Bird watching in Florida
The best birding spots, seasons and target species. Guided birding tours coming soon.
Florida is one of the best birding states in the country: wading birds year-round, wintering ducks and white pelicans, spring and fall songbird migration, and specialties you cannot see anywhere else, like the Florida scrub-jay and the snail kite. Here are the top spots, the best seasons and what to bring.
Where is the best bird watching in Florida?
Top spots include Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge on the Space Coast, the Viera Wetlands near Melbourne, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel, the Anhinga Trail in Everglades National Park, and the Lake Toho and Kissimmee marshes, home to snail kites, sandhill cranes and nesting bald eagles.
The FWC’s Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail links hundreds of sites statewide. Paddle in on a Florida kayak eco tour. Guided birding trips with iOutdoors are coming soon.
Top birding spots and what you will see
| Spot | Near | Look for |
|---|---|---|
| Merritt Island NWR (Black Point Wildlife Drive) | Titusville | Roseate spoonbills, wintering ducks, white pelicans, Florida scrub-jays |
| Viera Wetlands | Melbourne | Herons, egrets, limpkins, sandhill cranes, raptors |
| Lake Toho and Kissimmee marshes | Kissimmee | Snail kites, bald eagles, ospreys, sandhill cranes |
| Ding Darling NWR | Sanibel | Spoonbills, white pelicans, wading birds at low tide |
| Anhinga Trail, Everglades NP | Homestead | Anhingas, herons, purple gallinules, close-up gators |
New to birding? Start with the basics of bird watching and our list of what to take on your bird watching adventure.
When to go
- November – April: peak season, with wintering waterfowl, pelicans and concentrated wading birds.
- March – May: spring songbird migration, best along the coasts and in the Keys and Dry Tortugas.
- September – October: fall migration and hawk flights.
- Summer: nesting wading birds and swallow-tailed kites; go early to beat the heat.
Guided birding tours: coming soon
We are lining up local birding guides and boat captains around Kissimmee, the Space Coast and the Everglades. Tell us your dates and target species and we will let you know as soon as trips open.
Get notified when trips open
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Florida bird watching FAQ
When is the best time for bird watching in Florida?
November through April for wintering birds and wading birds, and March to May for spring songbird migration.
What birds can you only see in Florida?
The Florida scrub-jay is found only in Florida, and the state is the U.S. stronghold for the snail kite, roseate spoonbill and limpkin.
Where can I see snail kites?
Lake Tohopekaliga and the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, where they hunt apple snails along the shoreline.
Does iOutdoors offer birding tours?
Guided birding tours are coming soon. Use the form above or call or text (407) 392-4593. A Lake Toho pontoon rental is a great way to bird the lake today.