Big Bend National Park, in southwestern Texas along the Rio Grande, has deserts, mountains and rivers, and its wildlife is just as varied. The park supports over 450 species of birds, including roadrunners, peregrine falcons and the Mexican jay. Javelinas, mule deer and bobcats are seen often, while black bears and mountain lions are harder to find.
Rattlesnakes, lizards and the Texas horned lizard live in the desert, and amphibians such as the Couch’s spadefoot toad can be found near water, which is scarce and vital here. Cacti and desert shrubs give many of these animals food and shelter. Keep reading to see featured photos of Big Bend’s wildlife and to learn more about wildlife photography.
Featured Big Bend National Park Wildlife Photographs
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Wildlife Photography Tips
Wildlife photography in the US National Parks offers a unique and enriching experience, as these protected areas are havens for diverse species and pristine natural landscapes. Capturing wildlife in such settings requires preparation and respect for both the environment and its inhabitants. Photographers should familiarize themselves with the specific animals and ecosystems of the park they are visiting, as each park hosts different species and behaviors. Early mornings and late afternoons, known as the golden hours, provide the best light and increased wildlife activity. Different seasons also offer different wildlife viewing opportunities. Patience and stillness are key, as the best moments often come to those who wait quietly.
If wildlife does present itself, always make sure to maintain a safe distance. Using a telephoto lens allows for close-up shots without intruding on the animals’ space. If you already own or want to own a professional grade mirrored camera like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR, we recommend using a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens zoom lens for wildlife photography. If you have or are interested in a newer mirrorless model like the Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera, we recommend using a Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Black for long distance shots.
Not quite ready to invest in traditional professional-grade camera equipment but want to enhance the quality of your cell phone photographs? Consider using a Moment Tele 58mm Mobile Lens II for improved reach, and use a Moment camera case with a lens mount to attach it to your phone. Since cell phones generally cannot provide the same reach as a dedicated telephoto camera lens, never compensate by moving dangerously close to wildlife. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while photographing wildlife.
Want to take your wildlife photos further? Featured photographer Vella Torvik shares her field-tested advice on gear, camera settings, light, composition and safely approaching wildlife in our Wildlife Photography 101: Insider Tips From the Field masterclass.
Big Bend Wildlife Education and Resources
Want to learn more about Big Bend National Park and the wildlife that inhabits it? Check out these guides & books:
- Peterson Field Guide To Mammals Of North America: Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Peterson Field Guide To Birds Of Western North America, Fifth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Bird Songs: 250 North American Birds in Song
- Peterson Field Guide To Western Reptiles & Amphibians, Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Peterson Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes, Second Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
- Animal Tracks: A Folding Pocket Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Familiar North American Species (Wildlife and Nature Identification)
Please note, by making purchases through our affiliate links, you are supporting our mission to celebrate and showcase our National Parks and the photographers who frequent them. As an Amazon Associate, National Park Photographer earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. We appreciate your support.
