Nuevo Leon is a state situated in the northeastern part of Mexico, and it is known for its diverse and rich biodiversity. The region is home to a wide array of plant and animal species, including an impressive variety of birdlife.
The birdlife in Nuevo Leon is particularly noteworthy, featuring a range of migratory and endemic species that can be found nowhere else in the world. Some of the most common bird species in Nuevo Leon are the White-tipped Dove, Vermilion Flycatcher, and the Roadrunner.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive list of the birds that can be found in Nuevo Leon and explore some of their unique characteristics.
1. Carolina wren
The Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) is a medium-sized bird that can be found in the eastern United States, southern Ontario and northeast Mexico.
They typically live in dense shrubbery or thickets near open areas such as gardens, parks and woodland edges.
These birds are quite adaptable when it comes to nesting sites - they will build their nests anywhere from tree cavities to manmade boxes.
Their diet consists of insects, spiders and other invertebrates which they forage for on the ground or among vegetation.
The males have an unmistakable song made up of loud whistles interspersed with trills reminiscent of laughter; you'll often find these cheerful little birds singing away during early morning hours.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Troglodytidae |
| Genus | Thryothorus Vieillot, 1816[2] |
| Species | T. ludovicianus |
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2. Acorn woodpecker
The Acorn woodpecker is a medium-sized bird with an average weight of 85 grams and 8.3 inches in length. It was first described by the English naturalist William John Swainson from a specimen collected in Mexico, back in 1827.
Its scientific name, Melanerpes formicivorus, combines Latin words meaning "ant" and "-vorous".
This species has distinct black plumage all over its body except for some white patches on their wings and tail feathers which can be seen when flying or perched atop trees.
They are known to store acorns inside tree crevices as well as within bark cracks - often using them during lean times.
The acorn woodpecker is also socially active; they live together with other birds of their kind in groups called 'granaries'. Their chirps are loud enough that they can easily be heard from afar.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. formicivorus |
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3. Inca dove
The Inca Dove is a small, slender bird found in the New World. It has an average length of 16.5–23 cm and weighs about 30-58 gm. Its wingspan measures around 28.5cm but can reach up to 32cm at max.
The body of this dove is grayish brown with feathers that are rounded off tips giving it a soft look overall.
This species was first described by French surgeon and naturalist René Lesson back in 1847 and since then have been living happily all over North America from Mexico through Texas to South Dakota, Kansas as well as parts of Arizona among others regions too.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columbina |
| Species | C. inca |
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4. Canyon towhee
The Canyon Towhee is a small bird belonging to the Passerellidae family. It has an olive-brown head and back, with a greyish white belly and chest. The wings are darker than the body, while its tail feathers are brown in color.
This species resides near dry canyons, hence their name; however it inhabits other woodlands as well. Its diet consists of seeds, fruits, insects and some grasses too.
They generally forage or search for food on ground level but also occasionally pick up food from tree branches or shrubs as well.
During breeding season they engage in courtship displays by bowing low with spread tails that vibrate rapidly before taking flight into the air singing songs all along.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Melozone |
| Species | M. fusca |
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5. Broad-billed Hummingbird
The Broad-billed Hummingbird is a small species of hummingbird that can be found in Mexico and the southwestern United States.
It has distinctive sexual dimorphism, with females resembling their juvenile counterparts more than males do.
This bird stands out thanks to its bright colors and broad, red bill. Other common names for this species include Colibri Mexicano (Spanish) or Mexican Hummingbird.
The Broad-billed usually nests on trees or shrubs near streams but may also occupy wooded areas or gardens close by human settlements during wintertime.
They feed mainly on nectar from flowers while supplementing their diet with insects depending on availability of prey items as well as seasonality changes throughout their range area.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Cynanthus |
| Species | C. latirostris |
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6. Great kiskadee
The Great Kiskadee is a passerine bird belonging to the Tyrant Flycatcher family.
It has an unmistakable yellow and black plumage, making it easily recognizable in its native habitats of Belize, Texas, Argentina and Brazil where it is known as Bem-te-vi or Benteveo respectively.
The species inhabits open woodland with some tall trees such as cultivation areas and other places surrounding human dwellings.
This adaptable bird feeds mainly on insects but also consumes fruit for energy when needed.
Its call resembles laughter which adds to its charm among avid nature watchers who are always delighted by their presence.
A unique feature that sets this species apart from others is that they can imitate songs of other birds accurately too.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Pitangus Swainson, 1827 |
| Species | P. sulphuratus |
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7. Rufous-capped warbler
The Rufous-capped Warbler is a small New World warbler found mainly in Mexico and Guatemala.
It has distinctive chestnut-brown cap of feathers atop its head, along with olive green upperparts and yellowish underparts.
Subspecies living further south are sometimes considered as the Chestnut-Capped Warbler instead.
They usually reach 12.7 cm (5in) in length, making them one of the smaller species within their family.
