Did you know the Florida Keys, particularly Key West, are a great place to go birding? Whether you’re an amateur just starting or a seasoned pro with a list, birding guide, and giant binoculars around your neck, Key West is for the birds!
The tropical climate and the islands’ location along migration routes make spotting birds in the Florida Keys an exciting and fun activity for everyone. You can see everything here, from ocean birds like terns, pelicans, and shorebirds to woodland critters like warblers, thrashers, doves, and pigeons. The diverse and unique species of wild birds attract visitors for observation and photography. The Florida Keys are home to a diverse and abundant array of Florida birds, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities. There are even a few species that live nowhere else! The region’s rich avian diversity includes both resident and migratory birds, with various natural areas providing critical habitats.
Here’s a look at our birds, Florida Keys birding, and why sandbars and Key West eco tours are heaven for nature lovers.
Why Is Birding in Key West So Good?
There are a ton of birds in Key West, Florida, for a handful of reasons. For some reference, the local Audubon chapter lists over 400 birds of the Keys that have flown through at one time or another. 400 species!
First, many bird species live here year-round. We’ve got your water birds and your land birds, your high-flying birds, and your shrubbery birds. Ospreys, herons, ibis, cormorants, blackbirds, and more. They live here all the time, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to see them hanging out anytime. The Florida Scrub Jay, for example, can be compared to other local species like the Blue Jay, but it prefers scrub oak habitats.
Additionally, the Brown-crested Flycatcher has been recently sighted alongside other migratory species, adding to the diversity of birds in the area.
Secondly, birding in the Florida Keys is excellent because the islands lie along a major migratory corridor between the Eastern US and Central and South America. This corridor dramatically increases bird populations during certain times of the year. In the spring, birds headed north land on the islands for a break after crossing from Mexico or Cuba. In the fall, they land to rest and eat before their big over-water flight. The landing of all these birds is known as a “fallout.”
Migration fallouts are difficult to predict precisely because birds choose their flight times based on the weather. They’re most likely to occur in late April/early May and September/October.
Migration brings all sorts of birds that wouldn’t otherwise choose to live on our lovely island, including warblers, sparrows, hawks, and ducks. The Black-crowned Night-Heron, for instance, is classified alongside other notable avian species, showcasing the biodiversity of herons in the area.
The Grasshopper Sparrow is another example, known for its rarity and preference for meadows and open spaces.
Finally, we have some very special birds that like hanging out around our island, which you don’t see many of in the rest of the country: Roseate Spoonbills, Magnificent Frigatebirds, and even flamingoes. These include several threatened species, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to protect these unique avian populations.
South Florida’s unique avifauna makes it a prime birdwatching destination, attracting enthusiasts from all over.
The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is one of the notable vagrant species that can be spotted in the region, adding to the excitement for birdwatchers.
The Painted Bunting, with its vibrant colors and preference for weedy areas or less dense woodlands, is another highlight for bird enthusiasts.
Among the migratory birds, the Yellow-headed Blackbird has also been spotted, adding to the diversity of species observed in the area.
Birdwatching in the Florida Keys can be particularly rewarding when trying to identify elusive species, as good equipment like binoculars is essential for spotting these harder-to-find birds.
Where Are the Best Places to Spot the Birds of Key West?
In town, you’re likely to spot a few birds. You can’t miss the famous Key West chickens, after all. Long Key State Park is a prime destination for birdwatching, offering diverse habitats and unique bird species.
And while hanging out at Mallory Square watching the sunset, you’re bound to see a few Brown Pelicans, gulls, and terns flying around. You might even get to see a Double Crested Cormorant swimming in the harbor, too. If you hang out by the docks long enough, you’ll probably glimpse a Great Blue Heron or their local cousin, the Great White Heron.
But if you really want to check some species off your list, you need to get out of town on some sort of eco-charter. Kayak tours through the mangroves of the Middle Keys, focusing on specific locations such as Long Key State Park and Curry Hammock State Park, are a great option since kayaking allows you to get up close with birds without startling them. Another fantastic way to explore and enjoy the vibrant marine life is by snorkeling and finding the perfect snorkel mask. The backcountry mangroves are the best places to spot birds fishing on the flats, like Red Herons with their funny dancing fishing technique or the Spoonbills with their swishing motion. Curry Hammock State Park is significant for monitoring migratory flights of various raptor species.
If you want to stick to dry land, you might take a little road trip to some local parks and wildlife refuges. The National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key has some excellent birding opportunities. Check out Bahia Honda State Park at Mile Marker 36 for time on the beach. It’s a great spot for shorebirds like plovers and sandpipers. Everglades National Park, located in the Miami-Dade County region, is also a prime location for birdwatching.
What about the Key West bird sanctuary? There are a few places in the Keys where you can visit birds up close and personal. The Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Gardens on Stock Island is a great place to see birds passing through while walking around, and the has a population of exotic birds, including two famous flamingoes. The Key West Wildlife Center does rescues and rehabilitations in our area, and their seven-acre facility on White Street has a nature trail with a freshwater pond that attracts a lot of avian attention. In the Upper Keys, there’s also the Florida Keys Wild Bird Center, which rescues birds and has a small boardwalk where you can see them. Their wild bird sanctuary is located in Key Largo around Mile Marker 93.
Finally, if you want one of the ultimate birding trips, consider heading out to the Dry Tortugas for the day. Dry Tortugas National Park is a prime birdwatching destination, offering unique wildlife and rare bird species. If you could time your trip for a migration fallout, you’d be in for a real treat. That’s tricky, though, due to scheduling the ferry ride and weather concerns. However, the Dry Tortugas are a fun birding expedition any day of the year. If you can’t make it out there for a fallout, consider touring the other Lower Keys state parks, especially Fort Zachary Taylor and Bahia Honda. The national wildlife refuges within the Florida Keys, such as the Key West, Crocodile Lake, and Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuges, are critical habitats offering unique birdwatching opportunities.