Big Bend National Park Species List
The wildlife at Big Bend National Park is beautiful and diverse. There are a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish to view. Check out all the incredible species this park has to offer! Click on the links below to see the different animal species that inhabit Big Bend National Park:
Big Bend National Park Mammals
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| American Badger (Taxidea taxus) | Unknown |
| American Beaver (Castor canadensis) | Unknown |
| American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) | Unknown |
| Aoudad (Barbary Sheep) (Ammotragus lervia) | Unknown |
| Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) | Unknown |
| Big Free-tailed Bat (Nyctinomops macrotis) | Unknown |
| Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis) | Rare |
| Black-tailed Jackrabbit (Lepus californicus) | Unknown |
| Bobcat (Lynx rufus) | Unknown |
| Botta’s Pocket Gopher (Thomomys bottae) | Unknown |
| Brazilian Free-tailed Bat (Tadarida brasiliensis) | Unknown |
| Brush Mouse (Peromyscus boylii) | Unknown |
| Cactus Mouse (Peromyscus eremicus) | Unknown |
| California Myotis (Myotis californicus) | Unknown |
| Cave Myotis (Myotis velifer) | Unknown |
| Chihuahuan Desert Pocket Mouse (Chaetodipus eremicus) | Unknown |
| Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu) | Unknown |
| Common Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) | Unknown |
| Coyote (Canis latrans) | Unknown |
| Crawford’s Desert Shrew (Notiosorex crawfordi) | Unknown |
| Davis Mountains Cottontail (Sylvilagus robustus) | Unknown |
| Deer Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) | Unknown |
| Desert Cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii) | Unknown |
| Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) | Unknown |
| Eastern Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus subflavus) | Unknown |
| Elk (Cervus canadensis) | Rare |
| Feral Pig (Sus scrofa) | Unknown |
| Fringed Myotis (Myotis thysanodes) | Unknown |
| Fulvous Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys fulvescens) | Rare |
| Ghost-faced Bat (Mormoops megalophylla) | Unknown |
| Hispid Cotton Rat (Sigmodon hispidus) | Unknown |
| Hoary Bat (Lasiurus cinereus) | Unknown |
| Hooded Skunk (Mephitis macroura) | Rare |
| Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis) | Unknown |
| Long-legged Myotis (Myotis volans) | Unknown |
| Long-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata) | Unknown |
| Mearns’s Grasshopper Mouse (Onychomys arenicola) | Rare |
| Merriam’s Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys merriami) | Unknown |
| Merriam’s Pocket Mouse (Perognathus merriami) | Unknown |
| Mexican Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus mexicanus) | Rare |
| Mexican Long-nosed Bat (Leptonycteris nivalis) | Unknown |
| Mexican Woodrat (Neotoma mexicana) | Unknown |
| Mountain Lion (Puma concolor) | Unknown |
| Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) | Unknown |
| Nelson’s Pocket Mouse (Chaetodipus nelsoni) | Unknown |
| North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) | Unknown |
| Northern Raccoon (Procyon lotor) | Unknown |
| Northern Rock Mouse (Peromyscus nasutus) | Unknown |
| Nutria (Myocastor coypus) | Unknown |
| Ord’s Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys ordii) | Unknown |
| Pallid Bat (Antrozous pallidus) | Unknown |
| Plains Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys montanus) | Rare |
| Pocketed Free-tailed Bat (Nyctinomops femorosaccus) | Unknown |
| Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) | Unknown |
| Ringtail (Bassariscus astutus) | Unknown |
| Rock Squirrel (Spermophilus variegatus) | Unknown |
| Silky Pocket Mouse (Perognathus flavus) | Unknown |
| Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) | Unknown |
| Southern Plains Woodrat (Neotoma micropus) | Unknown |
| Spotted Bat (Euderma maculatum) | Unknown |
| Spotted Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus spilosoma) | Unknown |
| Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) | Unknown |
| Texas Antelope Squirrel (Ammospermophilus interpres) | Unknown |
| Townsend’s Big-eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii) | Unknown |
| Western Bonneted Bat (Eumops perotis) | Unknown |
| Western Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis) | Unknown |
| Western Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus hesperus) | Unknown |
| Western Small-footed Myotis (Myotis ciliolabrum) | Rare |
| Western Spotted Skunk (Spilogale gracilis) | Unknown |
| Western White-throated Woodrat (Neotoma albigula) | Unknown |
| Western Yellow Bat (Lasiurus xanthinus) | Unknown |
| White-ankled Mouse (Peromyscus pectoralis) | Unknown |
| White-backed Hog-nosed Skunk (Conepatus leuconotus) | Unknown |
| White-footed Mouse (Peromyscus leucopus) | Unknown |
| White-nosed Coati (Nasua narica) | Rare |
| White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) | Unknown |
| Yellow-faced Pocket Gopher (Cratogeomys castanops) | Unknown |
| Yellow-nosed Cotton Rat (Sigmodon ochrognathus) | Unknown |
| Yuma Myotis (Myotis yumanensis) | Unknown |
Big Bend National Park Birds
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) | Common |
| American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana) | Uncommon |
| American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) | Uncommon |
| American Coot (Fulica americana) | Common |
