergency room if
you provide a credit card or wish to pay generally can run into many
thousands of dollars for even a simple visit, and hospital stays are
equally expensive per day. It is therefore advisable to purchase travel
health insurance for the duration of the trip before leaving home.
/ Insects and Pests
The LRGV is very rich in butterflies (300 species of 720 in North
America north of Mexico) and rich in an array of intriguing insects and
other arthropods. As with people, it is only a small percentage of the
bugs that can be annoying. Being prepared reduces the chances of
irritation.
Mosquitoes are active in spring and summer. They can (rarely) carry
serious viruses (like West Nile, or Dengue Fever) so it is advisable to
carry repellents for use as necessary. A combination of DEET and
Permanone (Permakill or Permethrin) repellants is very effective.
Chiggers are minute red mites that inhabit grassy areas all year, and
are most active in the spring. They bite and leave raised welts which
appear in a few hours and last weeks. They prefer tight fitting areas like
socks and belts. Not all people are susceptible to them but it is best to
take precautions, like avoid lying down on the grass, avoid weedy and
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grassy areas, tuck slacks into socks, use repellant on socks and legs.
Nail polish on the bites is supposed to kill the mite, and soaking in
50/50 chlorine bleach and water or using tincture of benzyl benzoate is
supposed to help reduce itching.
Gnats at times may swarm around a person. They do not bite, but
they can be annoying, as each one competes with the next for your
attention, just when a good bird comes into view.
Ticks are not as common as mosquitoes and lyme disease is fairly
uncommon in Texas and nearly absent in South Texas.
(http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/lyme/riskmap.htm). But ticks can be
found when venturing off the paths into woody areas, especially if you
are walking under low hanging trees and shrubs. It is best to check
regularly for ticks and remove them when found. If they are biting it is
best to grasp the head with tweezers and pry it off (so it does not
become detached and remain on ones skin as can happen if one pulls
on the body).
Africanized Honey Bees now occur through most of the state, having
crossed the Rio Grande in 1990. They are short tempered and when
disturbed may attack as a swarm and pursue for longer distances than
the European bee. Do not antagonize them with water or repellent as
it will increase their vigor. It is best to out run them and enter a building
or a vehicle and swat those that get into the vehicle. It is the elderly
and inactive who are most vulnerable to them, and people who are
allergic to bee stings.
Fire ants – at least the invading imported species that we love to
hate – native to South America, were accidentally imported into
Alabama in the 1920s and reached the LRGV in the late 1980s. They are
very small red ants and they construct crusty low soft earth mounds
over their nests. When they find skin, particularly when one steps into
their nest, their combination bite and sting produces a burning
sensation that feels like fire. Fire ants may cause pustules in some
people. Texas has over fifty species of ants and it is only the imported
fire ant that causes this trouble, though some others do bite. Apart from
human irritation, the imported fire ant has caused wide-spread
problems to ground nesting birds and colonial water bird nest sites,
attacking birds and their young. Texas Entomologist Dr Forrest Mitchell
reported (in Weslaco speaking to Valley Nature Center’s Dragonfly Days
participants in May 2004) that there are several biological control
agents that are showing promise in controlling these little devils. It is
thought that a microscopic parasite is attacking exclusively the
imported fire ant, and there are now signs of this ant’s decline being
reported across Texas.
Palm bugs look like very large cockroaches, amber colored
(coloured), one to two inches long with large folded back wings. They
live and breed outdoors, often in palm trees, and come indoors to
explore, look for food, read and watch TV. Finding them indoors does
not indicate a badly kept or dirty home or lodging. They are best
removed alive or dead because they can damage clothes and books
by chewing on them. The story goes that a few of the early Anglo
settlers from the U.S. Midwest did not stay in the Valley long – they
packed their bags carefully and left in a hurry when they came across
some of the large Valley bugs. They may also have run into our native
tarantula spiders. They probably did not stay long enough to notice
the beauty of our birds and butterflies.
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/ Planning, budgeting, & miscellaneous
Budgeting
Minimum prices
Accommodations (lodging) per night
$40
Unlikely to find decent digs for less than $35 per
night plus hotel tax at 13%
Normally include bath towels, soap, and often includes
shampoo, coffee maker, coffee
Auto (car) rental per week (free mileage),
compact (small)
$200
Price excludes optional insurance which runs 10%
to 20%. Many visa and master cards include rental
car insurance if the bill is paid through them. Check
with your card.
Flight
$ ___
Closest European international hubs are
Houston and Dallas/Ft Worth, but you can book right
through into the Valley airports. Get competitive quotes;
Southwest Airlines has lowest regular rates for flying within
U.S. but does not serve all airports.
Food per day
Eating out very carefully, or grocery store
$15
Eating out comfortably
$40
Eating out with a few drinks
$50
Gas (petrol) per US gallon
$1.50
If prices are high
$2.25
Compact cars do 20 to 28 miles per gallon
Full size cars do 16 to 22 miles per gallon
Film, from Dollar General, 35 mm color prints
per roll of 24
$2.16
Sales Taxes: Prices shown above include sales tax, but in stores and
advertising prices are quoted before tax. Hotel tax is usually 13%.
Retail sales tax is usually 8.25% and applies to all purchases except
food purchased from a supermarket (grocery store), and it does apply
to food purchased in a restaurant and for take out (take away) fast
food. It does not apply (yet) to admission charges. All taxes are
included in the advertised price of gas (petrol).
Tips: Restaurant servers work for minimum wage. They expect a tip
if their service warrants it. In the Valley tips typically run 10% to 15%.
Tip 20% if you are very pleased with service. It is fairly common to
leave a couple of dollars in the room at the end of a stay for the
housekeeper.
Clothing and personal items
• Backup extra glasses (local optical stores do minor frame repairs
free or for very little)
• Beach towel if you will be swimming (winter is sunny too)
• Bug spray
• Ice chest (cold box) or cold pack (some lodging facilities supply
loaners, ask) to store water and food and keep it cool in the car
• Hat (it will be very sunny here – keep your head cool and reduce
glare)
• Light color (colour) shirts (cooler, don’t attract bugs) with long
sleeves to prevent sun burn (especially for light skinned people)
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• Light wind breaker (even when it is cold it is not really cold, frost is
rare, it freezes briefly once about every 15 years)
• Notebook
• Optics, binoculars and scope
• Photographic gear
• Rain gear, minimal, because rain is rare, and usually stops soon
• Sandals (if you plan beach walks or canoeing, or if you wade for
odonates)
• Shorts & slacks (many of us wear shorts year round here), but
slacks if you are susceptible to biting bugs such as chiggers
• Sun glasses
• Sun screen with high UV A & B protection
• Swimming gear if you enjoy swimming
• Underwear (light weight)
Drinking and hiking
This will get your attention if ignored!
It is warm, or hot, and breezy all year. You will be very active. This
means drink plenty of water. Carry bottled water and drink at every
opportunity. You cannot drink too much when birding or chasing
butterflies, odonates and flora here. If you feel dehydrated drink
Powerade or Gatorade which replenishes electrolytes. It is available at
every corner store, gas (petrol) stop, and grocery store. Some lodging
facilities provide free bottled water (ask). If not buy a six or twelve pack
at the grocery store to save money. Bottled water frozen overnight
stays cold throughout the following day, and is also good for keeping
an ice chest (cold box) cold.
Weather
Sunsets. Get ready! This is a land of wonderful sunsets. They are
more dramatic in winter, but are also very impressive, too, in summer,
when it is so comfortable to be outside watching nature at sunset.
Winter. The weather is generally glorious. Days are sunny and in the
70s and 80s Fahrenheit (high teens and mid twenties Centigrade),
dropping 10 to 20 degrees at night. Skies are deep blue, dotted with
clouds, like August in northern Europe. There are some cold fronts that
blow in from the north and typically last several days, with
temperatures dipping, but rarely approaching freezing. There can be a
few overcast days with rain, but these seldom last more than a few
days. Generally, however, it clears up after rain, and birding continues,
albeit on muddy trails. We have a special sticky clay type of mud here.
It adheres like adhesive to all surfaces it contacts. It can be removed
using a brush and water, but is best avoided. But the trails dry up
surprisingly fast – often in 2 to 3 hours – so they can be hiked on later
the same day. Most days are just wonderful in winter.
Climate. It is warm, or hot, and breezy all year. We do not have much
of a climate here. Rather we have cycles of weather. The difference is
that climate suggests predictable seasonal patterns. Ours is not. Yes,
the winters are cooler and summers are hotter. But it can rain in any
month of the year with monsoon downpours, or not rain at all for nine
months in a row, usually in summer, so that dust blows and sneaks into
every crease of clothing and every room in the house and all around
inside the car. Heat. It typically stays in the 90 to 100 degree range in
summer (May through November most years) and can peak out well
over 100 (over 40 Centigrade).
Humidity. Most often we have 60-85 % humidity. It is highest after
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rain, and is most noticeable after rain in the summer. It is a significant
factor, even though it is not as severe as in Florida or along the U.S.
central Gulf of Mexico region, and not as high as one experiences in the
Tropics.
Summer. The good news about summer is that mornings and
evenings are absolutely wonderful. Life feels just wonderful outdoors
during those times. You have not lived until you have experienced the
LRGV summer mornings and evenings. There is invariably a comfortable
breeze in summer throughout the day, and it makes evenings perfect.
We use “daylight savings time” in the summer. We move the clocks
forward one hour in April (spring forward) and back one hour in
October (fall back). The heat peaks from about 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. In hot
weather (spring, summer and fall), take a break from 12 pm to 4 pm.
This is siesta time for a good reason. It is the hottest time of day and
everything slows down. You should too. If you don’t siesta, schedule
this time for visitor centers, reading, planning, leisurely lunch, driving,
or bird watching in the shade. If you wish to remain active, chase
butterflies and odonates, because they will be out in the sun, with the
mad dogs and Englishmen (I can write that because I am 50% English,
and I have to write it because I am 50% Scottish and it is their pastime
to take digs at the English).
Sun Screen. Everyone should apply sunscreen to all exposed skin
here throughout the year. While everyone should do it, light skinned
people must use sun screen to avoid skin damage.
Internet access
There are some internet cafes (South Padre, McAllen) and some
lodging facilities offer access to a computer on line (ask).
Laundry
Laundromats (self-serve) are common and inexpensive. Some
lodging facilities have free laundry facilities (ask).
Tea (a hot cuppa versus a tall cold glass)
When you order tea in Texas it comes weak black on ice with sugar
in a tall glass with a straw and a wedge of lemon or lime. This is not
tea to visitors from the north, and may be startling and even quite
upsetting the first time it is encountered; however, it turns out to be a
welcome treat in warm weather, although southerners drink it year
round.
Some places offer a choice of hot herbal teas, some of which are
decaf. Decaf regular tea is not offered at restaurants (and decaf coffee
is not always available). So for serious hot tea drinkers it is best to carry
some tea bags (and powdered whitener, called creamer here, for nomilk emergencies). A selection of teas is available in grocery stores, but
it is typically orange pekoe (weak for drinking black), not the strong
black tea favored by the British. Some stores, like HEB, carry Bigelow
teas who offer English Breakfast and Earl Grey in black tea. Be ready to
heat water in the coffee maker at motels because tea kettles and tea
pots are rare, except at some B&Bs (ask). Bottled or filtered water
works best for tea, as the tap water is high in dissolved solids and
chlorine which degrades tea’s flavor.
Telephone (ET call home)
All area codes are 3 digits. All local numbers are 7 digits. It cost 35
cents to 50 cents to make a local call from a public pay phone. Many
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lodging facilities have toll free numbers (free phone). Toll free numbers
start with 800 or 888 or 866 or 877 in place of the area code. Dial 1
followed by area code and number for long distance and toll free.
Regular credit cards (visa, master card) are the simplest to
use, but are risky because there is no limit on the charges that can be
assessed and the rates tend to be high. There are also services run by
the large telephone companies where the charges are predictable, like
1-800-collect and 1-800-callatt.
Prepaid telephone cards (telephone credit card with prepaid time on
it) are inexpensive, work well, and can be found everywhere, including
at many lodging facilities. Some lodging facilities allow free calls (even
overseas), but most charge (a lot) per call (ask before dialing).
/
A Note to A Non-birding Spouse
(birders – do not read this paragraph)
We love Non-birding Spouses. We care about you here. This is one
trip you will not want to miss! Let your spouse chase those silly birds
and butterflies from dawn to dusk. You will love this place. Relax and
pursue your own interests. Team up with another spouse or do it on
your own. Plan your own wonderful adventure. Slip into Old Mexico for
a lazy day of shopping and dining. Enjoy the beach, the museums, the
tastes, the accents, the Latin beat. See our list under Tourist Points of
Interest of some of the many tempting possibilities. We have a book
just for you: A Lady’s Day Out in the Rio Grande Valley and South Padre
Island, A Shopping Guide and Tourist Handbook, Spiced with Local
History and Heritage. It is jamb packed with neat places to explore. It is
a good resource book for gentlemen too.
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/ Tourist Points of Interest
Directions to find the places listed below are available through our
web site links, through The Guide Book (published by RGV Guides) and
Rio Grande Valley Visitors Guide (published by Times Media), both free
from any Chamber office.
• Art and collectibles
The larger cities have interesting art galleries and décor shops, and
many cities also have large outdoor murals. There are many antique
and collectible shops to explore tucked into corners across the Valley in
most cities. See our web site.
• Brownsville Museum of Fin Art, Brownsville (over 300 paintings,
including Chagall, Whistler, Wyeth, in 1834 Historic Neale Home)
• International Museum of Art & Science, McAllen (art, Mexican
folk art, special exhibits)
• Beach and lagoon
• Coastal Studies Laboratory, South Padre Island (aquarium)
• Sea Turtle Center, South Padre Island (Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle
conservation)
• Education (General)
• University of Texas-Pan American, Edinburg (started in 1927, 200
acre campus open to public)
• University of Texas-Brownsville, Brownsville (historic Fort Brown
now houses the local university)
• Fun
• Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark, South Padre Island (slides, chutes,
surf ride, etc)
• Super Splash Water Park, Edinburg (water park with rides and
wave pools)
• World’s Largest Killer Bee, Hidalgo (impressive statue)
• Fishing
• Fish Laguna Madre and deep sea in the Gulf of Mexico, South
Padre Island
• Sea Ranch Fishing Pier, South Padre Island. See also notes on
hunting, below.
• Gardens & Parks
• The Valley is filled with wonderful parks and gardens. See our
web site.
