Bird Watching at Everglades National Park

The 2,400 square miles of the Everglades National Park can be found in the southern tip of Florida, lying just west of Miami city. The park is the largest tropical wilderness in the United States protecting twenty percent of the southern original everglades found in the Floridian state. It ranks third in the list of the largest national parks in the contiguous United States, trailing behind Death Valley and Yellowstone. Everglades is one of the three locations that has been
listed as a Biosphere Reserve in 1976 by UNESCO, a World Heritage Site in 1979, and also appeared on the list of Wetlands of International Importance in 1987 by the Ramsar Convention.

Major Attractions at Everglades National Park

The Everglades was first built to protect the unique geographic features it offers and the fragile ecosystem formed through the network of wetlands and forests fed by Lake Okeechobee. The park is home to the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere, thirty-six threatened or protected species, 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish, 40 species of mammals, 50 species of reptiles, and over 350 species of birds.

The park’s large area offers a wide range of activities to enjoy. You can cycle at Shark Valley, on Snake Bight Trail, and along Long Pine Key Nature Trail. Some more activities are boating from Flamingo and the Gulf Coast, spending the night in Long Pine Key campgrounds, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The number of activities is endless at Everglades National Park.

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Bird Watching at Everglades National Park

The natural reserve is often dubbed as the Floridian version of the African big game safari, where you can see over 350 species of birds, making it the dream ground for avid bird watchers. December to March is the best season for birding in the Florida Everglades. During the months of the winter, large populations of dry season birdlife flock around the permanent water bodies.

The landscape of the Everglades is mostly made of shallow plains of sawgrass that emerge from 6-inch deep water bodies. This is an ideal habitat for most wading birds. The water is also rich in algae and bacteria that encourage snakes, turtles, fish, and insects to thrive, which in turn attract large populations of birds to feed on.

According to the season and area of the park, you may be able to observe a wide range of birds. While the Royal Palm Hammock is closest to the entrance, the half-mile-long Anhinga Trail is the most popular in the park and is named after Florida’s most distinctive birds. By February, concentrations of birds can be found at Paurotis Pond and Nine-Mile Pond. Here you can find the Short-tailed Hawk, Osprey, Herons, Bald Eagle, and the park’s symbolic bird, the Roseate Spoonbill. Mrazek Pond is another place that is home to the Roseate Spoonbill.

Near the ponds, migratory and resident birds like Caspian Terns, Mottled Ducks, and Swallow-tailed Kites can be spotted in the day. While Limpkins and White-crowned Pigeons come out early in the morning or late in the evening. At West Lake, waterfowl include the American Wigeon, Ruddy Duck, Pintails, Northern Shoveler, White-crowned Pigeon, Scaups, and Teals can be seen. American Coots nest on the boardwalk along Mangrove Trail.

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Osprey

Ospreys are brown on top with white underneath. They are found throughout North America. Their population was endangered, due to pesticides, but since being banned, the Osprey population has recovered. They make their homes near rivers and lakes. Ospreys dive into the water to catch live fish. They lay about 3 eggs and build stick nests high up on telephone poles and other nest platforms. They migrate along coastlines and lake shores; however, the Ospreys found in Florida are permanent residents.

Bald Eagle

Bald Eagles are dark brown, and their heads are covered in white feathers. They can be found throughout North America. They were once endangered; however, now they are flourishing because they are protected. They make their homes near rivers, large lakes, and coasts. Bald Eagles are the national bird of the United States. They usually soar through the sky alone. They lay 1 to 3 eggs and both parents feed and care for the young. As winter comes, they gather in groups sometimes known as “soars” and migrate south.

Roseate Spoonbill

Roseate Spoonbills are light pink and red with a white head and long bill that is the shape of a spoon. They are found in the southeastern region of North America. They are an uncommon bird as their population was almost eliminated from the United States. These birds make their homes in coastal marshes, mudflats, and lagoons. Roseate Spoonbills eat small fish, crabs, crayfish, and shrimp. The food they eat gives them their distinct coloring. They detect their food by moving their bill back and forth in the water. Roseate Spoonbills build their nests in trees and usually in groups. They also can be found hanging out with Wood Storks. Roseate Spoonbills are permanent residents of coastal Texas with the others migrating to Mexico for the winter.

