Santa Ana NWR

About the Area

Established in 1943 for the protection of migratory birds, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge happens to be positioned along an east-west and north-south juncture of two major migratory routes for many species of birds. It is also at the northern-most point for many species whose range extends south into Central and South America. The refuge is right in the middle of all this biological diversity, which is what makes this 2,088 acre parcel the ‘jewel of the National Wildlife Refuge System.’ Though small in size, Santa Ana offers visitors an opportunity to see birds, butterflies and many other species not found anywhere else in the United States beyond deep South Texas.

In Focus...

Easy Access Species:

• Typical valley specialties such as Plain Chachalaca, Great Kiskadee, Green jay, Long-billed Thrasher, Altamira Oriole and Olive Sparrow.

Site Specialties:

• Tropical Parula

• Hook-billed Kite

Dominant Habitats

• Floodplain Deciduous Shrubland

• Freshwater Marsh

• Mixed Forest

• Open Water: Fresh

• Riparian Deciduous Forest

• Riparian Evergreen Forest

eBird Hotspot Statistics

Santa Ana NWR Region

Last Updated 4/14/21

• Species Observed - 357

• Complete Checklists - 15.6K

• Bar Chart Link

• Illustrated Checklist Link