| American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus) | Occasional |
| American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) | Uncommon |
| American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) | Common |
| American Pipit (Anthus rubescens) | Common |
| American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) | Common |
| American Robin (Turdus migratorius) | Common |
| American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) | Rare |
| American Wigeon (Anas americana) | Common |
| American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) | Occasional |
| Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga) | Occasional |
| Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) | Common |
| Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) | Occasional |
| Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) | Common |
| Aztec Thrush (Ridgwayia pinicola) | Occasional |
| Baird’s Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii) | Uncommon |
| Baird’s Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii) | Uncommon |
| Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) | Occasional |
| Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula) | Rare |
| Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata) | Uncommon |
| Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) | Uncommon |
| Barn Owl (Tyto alba) | Rare |
| Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) | Common |
| Bay-breasted Warbler (Dendroica castanea) | Rare |
| Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii) | Abundant |
| Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) | Uncommon |
| Berylline Hummingbird (Amazilia beryllina) | Occasional |
| Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii) | Common |
| Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) | Abundant |
| Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) | Occasional |
| Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) | Common |
| Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) | Common |
| Black-bellied Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) | Occasional |
| Black-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus) | Occasional |
| Black-capped Vireo (Vireo atricapilla) | Uncommon |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) | Abundant |
| Black-chinned Sparrow (Spizella atrogularis) | Common |
| Black-crested Titmouse (Baeolophus atricristatus) | Common |
| Black-crowned Night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) | Uncommon |
| Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) | Common |
| Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) | Occasional |
| Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) | Uncommon |
| Black-tailed Gnatcatcher (Polioptila melanura) | Abundant |
| Black-throated Blue Warbler (Dendroica caerulescens) | Uncommon |
| Black-throated Gray Warbler (Dendroica nigrescens) | Uncommon |
| Black-throated Green Warbler (Dendroica virens) | Uncommon |
| Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata) | Abundant |
| Black-vented Oriole (Icterus wagleri) | Occasional |
| Blackburnian Warbler (Dendroica fusca) | Rare |
| Blackpoll Warbler (Dendroica striata) | Rare |
| Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) | Common |
| Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) | Rare |
| Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) | Abundant |
| Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius) | Uncommon |
| Blue-throated Hummingbird (Lampornis clemenciae) | Common |
| Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) | Common |
| Blue-winged Warbler (Vermivora pinus) | Rare |
| Bonaparte’s Gull (Larus philadelphia) | Rare |
| Brewer’s Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) | Common |
| Brewer’s Sparrow (Spizella breweri) | Common |
| Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) | Rare |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus) | Common |
| Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) | Rare |
| Bronzed Cowbird (Molothrus aeneus) | Uncommon |
| Brown Creeper (Certhia americana) | Uncommon |
| Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) | Rare |
| Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) | Uncommon |
| Brown-crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus tyrannulus) | Uncommon |
| Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) | Common |
| Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) | Common |
| Bullock’s Oriole (Icterus bullockii) | Common |
| Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) | Uncommon |
| Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus) | Common |
| Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) | Abundant |
| Calliope Hummingbird (Stellula calliope) | Rare |
| Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) | Rare |
| Canada Warbler (Wilsonia canadensis) | Rare |
| Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) | Occasional |
| Canyon Towhee (Melozone fusca) | Abundant |
| Canyon Wren (Catherpes mexicanus) | Common |
| Cape May Warbler (Dendroica tigrina) | Rare |
| Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) | Uncommon |
| Cassin’s Finch (Carpodacus cassinii) | Rare |
| Cassin’s Kingbird (Tyrannus vociferans) | Common |
| Cassin’s Sparrow (Aimophila cassinii) | Uncommon |
| Cassin’s Vireo (Vireo cassinii) | Uncommon |
| Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) | Common |
| Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva) | Uncommon |
| Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) | Uncommon |
| Cerulean Warbler (Dendroica cerulea) | Rare |
| Chestnut-collared Longspur (Calcarius ornatus) | Uncommon |
| Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica) | Rare |
| Chihuahuan Raven (Corvus cryptoleucus) | Uncommon |
| Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica) | Occasional |
| Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) | Common |
| Cinnamon Teal (Anas cyanoptera) | Common |
| Clark’s Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana) | Occasional |
| Clay-colored Robin (Turdus grayi) | Occasional |
| Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) | Uncommon |
| Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) | Common |
| Colima Warbler (Vermivora crissalis) | Common |
| Common Black-hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus) | Rare |
| Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) | Rare |
| Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) | Rare |
| Common Ground-dove (Columbina passerina) | Common |
| Common Loon (Gavia immer) | Occasional |
| Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) | Rare |
| Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) | Rare |
| Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor) | Uncommon |
| Common Poorwill (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii) | Common |
| Common Raven (Corvus corax) | Abundant |
| Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) | Common |
| Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) | Common |
| Cordilleran Flycatcher (Empidonax occidentalis) | Common |
| Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae) | Rare |
| Couch’s Kingbird (Tyrannus couchii) | Rare |
| Crescent-chested Warbler (Parula superciliosa) | Occasional |
| Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway) | Rare |
| Crissal Thrasher (Toxostoma crissale) | Common |
| Curve-billed Thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre) | Abundant |
| Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) | Common |
| Dickcissel (Spiza americana) | Uncommon |
| Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) | Rare |
| Dunlin (Calidris alpina) | Occasional |
| Dusky Flycatcher (Empidonax oberholseri) | Common |
| Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer) | Rare |
| Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) | Rare |
| Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) | Common |
| Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) | Rare |
| Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna) | Common |
| Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) | Common |
| Eastern Screech-owl (Megascops asio) | Rare |
| Eastern Wood-pewee (Contopus virens) | Rare |
| Elegant Trogon (Trogon elegans) | Occasional |
| Elf Owl (Micrathene whitneyi) | Common |
| Eurasian Collared-dove (Streptopelia decaocto) | Common |
| European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) | Rare |
| Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) | Occasional |
| Fan-tailed Warbler (Euthlypis lachrymosa) | Occasional |
| Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis) | Uncommon |
| Ferruginous Pygmy-owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) | Occasional |
| Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) | Rare |
| Flame-colored Tanager (Piranga bidentata) | Rare |
| Flammulated Owl (Otus flammeolus) | Rare |
| Forster’s Tern (Sterna forsteri) | Rare |
| Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca) | Rare |
| Franklin’s Gull (Larus pipixcan) | Rare |
| Gadwall (Anas strepera) | Common |
| Gambel’s Quail (Callipepla gambelii) | Rare |
| Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) | Rare |
| Golden-cheeked Warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) | Rare |
| Golden-crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) | Rare |
| Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) | Occasional |
| Golden-fronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons) | Abundant |
| Golden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera) | Rare |
| Grace’s Warbler (Dendroica graciae) | Rare |
| Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) | Uncommon |
| Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) | Uncommon |
| Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) | Common |
| Gray Hawk (Buteo nitidus) | Uncommon |
| Gray Vireo (Vireo vicinior) | Common |
| Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus) | Rare |
| Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) | Common |
| Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) | Rare |
| Great Egret (Ardea alba) | Uncommon |
| Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) | Common |
| Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) | Occasional |
| Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) | Uncommon |
| Greater Pewee (Contopus pertinax) | Occasional |
| Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) | Abundant |
| Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons) | Occasional |
| Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) | Uncommon |
| Green Heron (Butorides virescens) | Common |
| Green Kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana) | Rare |
| Green-tailed Towhee (Pipilo chlorurus) | Common |
| Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca) | Common |
| Groove-billed Ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris) | Rare |