• Famous National Champion Montezuma Bald Cypress tree
(Abram, just west of Mission)
• Riverside Dreamer River Cruise (pontoon boat on the Rio Grande,
Mission)
• Sunderland’s Cactus Gardens, Alamo (superb collection of 2,000
different cacti)
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• Historic areas / buildings
• Brownsville Heritage Trail (self-guided tour of historic buildings
and homes)
• La Borde House, Rio Grande City (French architecture, built 1877)
• Los Ebanos Ferry, Mission (the last hand-drawn ferry across the Rio
Grande)
• Palo Alto Battlefield, Brownsville (visitor center & site of start of
Mexican War in 1846)
• Port Isabel Lighthouse, Port Isabel (1853 lighthouse, great view
from the top)
• Roma national Historic Landmark District & museum, Roma
(adjacent to Roma World Birding Center, dates back to 1790)
• San Ignacio village (founded 1790, see Fort Trevino built to
withstand Apache and Comanche raids)
• Villa de Cortez, Weslaco (restored buildings with great shopping
and restaurants)
• Weslaco Bicultural Museum, Weslaco (cultural displays)
• Mexico
• Centro Cultural Mexicano, McAllen (sponsored by Mexican
Consulate, revolving exhibits of local Mexican art)
• Nuevo Progresso, Mexican town built and run for tourism,
Weslaco (great dining and safe shopping, park in U.S. and walk
across the bridge)
• Museums
• American Legion Hall, Donna (First Legion Hall built in U.S.)
• Confederate Air Force RGV Wing, Brownsville (flying WWII
aircraft)
• Donna Hooks Fletcher Historical Museum, Donna (interesting
small town museum)
• Historic Brownsville Museum, Brownsville (housed in a Spanish
style railroad depot)
• Iwo Jima Memorial & Museum, Harlingen (military museum)
• La La Paz Museum, San Ignacio (county museum)
• Old Clock Museum, Pharr (over 1,000 clocks)
• Port Isabel Historical Museum, Port Isabel (in 1899 general store)
• Rio Grande Valley Historical Museum Complex, Harlingen
(multiple historic buildings)
• Smitty’s Jukebox Museum, Pharr (historic building housing
antique jukeboxes)
• South Texas Historical Museum, Edinburg (excellent diorama
displays)
• Stillman House Museum, Brownsville (in city founder’s 1850
home)
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• Performing Arts
• Camille Lightner Playhouse, Brownsville 956-542-8900
• Harlingen Performing Arts Theater, Harlingen 956-412-7529
• Harlingen Arts & Entertainment, Harlingen 956-430-6690
• McAllen Dance Theater, McAllen 956-686-1411
• Mid-Valley Civic Theater, Weslaco 956-968-7922
• Rio Grande Valley Ballet, McAllen 956-682-2721
• South Texas Chorale, Harlingen 956-423-1318
• South Texas Classical Guitar, McAllen 956-686-7619
• South Texas Dance Theatre, McAllen 956-630-3287
• South Texas Symphony, McAllen 956-630-5355
• Religious
• Basilica of Out Lady San Juan Del Valle National Shrine, San Juan
(visited by over 1,000,000 pilgrims a year)
• Lomita Mission, Mission (1865 Spanish mission, a small church)
• Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto (about 100 years old, Rio Grande City)
• Winter Events
During the winter, December through March, the whole Valley is
alive with cultural and arts events of every kind imaginable, outdoors
and indoors, catering to 150,000 winter Texans who stay here for one
to seven months to enjoy the wonder warm winter weather. There are
specialty weekly newspapers and event sheets available at Chambers
of Commerce. Also see our web site links.
• Zoo
• Gladys Porter Zoo, Brownsville (31 acres, 1500 specimens,
amongst finest zoos in U.S.)
/ Services Directory
Refer to our web site www.southtexasnature.com which has links to
the Chambers of Commerce for various cities, each of which has
information on the services in its area and additional links
• Accommodation
The Valley has a great many historic and modern motels, hotels, and
some bed & breakfasts. See our web site for links to the Valley’s cities
and their accommodation guides.
• Airports
We have excellent, easy in/out modern airports. The main airports are
Brownsville, Harlingen and McAllen, and the Valley is served by
American, Continental, Northwest and Southwest Airlines. See our web
site for more details.
• Audio & Bird Calls
Cornell Labs puts out an audio CD on Bird Calls of LRGV.
Thayer & Cornell Labs puts out a computer CD of North American birds
that includes recordings of their calls. Both these CDs may be
purchased from book stores, see Books & optics suppliers below.
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• Auto Rental (car hire)
The easiest place to find car rental is at or near our airports. One way
rentals are possible from some rental companies for similar rates. Note
that generally rental cars may not be driven in Mexico. Enquire from
rental agencies if you need that option. See our web site for car rental
at airports.
• Beach
See our web site, and look for South Padre Island
• Bicycles
Rental: Santa Ana Refuge has some old bikes available South Padre
Island has bike rental businesses
Sale & Repair: Bicycle World, McAllen 956-682-7454, Brownsville
956-541-9712 Sandoval Bicycle, Alamo 956-727-7172
• Birding Bed & Breakfasts of the Rio Grande Valley
There is an interesting network across the LRGV of birding B&Bs that
offer a unique experience to birders and butterflyers. They can be
reached through our web site or at www.rgv-bedandbreakfast.com
• Books & optics suppliers
Specialty nature book shops in LRGV
• Alamo Inn Birding & Outdoor Shop 801 Main St, Alamo, TX
78516 956-782-9912 [email protected] Personal shopping &
mail orders (free mailing) & birding advice
• Edinburg Wetlands World Birding Center Shop, Edinburg Personal
shopping
• Harlingen Wild Bird Center 122 East Jackson, Harlingen
956-428-2211 Personal shopping
• Laguna Atascosa Refuge Visitors Center Shop, near Rio Hondo
• Santa Ana Refuge Visitors Center Shop, near Alamo
• Sable Palm Grove Audubon Sanctuary, near Brownsville
956-956-541-8034 Personal shopping
• Valley Nature Center, Gibson Park, 301 S. Border, Weslaco
Specialty nature book shop on LRGV books outside LRGV
• Naturally Curious, Austin, Texas 512-321-2089
www.naturallycurious.com Mail order & internet shopping only
(free mailing over $25)
• Botanic Gardens
Valley Nature Center for native flora and native plant nursery.
Gladys Porter Zoo.
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• Canoes & Kayaks
• Organized Guided Trips, Friends of Santa Ana, 956-783-6117
• Kayak trips, Alan Williams 956-460-9864
• Rent a canoe with or without a guide, Alamo Inn 956-782-9912
email: [email protected]
• Eating & Drinking
The Valley has a wonderful selection of restaurants in every city. Talk
to locals and ask them their favorites and what local foods they enjoy,
and then ask them for their recommendations for visitors, if you’re not
adventurous enough to try their favorites. There are good grocery
stores, local shops and the HEB and Super Walmart chains that offer a
great choice of local favorites and some vegetarian, non-fat, low carb
and other specialty foods. There are health food stores in the larger
cities for vegetarian and specialty items. Delicatessens are rare, but
there is a good one in McAllen on 10th Street called Sahadi’s.
Most restaurants are licensed to sell beer and wine or beer, wine &
mixed drinks for consumption on the premises, but do not sell for take
out. Wine and beer are sold in most grocery stores, beer in most
convenience stores, and distilled liquor by liquor stores. It is legal and
acceptable to buy alcoholic beverages at a store and consume them in
a hotel room.
Alcohol may not be purchased or consumed by those under 21 years
of age, or tobacco by those under 18. Texas has an open container law
which requires that all open bottles of alcoholic beverage must be
transported in the trunk (boot) of a car or in the rear of a station wagon
or pickup. Driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is a
very serious offence which results in being transported to prison to
await a hearing. Persons found in possession of illegal drugs (including
marijuana) may expect a similar fate.
Smoking of tobacco products is restricted in the Valley mainly by the
owners of businesses and buildings. At accommodation facilities
frequently rooms are either smoking or non-smoking. Some buildings
and accommodation facilities and many restaurants do not allow any
smoking indoors.
• Fishing
See above under Tourist Points of Interest. Look for South Padre
Island on our web site. Also refer to information on hunting, below.
• Golf
Enquire from any Chamber of Commerce for the free RGV Golfing
Guide
• Guiding
Guiding falls into the following categories:
A. General birding outings and walks, and local field trips
• Santa Ana birding walks and trips to Sal del Rey
956-784-7500
• World Birding Center 956-584-9156
www.worldbirdingcenter.org
• Valley Nature Center 956-969-2475
www.valleynaturecenter.org
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• Local Audubon and birding clubs which can be located
through Valley Nature Center
B. Docent, Interpretive volunteers & Lists at Sanctuaries
• Many hot spots and sanctuaries have varying degrees of help.
The best consistent help is at Santa Ana Refuge, Frontera
Audubon, and Valley Nature Center
C. Specialized birding field trips
• These are offered by the LRGV’s numerous Nature & Birding
Festivals. Refer to the section in this guide on Nature Festivals
D. Personal or small group guiding in the field
• Alamo Inn 956-782-9912 [email protected], especially for
the Red-billed Pigeon
• Allen Williams 956-460-9864
• John Odgers 956-581-8861 [email protected]
• Roy Rodriguez [email protected]
• Horse Riding
Ride the beach at South Padre Island 956-761-4677
• Hunting
Hunting and fishing require licenses in Texas. These may be obtained
at outdoor stores and at some general and hardware stores. Hunting is
generally done on private land, frequently under a hunting lease paid
for by one or a group of hunters. There are also some ranches that cater
to trophy hunters (such as El Canelo Ranch). There are strict bag limits
by species and strict hunting seasons by species, particularly for
waterfowl, waders, and game birds. Fishing is also regulated by species,
season, size, and bag limits. It is important to note that fish and game
may not be sold in Texas unless it was raised domestically, with the
exception of commercial fishing. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
controls hunting and fishing and publishes an annual guide listing all
the regulations, which can be found at any sporting goods store.
• Maps
Contact:
• Texas road map, free from Texas DOT, 1-800-452-9292 or
www.dot.state.tx.us
• Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, Lower Texas Coast, Texas
Parks & Wildlife 512-389-4937, 512-389-8900
www.tpwd.state.tx.us , LRGV Chambers of Commerce, TXDOT
information centers
• Birding & Butterfly Map, usually free from LRGV Chambers of
Commerce, Valley Nature Center, Alamo Inn
• Birding & Butterfly Checklist & Guide, usually free from LRGV
Chambers of Commerce, Valley Nature Center, Alamo Inn
• Lower Rio Grande Valley map is available on
www.southtexasnature.com
• Rio Grande Valley Atlas, TexMaps, complete and detailed
coverage of the Valley, $26.95 at most major book stores and
Office Depot in the Valley.
• Internet maps: LRGV local and directional maps may be easily
obtained off the internet by entering the address of the
location sought. Beware of using internet route maps for long
journeys, as they often show the main roads for directions and
omit the lesser roads that may offer a much shorter and faster
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drive – for example the internet route map from San Antonio
to Alamo is about 100 miles longer than the direct route
traveling on equivalent roads.
• Medical
The Valley has an excellent medical system of practitioners and
hospitals. It is advisable to carry medical insurance. A visit to a family
practice (general practitioner) physician’s office generally costs $40 to
$65. In Texas physicians are licensed to practice and the training and
licensing for M.D.s and D.O.s (Doctor of Osteopathy) are of equal
standards and these two branches of medicine are considered equally
good.
In an emergency it is important to know that it is okay to go to the
nearest Hospital Emergency Room (dial 911 for an ambulance if
needed). By Federal law they cannot turn any patient away because of
inability to pay. If the injury or illness is not life threatening the delays
to be seen at the Emergency Room can be 4 to 12 hours.
Ask someone local for a recommendation for a physician if you need
to see a local physician.
• Optics
See books and optics shops
• Photographic Supplies
Film and film processing is done mainly at grocery stores like HEB,
discount stores like Walmart, and K-Mart, and at pharmacies like
Walgreens. One hour processing is common. Film can be purchased at
the same stores, and can also be found at Dollar General for a low
price. Supplies for digital cameras can be found at electronic stores like
Best Buy and Radio Shack.
• Ranches
The best known birding ranch in the Valley is El Canelo Ranch. See
our web site for additional links.
• Real Estate (Property)
There are many good realtors who are chamber members. See our
web site.
• Rentals (short term)
On the Island and else where there are furnished condos (flats),
corporate apartments (flats) and other facilities available for short term
rentals (by the month or week). See our web site for links.
• Shopping
A Lady’s Day Out in the Rio Grande Valley and South Padre Island
(see Reference section) lists many wonderful specialty stores. See our
web site for more.
• Tours
Refer to Guiding.
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Checklists of the Lower Rio Grande Valley
Nature Hot Spots
Listed alphabetically with the name of the nearest city for
easier trip planning. Description outlines nature of habitat and
important features. For directions and detailed write-ups refer to the
Birding and Butterfly Map (Topp Marketing) or the Birding and Butterfly
Guide (RGV Guides) or the Rio Grande Valley Visitor’s Guide (Times
Media Group).
Season passes are available to buy for free admission to all National
Wildlife Refuges (it saves money after 3 visits) and a separate one for
all State Parks (it saves money only after 16 visits). Ask at the visitor’s
center or entry kiosk about availability and price.
Not to be missed Hot Spots
Anzalduas County Park, Mission
This small mowed county park is great for birds and odonates. Grey
Hawk nests there most years. Watch the Resaca and the dam for
kingfishers. In addition to the water and a good stand of native trees
and open grassland, the park adjoins a closed tract of the Lower Rio
Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge on the Rio Grande that acts as
a reservoir and refuge for birds. Best during the week as it can get
crowded with picnickers on weekends. Take insect repellent. Restrooms.
Admission charge on weekends ($4 per car). Military highway east of
Bentsen-RGV State Park south of Mission. 956-585-5311
Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Mission
587 acre park is wooded and lies between a Resaca and the Rio
Grande. Good birds and butterflies. Known as a roosting spot for Hookbilled Kite and Elf Owl. Good for LRGV specialties. Several hiking trails,
and a circular drive. Hawk watch tower. Offers some bird walks and
tours in season. Hosts Christmas Bird Count and Hawk Watch.
Restrooms. Admission charge ($3 per person). FM 2062 south west of
Mission. 956-585-1107
Adjacent to the park the headquarters of the World Birding Center is
being developed and the park is slated to benefit from some enhanced
birding facilities in the future.
Chapeño / El Rio RV Park, Falcon Heights
This wonderful birding spot is set on a bluff overlooking the river.
There are primitive RV spots on the bluff and camp sites below next to
the river. It is an excellent launch site for canoes, kayaks and shallow
draft boats to bird from the river. They maintain bird feeders and attract
some specialties (for example this is currently the best place to see
Brown Jay). The river bank (and water) is good for spotting Red-billed
Pigeon, Audubon’s Oriole, Muscovy Duck, and kingfishers. Mexico is
barely visible. The land seen from the bank is a large island which is
part of Texas, U.S. ABA area, and the birds are “countable”. Great for
birds. Unique unforgettable rustic unisex restroom. Admission charge
($3 per person). South of Falcon Heights FM2098. 956-848-9457
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Edinburg Wetlands World Birding Center, Edinburg
40 acre park centered on wetlands and enhanced with extensive
native butterfly gardens, dragonfly pond, and well-appointed visitor
center and shop. Good for birds, butterflies and odonates. Restrooms.
