Amistad National Recreation Area is a region of biological transitions. Amistad Reservoir is located along the Mexican border, halfway between Big Bend and the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Three major biotic communities meet at Amistad, giving the park an interesting mix of flora and fauna. In fact, many of Amistad’s plants and animals are at or near their range limits. The addition of a large reservoir and its lacustrine (lake-related) environments to this varied but arid environment makes birdwatching at Amistad very rewarding.
The Chihuahuan Desert reaches its eastern limits near Amistad. Lechuguilla, yucca, cacti, and ocotillo host cactus wrens and blue-gray gnatcatchers. Oaks and junipers, which spill from the Edwards Plateau to the north and follow canyons downstream to Amistad Reservoir, provide habitat for woodland species, such as Carolina wren. Amistad’s tropical influence comes from the dense Tamaulipan Shrubland to the southeast. Great kiskadee, black-bellied whistling-duck, and Couch’s kingbird are examples of these tropical species and are more typical of Mexico.
Birding is good at a number of locations throughout the area. Amistad National Recreation Area’s five campgrounds are excellent places to observe desert species, especially curve-billed thrasher, verdin, cactus wren, scaled quail, and black-throated and LeConte’s sparrows. In these areas, you may also see wintering sparrows, such as vesper, savannah, song, and Lincoln’s. Look for ringed and green kingfishers near water, especially along streams and rivers. In brushy areas, watch for painted bunting and lesser goldfinch and listen for olive sparrows. Interior least tern and snowy plover nest on rocky islands in Amistad Reservoir. They can be seen with spotting scopes, especially from the shoreline at Spur 406. Other rare species, such as black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler, can be found within a few hours drive of Del Rio. Neotropical migrants passing through in spring and fall can bring many surprises, especially warblers.
To learn more about specific bird species commonly seen in the park, please visit our bird page.