| Hammond’s Flycatcher (Empidonax hammondii) | Uncommon |
| Harris’s Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) | Uncommon |
| Harris’s Sparrow (Zonotrichia querula) | Occasional |
| Hepatic Tanager (Piranga flava) | Uncommon |
| Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) | Common |
| Hermit Warbler (Dendroica occidentalis) | Uncommon |
| Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) | Rare |
| Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus) | Common |
| Hooded Warbler (Wilsonia citrina) | Uncommon |
| Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) | Rare |
| House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) | Abundant |
| House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) | Common |
| House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) | Common |
| Hutton’s Vireo (Vireo huttoni) | Common |
| Inca Dove (Columbina inca) | Common |
| Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) | Common |
| Kentucky Warbler (Oporornis formosus) | Rare |
| Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) | Common |
| King Rail (Rallus elegans) | Occasional |
| Ladder-backed Woodpecker (Picoides scalaris) | Abundant |
| Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys) | Common |
| Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) | Common |
| Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla) | Rare |
| Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena) | Uncommon |
| Le Conte’s Sparrow (Ammodramus leconteii) | Rare |
| Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) | Rare |
| Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) | Common |
| Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus) | Rare |
| Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) | Uncommon |
| Least Tern (Sternula antillarum) | Rare |
| Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) | Common |
| Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis) | Abundant |
| Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis) | Uncommon |
| Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) | Rare |
| Lewis’s Woodpecker (Melanerpes lewis) | Rare |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii) | Common |
| Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) | Rare |
| Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) | Common |
| Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus) | Rare |
| Long-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus) | Rare |
| Long-billed Thrasher (Toxostoma longirostre) | Rare |
| Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) | Rare |
| Louisiana Waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla) | Rare |
| Lucifer Hummingbird (Calothorax lucifer) | Uncommon |
| Lucy’s Warbler (Oreothlypis luciae) | Uncommon |
| MacGillivray’s Warbler (Oporornis tolmiei) | Common |
| Magnificent Hummingbird (Eugenes fulgens) | Rare |
| Magnolia Warbler (Dendroica magnolia) | Rare |
| Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) | Uncommon |
| Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris) | Common |
| Merlin (Falco columbarius) | Uncommon |
| Mexican Jay (Aphelocoma ultramarina) | Common |
| Mississippi Kite (Ictinia mississippiensis) | Uncommon |
| Montezuma Quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) | Rare |
| Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) | Rare |
| Mountain Chickadee (Poecile gambeli) | Occasional |
| Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) | Common |
| Mourning Warbler (Oporornis philadelphia) | Rare |
| Nashville Warbler (Vermivora ruficapilla) | Common |
| Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) | Rare |
| Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) | Abundant |
| Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) | Common |
| Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) | Occasional |
| Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus) | Uncommon |
| Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) | Abundant |
| Northern Parula (Parula americana) | Common |
| Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) | Uncommon |
| Northern Pygmy-owl (Glaucidium gnoma) | Rare |
| Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) | Common |
| Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) | Occasional |
| Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) | Common |
| Northern Waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis) | Uncommon |
| Olive Warbler (Peucedramus taeniatus) | Occasional |
| Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi) | Uncommon |
| Orange-crowned Warbler (Vermivora celata) | Common |
| Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius) | Common |
| Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) | Uncommon |
| Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) | Uncommon |
| Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) | Common |
| Painted Redstart (Myioborus pictus) | Common |
| Palm Warbler (Dendroica palmarum) | Rare |
| Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos) | Rare |
| Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) | Common |
| Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens) | Uncommon |
| Philadelphia Vireo (Vireo philadelphicus) | Rare |
| Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) | Common |
| Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus) | Common |
| Pine Warbler (Dendroica pinus) | Rare |
| Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) | Occasional |