Free admission to park, admission charge to visitors center. Sprague St
off Raul Longoria, Edinburg. 956-381-9922
Falcon State Park, Falcon Heights
This park is hot dry brush land semi-desert habitat and is great for
birds such as Cactus Wren, Scaled Quail and Greater Roadrunner. It is a
productive area and is always worth a stop. Brown Jays have been seen
here. Good for birds. Restrooms. Camping. North of Falcon Heights on
FM2098. Admission ($3) 956-848-5327
Note that Falcon Dam spillway viewing site and the Hobo Camp hike
below the spillway are closed for security reasons.
Frontera Audubon Thicket, Weslaco
A productive thicket and wetland with a good bird and butterfly list
and frequent rarities, run by Frontera Audubon. Historic Skaggs house
currently being renovated. Restrooms. Closes early. Admission (adults
$2.50, children $1, members free). 1101 S. Texas Blvd (FM88), Weslaco.
956-968-3275
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge,
near Rio Hondo
Bird list exceeds 400 species, refuge exceeds 45,000 acres (largest
tract in the Valley). Two good productive feeders at the visitors center.
Extensive productive butterfly garden. Excellent 15 mile paved (tarred)
drive through mesquite/yucca grassland with productive seasonal
ponds and along Laguna Madre with good views of the laguna and
distant islands. Ask at visitors center about what is being seen. Book
shop. Rest rooms (handicap). Some handicap accessible short walks.
Admission $3 per car. East of Rio Hondo, north of Laguna Vista. 956748-3608
Llano Grande Lake, Weslaco
Good water bird habitat, productive year round, species mix better
when water is lower, favoring waders. Good location for Cave
Swallows, Wood Storks (summer & fall), Roseate Spoonbills and year
round American White Pelican. Good birds. No facilities. South of
Weslaco before Progresso at the Floodway bridge on FM 1015.
Sabal Palm Grove Audubon Sanctuary, Brownsville
527 acre sanctuary with good habitat diversity similar to Santa Ana
Refuge includes Sabal Palm Groves, riparian forest, Resacas, and former
cleared land under reverting to brush. Good hiking trails. Interesting
butterfly garden. Good birds and butterflies with great record of
rarities. Visitor center and book shop. Bird feeders. Restrooms. Closes
early. Admission charge ($5). South of Brownsville on Southmost Rd
west if intersection with FM3068. 956-541-8034
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Salaneño, near Falcon Heights
Good spot for studying the river and public access launch point for
shallow boats and canoes, several miles down stream from Chapeño.
The closest shore is an island included in Texas and U.S. ABA area
(countable). Early January to late March a volunteer couple feed the
birds and allow free admission on a small conservation tract just up
from the river. Good birding including Audubon’s Orioles, Muscovy
Duck, Red-billed Pigeon, kingfishers. South off highway 83 just before
Falcon Heights FM2098 intersection. No facilities.
Salt Lakes, Willacy County due west of Raymondville due
north of Alamo
A remote quiet area steeped in history and mystery. Inland salt lakes
with no outlet fed by artesian springs surrounded by native woods.
Tracts are part of Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. 1
mile hike to lake from road. Scope needed. Restroom planned for
parking lot – may not yet be in place. Free admission. Good brush land
birds plus wintering birds. Large Diamond-back Rattlesnakes common
in hot weather – give them plenty of space. Brushline Rd (dirt road
crossing 186) offers good birding from car. Parking lot on north side of
highway 186 between 281 and Brushline. 956-784-7500
San Ygnacio Bird Sanctuary, San Ygnacio
Interesting story to this private sanctuary on Rio Grande in this
historic village. Private land. Good birds and butterflies. Known for
White-collared Seedeaters. No facilities. Parking and pedestrian entry at
south end of Washington St. Admission ($3)
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Alamo
Gem of the National Wildlife Refuge system, Santa Ana was the first
Nation Wildlife Refuge in the area, established in 1943. It is 2088 acres
on the Rio Grande with a productive mix of habitats and a bird list that
exceeds 400 species and great butterflies (approaching 300 species).
Best example of riparian forest in the Valley with trailing Spanish moss
and tall Valley Ash on a seasonal Resaca. Many miles of productive
trails. In season included a 7 mile natural history interpretive tram tour,
bird walks, and volunteers set up with scopes on the trails. Great birds
and butterflies. Plan for several visits. Visitor center with shop.
Restrooms. Admission ($3 per car). On military highway (281) just east
of Alamo Rd FM907. 956-784-7500
South Padre Island Convention Center & Board Walk,
South Padre Island
Possibly the most productive and enjoyable birding spot for water
birds and seasonal migrants is this area, with board walks paid for by
the local electric company and gardens developed by Dr Will Carter.
Great birds. Some butterflies. Restrooms. Free admission. Padre Blvd at
the north end of South Padre Island, next to the colorful, distinctive
Convention Center.
Star County Park, Falcon Heights area
This rather primitive park is great for many species of western desert
birds, including Cactus wren, Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Cassin’s
Sparrow. The back half of the park is still covered in native brush.
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Primitive bathrooms and picnic benches. Camping is also allowed here
during winter. The park can be closed sometimes in summer when
there are no volunteers to man the office. Free entry for birding.
Admission fee for day-use and camping.
Valley Nature Center, Weslaco
A charming unexpected secret garden at the back of Gibson Park. It
contains six acres of botanic garden and a nursery, all native plants,
that boasts one of the best butterfly lists in the area due to its great
diversity of flora. Birds and butterfly feeders enhance relaxed viewing
from comfortable chairs and benches set in thoughtful shaded spots
throughout the park. Great views of Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Goldenfronted Woodpecker, Plain Chachalaca, many doves and more. Unique
cacti gardens. Endangered Texas Tortoise and Slough Amberwing
dragonfly breed here. Great butterflies and good birding. Visitor center,
education center and gift shop. 301 S. Border, Gibson Park, Weslaco.
Admission charge (adults $2.50, children $1, members free). 956969-2475 www.valleynaturecenter.org
Productive specialty Hot Spots
Allen Williams yard, Pharr
Great native habitat created in eight years from an open yard, with
water and fruit feeding that attracts a good selection of birds, and has
a good record of vagrants. Admission donation $10 requested. No
facilities. Sam Houston, Pharr. By appointment. 956-460-9864
Boca Chica Beach, near Brownsville
Includes tracts of Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
Beach and dune and salt grass habitat (like South Padre Island). No
facilities. Free admission. INS check point on the way out. Highway 4
east of Brownsville.
Brownsville Landfill, Brownsville
Landfill site that attracts an interesting cross section of scavenging
birds. Used to be the best spot for seeing the Tamaulipas Crow. Office
hours only. Permission required at garbage truck control booth.
Restricted specified area for parking and birding. No facilities. Free
admission. Entrance at intersection of FM511 and FM802, Brownsville.
Casa Santa Ana, near Alamo
Set in a fast growing native woodland with all the associated birds
and butterflies and only a five minute walk into Santa Ana Refuge.
Permission required. Run by birders. www.casasantaana.com 956-5835540
Chihuahua Woods Preserve, near Mission
243 acre wildlife preserve is owned and run by the Nature
Conservancy and was established primarily as a cactus preserve. Good
for cactus, birds and butterflies. It has no facilities and trails are rough.
Take repellent. No facilities. Free admission. Near Fm492 and Business
83.
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Delta Lake, near Weslaco
Fresh water reservoir and small county park busy on weekends with
picnickers and fishers (anglers). Good for a cross section of birds,
including Long-billed Curlew, Roseate Spoonbill, American White
Pelican. Primitive rest rooms. Take repellent. Admission charge
weekends ($2). 16 miles north of Weslaco on FM88.
El Canelo Ranch, near Raymondville
Known for ranch’s yard bird, the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, which is
always there. Great brush land birding, butterflies and wild flowers on
this remote and romantic birding and trophy hunting family ranch
(3,000 acres) and inn. Restrooms. Admission charge ($35) waived if
staying overnight. 10 miles north of Raymondville off highway 77. By
appointment only. 956-689-5042
Highway 48, drive
Port Isabel to Brownsville, good vistas of new Bahia Grande tract
of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.
Highway 186, drive
From highway 281 north of Edinburg to Port Mansfield, interesting
seasonal roadside ponds and brush land birding on fences, in trees and
on utility lines. Watch for sparrows (listen for Botteri’s Sparrow) and
hawks.
Highway 100, drive
From highway 77 to South Padre Island. Watch for spring nesting on
north side of road from reducing (glue) plant (at bend in road east of
Los Fresnos) to Lakeview. White-tailed Kite in yucca, Harris’s Hawk,
Chihuahua Raven, Aplomado Falcon on wooden utility poles.
Hugh Ramsey Nature Park, Harlingen
50 acre wooded park on Arroyo Colorado. Trails. No facilities. Free
admission. Good birds. Ed Carey Drive and Arroyo Colorado. 956-4278870
Indian Ridge Bed & Breakfast, near Mission
Offers some good bird and butterfly habitat, feeders, and a resident
family of Barn Owls. Permission required. Run by birders. www.indianridge-bb.com 956-585-8682
Inn at Chachalaca Bend, near Los Fresnos
Aptly named for its Plain Chachalaca flock, deluxe birding B&B and
special events facility set on Resaca and 40 acres with breathtaking
tropical gardens and native woods. Permission required. North east of
Los Fresnos. Call for directions. 888-612-6800
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Los Ebanos Preserve, between San Benito and
Brownsville
Private stately southern home (available for events) on resaca
surrounded by 82 acres of native woods and lovely gardens. Run by
descendent of original owner. Good birds and butterflies. Gift shop.
Restrooms. Admission charge. Winter only. Off highway 100 just east of
highway 77. 956-399-9097
Methodist Camp Thicket, Weslaco
One of few remaining uncleared stands of native brush near the
Rio Grande. Good birds, butterflies, great flora. Restrooms. Closes
early. Admission charge. Access with permission. Off FM1015 south of
Weslaco just before floodway. If gate is open enter and request
permission or call 956-565-6006
NABA Butterfly Park, near Mission
84 acres being planted just for butterflies. This is the first outdoor
butterfly preserve of its kind in North America. Located just east of
Bentsen-RGV State Park, to which it is connected by a tract of the LRGV
National Wildlife Refuge. The NABA park also has frontage on the Rio
Grande. Park is currently in development. www.naba.org
Old Port Isabel Road
Dirt road in between Hwy 100 and FM 511 in Brownsville. Refer to
the Birding Maps. It is a good spot for Cassin’s Sparrows and can be
productive for Botteri’s as well. Should not be attempted after rain as
it is definitely not drivable in wet conditions! Very rough in places with
deep tracks and pot holes.
Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen
1930s country estate with Spanish Revival adobe hacienda
surrounded by 8 acres of native woods with trails. Restroom usually
available. Admission by reservation with permission. 600 Sunset Ave,
McAllen, south of town near airport. 956-688-3333
Roma World Birding Center, Roma
Deck set on top of a bluff and 3 acres overlooking the Rio Grande.
Trails being developed into native woods. Interesting historic area
adjoining. Good birds and butterflies. In development. No facilities yet.
Free admission. 956-849-4930
Vieh’s Bed & Breakfast, near San Benito
Family run 15 acre partly wooded ranch and B&B 3 miles from
Mexico. Good for birds and butterflies. Charley guides Mexico trips.
Lodging. Permission needed or included in overnight stay. Call for
directions. 956-425-4651
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Other Hot Spots
Native habitat everywhere in the Valley attracts birds and butterflies.
Cemeteries are good. Water is a magnet for birds and odonates – look
at ditches, canals, ponds, reservoirs, shore lines, flooded turf farms, and
standing water in fields. All ocean and laguna beaches and river shores
are excellent for birds. Some agricultural areas are good – look closely
at ploughed fields, grassland, cattle feed lots, tree lines, brushy areas,
the edges and fence lines of quiet dirt roads. Developed areas are
productive – watch utility lines, water towers, and old palm trees for
nesting holes (Woodpeckers, Parrots and Parakeets, and of course
Starlings). Residential areas with mature trees are excellent for a range
of birds, including doves. In hot weather look for shady spots and water
where birds remain active, and look up for raptors. Evening and nights
are great everywhere for nighthawks and owls.
Talk to everyone about what they see and where. You will discover
birds everywhere – it only takes some birdwatchers identifying and
counting birds to create a new hot spot. There are some interesting
stories you may be able to hear from locals about hawks and owls
transforming into witches and witches becoming raptors.
For more stopping places of varying quality and accuracy, to bird or
butterfly, consult the following:
• Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, Lower Texas Coast, Texas
Parks & Wildlife 512-389-4937, 512-389-8900
www.tpwd.state.tx.us, Birding and Butterfly Map (Topp
Marketing),
• Birding and Butterfly Guide (RGV Guides), Rio Grande Valley
Visitor’s Guide (Times Media Group), and refer to books in the
References section above.
Vertebrates
This list of vertebrates, excluding birds and fish, is found at Santa
Ana National Wildlife Refuge (south of Alamo) and is taken from
information provided by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. These animals are
typical of those found along the Lower Rio Grande.
Notes:
E = Endangered species (Federal U.S. listed)
I = Introduced species
This list has 12 Amphibians, 35 Reptiles, and 45 Mammals.
Notably absent are White-tailed Deer (which were presumably
hunted out early on along the river, but are still abundant in the
ranch country) and Rattlesnakes (which presumably found the
lands adjacent to the river too wet during the frequent floods
before the advent of dams stopped the flooding, and which
become common in the brush country inland 10 to 20 miles
from the Rio Grande).
Amphibians: 21 amphibian species breed in the LRGV, including
18 frog and toad species (25% of the U.S. species)
breed in the LRGV.
Turtles: 11 species of turtles occur in the LRGV.
Crocodilians: 1 species (American Alligator)
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Lizards: 21 species
Snakes: 33 species
Mammals: 83 species, including onshore dolphins; another 6
may be found far offshore.
Cats that may be seen are bobcat, ocelot, and jaguarundi. Cougars
are rare. Jaguar have been eliminated. All the cats are secretive and
shy. The bobcat is the only one that is a common resident. Along with
the coyote, bobcats seen at a distance (often on a trail or in a
clearing) do not show fear, and tend to stare at the intruder, before
slinking off into the brush.
