The Landscape, the Animals, the Plants

Birds; Pájaros

This section concentrates on the birds of the Chihuahuan Desert as a whole. In the initial phases of construction, it will mostly mirror the checklist of El Paso Region birds, but more birds will be added through time.

For the avocational birdwatcher, bird feeders are an excellent way to see many species up close. There is a wealth of information available at the Birdfeeders Information Tips site.

Gaviiformes, Podicipediformes,
Pelecaniformes, Ciconiiformes

Order Gaviiformes—Loons

Family Gaviidae—Loons

Gavia immer—Common Loon
Gavia stellata—Red-throated Loon

Order Podicipediformes—Grebes

Family Podicipedidae—Grebes

Aechmophorus clarkii—Clark's Grebe
Aechmophorus occidentalis—Western Grebe
Podiceps auritus—Horned Grebe
Podiceps nigricollis—Eared Grebe
Podilymbus podiceps—Pied-billed Grebe
Tachybaptus dominicus—Least Grebe

Order Pelecaniformes—Totipalmate Swimmers

Family Pelecanidae—Pelicans

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos—American White Pelecan
Pelecanus occidentalis—Brown Pelecan

Family Phalacrocoracidae—Cormorants

Phalacrocorax auritus—Double-crested Cormorant
Phalacrocorax olivaceus—Olivaceous Cormorant

Order Ciconiformes—Herons, Ibises, and Storks

Family Ardeidae—Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns

Ardea herodias—Great Blue Heron
Botaurus lentiginosus—American Bittern
Bubulcus ibis—Cattle Egret
Butorides striatus—Green-backed Heron
Casmerodius albus—Great Egret
Egretta caerulea—Little Blue Heron
Egretta rufescens—Reddish Egret
Egretta thula—Snowy Egret
Egretta tricolor—Tricolored Heron
Ixobrychus exilis—Least Bittern
Nycticorax nycticorax—Black-crowned Night Heron
Nycticorax violaceus—Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Family Threskiornithidae—Ibises and Spoonbills

Plegadis chihi—White-faced Ibis
Plegadis falcinellus—Glossy Ibis

Family Cathartidae—American Vultures

Cathartes aura—Turkey Vulture
Coragyps atratus—Black Vulture

Last Update: 26 Feb 2006