As insectivores they feed on insects such as caterpillars but will also consume fruits when available and breed from March to June depending on location; nesting either close to or above ground using mosses, lichens, grasses, spider webs etc for construction material.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Basileuterus |
| Species | B. rufifrons |
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8. Golden-fronted woodpecker
The golden-fronted woodpecker is an attractive species that inhabits mesquite, riparian woodlands and tropical rainforests across the southern United States, Mexico, Belize Guatemala El Salvador Honduras and northern Nicaragua.
It has a unique appearance with its yellow forehead patch contrasting against its grey back feathers.
These birds eat insects as well as fruits of many trees including cactus fruit in some areas.
They are known to make nests in cavities they excavate from dead or dying trees or utility poles which helps disperse essential nutrients into the ecosystem.
Their loud calls can be heard during breeding season providing bird watchers with a memorable experience.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. aurifrons |
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9. Golden-olive woodpecker
The Golden-olive Woodpecker is a colorful bird native to Mexico, Guyana, Argentina and Trinidad & Tobago. It can be recognized by its rust-colored wings and back as well as its bright yellow throat.
This species of woodpecker measures about 20 cm in length with an average weight between 25 - 36 grams. Its diet consists mainly of insects but it also feeds on fruits such as figs or berries when available.
The birds usually make their nests in tree cavities where they lay two to five eggs at once which are incubated for 11–14 days before hatching.
These woodpeckers have been observed living up to 8 years old in the wild making them quite long lived compared to many other species.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. rubiginosus |
10. Clay-colored thrush
The Clay-colored Thrush is a common Middle American bird belonging to the thrush family. It has become known as Costa Rica's national bird, going by the name yigüirro in Spanish.
Not only does it inhabit South Texas and parts of northern Colombia, but its range extends westward and northward from Isthmus Tehuantepec too.
It has an overall buffy coloration with brownish upperparts which help distinguish this species from other birds within its habitat.
Additionally, some individuals have white tips on their tail feathers that further serve to differentiate them amongst others of their kind.
This hardy species continues to thrive in many different habitats across Central America making it one of the most widespread songbirds around.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. grayi |
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11. Black-crested titmouse
The Black-crested titmouse is a passerine bird in the Paridae family and was recently recognised as its own species.
Native to southern Texas, Oklahoma and east central Mexico, they have been known to make their way as far north and east as St. Louis Missouri through vagrancy.
The birds measure between 5 - 6 inches long with an overall grey colouring featuring white underparts and black crowns on their heads giving them the name 'Black-crested'.
These birds are omnivores foraging for insects, fruit or seeds depending on seasonality of food sources available at different times throughout the year.
They form monogamous pairs typically making nests of twigs lined with grasses & feathers which both parents take part in building & raising young before fledging.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Baeolophus |
| Species | B. atricristatus |
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12. Blue-gray gnatcatcher
The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is a beautiful small songbird native to North America. It has a length of 10–13 cm (3.9–5.1 in), wingspan of 6.3 in (16 cm) and weighs only 5–7 g (0.18–0.25 oz).
Males have blue-gray upperparts with white underparts, slender dark bill, and long black tail edged in white; females are less vibrant but still eye catching.
Juveniles are brownish gray overall but may show some hints of the adult colouration around their tails or shoulders as they mature into adulthood.
Their diet consists mainly of insects which they catch while flitting through air like tiny darts.
This stunning species can be found anywhere from woodlands to urban parks so keep your eyes peeled for these delightful creatures on your next outdoor adventure.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Polioptilidae |
| Genus | Polioptila |
| Species | P. caerulea |
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13. Yellow-bellied sapsucker
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a medium sized woodpecker that can be found in Canada and the northeastern United States.
It was first described by English naturalist Mark Catesby who illustrated it with hand coloured plates for his book The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands during 1729 -1732.
This beautiful bird has white stripes on its black head which contrast against its yellow throat, breast and belly making it stand out from other birds. Its wings are barred with red patches adding to their beauty.
They also have white streaks on their sides along with bold spots at their back giving them an unique look among others.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Sphyrapicus |
| Species | S. varius |
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14. Ladder-backed woodpecker
The Ladder-backed Woodpecker is a small black and white bird native to North America.
At about 16.5-19 cm in length, it has a characteristic barred pattern on its back resembling the rungs of a ladder, as well as speckled black rump and cream colored underparts on its breast and flanks.
These birds can be found inhabiting woodlands across their range, where they feed mostly on insects that they find by drilling into trees or hunting from exposed branches.
Their call consists of short chirps repeated every few seconds with an occasional longer trill thrown in for good measure.
They are also known to use twigs or other objects to probe crevices while searching for food - making them quite resourceful hunters indeed.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryobates |
| Species | D. scalaris |
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15. Elegant trogon
The Elegant trogon is a majestic bird of the Trogon family. It has an impressive coppery-tailed plumage, which gives it its name.
This eye-catching species can be found in Central America and parts of South America and Mexico.
Its five recognized subspecies inhabit different geographical areas with slightly varying physical features and colors on their feathers.