| Piratic Flycatcher (Legatus leucophaius) | Occasional |
| Plumbeous Vireo (Vireo plumbeus) | Common |
| Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) | Rare |
| Prairie Warbler (Dendroica discolor) | Rare |
| Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea) | Rare |
| Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus) | Rare |
| Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinica) | Occasional |
| Purple Martin (Progne subis) | Rare |
| Pygmy Nuthatch (Sitta pygmaea) | Occasional |
| Pyrrhuloxia (Cardinalis sinuatus) | Abundant |
| Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) | Rare |
| Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator) | Occasional |
| Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) | Rare |
| Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) | Common |
| Red-faced Warbler (Cardellina rubrifrons) | Rare |
| Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) | Rare |
| Red-naped Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus nuchalis) | Common |
| Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) | Rare |
| Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) | Abundant |
| Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) | Uncommon |
| Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens) | Occasional |
| Redhead (Aythya americana) | Rare |
| Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis) | Uncommon |
| Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) | Common |
| Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) | Rare |
| Rock Wren (Salpinctes obsoletus) | Common |
| Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Pheucticus ludovicianus) | Rare |
| Rose-throated Becard (Pachyramphus aglaiae) | Occasional |
| Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) | Occasional |
| Ross’s Goose (Chen rossii) | Rare |
| Rough-legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus) | Rare |
| Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) | Abundant |
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) | Rare |
| Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) | Rare |
| Ruddy Ground-dove (Columbina talpacoti) | Occasional |
| Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) | Common |
| Rufous-backed Robin (Turdus rufopalliatus) | Occasional |
| Rufous-capped Warbler (Basileuterus rufifrons) | Occasional |
| Rufous-crowned Sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps) | Common |
| Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus) | Rare |
| Sage Sparrow (Amphispiza belli) | Uncommon |
| Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus) | Uncommon |
| Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) | Uncommon |
| Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) | Common |
| Say’s Phoebe (Sayornis saya) | Abundant |
| Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata) | Common |
| Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea) | Rare |
| Scissor-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus forficatus) | Uncommon |
| Scott’s Oriole (Icterus parisorum) | Common |
| Sedge Wren (Cistothorus platensis) | Occasional |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus) | Uncommon |
| Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) | Rare |
| Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brachyurus) | Occasional |
| Slate-throated Redstart (Myioborus miniatus) | Occasional |
| Smith’s Longspur (Calcarius pictus) | Occasional |
| Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) | Occasional |
| Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens) | Uncommon |
| Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) | Uncommon |
| Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) | Uncommon |
| Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) | Uncommon |
| Sora (Porzana carolina) | Common |
| Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) | Common |
| Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) | Abundant |
| Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spragueii) | Rare |
| Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) | Occasional |
| Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher (Myiodynastes luteiventris) | Occasional |
| Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) | Common |
| Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni) | Uncommon |
| Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus) | Uncommon |
| Swainson’s Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) | Rare |
| Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus) | Occasional |
| Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana) | Common |
| Tennessee Warbler (Vermivora peregrina) | Rare |
| Thick-billed Kingbird (Tyrannus crassirostris) | Occasional |
| Townsend’s Solitaire (Myadestes townsendi) | Common |
| Townsend’s Warbler (Dendroica townsendi) | Common |
| Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) | Uncommon |
| Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) | Rare |
| Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) | Uncommon |
| Tropical Parula (Parula pitiayumi) | Rare |
| Tufted Flycatcher (Mitrephanes phaeocercus) | Occasional |
| Tundra Swan (Cygnus columbianus) | Rare |
| Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) | Abundant |
| Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda) | Rare |
| Varied Bunting (Passerina versicolor) | Common |
| Varied Thrush (Ixoreus naevius) | Rare |
