Birds In Mexico is a paradise for bird lovers, with 1,040 bird species, 125 of which are unique to the country. Its varied landscapes, from lush forests to dry deserts, support a wide range of birds. This article will highlight 13 amazing bird species found in Mexico, from the Golden Eagle to the Broad-billed Hummingbird. Get ready to learn about their unique looks, behaviors, and the stories they share about Mexican birdlife.
What mysteries do these top Mexican birds hold? How do they survive in such diverse environments? Let’s explore the world of Mexico’s birds together. We’ll discover their amazing adaptations and the stories behind them.
~Explore 13 Bird Species Found In Mexico~
1. Great-tailed Grackle
- Scientific Name: Quiscalus mexicanus
- Size: About 15-18 inches (38-46 cm) long
The great-tailed grackle, known as Quiscalus mexicanus, is a striking black bird found in many parts of Mexico. These birds, often called the “Mexican grackle,” have adapted well to city life. They live in cities and towns all over the country.
They stand out with their glossy black feathers, long tails, and bright yellow eyes. Males shine with a purple or green sheen, while females have dark brown tops and light bottoms. You can find them in many places, from farms and chaparral to marshes and city streets.
Great-tailed grackles are known for their varied diet. They eat fruits, seeds, grains, insects, spiders, worms, snails, frogs, reptiles, fish, bird babies, eggs, and small mammals. Their ability to adapt has helped them do well in cities.
Over the last century, their territory has grown a lot. Their breeding area increased by 5,530% from 1880 to 2000. This growth has made them a common sight in cities in Mexico, the southern U.S., and Central America.
2. Canyon Towhee
- Scientific Name: Melozone fusca
- Size: About 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) long
The canyon towhee, also known as the melozone fusca, is a large sparrow found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. These birds live in dry areas, moving on the ground and shrubs and cacti. They are common in the region’s arid and semi-arid habitats.
They stand out with their rufous cap, long tails, and chunky bodies. Their short rounded wings and warm undertail make them easy to spot. They eat small seeds and insects, mostly on the ground. Seeds are their main food in winter and insects in summer.
Canyon towhees nest twice a year, during the rainy seasons when food is plentiful. They lay 2 to 6 eggs, which the female incubates. These birds are an important food source for many animals, helping to balance the ecosystem.
However, they face threats from the brown-headed cowbird. Despite this, canyon towhees are resilient. They continue to flourish in the American Southwest and Mexico’s dry areas. Their ‘chili-chili-chili’ song adds to the desert’s soundscape.
3. Great Kiskadee
- Scientific Name: Pitangus sulphuratus
- Size: About 8.7-10.2 inches (22-26 cm) long
- Lifespan: 6-7 years in the wild
Birds In Mexico are a haven for many bird species, and the great kiskadee stands out. This bird has bright yellow underparts, a black-and-white striped head, and rufous wings and tail. It’s a highlight among Mexico’s colorful birds.
The great kiskadee thrives in many places in Mexico, like woodlands, savannas, and even cities. They love to be near water, where they catch insects, small frogs, lizards, and more. Their sharp beaks help them eat a wide variety of food.
There are three subspecies in Mexico, spread from the southeast to the Pacific coast and central Mexico. They live up to 1,800 meters high, making them easy to spot for bird lovers.
The great kiskadee is loved for its bright colors and how well it adapts to different places. Its common presence and stable numbers add to Mexico’s rich bird life. It’s a favorite among those who enjoy watching birds.
4. Magnificent Frigatebird
- Scientific Name: Fregata magnificens
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.5 feet (2.3-2.6 meters)
- Lifespan: Can live up to 10-15 years in the wild
The Magnificent Frigatebird, known as Fregata magnificens, is a stunning seabird found on Mexico’s coasts. It has an impressive wingspan of up to 7-½ feet (2.3m). This large bird is known for its flying skills and unique look.
The male has shiny black feathers, a forked tail, and a long, hooked beak. In the breeding season, he shows off a bright red throat pouch to attract mates. The female looks different, with a white chest, a pale brown wing bar, and a gray throat pouch.
These seabirds live along Mexico Pacific and Atlantic coasts, in the southern U.S., and in the Caribbean. They like tropical and subtropical places, nesting on cliffs, mangroves, and man-made structures. They are great fishermen, eating fish, squid, crustaceans, and small turtles from the water.
Despite being big, Magnificent Frigatebirds are the lightest birds in relation to their wings. This lets them fly easily, spending most of their time in the air. They rarely land on water because they don’t have waterproof feathers. They can go far inland during storms, flying away from the sea.