Amphibians
Salamanders
❏ Rio Grande Lesser Siren
❏ Black-spotted Newt
Siren intermedia texana
Notophthalmus
meridionalis
Frogs and Toads
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Couch’s Spadefoot
Rio Grande Chirping Frog
Green Treefrog
Mexican Treefrog
Grant Toad
Texas Toad
Gulf Coast Toad
Rio Grande Leopard Frog
Great Plains Narrowmouth Toad
Sheep Frog
Scaphiopus couchi
Syrrhophus cystignathoides campi
Hyla cinerea I
Smilisca baudinii
Bufo marinus
Bufo speciosus
Bufo valliceps valliceps
Rana berlandieri
Gastrophryne olivacea
Hypopachus variolasus
Reptiles
Turtles
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Yellow Mud Turtle
Ornate Box Turtle
Red-eared Slider
Texas Tortoise
Texas Spiny Softshell
Kinosternon flavescens
Terapene ornate ornata
Trachemis scripta elegans
Gohperus berlandieri
Tionyx spiniferus emoryi
Lizards
❏
❏
❏
❏
Mediterranean Gecko
Green Anole
Texas Horned Lizard
Mesquite Lizard
❏ Texas Spiny Lizard
❏ Southern Prairie Lizard
❏
❏
❏
❏
Rosebelly Lizard
Four-lined Skink
Ground Skink
Texas Spotted Whiptail
❏ Laredo Striped Whiptail
Hemidacrtylus turcicus I
Anolis carolinensis I
Phrynosoma cornutum
Trionyx spiniferus emoryi
microlepidotus
Sceloporus olivaceus
Sceloporus undulates
consbrinus
Sceloporus variabilis marmoratus
Eumeces t. tetragrammus
Scincella lateralis
Cnemidophorus gularis
gularis
Cnemidophorus laredoensis
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Snakes
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Plains Blind Snake
Texas Glossy Snake
Mexican Racer
Black-Striped Snake
Texas Indigo Snake
Speckled Racer
Great Plains Rat Snake
Mexican Hooknose Snake
Western Coachwhip
Ruthven’s Whipsnake
Diamondback Water Snake
Western Rough Green Snake
Bullsnake
Texas Patchnose Snake
Taylor’s Ground Snake
Texas Brown Snake
Checkered Garter Snake
Gulf Coast Ribbon Snake
Texas Coral Snake
Leptotyphlops dulcis dulcis
Arizona elegans arenicola
Coluber constrictor oaxaca
Coniophanes imperialis imperialis
Drymarchon corais erebennus
Drymobius m. margaritiferus
Elaphe guttata emoryi
Ficimia streckeri
Mastecophis flagellum testaceus
Masticophis taeniatus ruthveni
Nerodia rhombifera rhombifera
Opheodrys aestivus majalis
Pituaphis melanoleusus sayi
Salvadora grahamiae lineata
Sonora semiannulata taylori
Storeria dekayi texana
Thamnophis marcianus marcianus
Thamnophis proximus orarius
Micrurus fulvius tenere
Mammals
Marsupials
❏ Virginia Opossum
Didelphis virginiana californica
Insectivores
❏ Least Shrew
Cryptotis parva berlandieri
Bats
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Peter’s Ghost-faced Bat
Mexican Long-tongued Bat
Cave Myotis
Eastern Pipistrelle
Big Brown Bat
Evening Bat
Northern Yellow Bat
Red Bat
Hoary Bat
Pallid Bat
Mexican Free-tailed Bat
Mormoops m. megalophylla
Choeronycteris mexicana
Myotis velifer incautus
Pipistrellus subflavus subflavus
Eptesicus fuscus fuscus
Nycticeius humeralis mexicanus
Lasiurus intermedius intermedius
Lasiurus borealis borealis
Lasiurus cinereus cinereus
Antrozous pallidus obscurus
Tadarida brasiliensis mexicana
Armadillos
❏ Nine-banded Armadillo
Dasypus novemcinctus mexicanus
Hares and Rabbits
❏ Eastern Cottontail
❏ Black-tailed Jackrabbit
Sylvilagus floridanus chapmani
Lepus californicus merriami
Rodents
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Mexican Ground Squirrel
Fox Squirrel
Hispid Pocket Mouse
Mexican Spiny Pocket Mouse
Beaver
Coues’ Rice Rat
Fulvous Harvest Mouse
❏ White-footed Mouse
❏ Northern Pygmy Mouse
❏ Hispid Cotton Rat
Spermophilus mexicanus parvidens
Sciurus niger I
Chaetodipus hispidus hispidus
Liomys irroratus texensis
Castor canadensis mexicanus
Oryzomus palustris couesi
Reithrodontomys julvescens
intermedius
Peromyscus leucopus texanus
Maiomys taylori taylori
Sigmodon hispidus berlandieri
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South Plains Wood Rat
Black Rat
Norway rat
House Mouse
Nutria
Page 43
Neotoma micropus micropus
Rattus rattus I
Rattus norvegicus I
Mus musculus I
Myocastor coypus I
Carnivores
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Coyote
Gray Fox
Ringtail
Raccoon
Long-tailed Weasel
Badger
Eastern Spotted Skunk
Striped Skunk
Mountain Lion
Ocelot
Jaguarundi
Bobcat
Canis latrans microdon
Urocyon cinereoargenteus scottii
Bassariscus astutus flavus
Procyon lotor fuscipes
Mustela frenata frenata
Taxidea taxus berlandieri
Spilogale putorius interrupta
Mephitis mephitis varians
Felis concolor
Felis pardalis albescens E
Felis yagouaroundi cacomitli E
Felis rufus texensis
Hooved Mammals
❏ Feral Hog
❏ Collared Peccary, Javelina
Sus scrofa I
Dicotyles tajacu angulatus
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Odonates
This checklist is copied from the Valley Nature Center web site (June
2004) www.valleynaturecenter.org and has been developed by
naturalists and guides (such as Bob Behrstock) in the field while
leading the Valley Nature Center’s annual Dragonfly Days event. 35%
of Texas odonates and 14% of U.S. odonates are found in the LRGV.
DRAGONFLIES
Darners
❏
❏
❏
❏
Turquoise-tipped Darner
Common Green Darner
Amazon Darner
Bar-sided Darner
Aeshna psilus
Anax junius
Anax amzili
Gynacantha mexicana
Clubtails
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Broad-striped Forceptail
Narrow-striped Forceptail
Flag-tailed Spinyleg
Eastern Ringtail
Tamaulipan Clubtail
Sulphur-tipped Clubtail
Five-striped Leaftail
Russet-tipped Clubtail
Prince Baskettail
Aphylla augustifolia
Aphylla protracta
Dromogomphus spoilatus
Erpetogomphus designatus
Gomphus gonzalezi
Gomphus militaris
Phyllogomphoides albrighti
Stylurus plagiatus Emeralds
Epitheca princes
Skimmers
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Red-tailed Pennant
Four-spotted Pennant
Tawny Pennant
Narrow-winged Skimmer
Checkered Setwing
Black Setwing
Swift Setwing
Pin-tailed Pondhawk
Eastern Pondhawk
Great Pondhawk
Seaside Dragonlet
Band-winged Dragonlet
Neon Skimmer
Needham’s Skimmer
Marl Pennant
Straw-colored Sylph
Hyacinth Glider
Spot-tailed Dasher
Three-striped Dasher
Thornbush Dasher
Roseate Skimmer
Orange-bellied Skimmer
Blue Dasher
Wandering Glider
Spot-winged Glider
Slough Amberwing***
Eastern Amberwing
Filigree Skimmer
Variegated Meadowhawk
Evening Skimmer
Striped Saddlebags
Brachymesia furcata
Brachymesia gravida
Brachymesia herbida
Cannaphila insularis
Dythemis fugax
Dythemis nigrescens
Dythemis velox
Erythemis plebeja
Erythemis simplicicollis
Erythemis vesiculosa
Erythrodiplax umbrata
Erythrodiplax umbrata
Libellula croceipennis
Libellula needhami
Macrodiplax balteata
Macrothemis inacuta
Miathyria marcella
Micrathyria aequalis
Micrathyria didyma
Micrathyria hagenii
Orthemis ferruginea
Orthemis discolor
Pachydiplax longipennis
Pantala flavescens
Pantala hymenaea
Perithemis domitia
Perithemis tenera
Pseudoleon superbus
Sympetrum corruptum
Tholymis citrine
Tramea calverti
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❏ Black Saddlebags
❏ Red Saddlebags
Tramea lacerate
Tramea onusta
DAMSELFLIES
Broad-winged Damselflies
❏ American Rubyspot
❏ Smoky Rubyspot
Hetaerina americana
Hetaerina titia
Spreadwings
❏
❏
❏
❏
Plateau Spreadwing
Common Spreadwing
Rainpool Spreadwing
Chalky Spreadwing
Lestes alacer
Lestes disjunctus - australis
Lestes forficula
Lestes sigma
Threadtails
❏ Amelia’s Threadtail
❏ Orange-striped Threadtail
Neoneura amelia
Protoneura cara
Pond Damsels
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Mexican Wedgetail
Blue-fronted Dancer
Kiowa Dancer
Powdered Dancer
Springwater Dancer
Golden-winged Dancer
Blue-ringed Dancer
Dusky Dancer
Double-striped Blue
Familiar Blue
Big Bluet
Neotropical Bluet
Orange Bluet
Citrine Forktail
Rambur’s Forktail
Caribbean Yellowface
Desert Firetail
Acanthagrion quadratum
Argia apicalis
Argia immunda
Argia moesta
Argia plana
Argia rhoadsi
Argia sedula
Argia translata
Enallagma basidens
Enallagma civile
Enallagma durum
Enallagma novaehispaniae
Enallagma signatum
Ischnura hastata
Ischnura ramburii
Neoerythromma cultellatum
Telebasis salva
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Butterflies of the Lower
Rio Grande Valley
This checklist is based on Checklist & English Names of North American
Butterflies by The North American Butterfly Association (NABA) (2nd
Edition 2001) and follows their precedents. That publication should be
consulted for useful commentary on rarities and for an extensive list of
references. The abundance codes and checklist included in The Birding
& Butterfly Guide to the Rio Grande Valley (2004, RGV Guidebooks
division
of
the
Monitor)
and
the
checklist
at
www.valleynaturecenter.org have also been used in preparing this list.
Of 500 U.S. butterfly species 60% or 300 are found in the LRGV, of 120
species are limited to South Texas, and of these 70 species (14% of U.S.
species) are limited to the LRGV.
Occurrence Codes:
A = Abundant
C = Common
U = Uncommon
O = Occasional
R = Rare
X = Accidental (less than five records)
H = Hypothetical (needs further documentation for RGV or
occurs nearby)
F = Former (not recorded in 50 years)
Swallowtails
Swallowtails
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Family Papilionidae
Subfamily Papilioninae
Pipevine Swallowtail
Polydamas Swallowtail
Dark Kite-Swallowtail
Black Swallowtail
Thoas Swallowtail
Giant Swallowtail
Ornythion Swallowtail
Broad-banded Swallowtail
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Three-tailed Swallowtail
Palamedes Swallowtail
Magnificent Swallowtail
Victorine Swallowtail
Pink-spotted Swallowtail
Ruby-spotted Swallowtail
Battus philenor
Battus polydamas
Eurytides philolaus
Papilio polyxenes
Papilio thoas
Papilio cresphontes
Papilio ornythion
Papilio astyalus
Papilio glaucus
Papilio pilumnus
Papilio palamedes
Papilio garamas
Papilio victorinus
Papilio pharnaces
Papilio anchisiades
C
O
H
U
X
A
O
R
X
H
H
X
H
X
O
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Whites and Sulphurs
Whites
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Subfamily Pierinae
Mexican Dartwhite
Florida White
Checkered White
Cabbage White
Great Southern White
Giant White
Falcate Orangetip
Sulphurs
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Family Pieridae
Catasticta nimbice
Appias Drusilla
Pontia protodice
Pieris rapae
Ascia monuste
Ganyra Josephina
Anthocharis midea
H
O
C
R
C
O
O
Colias eurytheme
Colias cesonia
Anteos clorinde
Anteos maerula
Phoebis sennae
Phoebis philea
Phoebis argante
Phoebis agarithe
Phoebis neocypris
Phoebis statira
Kricogonia lyside
Eurema daira
Eurema albula
Eurema boisduvaliana
Eurema mexicana
Eurema Salome
Eurema proterpia
Eurema lisa
Eurema nise
Eurema dina
Eurema nicippe
Nathalis iole
U
C
O
O
C
O
H
C
X
R
A
R
X
R
U
X
O
A
C
X
C
C
Subfamily Coliadinae
Orange Sulphur
Southern Dogface
White Angled-Sulphur
Yellow Angled-Sulphur
Cloudless Sulphur
Orange-barred Sulphur
Apricot Sulphur
Large Orange Sulphur
Tailed Sulphur
Statira Sulphur
Lyside Sulphur
Barred Yellow
Ghost Yellow
Boisduval’s Yellow
Mexican Yellow
Salome Yellow
Tailed Orange
Little Yellow
Mimosa Yellow
Dina Yellow
Sleepy Orange
Dainty Sulphur
Mimic-Whites
Subfamily Dismorphiinae
❏ Costa-spotted Mimic-White
Enantia Albania
X
Gossamer-wing Butterflies
Family Lycaenidae
Harvesters
Subfamily Miletinae
❏ Harvester
Hairstreaks
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Feniseca tarquinius
H
Subfamily Theclinae
Mexican Cycadian
Strophius Hairstreak
Great Purple Hairstreak
Stag Hairstreak
Gold-bordered Hairstreak
Marius Hairstreak
Black Hairstreak
Telea Hairstreak
Silver-banded Hairstreak
Clench’s Greenstreak
Goodson’s Greenstreak
Tropical Greenstreak
Eumaeus toxea
Allosmaitia strophius
Atlides halesus
Rekoa stagira
Rekoa palegon
Rekoa marius
Ocaria ocrisia
Chlorostrymon telea
Chlorostrymon simaethis
Cyanophrys miserabilis
Cyanophrys goodsoni
Cyanophrys herodotus
F
R
O
X
X
R
X
X
O
R
R
X
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Page 49
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Xami Hairstreak
Aquamarine Hairstreak
White M Hairstreak
Gray Hairstreak
Red-crescent Scrub-Hairstreak
Red-lined Scrub-Hairstreak
Yojoa Scrub-Hairstreak
White Scrub-Hairstreak
Lacey’s Scrub-Hairstreak
Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak
Tailless Scrub-Hairstreak
Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak
Ruddy Hairstreak
Muted Hairstreak
Dusky-blue Groundstreak
Red-spotted Hairstreak
Pearly-gray Hairstreak
Leda Ministreak
Clytie Ministreak
Gray Ministreak
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Western Pygmy-Blue
Cassius Blue
Marine Blue
Cyna Blue
Ceraunus Blue
Reakirt’s Blue
Eastern Tailed-Blue
Blues
Callophrys xami
Oenomaus ortygnus
Parrhasius m-album
Strymon melinus
Strymon rufofusca
Strymon bebrycia
Strymon yojoa
Strymon albata
Strymon alea
Strymon istapa
Strymon cestri
Strymon bazochii
Electrostrymon sangala
Electrostrymon canus
Calycopis isobeon
Tmolus echion
Siderus tephraeus
Ministrymon leda
Ministrymon clytie
Ministrymon azia
O
X
H
C
O
R
O
R
R
C
X
O
R
X
C
X
X
H
U
R
Subfamily Polyommatinae
Metalmarks