| Veery (Catharus fuscescens) | Occasional |
| Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps) | Common |
| Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) | Abundant |
| Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) | Common |
| Violet-crowned Hummingbird (Amazilia violiceps) | Occasional |
| Violet-green Swallow (Tachycineta thalassina) | Common |
| Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) | Uncommon |
| Virginia’s Warbler (Oreothlypis virginiae) | Rare |
| Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus) | Common |
| Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) | Uncommon |
| Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis) | Common |
| Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta) | Uncommon |
| Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri) | Uncommon |
| Western Screech-owl (Megascops kennicottii) | Uncommon |
| Western Scrub-jay (Aphelocoma californica) | Uncommon |
| Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana) | Common |
| Western Wood-pewee (Contopus sordidulus) | Common |
| Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) | Rare |
| Whip-poor-will (Caprimulgus vociferus) | Uncommon |
| White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) | Rare |
| White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) | Uncommon |
| White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) | Abundant |
| White-eared Hummingbird (Hylocharis leucotis) | Rare |
| White-eyed Vireo (Vireo griseus) | Rare |
| White-faced Ibis (Plegadis chihi) | Common |
| White-tailed Hawk (Buteo albicaudatus) | Occasional |
| White-tailed Kite (Elanus leucurus) | Occasional |
| White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) | Uncommon |
| White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis) | Abundant |
| White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi) | Occasional |
| White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) | Abundant |
| Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) | Rare |
| Willet (Tringa semipalmata) | Rare |
| Williamson’s Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus thyroideus) | Rare |
| Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) | Uncommon |
| Wilson’s Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor) | Rare |
| Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata) | Uncommon |
| Wilson’s Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla) | Common |
| Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) | Rare |
| Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) | Uncommon |
| Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) | Rare |
| Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorum) | Rare |
| Yellow Rail (Coturnicops noveboracensis) | Occasional |
| Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) | Common |
| Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris) | Occasional |
| Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) | Uncommon |
| Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) | Common |
| Yellow-breasted Chat (Icteria virens) | Common |
| Yellow-crowned Night-heron (Nyctanassa violacea) | Rare |
| Yellow-eyed Junco (Junco phaeonotus) | Occasional |
| Yellow-green Vireo (Vireo flavoviridis) | Rare |
| Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus) | Common |
| Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata) | Abundant |
| Yellow-throated Vireo (Vireo flavifrons) | Uncommon |
| Yellow-throated Warbler (Dendroica dominica) | Uncommon |
| Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo albonotatus) | Common |
Big Bend National Park Reptiles
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| Baird’s Ratsnake (Elaphe bairdi) | Rare |
| Berlandier’s Tortoise (Gopherus berlandieri) | Rare |
| Big Bend Canyon Lizard (Sceloporus merriami) | Uncommon |
| Big Bend Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora hexalepis) | Uncommon |
| Big Bend Slider (Trachemys gaigeae) | Common |
| Big Bend Spotted Whiptail (Aspidoscelis septemvittata) | Common |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard (Urosaurus ornatus) | Common |
| Blotched Watersnake (Nerodia erythrogaster) | Rare |
| Central Texas Whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus) | Common |
| Chihuahuan Greater Earless Lizard (Cophosaurus texanus) | Common |
| Chihuahuan Hook-nosed Snake (Gyalopion canum) | Rare |
| Common Checkered Whiptail (Aspidoscelis tesselata) | Common |
| Common Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana) | Common |
| Desert Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata) | Rare |
| Desert Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula) | Rare |
| Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) | Uncommon |
| Gray-banded Kingsnake (Lampropeltis alterna) | Rare |
| Great Plains Ratsnake (Elaphe emoryi) | Rare |
| Great Plains Skink (Eumeces obsoletus) | Uncommon |
| Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) | Rare |
| Kansas Glossy Snake (Arizona elegans) | Uncommon |
| Long-nosed Leopard Lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) | Rare |
| Marbled Whiptail (Aspidoscelis marmorata) | Common |
| Marcy’s Checkered Gartersnake (Thamnophis marcianus) | Uncommon |
| Mediterranean House Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) | Common |
| Mexican Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum) | Rare |
| Mohave Rattlesnake (Crotalus scutulatus) | Uncommon |