5. Black Vulture
- Scientific Name: Coragyps atratus
- Wingspan: 4.5-5.5 feet (1.4-1.7 meters)
- Body Length: About 24-28 inches (61-71 cm)
- Lifespan: Can live up to 10-15 years in the wild
The black vulture, or Coragyps atratus, is a large bird of prey with all-black feathers and a bald, grayish-black head. They are common in Mexico, where they are important scavengers in different ecosystems.
These vultures live in many places, from forests and grasslands to cities. They use their great eyesight to find food, mainly carrion. They eat a lot of different things, like big animals, small scraps, insects, fish, reptiles, and plants.
The black vulture is the only living bird in its group, Coragyps. It can be found from the southeastern U.S. to Peru, Central Chile, and Uruguay. In Mexico, there are many more of these vultures in the south and center than in other U.S. states.
Black vultures are very opportunistic and sometimes aggressive when looking for food. They often take food away from turkey vultures. Sometimes, they even attack and kill animals, but this is not common. Still, they are very important in Mexico’s ecosystems, especially in places like the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve in Querétaro.
6. Mexican Jay
- Scientific Name: Cyanocitta mexicana
- Body Length: About 10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
- Wingspan: Around 15-18 inches (38-46 cm)
- Lifespan: Can live up to 7-10 years in the wild
The Mexican jay (Aphelocoma wollweberi) is a beautiful blue songbird in Mexico. It has blue feathers on top, a gray back patch, and a grayish belly. This jay is a joy to see in pine-oak forests and woodlands. It lives in close family groups of up to 25 birds.
These birds in Mexico are very social and have many nests together. They collect about 7,000 acorns a year. The young jays have white on their bills that takes over two years to turn dark.
Mexican jays are great at finding food. They eat nuts, berries, insects, and even small animals. They live in different places, from forests to deserts with streams.
The Mexican jay is not considered endangered, but it was split into two species recently. This was because of genetic and physical differences. Learning about these birds helps us appreciate Mexico’s bird diversity.
7. Great Egret
- Scientific Name: Ardea alba
- Body Length: About 36-41 inches (91-104 cm)
- Wingspan: Around 52-67 inches (132-170 cm)
- Lifespan: Can live up to 15-20 years in the wild
The great egret, also known as the Ardea alba, is a stunning sight in Mexico’s wetlands. It has a tall, majestic look with white feathers, a long neck, and a sharp yellow bill. You can find it in places like freshwater marshes, estuaries, and flooded fields.
When it’s breeding season, the great egret changes a lot. It grows long feathers on its back and neck, and its face turns green. Its bill also turns black. This change is for mating and living with other birds like herons and ibises.
This bird lives on every continent except Antarctica. In Mexico, there’s a special kind called the Ardea alba egretta. Some of these birds stay in Mexico all year, while others move south for winter.
Great egrets are great hunters. They wait in shallow water for fish, frogs, small mammals, and more. Their wide diet and ability to live in different wetlands help them thrive. This makes them an important part of Mexico’s bird life.
8. Golden Eagle
The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is a majestic bird of prey in Mexico. It has dark brown feathers, a golden-brown neck, and a big blue-gray beak. This bird is one of the biggest in Mexico, known for its size, strength, and hunting skills.
These birds of Mexico live in mountains and open areas with little vegetation. They hunt small to medium mammals, birds, seals, fish, or carrion. Found in North America, Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, the golden eagle is Mexico’s national bird.
Golden eagle numbers in Mexico are going down, mainly because of less good living space. Conservationists are trying to save this species and its home. The golden eagle is seen as “in danger” in Mexico’s Federal Hunting Law. By learning about their lives and homes, we can help protect the golden eagle for the future.
9. Broad-billed Hummingbird
The Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) is a standout among Mexico’s colorful birds. It’s small but has vibrant colors and amazing flying skills. Birdwatchers and nature lovers find it a joy to see.
The male Broad-billed Hummingbird is eye-catching. It has bright green feathers on top and bottom, a blue throat, and a long, straight red bill. Females are less flashy, with pale green back, grayish belly, white eye stripe, and a white throat.
These birds live in canyons, riparian woodlands, and thorn forests in Mexico and a bit of the southwestern U.S. They eat nectar from flowers. Their long tongues help them drink nectar while hovering in front of flowers.
Each day, a male Broad-billed Hummingbird eats about 1.6 to 1.7 times its body weight in nectar. This shows how much energy they need. They also defend their food spots fiercely, chasing off other males and big insects.
The Broad-billed Hummingbird is a treasure among Mexico’s birds. It enchants everyone who sees its bright colors and flying skills.
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Final Thoughts:
Mexico is a paradise for bird lovers, with 1,040 bird species, including 125 found only there. You’ll find everything from the majestic Golden Eagle to the colorful Broad-billed Hummingbird. We’ve looked at 13 amazing types of birds that live in Mexico, sharing their looks, habits, and where to find them.