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Snouts
Brephidium exile
Leptotes cassius
Leptotes marina
Zizula cyna
Hemiargus ceraunus
Hemiargus isola
Everes comyntas
Family Riodinidae
Fatal Metalmark
Rounded Metalmark
Rawson’s Metalmark
Red-bordered Metalmark
Blue Metalmark
Red-bordered Pixie
Curve-winged Metalmark
Falcate Metalmark
Narrow-winged Metalmark
Walker’s Metalmark
Brushfooted Butterflies
Calephelis nemesis
Calephelis perditalis
Calephelis rawsoni
Caria ino
Lasaia sula
Melanis pixe
Emesis emesia
Emesis tenedia
Apodemia multiplaga
Apodemia walkeri
Family Nymphalidae
C
C
R
U
U
U
R
X
X
R
Libytheana carinenta
A
Subfamily Libytheinae
❏ American Snout
Heliconians and Fritillaries
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
C
C
O
R
C
C
R
Gulf Fritillary
Mexican Silverspot
Banded Orange Heliconian
Julia Heliconian
Isabella’s Heliconian
Zebra Heliconian
Erato Heliconian
Variegated Fritillary
Mexican Fritillary
Subfamily Heliconiinae
Agraulis vanillae
Dione moneta
Dryadula phaetusa
Dryas iulia
Eueides isabella
Heliconius charithonia
Heliconius erato
Euptoieta Claudia
Euptoieta hegesia
A
O
X
U
R
C
R
C
O
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True Brushfoots
Page 50
Subfamily Nymphalinae
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Theona Checkerspot
Bordered Patch
Definite Patch
Banded Patch
Crimson Patch
Rosita Patch
Red-spotted Patch
Elf
Tiny Checkerspot
Elada Crescent
Texan Crescent
Pale-banded Crescent
Black Crescent
Chestnut Crescent
Black-bordered Tegosa
Vesta Crescent
Phaon Crescent
Pearl Crescent
Question Mark
Mourning Cloak
American Lady
Painted Lady
West Coast Lady
Red Admiral
Orange Mapwing
Mimic
Common Buckeye
Mangrove Buckeye
Tropical Buckeye
Dark Buckeye
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
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❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
White Peacock
Banded Peacock
Malachite
Rusty-tipped Page
Admirals and Relatives
Red-spotted Purple
Viceroy
Band-celled Sister
California Sister
Spot-celled Sister
Common Banner
Mexican Bluewing
Dingy Purplewing
Florida Purplewing
Blue-eyed Sailor
Mexican Eighty-eight
Common Mestra
Red Rim
Red Cracker
Gray Cracker
Variable Cracker
Guatemalan Cracker
Orion Cecropian
Blomfild’s Beauty
Waiter Daggerwing
Thessalia theona
U
Chlosyne lacinia
C
Chlosyne definite
O
Chlosyne endeis
R
Chlosyne janais
R
Chlosyne rosita
R
Chlosyne marina
X
Microtia elva
X
Dymasia dymas
R
Texola elada
C
Phyciodes texana
C
Phyciodes tulcis
R
Phyciodes ptolyca
X
Phyciodes argentea
R
Tegosa anieta
H
Phyciodes vesta
C
Phyciodes phaon
C
Phyciodes tharos
C
Polygonia interrogationis O
Nymphalis antiopa
R
Vanessa virginiensis
U
Vanessa cardui
U
Vanessa annabella
X
Vanessa atalanta
U
Hypanartia lethe
H
Hypolimnas misippus
X
Junonia coenia
U
Junonia evarete
O
Junonia genoveva
R
Junonia genoveva
nigrosuffusa
U
Anartia jatrophae
C
Anartia Fatima
R
Siproeta stelenes
O
Siproeta epaphus
X
Subfamily Limenitidinae
Limenitis arthemis astyanax R
Limenitis archippus
X
Adelpha fessonia
O
Adelpha bredowii
X
Adelpha basiloides
X
Epiphile adrasta
X
Myscelia ethusa
U
Eunica monima
R
Eunica tatila
R
Dynamine dyonis
R
Diaethria asteria
H
Mestra amymone
C
Biblis hyperia
O
Hamadryas amphinome
X
Hamadryas februa
O
Hamadryas feronia
X
Hamadryas guatemalena
R
Historis odius
X
Smyrna blomfildia
R
Marpesia coresia
X
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❏ Many-banded Daggerwing
❏ Ruddy Daggerwing
Leafwings
❏
❏
❏
❏
Anaea aidea
Anaea andria
Anaea glycerium
Anaea pithyusa
C
U
X
R
Subfamily Apaturinae
Hackberry Emperor
Empress Leilia
Tawny Emperor
Pavon Emperor
Silver Emperor
Morphos
Asterocampa celtis
Asterocampa leilia
Asterocampa clyton
Doxocopa pavon
Doxocopa laure
U
C
A
R
R
Morpho polyphemus
H
Cyllopsis gemma
Hermeuptychia sosybius
Megisto rubricate
U
C
H
Subfamily Morphinae
❏ White Morpho
Satyrs
R
R
Subfamily Charaxinae
Tropical Leafwing
Goatweed Leafwing
Angled Leafwing
Pale-spotted Leafwing
Emperors
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Marpesia Chiron
Marpesia petreus
Subfamily Satyrinae
❏ Gemmed Satyr
❏ Carolina Satyr
❏ Red Satyr
Clearwings
Subfamily Ithomiinae
❏ Klug’s Clearwing
Monarchs
❏
❏
❏
❏
Monarch
Queen
Soldier
Tiger Mimic-Queen
Skippers
F
Danaus plexippus
Danaus gilippus
Danaus eresimus
Lycorea cleobaea
U
A
U
H
Family Hesperiidae
Spread-wing Skippers
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
Dircenna klugii
Subfamily Danainae
Beautiful Beamer
Guava Skipper
Mercurial Skipper
Silver-spotted Skipper
Broken Silverdrop
Hammock Skipper
Manuel’s Skipper
White-striped Longtail
Zilpa Longtail
Gold-spotted Aguna
Emerald Aguna
Tailed Aguna
Mottled Longtail
Mexican Longtail
Eight-spotted Longtail
White-crescent Longtail
Long-tailed Skipper
Pronus Longtail
Esmeralda Longtail
Double-striped Longtail
Dorantes Longtail
Teleus Longtail
Tanna Longtail
Plain Longtail
Subfamily Pyrginae
Phocides belus
Phocides polybius
Proteides mercurius
Epargyreus clarus
Epargyreus exadeus
Polygonus leo
Polygonus manueli
Chioides catillus
Chioides zilpa
Aguna asander
Aguna claxon
Aguna metophis
Typhedanus undulates
Polythrix mexicanus
Polythrix octomaculata
Codatractus alcaeus
Urbanus proteus
Urbanus pronus
Urbanus esmeraldus
Urbanus belli
Urbanus dorantes
Urbanus teleus
Urbanus tanna
Urbanus simplicius
X
O
R
X
X
R
X
U
O
O
X
R
X
X
R
X
U
X
X
X
U
U
X
X
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❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
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❏
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❏
❏
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❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
❏
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Brown Longtail
White-tailed Longtail
Two-barred Flasher
Small-spotted Flasher
Frosted Flasher
Gilbert’s Flasher
Yellow-tipped Flasher
Skinner’s Cloudywing
Coyote Cloudywing
Jalapus Cloudywing
Northern Cloudywing
Potrillo Skipper
Fritzgaertner’s Flat
Stallings’ Flat
Falcate Skipper
Mimosa Skipper
Acacia Skipper
Outis Skipper
Starred Skipper
Purplish-black Skipper
Glazed Pellicia
Morning Glory Pellicia
Mottled Bolla
Obscure Bolla
Golden-headed Scallopwing
Mazans Scallopwing
Hayhurst’s Scallopwing
Variegated Skipper
Blue-studded Skipper
Hoary Skipper
Glassy-winged Skipper
Red-studded Skipper
Texas Powdered-Skipper
Sickle-winged Skipper
Hermit Skipper
Brown-banded Skipper
White-patched Skipper
False Duskywing
Horace’s Duskywing
Mournful Duskywing
Funereal Duskywing
Common Checkered-Skipper
White Checkered-Skipper
Tropical Checkered-Skipper
Desert Checkered-Skipper
Erichson’s White-Skipper
Laviana White-Skipper
Turk’s-cap White-Skipper
Veined White-Skipper
Common Streaky-Skipper
Common Sootywing
Mexican Sootywing
Saltbush Sootywing
Skipperlings
Urbanus procne
U
Urbanus doryssus
R
Astraptes fulgerator
O
Astraptes egregious
X
Astraptes alardus
X
Astraptes gilberti
X
Astraptes anaphus
R
Achalarus albociliatus
H
Achalarus toxeus
O
Achalarus jalapus
H
Thorybes pylades
H
Cabares potrillo
O
Celaenorrhinus fritzgaertneriX
Celaenorrhinus stallingsi R
Spathilepia clonius
R
Cogia calchas
C
Cogia hippalus
X
Cogia outis
H
Arteurotia tractipennis
X
Nisoniades rubescens
X
Pellicia arina
U
Pellicia dimidiate
H
Bolla clytius
R
Bolla brennus
H
Staphylusceos
R
Staphylus mazans
U
Staphylus hayhurstii
H
Gorgythion begga
X
Sostrata bifasciata
X
Carrhenes canescens
R
Xenophanes tryxus
R
Noctuana stator
X
Systasea pulverulenta
O
Achlyodes thraso
C
Grais stigmatica
R
Timochares ruptifasciatus O
Chiomara asychis
U
Gesta gesta
H
Erynnis horatius
H
Erynnis tristis
H
Erynnis funeralis
C
Pyrgus communis
A
Pyrgus albescens
C
Pyrgus oileus
A
Pyrgus philetas
O
Heliopetes domicella
R
Heliopetes laviana
C
Heliopetes macaira
U
Heliopetes arsalte
H
Celotes nessus
O
Pholisora catullus
U
Pholisora mejicana
H
Hesperopsis alpheus
H
Subfamily Heteropterinae
❏ Small-spotted Skipperling
Piruna microstictus
H
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Grass-Skippers
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Subfamily Hesperiinae
Malicious Skipper
Salenus Skipper
Redundant Skipper
Pale-rayed Skipper
Violet-patched Skipper
Swarthy Skipper
Julia’s Skipper
Fawn-spotted Skipper
Clouded Skipper
Liris Skipper
Fantastic Skipper
Green-backed Ruby-eye
Osca Skipper
Double-dotted Skipper
Hidden-ray Skipper
Least Skipper
Tropical Least Skipper
Orange Skipperling
Southern Skipperling
Fiery Skipper
Southern Broken-Dash
Little Glassywing
Sachem
Delaware Skipper
Common Mellana
Dun Skipper
Nysa Roadside-Skipper
Celia’s Roadside-Skipper
Eufala Skipper
Olive-clouded Skipper
Brazilian Skipper
Obscure Skipper
Ocola Skipper
Hecebolus Skipper
Purple-washed Skipper
Evans’ Skipper
Violet-banded Skipper
Chestnut-marked Skipper
Giant-Skippers
Synapte malitiosa
Synapte salenus
Corticea corticea
Vidius perigenes
Monca tyrtaeus
Nastra lherminier
Nastra julia
Cymaenes odilia
Lerema accius
Lerema liris
Vettius fantasos
Perichares philetes
Rhinthon osca
Decinea percosius
Conga chydaea
Ancyloxypha numitor
Ancyloxypha arene
Copaeodes aurantiacus
Copaeodes minimus
Hylephila phyleus
Wallengrenia otho
Pompeius verna
Atalopedes campestris
Anatrytone logan
Quasimellana eulogius
Euphyes vestries
Amblyscirtes nysa
Amblyscirtes celia
Lerodea eufala
Lerodea dysaules
Calpodes ethlius
Panoquina panoquinoides
Panoquina ocola
Panoquina hecebola
Panoquina sylvicola
Panoquina fusina
Nyctelius nyctelius
Thespieus macareus
R
X
R
H
R
H
U
U
A
X
X
R
X
O
X
R
H
O
U
A
C
H
C
H
O
U
U
C
C
R
U
O
C
R
U
R
U
X
Subfamily Megathyminae
❏ Yucca Giant-Skipper
❏ Manfreda Giant-Skipper
Megathymus yuccae
(includes coloradensis )
Stallingsia maculosa
H
H
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Birds
This is the latest checklist of Lower Rio Grande Valley bird
species (as of July 2, 2004). The list contains 503 species, and 4
sub-species, 507 in all.
The checklist was updated by Martin Hagne with expert information
and assistance from John Arvin of the World Birding Center (Mission,
Texas). The list is based on the Checklist of Lower Rio Grande Valley Birds
by Brad McKinney (3rd Edition 2002, published by Valley Nature Center,
Weslaco, Texas). That publication should be consulted for detailed information on seasonal occurrence by area in the LRGV, and for an interesting write up of Rare Bird Sightings, and useful additional information. Also heavily consulted was an excellent book The Texas
Ornithological Society Handbook of Texas Birds by Mark W. Lockwood &
Brush Freeman(2004, published by Texas A&M University Press), which
is highly recommended as a reference.
The four county Lower Rio Grande Valley has 499 bird species officially accepted by the Records Committee of the Texas Ornithological
Society as of June 2004. Compare this to the whole state of Florida’s
477 species, and Louisiana’s 450 species. An additional four recorded
species are waiting to be accepted by the committee, making a possible 503 species for the area. Additional varieties listed here which are
subspecies, and not counted in the 503 number, are Mexican Duck,
Mangrove Warbler, Audubon’s Yellow-rumped Warbler, and Fuertes
Orchard Oriole, which increases the list to 507 species.
Subspecies endemic to the Tamaulipan Biotic area (LRGV and
Northern Mexico) found in the LRGV include Texas Red-shouldered
Hawk, Zapata Carolina Wren, and Brownsville Common Yellowthroat.
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Notes:
Specialty & Rarity codes
S = Specialty bird species of the LRGV area usually seen. The
specialty grouping includes bird species restricted to the
LRGV and can usually be seen, plus others which also
occur elsewhere in Texas or Southwestern U.S. or along
the Gulf Coast of U.S. and can be seen there but are also
easily seen or are particularly numerous in the LRGV.
R = Rare specialty bird species whose occurrence is restricted
to the LRGV area, but are not usually seen.
* = Not yet accepted by the Texas Ornithological Society
Records Committee because it is a very recent record.
— = subspecies or varieties not included in the species count
of 503
Occurrence codes
A = Abundant
C = Common
U = Uncommon
O = Occasional
R = Rare
X = Accidental
Limited area in the LRGV
P = Pelagic
C = Coast
M = Mid
W = West
Blank = found throughout the LRGV (excluding pelagic)
Names are listed in the order English common name, Mexico name,
Scientific name. Mexico names are in Spanish and follow The Birds of
Mexico and Adjacent Areas, Ernest Preston Edwards, 1998, and if not
available there are taken from A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and
Northern Central America, Steve N.G. Howell and Sophie Webb, 1995.
Note that non-English names in use have not been standardized. The
result is that there are often several non-English names (mainly of
Spanish or Indian origin) in use, each often preferred locally or regionally. French, Portuguese and German names are also available in some
books.
