Pack your binoculars and cameras with telephoto lenses attached for some birding and bird photography, because there’s a plethora of feathered species to view at Everglades National Park from over 360 species living in or migrating through the park.

The birds you might spy in this national park can be divided into three different varieties: wading birds, land birds, and birds of prey.

Wading Birds

Little blue herons, with their bright blue beaks, are just one of the many wading birds you might see in Everglades National Park / NPS-Federico Acevedo

There are 16 different species in Everglades. They all have long legs built for wading the shallow, marshy wetlands in search of fish and crayfish. Standing still as statues, their eyes will peer closely at the water, wading silently from time to time as they stalk their meal. Suddenly, they will jab into the water to catch their prey. The most common of these waders is the white Ibis, with its curved beak perfect for grabbing its favorite crayfish meal. Other waders include roseate spoonbills, wood storks, egrets (great egret, snowy egret, cattle egret, reddish egret), and herons (great blue heron, little blue heron, yellow-crowned night heron, black-crowned night heron, tri-colored heron, green-backed heron, bittern).

Land Birds

You may hear a red-bellied woodpecker before you actually see it high up in a tree at Everglades National Park / NPS - Federico Acevedo

Pigeons, doves, peafowl, wild turkeys, cuckoos, nighthawks, hummingbirds, plovers, godwits, woodpeckers, kingfishers, flickers, flycatchers, parakeets, phoebes, and sandpipers are just a few of the many land-based birds you may spot on tree branches, in the air, or perched on fences or buildings.

Birds of Prey

Osprey are a beautiful bird of prey living in Everglades National Park / NPS-Federico Acevedo

Birds of prey are indeed a charismatic bird, with their sharp claws and fierce eyes. Of these birds, you may see osprey, kites, hawks, harriers, falcons, kestrels, and owls.

If you intend to do a little birding during your visit, there are several great spots you should check out.

Homestead Area

Anhinga Trail

• Wading birds, cormorants, Purple Gallinules, and nesting Anhingas may be found along the path anytime of the day during the winter (dry) season.

• View the park calendar to see scheduled ranger-led programs at Royal Palm!
• Accessibility: 0.8 miles (1200 meters) round trip. Wheelchair accessible.
• Directions...

Mahogany Hammock and Vicinity

• Cape Sable Seaside Sparrows may be heard and seen early in the morning from the main park road during the spring. Bald Eagles and warblers are also active in the morning, while Barred Owls come out in the evening.
• View the park calendar to see scheduled ranger-led programs at Flamingo.
• Accessibility: 0.5 miles (800 meters) round trip. Wheelchair accessible.
• Directions...

Paurotis Pond

• Roseate Spoonbills and many species of wading birds make appearances year round, while in the early spring a Wood Stork rookery dominates the mangroves of this small pond.
• Accessibility: No immediate trails; wheelchair accessible in the parking lot and maintained lawn.
• Directions: Paurotis Pond is located approximately 24 miles from the main park entrance near Homestead, adjacent to the park road to Flamingo.

Nine Mile Pond

• Wading birds, Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Limpkins, and White-crowned Pigeons make this spikerush community their home. The best times to find these birds is in the morning via canoe.
• View the park calendar to see scheduled ranger-led canoe programs at Flamingo / Nine Mile Pond!
• Accessibility: No immediate trails; wheelchair accessible in the parking lot and maintained lawn.
• Directions: Nine Mile Pond is located approximately 27 miles from the main park entrance near Homestead, adjacent to the park road to Flamingo.

Snake Bight Trail

• Warblers and Mangrove Cuckoos frequent the trail in the morning hours while wading birds, shorebirds, and flamingos sometimes feed near the boardwalk at high tide.
• Accessibility: 1.6 miles (2.6 km) one way. Not wheelchair accessible.
• Directions...

Mrazek Pond

• Most of the year only a few ducks and wading birds, but for a few days during some winters, large numbers of wading birds, including Roseate Spoonbills and Wood Storks, move in to feast.
• Directions: Mrazek Pond is located approximately 3 miles north of the Flamingo Visitor Center.

Eco Pond

• Wading birds, American Coots, Osprey, White-crowned Pigeons, warblers, Red-shouldered Hawks, Anhingas, rails, Painted Buntings and other transients are best viewed here in the morning.
• Directions...
• Accessibility: 0.5 miles (800 meters) round trip. Not wheelchair accessible.

Shark Valley (Miami)

Shark Valley Tram Road and Vicinity

• Wood Storks, Limpkins, Snail Kite, Anhingas, and other wading birds may be found throughout the day along the tram road. Visitors often enjoy riding bicycles or walking to find wildlife.
• View the park calendar for scheduled ranger-led programs at Shark Valley!
• Directions...

Gulf Coast (Everglades City)

Gulf Coast Vicinity

• Wading birds, cormorants, Osprey, Bald Eagles, pelicans, and shorebirds can be observed from the shore or by boat in the 10,000 Islands. Peregrine Falcons, Swallow-tailed Kites, Wood Storks, skimmers, and a variety of warblers make a seasonal appearance.
• Visitors often enjoy paddling or taking boat trips on the water to view the coastal wildlife in this area of the park.
• View the park calendar to see scheduled ranger-led programs at Gulf Coast!
• Directions...