This tour targets the unique specialties and rarities that make South Texas a hotspot destination for birders worldwide.

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The Valley’s subtropical habitat is characteristic of what is found in northeastern Mexico and supports the distinctive bird species found in the region – these specialties include Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Brown Jay, Green Jay, Great Kiskadee, Hook-billed Kite, White-tipped Dove, Ringed Kingfisher, and Plain Chachalaca among others.

 

The Valley’s unique position also creates opportunities for finding vagrant species. Birds typically found further south of the U.S. border can continue north beyond their normal ranges. Winter is an ideal time to look for rarities in South Texas as factors such as post breeding or irregular dispersal, and environmental stresses can cause birds to show up in the area. Rarities found in recent years include Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Bat Falcon, Grey-collared Becard, Fan-tailed Warbler, Crane Hawk, and Social Flycatcher.

 

The thrill of seeing a brightly colored Green Jay for the first time, the excitement of hearing Plain Chachalacas’ loud morning chorus, the satisfaction of finally spotting a camouflaged Common Pauraque or seeing a species never seen before in the United States are moments that create lasting memories.