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Limited area
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Occurrence
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Specialty & Rarity
Layout
X
c
U
c
X
c
U
m,w
Loons; Somorgujos; Gaviidae
❏ Pacific Loon, Somorgujo Pacifico,
Gavia pacifica
❏ Common Loon, Somorgujo Comùn,
G. immer
❏ Yellow-billed Loon, Colimbo Piquiamarillo,
G. adamsii
Grebes; Zambullidores; Podicipedidae
❏ Least Grebe, Zambullidor Menor,
Tachybaptus dominicus
❏ Pied-billed Grebe, Zambullidor Piquipinto,
Podilymbus podiceps
❏ Horned Grebe, Zambullidor Cornudo,
Podiceps auritus
❏ Eared Grebe, Zambullidor Orejudo,
P. nigricollis
❏ Western Grebe, Achichilique Occidental,
Aechmophorus occidentalis
S
C
X
c,w
U
R
c
X
c
Albatrosses; Albatros; Diomedeidae
❏ Yellow-nosed Albatross,
Thalassarche chlororhynchos
Shearwaters and Petrels; Pardelas y Paìños; Procellariidae
❏ Cory’s Shearwater, Pardela de Cory,
Calonectris diomedea
❏ Sooty Shearwater, Pardela Gris,
Puffinus griseus
❏ Audubon’s Shearwater, Pardela Chica,
P. Iherminieri
R
p
X
c
R
p
X
R
p
p
X
p
R
X
U
p
c
p,c
U
C
c,m
Storm-Petrels; Paiños; Hydrobatidae
❏ Leach’s Storm-Petrel, Oceanodroma leucorhoa
❏ Band-rumped Storm-Petrel, O. castro
Tropicbirds; Rabijuncos; Phaethontidae
❏ Red-billed Tropicbird, Rabijunco Piquirrojo,
Phaethon aethereus
Boobies and Gannets; Sulas; Sulidae
❏ Masked Booby, Sula Enmascarada,
Sula dactylatra
❏ Brown Booby, Sula Cuellioscura, S. leucogaster
❏ Northern Gannet, Bobo Norteño, Morus bassanus
Pelicans; Alcatraces; Pelecanidae
❏ American White Pelican, Alcatraz Blanco,
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
❏ Brown Pelican, Alcatraz Pardo, P. occidentalis
Cormorants; Sargentos; Phalacrocoracidae
❏ Neotropic Cormorant, Corvejòn,
Phalacrocorax brasilianus
❏ Double-crested Cormorant, Cormoràn Orejudo,
P. auritus
S
U
C
Darters; Huizotes; Anhingidae
❏ Anhinga, Huizote, Anhinga anhinga
U
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Frigatebirds; Fragatas; Fregatidae
❏ Magnificent Frigatebird, Fragata Comùn,
Fregata magnificens
O
p,c,m
Bitterns, Herons, & Allies; Garzas y Pedretes; Ardeidae
❏ American Bittern, Torcomòn, Botaurus lentiginosus
❏ Least Bittern, Garcita, Ixobrychus exilis
❏ Great Blue Heron, Garzòn Cenizo, Ardea herodias
❏ Great Egret, Garzòn Blanco, A. albus
❏ Snowy Egret, Garza Nìvea, Egretta thula
❏ Little Blue Heron, Garza Aul, E. caerula
❏ Tricolored Heron, Garza Flaca, E. tricolor
❏ Reddish Egret, Garza Melenuda, E. rufescens
❏ Cattle Egret, Garza Ganadera, Bubulcus ibis
❏ Green Heron, Garcita Oscura, Butorides virescens
❏ Black-crowned Night-Heron, Pedrete Gris,
Nycticorax nycticorax
❏ Yellow-crowned Night-Heron,
Pedrete Enmascarado, Nyctanassa violacea
S
O
U
C
C
C
U
C
C
C
C
c,m
c
C
U
Ibises and Spoonbills; Ibis; Threskiornithidae
❏ White Ibis, Isis Blanco, Eudocimus albus
❏ Glossy Ibis, Ibis Morito, Plegadis falcinellus
❏ White-faced Ibis, Atotola, P. chihi
❏ Roseate Spoonbill, Espàtula, Platalea ajaja
U
X
C
U
c
c
c,m
c,m
X
c,m
Storks; Cigueñas; Ciconiidae
❏ Jabiru, Jabirù, Jabiru mycteria
❏ Wood Stork, Cigueña Americana,
Mycteria Americana
U
New World Vultures; Zopilotes; Cathartidae
❏ Black Vulture, Zopilote Comùn, Coragyps atratus
❏ Turkey Vulture, Aura Comùn, Cathartes aura
C
A
Flamingos; Flamencos; Phoenicopteridae
❏ Greater Flamingo, Flamenco Comùn,
Phoenicopterus ruber
*
X
c
C
U
c,m
U
U
O
c,m
c, m
Ducks, Geese, & Swans; Patos y Ansares; Anatidae
❏ Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Pijije,
Dendrocyna autumnalis
❏ Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Chiquiote, D. bicolor
❏ Greater White-fronted Goose,
Ganso Manchado, Anser albifrons
❏ Snow Goose, Ganso Real, Chen caerulescens
❏ Ross’ Goose, Ganso de Ross, C. rossii
❏ Canada Goose, Ganso Canadiense,
Branta Canadensis
❏ Brant, Ganso de Collar, B. bernicla
❏ Trumpeter Swan, Cygnus buccinator
❏ Tundra Swan, C. columbianus
❏ Muscovy Duck, Pato Real, Cairina mochata
❏ Wood Duck, Pato Arcoiris, Aix sponsa
❏ Gadwall, Pato Pinto, Anas strepera
❏ Eurasian Wigeon, Pato Silbòn, A. Penelope
❏ American Wigeon, Pato Chalcuàn, A. Americana
❏ Mallard, Pato de Collar, A. platyrhynchos
❏ —”Mexican Duck”, Pato Mexicano,
A. platyrhynchos novimexicanus
❏ Mottled Duck, Pato Tejano, A. fulvigula
❏ Blue-winged Teal, Cerceta Aliazul, A. discors
❏ Cinnamon Teal, Cerceta Cafè, A. cyanoptera
❏ Northern Shoveler, Pato Cucharòn, A. clypeata
S
S
R
R
S
U
X
X
X
O
O
C
X
C
O
w
C
C
O
C
m
w
c
w
m,q
w
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❏ White-cheeked Pintail, A. bahamensis
❏ Northern Pintail, Pato Golondrino, A. acuta
❏ Green-winged Teal, Cerceta Comùn, A. crecca
❏ Canvasback, Pato Coacoxtle, Aythya valisineria
❏ Redhead, Pato Cabecirrojo, A. Americana
❏ Ring-necked Duck, Pato Piquianillado, A. collaris
❏ Greater Scaup, Pato Boludo, A. marila
❏ Lesser Scaup, Pato Bola, A. affinis
❏ Harlequin Duck, Histrionicus histrionicus
❏ Surf Scoter, Negreta de Marejada,
Melanitta perspicillata
❏ White-winged Scoter, Melanitta fusca
❏ Long-tailed Duck, Clangula hyemalis
❏ Bufflehead, Pato Crestiblanco, Bucephala albeola
❏ Common Goldeneye, B. clangula
❏ Hooded Merganser, Mergo de Caperuza,
Lophodytes cucullatus
❏ Common Merganser, Mergo Comùn,
Mergus merganser
❏ Red-breasted Merganser, Mergo Copetòn,
M. serrator
❏ Masked Duck, Pato Enmascarado,
Nomonyx dominicus
❏ Ruddy Duck, Pato Tepalcate, Oxyura jamaicensis
X
C
C
C
C
U
R
C
X
X
X
X
C
R
c
c,m
c
c,w
c
c
c
R
X
w
O
R
R
C
c,m
Hawks, Kites, Eagles, & Allies; Gavilanes; Accipitridae
❏ Osprey, Gavilàn Pescador, Pandion haliaetus
❏ Hook-billed Kite, Milano Pintado,
Chondrohierax uncinatus
❏ Swallow-tailed Kite, Milano Tijereta,
Elanoides forficatus
❏ White-tailed Kite, Milano Coliblanco,
Elanus leucurus
❏ Snail Kite, Milano Caracolero,
Rostrhamus sociabilis
❏ Mississippi Kite, Milano Migratorio,
Ictinia mississippiensis
❏ Bald Eagle, Àguila Cabeciblanca,
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
❏ Northern Harrier, Gavilàn Ratonero,
Circus cyaneus
❏ Sharp-shinned Hawk, Gavilàn Coludo,
Accipiter striatus
❏ Cooper’s Hawk, Gavilàn de Cooper,
A. cooperii
❏ Crane Hawk, Aguililla Zancona,
Geranospiza caerulescens
❏ Gray Hawk, Gavilàn Gris, Asturina nitidus
❏ Common Black-Hawk, Aguililla Cangrejera,
Buteogallus anthracinus
❏ Harris’s Hawk, Aguililla Cinchada,
Parabuteo unicinctus
❏ Roadside Hawk, Gavilàn Caminera,
Buteo magnirostris
❏ Red-shouldered Hawk, Gavilàn Ranero,
B. lineatus
❏ Broad-winged Hawk, Gavilàn Aludo,
B. platypterus
❏ Short-tailed Hawk, Gavilàn Colicorto,
B. brachyurus
U
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❏ Swainson’s Hawk, Gavilàn Chapulinero,
B. swainsoni
❏ White-tailed Hawk, Gavilàn Coliblanco,
B. albicaudatus
❏ Zone-tailed Hawk, Gavilàn Aura,
B. albonotatus
❏ Red-tailed Hawk, Gavilàn Colirrufa,
B. jamaicensis
❏ Ferruginous Hawk, Gavilàn Real, B. regalis
❏ Golden Eagle, Àguila Real, Aquila chrysaetos
U
S
O
R
U
R
X
Caracaras & Falcons; Halcones; Falconidae
❏ Collared Forest-Falcon, Guaquillo Collarejo,
Micrastur semitorquatus
❏ Crested Caracara, Caracara Comùn,
Caracara plancus
❏ American Kestrel, Cernìcalo Americano,
Falco sparverius
❏ Merlin, Halcòn Esmerejòn, F. columbarius
❏ Aplomado Falcon, Halcòn Fajado, F. femoralis
❏ Peregrine Falcon, Halcòn Peregrino,
F. peregrinus
❏ Prairie Falcon, Halcòn Pàlido, F. mexicanus
X
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O
S
C
U
U
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O
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Curassows & Guans; Chachalacas; Cracidae
❏ Plain Chachalaca, Chachalaca Comùn,
Ortalis vetula
S
C
Partridges, Grouse, & Turkeys; Guajolotes; Phasianidae
❏ Wild Turkey, Guajolote Norteño,
Meleagris gallopavo
R
New World Quail; Codornices; Odontophoridae
❏ Scaled Quail, Codorniz Escamosa,
Callipepla squamata
❏ Northern Bobwhite, Cuiche Comùn,
Colinus virginianus
O
w
U
Rails, Gallinules, & Coots; Rolitos y Rascones; Rallidae
❏ Yellow Rail, Coturnicops noveboracensis
❏ Black Rail, Ralito Negruzco,
Laterallus jamaicensis
❏ Clapper Rail, Rascòn Picudo, Rallus longirostris
❏ King Rail, Rascòn Real, R. elegans
❏ Virginia Rail, Rascòn Chico, R. limicola
❏ Sora, Poluela Sora, Porzana Carolina
❏ Purple Gallinule, Gallareta Morada,
Porphyrio martinica
❏ Common Moorhen, Gallareta Comùn,
Gallinula chloropus
❏ American Coot, Gallareta Gris, Fulica Americana
X
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R
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O
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U
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c,m
O
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Cranes; Grullas; Gruidae
❏ Sandhill Crane, Grulla Gris, Grus Canadensis
❏ Whooping Crane, Grulla Americana,
Grus americana
U
X
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Plovers; Chorlos; Charadriidae
❏ Black-bellied Plover, Chorlo Gris,
Pluvialis squatarola
❏ American Golden-Plover, Chorlo Dorado,
P. dominicus
❏ Snowy Plover, Chorlito Alejandrino,
Charadrius alexandrinus
❏ Wilson’s Plover, Chorlito Piquigrueso,
C. wilsonia
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❏ Semipalmated Plover, Chorlito Frailecillo,
C. semipalmatus
❏ Piping Plover, Chorlito Chiflador, C. melodus
❏ Killdeer, Tildìo, C. vociferous
❏ Mountain Plover, Chorlo Llanero, C. montanus
U
U
C
R
c
Oystercatchers; Ostreros; Haematopodidae
❏ American Oystercatcher, Ostrero Americano,
Haematopus palliates
U
c
Stilts & Avocets; Candeleros; Recurvirostridae
❏ Black-necked Stilt, Candelero Mexicano,
Himantopus mexicanus
❏ American Avocet, Piquicurvo,
Recurvirostra Americana
U
U
Jacanas; Cirujanos; Jacanidae
❏ Northern Jacana, Cirujano Mexicano,
Jacana spinosa
X
m,w
Sandpipers & Phalaropes; Playeros y Chorletes; Scolopacidae
❏ Greater Yellowlegs, Tinguìs Mayor,
Tringa melanoleuca
❏ Lesser Yellowlegs, Tinguìs Menor, T. flavipes
❏ Solitary Sandpiper, Playero Charquero,
T. solitaria
❏ Willet, Playero Pihuihui,
Catoptrophorus semipalmatus
❏ Wandering Tattler, Playero Sencillo,
Heteroscelus incanus
❏ Spotted Sandpiper,Playero Alzacolita,
Actitis macularia
❏ Upland Sandpiper, Zarapito Ganga,
Bartramia longicauda
❏ Eskimo Curlew, Numenius borealis
❏ Whimbrel, Zarapito Trinador, N. phaeopus
❏ Long-billed Curlew, Zarapito Piquilargo,
N. americanus
❏ Hudsonian Godwit, Agachona Cafè,
Limosa haemastica
❏ Marbled Godwit, Agachona Real, L. fedoa
❏ Ruddy Turnstone, Chorlete Comùn,
Arenaria interpres
❏ Red Knot, Playero Conuto, Calidris canutus
❏ Sanderling, Playerito Blanco, C. alba
❏ Semipalmated Sandpiper,
Playerito Semipalmeado, C. pusilla
❏ Western Sandpiper, Playerito Occidental,
C. mauri
❏ Least Sandpiper, Playerito Minimo, C. minutilla
❏ White-rumped Sandpiper,
Playerito de Rabadilla Blanco, C. fuscicollis
❏ Baird’s Sandpiper, Playerito de Baird, C. bairdii
❏ Pectoral Sandpiper, Playero Manchado,
C. melanotos
❏ Purple Sandpiper, C. maritime
❏ Dunlin, Playerito Lomo Rojo, C. alpine
❏ Curlew Sandpiper, C. ferruginea
❏ Stilt Sandpiper, Playero Zancòn, C. himantopus
❏ Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Playerito Pradero,
Tryngites subruficollis
❏ Ruff, Combatiente, Philomachus pugnax
C
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❏ Short-billed Dowitcher, Agachona Marino,
Limnodromus griseus
❏ Long-billed Dowitcher, Agachona Piquilarga,
L. scolopaceus
❏ Wilson’s Snipe, Chorlillo Piquilargo,