The Great Florida Birding Trail is a collection of exceptional birding sites throughout the state. Their website has a complete list of locations around Key West.
Key West Birds — What Birds Will You See on a Charter?
Okay, I don’t like to make promises I can’t keep, but we do see an awful lot of Key West birds on our eco-tours. Taking the boat to the backcountry never disappoints, and it’s fun to combine a cruise through the mangroves with a walk on a quiet sandbar to stretch your legs. The American Flamingo, with its bright pink plumage, is a rare and appealing sight in the Florida Keys.
Heading out on the boat also means we can visit some Keys birding hotspots you can’t reach by land, including the Great White Heron and Key West Wildlife Refuges. These places aren’t even included on the Florida Birding Trail because most people can’t easily access them! The Thick-billed Vireo, known for its rarity and association with other migratory birds, can also be spotted in these areas.
So, without further ado, here’s a look at some birds I can guarantee you’ll see on one of my charters! Ok, they’re birds — I can’t actually guarantee anything. They don’t listen to me! But you’ll probably see them. Maybe. The Sooty Tern, with its breeding colony at Bush Key in Dry Tortugas National Park, is another notable species you might encounter.
The Reddish Egret, with its unique shaggy appearance and engaging behavior, is often seen hopping and dancing in the water to attract prey.
Frigate birds, known for their unique characteristics and behaviors, are also a common sight in the area.
The White-crowned Pigeon, with its distinct physical features and threatened status, is another bird you might spot.
Long-legged wading birds, such as the Reddish Egret, are frequently observed in the wetlands and shallow coastal waters of the Florida Keys. Green Herons are also present in these areas, adding to the diverse birdwatching experience.
The Black-whiskered Vireo, appealing to birdwatchers for its distinctive features, can be found in the tropical forests and woodlands of the Keys. The Gray Kingbird, with its distinctive gray plumage and aggressive behavior, is another notable species.
The Brown Noddy, playing a significant role in nesting colonies on remote islands, is often seen foraging over open waters. The Peregrine Falcon, important in the context of birdwatching, is another raptor you might encounter.
The Short-tailed Hawk, present in the Florida Keys, adds to the diversity of birds of prey in the region. The Key West Piping Plover, significant in conservation efforts, is a small shorebird you might spot.
The Wood Stork, known for its role in foraging within wetland habitats, is another bird to look out for. The Bald Eagle, indicating its importance in the ecosystem, is also a significant sighting.
The Roseate Spoonbill, with its unique appearance and behavior, is a striking bird commonly observed in shallow water habitats. The Yellow-billed Cuckoo, popular among birdwatchers, is another species you might encounter.
The Mangrove Cuckoo, known for its distinctive call and habitat, is often heard but not seen. Short-tailed Hawks, present in specific parks, add to the birdwatching appeal.
The Red-winged Blackbird, categorized among other blackbirds, is another bird you might see. The Mourning Dove, highlighting its prevalence, is a common species in the area.
The Key West Quail-Dove, rare and significant for birdwatchers, is another notable species. Peregrine Falcons, with their significant numbers during migration seasons, are often observed in the area.
The White Ibis, a common bird in the area, is frequently seen in the marshes and estuaries of the Florida Keys. The Yellow-green Vireo, relevant among other vagrant species, is another bird to look out for.
The Black-throated Gray Warbler, present among other notable species, adds to the diversity of warblers in the region. Black-whiskered Vireos, with their ideal habitats and conditions for birdwatching, are also found in the area.
Bush Key, a critical habitat for various bird species, is another significant location for birdwatching. The American Flamingo, with its bright pink plumage, is a distinctive and exciting sight.
Observing common birds in the Florida Keys, such as ibises, herons, and egrets, enhances the birdwatching experience.
- Little Blue Herons
- Great Blue Herons
- Great Egrets
- Snowy Egrets
- White Egrets
- Yellow-Crowned
- Night Herons
- Red-Winged Blackbirds
- Snowy Egret – notable for its elegant appearance and foraging abilities
- Cattle Egret – commonly sighted among birdwatching enthusiasts
- Black Whiskered Vireo – distinctive for its greenish coloration and black mask
- Short Tailed Hawk – a notable raptor species in the Florida Keys
- Yellow Green Vireo – relevant among other vagrant species
- Black Throated Gray Warbler – notable among other species sighted in South Florida
- White Ibis
- Double-Breasted Cormorants
- Anhingas
- Kingfishers
- Ospreys
- Magnificent Frigatebirds
- Bald Eagles
Ready for a Bird Watching Florida Keys Adventure?
So, what’s the best way to see the birds of Key West, Florida? I may be a bit biased, but I think getting out on a boat is the only way to go. It’s the Keys, and there’s much more water to explore than land. Our boat lets us cover a lot of ground, but we also like to cruise slowly and quietly to see more and disturb the birds less. Garden Key, with its rich avian diversity, is a unique spot where visitors can observe rare bird species and enjoy the natural beauty.
The great thing about an eco-charter, though, is that you also stand a chance of seeing all sorts of other wildlife, like sandbar critters and Key West marine animals. We see a lot of bottlenose dolphins off Key West, and you might also catch a glimpse of manatees, stingrays, or sharks. The Blue Hole, a pond in an abandoned quarry within the National Key Deer Refuge, is another notable spot for birdwatching enthusiasts, attracting diverse bird species.