American Wigeon

American Wigeons are brownish-gray with a green stripe behind the eye and a white cap. They are found throughout North America. Their population is stable with their range expanding into the northeast and Canada. American Wigeons have short bills that help them eat vegetation from fields easily. They make their homes in marshes, lakes, and fields. American Wigeons eat mostly plants such as algae, eelgrass, and wild celery. They migrate in flocks, moving during the day.

Ruddy Duck

Ruddy Ducks have brown bodies with white cheek patches and blue bills. They are common ducks found in most areas of North America. They are not endangered, but their population has declined. Ruddy Ducks make their habitat in open water and bays. They dive underwater and swim to find food on the bottom of ponds. Ruddy Ducks eat mostly roots, seeds, and insects. They lay 5 to 10 eggs and build their nests over shallow water in a woven platform. Ruddy Ducks lay the largest eggs of ducks their size. They migrate at night over an extended period of time, in small groups.

Northern Shoveler

Northern Shovelers are brown and white with green necks and bills; females have orange bills. Their bills are shaped liked shovels, which help them eat. They are beautiful ducks found throughout North America. They are common and widespread and not at risk of being endangered. Northern Shovelers reside in shallow marshes and wetlands. The build their nests on the ground near water. They lay 9 to 12 eggs. Northern Shovelers migrate in flocks in late spring and again in early fall.

American Coot

American Coots are black with a vibrant white bill. They are water birds found throughout North America. Their population is still abundant, but has recorded a small decline. American Coots make their homes in ponds, lakes, and marshes. American Coots feed on leaves, seeds, fish, and insects. They lay 6 to 11 eggs on a floating platform nest! American Coots are mostly a permanent resident, but may migrate north.

Purple Gallinule

Purple Gallinules are purple with greenish wings and a red bill with a yellow tip. Because of all their vibrant colors, they are considered one of the most colorful birds in North America. Purple Gallinules are found in the southeastern region of North America. Their population has declined due to the draining of swamps, but is still widespread in their range. They make their homes in fresh swamps, marshes, and ponds. Purple Gallinules eat plants, fruit, and seeds. They migrate south in the winter, most going to southern Florida.

Barred Owl

Barred Owls are brown and white striped with brown eyes. They are found throughout the southeast U.S. Their population has recently increased after a decline. Their habitat is in wooded swamps and woodlands. Barred Owls make the traditional “hoot” sound and are most active at night. They eat small mammals, flying squirrels, rabbits, and opossums. Barred Owls lay 2 to 3 eggs in the hollow part of a tree. Barred Owls do not migrate.

Wood Stork

Wood Storks are an overall white bird with some black feathers and black tail. They can be found in some areas of the southeast, such as Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Their population has decreased due to the destruction of their habitat. Wood Storks are not considered endangered, but are being watched. They make their homes in marshes, ponds, and lagoons. They eat mostly fish, such as minnows and crayfish. Wood Storks will sometimes spit water on their hatched babies to keep them cool in the hot summer. They are not true migratory birds, but some have been seen moving north.

Final Thoughts

The Everglades is an impressive ornithological hotspot with a few hundred species of birds visiting each year. Along with many fun and outdoor adventure activities, a park is a great place for birdwatching diverse habitats and species.

Ornithology

Bird Watching Academy & Camp Subscription Boxes

At Bird Watching Academy & Camp we help kids, youth, and adults get excited and involved in bird watching. We have several monthly subscription boxes that you can subscribe to. Our monthly subscription boxes help kids, youth, and adults learn about birds, bird watching, and bird conservation.

Bird Watching Binoculars

The most common types of bird watching binoculars for viewing birds at Everglades National Park is the 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. Bird Watching Academy & Camp sells really nice 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. You can view and purchase them here.