Gallinago delicate
❏ American Woodcock, Chocha Americanan,
Scolopax minor
❏ Wilson’s Phalarope, Chorlillo Piquilargo,
Phalaropus tricolor
❏ Red-necked Phalarope, Chorlillo Piquifino,
P. lobatus
❏ Red Phalarope, Chorlillo Piquigrueso,
P. fulicarius
U
c
U
U
R
m
U
R
c,m
X
c
Skuas, Gulls, Terns & Skimmers; Salteadores, Gaviots y
Charranes; Laridae
❏ Pomarine Jaeger, Sateador Pomarino,
Stercorarius pomarinus
❏ Parasitic Jaeger, Sateador Paràsito,
S. parasiticus
❏ Long-tailed Jaeger, S. longicaudus
❏ Laughing Gull, Gaviota Risqueña,
Larus atricilla
❏ Franklin’s Gull, Gaviota Apipizca, L. pipixcan
❏ Bonaparte’s Gull, Gaviota Menor, L. Philadelphia
❏ Black-tailed Gull, L. crassirostris
❏ Ring-billed Gull, Gaviota Pinta, L. delawarensis
❏ California Gull, Gaviota Californiana,
L. californicus
❏ Herring Gull, Gaviota Plateada, L. argentatus
❏ Thayer’s Gull, Gaviota de Thayer, L. thayeri
❏ Iceland Gull, L. glaucoides
❏ Lesser Black-backed Gull, L. fuscus
❏ Slaty-backed Gull, L. schistisagus
❏ Western Gull, Gaviota Occidental, L. occidentalis
❏ Glaucous Gull, L. hyperboreus
❏ Great Black-backed Gull, L. marinus
❏ Sabine’s Gull, Xema sabini
❏ Black-legged Kittiwake, Rissa Patinegra,
Rissa tridactyla
❏ Gull-billed Tern, Charràn Piquigrueso,
Sterna nilotica
❏ Caspian Tern, Charràn Càspico, S. caspia
❏ Royal Tern, Charràn Real, S. maxima
❏ Sandwich Tern, Charràn de Sandwich,
S. sandvicensis
❏ Common Tern, Charràn Comùn, S. hirundo
❏ Forster’s Tern, Charràn de Forster, S. forsteri
❏ Least Tern, Charràn Mìnimo, S. antillarum
❏ Bridled Tern, Charràn Collarejo, S. anaethetus
❏ Sooty Tern, Charràn Oscuro, S. fuscata
❏ Black Tern, Charràn Negro, Chlidonias niger
❏ Brown Noddy, Charràn Pardelo, Anous stolidus
❏ Black Skimmer, Rayador Negro, Rynchops niger
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Pigeons and Doves; Palomas; Columbidae
❏ Rock Dove, Paloma Domèstica, Columba livia
❏ White-crowned Pigeon, Paloma Coroniblanca,
C. leucocephala
C
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❏ Red-billed Pigeon, Paloma Morada,
C. flavirostris
❏ Eurasian Collared-Dove, Streptopelia decaocto
❏ White-winged Dove, Paloma Aliblanca,
Zenaida asiatica
❏ Mourning Dove, Paloma Huilota, Z. macroura
❏ Inca Dove, Tortolita Colilarga, Columbina inca
❏ Common Ground-Dove, Tortolita Comùn,
C. passerine
❏ Ruddy Ground-Dove,Tortolita Rojiza,
C. talpacoti
❏ White-tipped Dove, Paloma Perdiz,
Leptotila verreauxi
❏ Ruddy Quail-Dove, Paloma Rojiza,
Geotrygon Montana
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S
O
O
S
C
A
C
S
C
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S
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m
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U
m
S
U
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Parakeets & Parrots; Periquitos; Psittacidae
❏ Green Parakeet, Periquito Verde,
Aratinga holochlora
❏ Red-crowned Parrot, Loro Tamaulipeco,
Amazona viridigenalis
Cuckoos, Roadrunners & Anis; Cucos y Cuclillos; Cuculidae
❏ Black-billed Cuckoo, Cuclillo Piquinegro,
Coccyzus erythrophthalmus
❏ Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Cuclillo Piquiamarillo,
C. americanus
❏ Dark-billed Cuckoo, C. melacoryphus
❏ Mangrove Cuckoo, Cuclillo Manglero, C. minor
❏ Greater Roadrunner, Correcamino Tropical,
Geococcyx californianus
❏ Groove-billed Ani, Garrapatero Pijuy,
Crotophaga sulcirostris
U
C
X
X
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C
S
C
Barn Owls; Lechuzas; Tytonidae
❏ Barn Owl, Lechuza de Campanorio, Tyto alba
U
Typical Owls; Tecolotes; Strigidae
❏ Eastern Screech-Owl, Tecolote Chillòn, Otus asio
❏ Great Horned Owl, Bùho, Cornudo,
Bubo virginianus
❏ Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Tecolotito Bajeño,
Glaucidium brasilianum
❏ Elf Owl, Tecolotito Enano, Micrathene whitneyi
❏ Burrowing Owl, Tecolote Llanero,
Athene cunicularia
❏ Mottled Owl, Mochuelo Cafè, Ciccaba virgata
❏ Barred Owl, Bùho Serrano, Strix varia
❏ Long-eared Owl, Lechuza Caricafè, Asio otus
❏ Stygian Owl, Lechuza Oscura, A. stygius
❏ Short-eared Owl, Lechuza Llanera, A. flammeus
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U
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S
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U
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X
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Goatsuckers; Tapacaminos; Caprimulgidae
❏ Lesser Nighthawk, Chotacabra Halcòn,
Chordeiles acutipennis
❏ Common Nighthawk, Chotacabra Zumbòn,
C. minor
❏ Common Pauraque, Pachacua Pucuya,
Nyctidromus albicollis
❏ Common Poorwill, Pachacua Tevìi,
Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
❏ Chuck-will’s-widow, Tapacamino de Paso,
Caprimulgus carolinensis
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❏ Whip-poor-will, Tapacamino Cuerporruìn,
C. vociferous
O
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X
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Swifts; Vencejos; Apodidae
❏ White-collared Swift, Vencejo Cuelliblanco,
Streptoprocne zonaris
❏ Chimney Swift, Vencejillo de Chimenea,
Chaetura pelagica
U
Hummingbirds; Chupaflores; Trochilidae
❏ Green Violet-ear, Chupaflor Verdemar,
Colibri thalassinus
❏ Green-breasted Mango, Chupaflor Gorjinegro,
Anthracothorax prevostii
❏ Broad-billed Hummingbird, Colibrì Piquiancho,
Cynanthus latirostris
❏ White-eared Hummingbird,
Chupaflor Orejiblanco, Hylocharis leucotis
❏ Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Chupaflor Yucateco,
Amazilia yucatanensis
❏ Violet-crowned Hummingbird,
Chupaflor Occidental, A. violiceps
❏ Blue-throated Hummingbird,
Chupaflor Gorjiazul, Lampornis clemenciae
❏ Ruby-throated Hummingbird,Chupaflor Rubì,
Archilochus colubris
❏ Black-chinned Hummingbird,
Chupaflor Barbinegro, A. alexandri
❏ Anna’s Hummingbird, Chupaflor Coronirrojo,
Calypte anna
❏ Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Chupaflor Vibrado,
Selasphorus platycercus
❏ Rufous Hummingbird, Chupaflor Dorado,
S. rufus
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S
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Trogons; Trogones; Trogonidae
❏ Elegant Trogon, Trogòn Elegante,
Trogon elegans
R
X
S
O
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Kingfishers; Pescadores; Alcedinidae
❏ Ringed Kingfisher, Pescador Grande,
Ceryle torquata
❏ Belted Kingfisher, Pescador Norteño,
C. alcyon
❏ Green Kingfisher, Pescador Menor,
Chloroceryle Americana
U
S
U
Woodpeckers; Carpinteros; Picidae
❏ Red-headed Woodpecker,
Melanerpes erythrocephalus
❏ Acorn Woodpecker,Carpintero Arlequìn,
M. formicivorus
❏ Golden-fronted Woodpecker,
Comùn, M. aurifrons
❏ Red-bellied Woodpecker, M. carolinus
❏ Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Chupasavia Comùn,
Sphyrapicus varius
❏ Red-naped Sapsucker, Chupasavia Nuquirroja,
S. nuchalis
❏ Ladder-backed Woodpecker,
Carpinterillo Mexicano, Picoides scalaris
❏ Downy Woodpecker, P. pubescens
❏ Northern Flicker, Carpintero Norteño,
Colaptes auratus
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Tyrant Flycatchers; Mosqueros; Tyrannidae
❏ Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet,
Mosquerito Lampiño, Camptostoma imberbe
❏ Olive-sided Flycatcher, Mosquero Boreal,
Contopus cooperi
❏ Greater Pewee, Tengofrìo Grande,
Contopus pertinax
❏ Western Wood-Pewee, Tengofrìo Occidental,
C. sordidulus
❏ Eastern Wood-Pewee, Tengofrìo Verdoso,
C. virens
❏ Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Mosquerito Oliva,
Empidonax flaviventris
❏ Acadian Flycatcher, Mosquerito Verdoso,
E. virescens
❏ Alder Flycatcher, Mosquerito Alnoro,
E. alnorum
❏ Willow Flycatcher, Mosquerito Saucero,
E. traillii
❏ Least Flycatcher, Mosqsuerito Mìnimo,
E. minimus
❏ Hammond’s Flycatcher, Mosquerito Pasajero,
E. hammondii
❏ Black Phoebe, Mosquero Negro,
Sayornis nigricans
❏ Eastern Phoebe, Mosquero Fibì, S. phoebe
❏ Say’s Phoebe, Mosquero Llanero, S. saya
❏ Vermilion Flycatcher, Mosquero Cardenalito,
Pyrocephalus rubinus
❏ Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Copetòn Triste,
Myiarchus tuberculifer lawrencei
❏ Ash-throated Flycatcher, Copetòn Gorjicenizo,
M. cineruscens
❏ Great Crested Flycatcher, Copetòn Viajero,
M. crinitus
❏ Brown-crested Flycatcher, Copetòn Tiranillo,
M. tyrannulus
❏ Great Kiskadee, Luis Bienteveo,
Pitangus sulphuratus
❏ Social Flycatcher, Luis Gregario,
Myiozetetes similes
❏ Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Ventura Meca,
Myiodynastes luteiventris
❏ Tropical Kingbird, Tirano Tropical,
Tyrannus melancholicus
❏ Couch’s Kingbird, Tirano Mexicano, T. couchii
❏ Cassin’s Kingbird, Tirano Gritòn, T. vociferans
❏ Western Kingbird, Tirano Pàlido, T. verticalis
❏ Eastern Kingbird, Tirano Viajero, T. tyrannus
❏ Gray Kingbird, Tirano Gris, T. Dominicensis
❏ Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Tirano Tijereta,
T. forficatus
❏ Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Tirano Tijerilla,
T. savanna
❏ Rose-throated Becard, Cabezòn Degollado,
Pachyramphus aglaiae
❏ Masked Tityra, Titira Puerquito,
Tityra semifasciata
S
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U
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Shrikes; Verdugos; Laniidae
❏ Loggerhead Shrike, Verdugo Americano,
Lanius ludovicianus
C
Vireos; Vireos; Vireonidae
❏ White-eyed Vireo, Vireo Ojiblanco, Vireo griseus
❏ Bell’s Vireo, Vireo de Bell, V. bellii
❏ Black-capped Vireo, Vireo Gorrinegro,
V. atricapillus
❏ Yellow-throated Vireo, Vireo Pechiamarillo,
V. flavifrons
❏ Cassin’s Vireo,Vireo de Cassin, V. cassini
❏ Blue-headed Vireo, Vireo Cabeciazul,
V. solitarius
❏ Warbling Vireo, Vireo Gorjeador, V. gilvus
❏ Philadelphia Vireo, Vireo Filadèlfico,
V. philadelphicus
❏ Red-eyed Vireo, Vireo Ojirrojo, V. olivaceus
❏ Yellow-green Vireo. Vireo Tropical,
V. flavoviridis
❏ Black-whiskered Vireo, V. altiloquus
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R
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Jays and Crows; Urracas y Cuervos; Corvidae
❏ Blue Jay, Cyanocitta cristata
❏ Green Jay, Chara Verde, Cyanocorax yncas
❏ Brown Jay, Urraca Papàn, C. morio
❏ Tamaulipas Crow, Cuervo Tamaulipeco,
Corvus imparatus
❏ Chihuahuan Raven, Cuervo Llanero,
C. cryptoleucus
w
Larks; Alondras; Alaudidae
❏ Horned Lark, Alondra Cornuda,
Eremophila alpestris
U
Swallows; Golondrinas; Hirundinidae
❏ Purple Martin, Martìn Azul, Progne subis
❏ Gray-breasted Martin, Martìn Pechigris,
P. chalybea
❏ Tree Swallow, Golondrina Invernal,
Tachycineta bicolor
❏ Violet-green Swallow, Golondrina Verde,
T. thalassina
❏ Northern Rough-winged Swallow,
Golondrina Gorjicafè, Stelgidopteryx serripennis
❏ Bank Swallow, Golondrina Ribereña,
Riparia riparia
❏ Cliff Swallow, Golondrina Risquera,
Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
❏ Cave Swallow, Golondrina Pueblera, P. fulva
❏ Barn Swallow, Golondrina Tijereta,
Hirundo rustica
U
X
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U
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U
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Chickadees & Titmice; Mascaritas; Paridae
❏ Carolina Chickadee, Parus carolinensis
❏ Black-crested Titmouse, Paro Copetinegro,
Baeolophus atricristatus
X
S
m
C
Verdins; Baloncitos; Remizidae
❏ Verdin, Balancito, Auriparus flaviceps
U
Nuthatches; Saltapalos; Sittidae
❏ Red-breasted Nuthatch, Saltapalo Canadiense,
Sitta Canadensis