The most distinct among these is Trogon ambiguus, which some classify as a separate species due to its unique characteristics such as more prominent stripes on its head and back, along with duller shades of red compared to other subspecies within the same genus.
Overall this stunningly beautiful omnivore fascinates admirers all over the world for being one of nature's best works.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Trogoniformes |
| Family | Trogonidae |
| Genus | Trogon |
| Species | T. elegans |
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16. Hepatic tanager
The Hepatic Tanager is a medium-sized bird found in North and South America. It has brownish-red plumage and belongs to the Cardinal family (Cardinalidae) of birds, formerly placed in the tanager family.
The species name "flava" comes from its liver-coloured feathers which are quite striking when seen up close.
Its vocalizations also resemble that of other members of the cardinal family, making them easy to identify by sound.
This bird feeds mainly on insects but also consumes some fruit and nectar too. They typically live alone or with their mate but will gather together at times during migration season for protection against predators.
All in all, this beautiful creature adds colour and life to nature's orchestra.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. flava |
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17. Mexican jay
The Mexican jay, previously known as the gray-breasted jay, is a species of New World jay native to regions including the Sierra Madre Oriental, Sierra Madre Occidental, and Central Plateau of Mexico.
It also inhabits select areas in the southwestern United States. The Mexican jay was recently split into two species, with the other being known as the Transvolcanic jay.
These birds are known for their striking blue plumage and are often found in small groups.
They are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide variety of food, including insects, fruits, seeds, and even small vertebrates.
The Mexican jay's habitat includes woodlands, forests, and desert scrub. Due to habitat loss and fragmentation, their population is slowly declining, making them a conservation concern.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Aphelocoma |
| Species | A. wollweberi |
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18. Plain chachalaca
The plain chachalaca is a sizeable bird belonging to the Cracidae family, which includes guans and curassows. It can be found in tropical and subtropical regions from southernmost Texas in the US to northern Costa Rica.
This species breeds in various environments such as mezquital thickets and Pacific lowlands from Chiapas to Nicaragua.
Its distinct feature is the bare skin on its head and neck, which is bright red in color. The plain chachalaca is known for its hearty appetite and feeds primarily on fruits, seeds, and insects.
They are typically noisy birds, communicating with each other through loud vocalizations that can be heard up to one mile away.
Despite being hunted for meat in some areas, their overall population remains stable, and they are not currently considered a threatened species.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Cracidae |
| Genus | Ortalis |
| Species | O. vetula |
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19. Bronzed cowbird
The bronzed cowbird is a small icterid species that was formerly known as the red-eyed cowbird. They are found breeding in several states of the US and many Central American countries, including Panama.
You may often spot them in farmland, brush, and feedlots, where they tend to forage. These birds prefer open habitats when not breeding and roost in dense woods.
They exhibit brood parasitism, laying their eggs in other bird species' nests, and leaving their young ones to be reared by the host birds.
The bronzed cowbird's diet mainly comprises seeds, grains, and insects. These birds are known for their metallic green and bronze plumage and their characteristic high-pitched whistle, which they use for communication.
They make an interesting addition to the avian diversity of their range.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Molothrus |
| Species | M. aeneus |
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20. Painted redstart
The Painted redstart, also known as the painted whitestart, is a stunning New World warbler found in the mountains of Central America.
These birds are known for their larger size compared to other warblers, reaching up to 6 inches in length.
Adult birds display glossy black plumage with white wing stripes and a vibrant red belly. Both male and female birds share the same striking appearance.
These birds prefer mountainous terrain and are commonly seen in forests, canyons, and alpine meadows.
They are agile fliers and have a habit of hovering while foraging for insects.
The Painted redstart is a wonderful addition to the biodiversity of its habitat, adding a pop of color and beauty to the environment.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Myioborus |
| Species | M. pictus |
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21. Maroon-fronted parrot
The Maroon-fronted parrot is a beautiful bird resembling the macaw in appearance. With its dark green feathers and a unique maroon forehead and eye-stripe, it stands out among other parrots.
Its wings and tail appear black in flight, making it easy to recognize. The parrot makes a rolling cr-a ak sound, and groups sound similar to the acorn woodpecker from a distance. The species is found only in northeastern Mexico, and it's called Rhynchopsitta terrisi.
This parrot is considered an endemic species, meaning it is unique to this region alone. If you ever get a chance to spot one of these parrots, consider yourself lucky.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Rhynchopsitta |
| Species | R. terrisi |
22. Worthen's sparrow
Worthen's sparrow is a small bird endemic to northeastern Mexico. This American sparrow species was named after Charles K. Worthen by Robert Ridgway. Currently, the IUCN lists this bird as endangered.
The sparrow can grow up to 14 cm long and has a distinct head pattern that allows for easy identification.
Due to loss of habitat and farming practices in its natural environment, this species has suffered a significant decline in population.
Efforts are underway to protect and conserve Worthen's sparrow and its habitat so that future generations can appreciate its unique features.
Scientific classification:| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Spizella |
| Species | S. wortheni |