| Mottled Rock Rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus) | Uncommon |
| Mountain Patch-nosed Snake (Salvadora grahamiae) | Uncommon |
| Northern Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus) | Common |
| Northern Crevice Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus poinsettii) | Common |
| Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta) | Rare |
| Reticulate Banded Gecko (Coleonyx reticulatus) | Rare |
| Ring-necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus) | Uncommon |
| Rio Grande Cooter (Pseudemys gorzugi) | Rare |
| Round-tailed Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma modestum) | Uncommon |
| Short-lined Skink (Eumeces tetragrammus) | Uncommon |
| Smith’s Black-headed Snake (Tantilla hobartsmithi) | Uncommon |
| Sonoran Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer) | Common |
| Southwestern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus cowlesi) | Common |
| Texas Alligator Lizard (Gerrhonotus infernalis) | Rare |
| Texas Banded Gecko (Coleonyx brevis) | Rare |
| Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) | Rare |
| Texas Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) | Common |
| Texas Lyresnake (Trimorphodon biscutatus) | Rare |
| Texas Nightsnake (Hypsiglena torquata) | Common |
| Texas Spiny Softshell (Apalone spinifera) | Common |
| Texas Threadsnake (Leptotyphlops dissectus) | Rare |
| Trans-pecos Black-headed Snake (Tantilla cucullata) | Rare |
| Trans-pecos Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) | Rare |
| Trans-pecos Ratsnake (Bogertophis subocularis) | Uncommon |
| Trans-pecos Striped Whiptail (Aspidoscelis inornata) | Common |
| Trans-pecos Threadsnake (Leptotyphlops humilis) | Rare |
| Twin-spotted Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus magister) | Uncommon |
| Variable Groundsnake (Sonora semiannulata) | Uncommon |
| Western Black-necked Gartersnake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) | Common |
| Western Coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum) | Common |
| Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) | Common |
| Yellow Mud Turtle (Kinosternon flavescens) | Rare |
Big Bend National Park Amphibians
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| American Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) | Common |
| Canyon Treefrog (Hyla arenicolor) | Common |
| Couch’s Spadefoot (Scaphiopus couchii) | Common |
| Great Plains Narrow-mouthed Toad (Gastrophryne olivacea) | Common |
| Green Treefrog (Hyla cinerea) | Common |
| Mexican Spadefoot (Spea multiplicata) | Rare |
| Red-spotted Toad (Bufo punctatus) | Common |
| Rio Grande Leopard Frog (Rana berlandieri) | Common |
| Spotted Chirping Frog (Eleutherodactylus guttilatus) | Rare |
| Texas Toad (Bufo speciosus) | Common |
| Western Green Toad (Bufo debilis) | Common |
Big Bend National Park Fish
| Name | Abundance |
|---|---|
| Big Bend Gambusia (Gambusia gaigei) | Unknown |
| Black Buffalo (Ictiobus niger) | Unknown |
| Blacktail Shiner (Cyprinella venusta) | Unknown |
| Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) | Unknown |
| Blue Sucker (Cycleptus elongatus) | Unknown |
| Blue Tilapia (Oreochromis aureus) | Unknown |
| Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) | Unknown |
| Bullhead Minnow (Pimephales vigilax) | Unknown |
| Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) | Unknown |
| Chihuahua Shiner (Notropis chihuahua) | Unknown |
| Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) | Unknown |
| Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas) | Unknown |
| Flathead Catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) | Unknown |
| Freshwater Drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) | Unknown |
| Gizzard Shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) | Unknown |
| Green Sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) | Unknown |
| Gulf Killifish (Fundulus grandis) | Unknown |
| Inland Silverside (Menidia beryllina) | Unknown |
| Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) | Unknown |
| Longear Sunfish (Lepomis megalotis) | Unknown |
| Longnose Dace (Rhinichthys cataractae) | Unknown |
| Longnose Gar (Lepisosteus osseus) | Unknown |
| Mexican Redhorse (Moxostoma austrinum) | Unknown |
| Mexican Stoneroller (Campostoma ornatum) | Unknown |
| Mexican Tetra (Astyanax mexicanus) | Unknown |
| Plains Killifish (Fundulus zebrinus) | Unknown |
| Red Shiner (Cyprinella lutrensis) | Unknown |
| Redear Sunfish (Lepomis microlophus) | Unknown |
| Rio Grande Shiner (Notropis jemezanus) | Unknown |
| Rio Grande Silvery Minnow (Hybognathus amarus) | Unknown |
| River Carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio) | Unknown |
| Sand Shiner (Notropis stramineus) | Unknown |
| Smallmouth Buffalo (Ictiobus bubalus) | Unknown |
| Speckled Chub (Macrhybopsis aestivalis) | Unknown |
| Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) | Unknown |
| Tamaulipas Shiner (Notropis braytoni) | Unknown |
| Threadfin Shad (Dorosoma petenense) | Unknown |
| Warmouth (Lepomis gulosus) | Unknown |
| Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) | Unknown |
| White Bass (Morone chrysops) | Unknown |
| Yellow Bullhead (Ameiurus natalis) | Unknown |
Note: The wildlife species included in the lists above have been confirmed with the National Park Service to be present in Big Bend National Park. Other species may exist in the park that are currently under review or not yet known.
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