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Creepers; Corteceritos; Certhiidae
❏ Brown Creeper, Cortecerito, Certhia Americana
R
w,m
Wrens; Saltaparedes; Troglodytidae
❏ Cactus Wren, Matraca Desèrtica,
Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
❏ Rock Wren, Saltaladera Roquera,
Salpinctes obsoletus
❏ Carolina Wren, Saltapared Carolinense,
Thryothorus ludovicianus
❏ Bewick’s Wren, Saltapared Tepetatero,
Thryomanes bewickii
❏ House Wren, Matraquita Norteño,
Troglodytes aedon
❏ Winter Wren, Matraquita Invernal, T. troglodytes
❏ Sedge Wren, Saltapared Sabanero,
Cistothorus platensis
❏ Marsh Wren, Saltapared Pantanero, C. palustris
U
R
w
C
C
C
R
m,w
O
U
Kinglets; Reyezuelos; Regulidae
❏ Golden-crowned Kinglet, Rehezuelo de Oro,
Regulus satrapa
❏ Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Rehezuelo de Rojo,
R. calendula
R
C
Gnatcatchers; Perlitas; Sylviidae
❏ Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Perlita Comùn,
Polioptila caerulea
❏ Black-tailed Gnatcatcher,Pserlita Desèrtica,
P. melanura
C
R
m,w
X
c
Thrushes; Zorzales; Turdidae
❏ Northern Wheatear, Oenanthe oenanthe
❏ Eastern Bluebird, Azulejo Gorjicanelo,
Sialia sialis
❏ Mountain Bluebird, Azulejo Pàlido,
S. currucoides
❏ Townsend’s Solitaire, Clarìn Norteño,
Myadestes townsendi
❏ Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush,
Zorzalito Piquinaranja, Catharus aurantiirostris
❏ Black-headed Nightingale-Thrush,
Zorzalito Solitario, Catharus mexicanus
❏ Veery, Mirlillo Rojizo, C. fuscescens
❏ Gray-cheeked Thrush, Mirlillo Carigris,
C. minimus
❏ Swainson’s Thrush, Mirlillo de Swainson,
C. ustulatus
❏ Hermit Thrush, Mirlillo Colirrufo, C. guttatus
❏ Wood Thrush, Mirlillo Maculado,
Hylocichla mustelina
❏ Clay-colored Robin, Zorzal Merulìn,
Turdus grayi
❏ White-throated Robin, Zorzal Gorjiblanco,
T. assimilis
❏ Rufous-backed Robin. Zorzal Chivillo,
T. rufopalliatus
❏ American Robin, Zorzal Real, T. migratorius
❏ Varied Thrush, Mirlo Pinto, Ixoreus naevius
O
X
w
X
c,m
R
X
c
R*
O
X
c,m
m
R
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U
U
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Mockingbirds & Thrashers; Cuitlacoches; Mimidae
❏ Gray Catbird, Mìmido Gris,
Dumetella carolinensis
❏ Black Catbird, Mìmido Negro,
Melanoptila glabrirostris
❏ Northern Mockingbird, Cenzontle Norteño,
Mimus polyglottos
❏ Sage Thrasher, Mìmido Pinto,
Oreoscoptes montanus
❏ Brown Thrasher, Cuitlacoche Rojizo,
Toxostoma rufum
❏ Long-billed Thrasher, Cuitlacoche Piquilargo,
T. longirostre
❏ Curve-billed Thrasher, Cuitlacoche Comùn,
T. curvirostre
❏ Blue Mockingbird, Mulato Comùn,
Melanotis caerulescens
U
X
m
A
S
R
w
R
c,m
U
U
R
X
m
Starlings; Estorninos; Sturnidae
❏ European Starling, Estornino Pinto,
Sturnus vulgaris
C
Wagtails & Pipits; Bisbitas; Motacillidae
❏ American Pipit, Bisbita Americana,
Anthus rubescens
❏ Sprague’s Pipit, Bisbita Llanera, A. spragueii
U
U
Waxwings; Chinitos; Bombycillidae
❏ Cedar Waxwing, Chinto, Bombycilla cedrorum
O
Silky-flycatchers; Capulineros; Ptilogonatidae
❏ Gray Silky-flycatcher, Capulinero Gris,
Ptilogonys cinereus
❏ Phainopepla, Capulinero Negro,
Phainopepla nitens
X
c
X
c
Wood Warblers; Chipes; Parulidae
❏ Blue-winged Warbler, Chipe Aliazul,
Vermivora pinus
❏ Golden-winged Warbler, Chipe Alidorado,
V. chrysoptera
❏ Tennessee Warbler, Chipe Peregrino,
V. peregrine
❏ Orange-crowned Warbler, Chipe Celato,
V. celata
❏ Nashville Warbler, Chipe Gorrigrìs, V. ruficapilla
❏ Virginia’s Warbler, Chipe de Virginia, V. virginiae
❏ Colima Warbler, Chipe Colimense, V. crissalis
❏ Northern Parula, Pàrula Norteña,
Parula Americana
❏ Tropical Parula, Pàrula Tropical, P. pitiayumi
❏ Yellow Warbler, Chipe Amarillo,
Dendroica petechia
❏ —”Mangrove” Yellow Warbler, D. p. bryanti
❏ Chestnut-sided Warbler, Chipe Gorriamarillo,
D. pensylvanica
❏ Magnolia Warbler, Chipe Colifajado,
D. magnolia
❏ Cape May Warbler, Chipe Atigrado, D. tigrina
❏ Black-throated Blue Warbler, Chipe Azuloso,
D. caerulescens
❏ “Myrtle” Yellow-rumped Warbler,
Chipe Comùn, D. coronata coronata
O
O
C
C
C
X
X
S
O
O
R
C
X
U
U
R
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U
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❏ —”Audubon’s” Yellow-rumped Warbler,
Chipe de Audubòn, D. c. auduboni
❏ Black-throated Gray Warbler, Chipe Negrigrìs,
D. nigrescens
❏ Golden-cheeked Warbler, Chipe Dorsinegro,
D. chrysoparia
❏ Black-throated Green Warbler,
Chipe Dorsiverde, D. virens
❏ Townsend’s Warbler, Chipe Negriamarillo,
D. townsendi
❏ Hermit Warbler, Chipe Coronado,
D. occidentalis
❏ Blackburnian Warbler, Chipe Gorjinaranja,
D. fusca
❏ Yellow-throated Warbler, Chipe Domìnico,
D. dominica
❏ Pine Warbler, Chipe Nororiental, D. pinus
❏ Prairie Warbler, Chipe Galàn, D. discolor
❏ Palm Warbler, Chipe Playero, D. palmarum
❏ Bay-breasted Warbler, Chipe Castaño,
D. castanea
❏ Blackpoll Warbler, Chipe Gorrinegro, D. striata
❏ Cerulean Warbler, Chipe Cerùleo, D. cerulean
❏ Black-and-white Warbler, Chipe Trepador,
Mniotilta varia
❏ American Redstart, Pavito Migratorio,
Setophaga ruticilla
❏ Prothonotary Warbler, Chipe Protonotario,
Protonotaria citrea
❏ Worm-eating Warbler, Chipe Vermìvoro,
Helmitheros vermivorus
❏ Swainson’s Warbler, Chipe de Swainson,
Limnothlypis swainsonii
❏ Ovenbird, Chipe Suelero, Seiurus aurocapillus
❏ Northern Waterthrush, Chipe Charquero,
S. noveboracensis
❏ Louisiana Waterthrush, Chipe Arroyero,
S. motacilla
❏ Connecticut Warbler, Oporornis agilis
❏ Kentucky Warbler, Chipe Cachetinegro,
Oporornis formosus
❏ Mourning Warbler, Chipe Lloròn,
O. Philadelphia
❏ MacGillivray’s Warbler, Chipe de Tolmie,
O. tolmiei
❏ Common Yellowthroat, Mascarita Comùn,
Geothlypis trichas
❏ Gray-crowned Yellowthroat,
Mascarita Piquigruesa, G. poliocephala
❏ Hooded Warbler, Chipe de Capucha,
Wilsonia citrine
❏ Wilson’s Warbler, Chipe Pelucillo, W. pusilla
❏ Canada Warbler, Chipe Collarejo, W. Canadensis
❏ Red-faced Warbler, Chipe Coloradito,
Cardellina rubrifrons
❏ Painted Redstart, Pavito Aliblanco,
Myioborus pictus
❏ Slate-throated Redstart, Pavito Selvàtico,
Myioborus miniatus
R
O
m,w
X
m,c
U
R
X
m
O
U
O
O
O
O
O
R
U
U
O
c,m
O
c,m
R
U
c,m
U
*
O
X
c,m
U
O
R
C
R
X
m
U
U
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R
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❏ Golden-crowned Warbler,
Chipe Rey Gorridorado, Basileuterus culicivorus
❏ Rufous-capped Warbler, Chipe Rey Mexicano,
B. rufifrons
❏ Yellow-breasted Chat, Chilpe Arriero,
Icteria virens
R
X
m
X
w
O
Tanagers; Tangaras y Pirangas; Thraupidae
❏ Hepatic Tanager, Chinchinero Comùn,
Piranga flava
❏ Summer Tanager, Piranga Avispera, P. rubra
❏ Scarlet Tanager, Piranga Olivàcea, P. olivacea
❏ Western Tanager, Piranga Occidental,
P. ludoviciana
❏ Flame-colored Tanager, Piranga Rayada,
P. bidentata
X
O
O
m
R
X
c
R
m,w
X
m
Emberzids; Saltones y Gorriones; Emberizidae
❏ White-collared Seedeater,
Semillerito Puntiblanco, Sporophila torqueola
❏ Yellow-faced Grassquit, Semillerito Olivàceo,
Tiaris olivaceus
❏ Olive Sparrow, Gorriòn Olivàceo,
Arremonops rufivirgatus
❏ Green-tailed Towhee, Rascadorcito Migratorio,
Pipilo chlorurus
❏ Spotted Towhee, Rascador Comùn, P. arcticus
❏ Eastern Towhee, Rascador Nororiental,
P. erythrophthalmus
❏ Cassin’s Sparrow, Zacatonero de Cassin,
Aimophila cassinii
❏ Botteri’s Sparrow, Zacatonero de Botteri,
A. botterii
❏ Rufous-crowned Sparrow,
Zacatonero Coronirrufo, A. ruficeps
❏ American Tree Sparrow, Spizella arborea
❏ Chipping Sparrow, Chimbito Comùn,
Spizella passerine
❏ Clay-colored Sparrow, Chimbito Pàlido,
S. pallida
❏ Brewer’s Sparrow, Chimbito Desèrtico,
S. breweri
❏ Field Sparrow, Chimbito Llanero, S. pusilla
❏ Vesper Sparrow, Gorriòn Torito,
Pooecetes gramineus
❏ Lark Sparrow, Garriòn Arlequìn,
Chondestes grammacus
❏ Black-throated Sparrow, Chiero Gorjinegro,
Amphispiza bilineata
❏ Lark Bunting, Gorriòn Alipàlido,
Calamospiza melanocorys
❏ Savannah Sparrow, Gorriòn Sabanero,
Passerculus sandwichensis
❏ Grasshopper Sparrow, Gorriòn Chapulìn,
Ammodramus savannarum
❏ Baird’s Sparrow, Gorriòn de Baird, A. bairdi
❏ Le Conte’s Sparrow, A. leconteii
❏ Nelson’s Sharp-tailed Sparrow, A. nelsoni
❏ Seaside Sparrow, A. maritimus
❏ Song Sparrow, Gorriòn Cantor,
Melospiza melodia
S
S
C
R
R
X
c,m
U
S
U
c,m
R
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m
U
U
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❏ Lincoln’s Sparrow, Gorriòn de Lincoln,
M. lincolnii
❏ Swamp Sparrow, Gorriòn Pantanero,
M. Georgiana
❏ White-throated Sparrow, Gorriòn Gorjiblanco,
Zonotrichia albicollis
❏ Harris’s Sparrow, Z. querula
❏ White-crowned Sparrow,
Gorriòn Coroniblanco, Z. leucophrys
❏ Dark-eyed Junco, Carbonero Apizarrado,
Junco hyemalis
❏ Chestnut-collared Longspur,
Arnoldo Ventrinegro, Calcarius ornatus
C
U
O
X
c
O
X
c,m
X
m
R
X
c,m
S
C
U
Cardinals, Saltators & Allies; Picogruesos y Colorines;
Cardinalidae
❏ Crimson-collared Grosbeak,
Picogrueso Cuellirrojo, Rhodothraupis celaeno
❏ Northern Cardinal, Cardenal Comùn,
Cardinalis cardinalis
❏ Pyrrhuloxia, Cardenal Torito, C. sinuatus
❏ Rose-breasted Grosbeak,
Picogrueso Pechirrosa, Pheucticus ludovicianus
❏ Black-headed Grosbeak, Picogrueso Tigrillo,
P. melanocephalus
❏ Blue Bunting, Azulejito, Cyanocompsa parellina
❏ Blue Grosbeak, Piquigordo Azul,
Passerina caerulea
❏ Lazuli Bunting, Colorìn Aliblanco,
Passerina amoena
❏ Indigo Bunting, Colorìn Azul, P. cyanea
❏ Varied Bunting, Colorìn Morado, P. versicolor
❏ Painted Bunting, Colrìn Sietecolores, P. ciris
❏ Dickcissel, Espiza, Spiza Americana
U
R
R
R
m
O
R
U
R
O
U
Blackbirds & Orioles; Tordos y Bolseros; Icteridae
❏ Bobolink, Tordo Migratorio,
Dolichonyx oryzivorus
❏ Red-winged Blackbird, Tordo Sargento,
Agelaius phoeniceus
❏ Eastern Meadowlark, Pradero Comùn,
Sturnella magna
❏ Western Meadowlark, Pradero Gorjeador,
S. neglecta
❏ Yellow-headed Blackbird,
Tordo Cabeciamarillo, Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
❏ Rusty Blackbird, Euphagus carolinus
❏ Brewer’s Blackbird, Tordo Ojiclaro,
E. cyanocephalus
❏ Common Grackle, Quiscalus quiscula
❏ Boat-tailed Grackle, Q. major
❏ Great-tailed Grackle, Zanate Mexicano,
Q. mexicanus
❏ Shiny Cowbird, Molothrus bonariensis
❏ Bronzed Cowbird, Tordo Ojirrojo,
Molothrus aeneus
❏ Brown-headed Cowbird, Tordo Cabecicafè,
M. ater
❏ Orchard Oriole, Bolsero Castaño,
Icterus spurious
❏ —”Fuerte’s” Orchard Oriole, I. s. fuertesi
R
c,m
C
C
O
R
X
m
O
X
X
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A
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❏ Hooded Oriole, Bolsero Zapotero, I. cucullatus
❏ Altamira Oriole, Bolsero Campero, I. gularis
❏ Audubon’s Oriole, Bolsero de Audubòn,
I. graduacauda
❏ Baltimore Oriole, Bolsero Norteño,
I. galbula
❏ Bullock’s Oriole, Bolsero de Bullock, I. bullockii
❏ Scott’s Oriole, Bolsero Tunero, I. parisorum
S
U
C
S
U
m,w
C
O
X
m
Finches; Dominiquitos; Fringillidae
❏ Purple Finch, Carpodaco Purpùreo,
Carpodacus purpureus
❏ House Finch, Carpodaco Comùn, C. mexicanus
❏ Red Crossbill, Piquituerto Comùn,
Loxia curvirostra
❏ Common Redpoll, Carduelis flammea
❏ Pine Siskin, Pinero Rayado, Carduelis pinus
❏ Lesser Goldfinch, Dominiquito Dorsioscuro,
C. psaltria
❏ American Goldfinch, Dominiquito Canario,
C. tristis
X
X
m
X
X
R
m
c
O
O
Old World Sparrows; Gorriones; Passeridae
❏ House Sparrow, Gorriòn Domèstico,
Passer domesticus
C

South Texas Nature Guide (2013_10_11 21_35_07 UTC)

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