Endemic and Migratory Species

San Blas and the Matanchen Bay Area is known for its rich biodiversity and a mix of resident and migratory species, with over 400 bird species, including endemic, resident, and migratory birds calling it home or at the least a very happy pit stop along the way to their native homes. While many birds found in the area are not strictly endemic, (exclusive to this region), several are endemic to Mexico and commonly observed in San Blas. Here are just some notable endemic bird species that can be found in and around San Blas:

Endemic Bird Species of San Blas, Nayarit

1. Mexican Woodnymph (Eupherusa ridgwayi) – A rare and localized hummingbird found in western Mexico.

2. Mexican Parrotlet (Forpus cyanopygius) – A small green parrot endemic to western Mexico, including Nayarit.

3. San Blas Jay (Cyanocorax sanblasianus) – Named after the region, this striking blue and black jay is a common resident.

4. Black-throated Magpie-Jay (Calocitta colliei) – A large, long-tailed jay with striking blue and black plumage.

5. Golden-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes chrysogenys) – A colorful woodpecker endemic to western Mexico.

6. Citreoline Trogon (Trogon citreolus) – A beautiful yellow-bellied trogon found in tropical forests of western Mexico.

7. Russet-crowned Motmot (Momotus mexicanus) – A strikingly colored bird with a racket-shaped tail.

8. Sinaloa Wren (Thryophilus sinaloa) – A songbird commonly found in dry forests of western Mexico.

9. Happy Wren (Pheugopedius felix) – A small, active wren with a cheerful song, found in scrubby habitats.

10. Orange-fronted Parakeet (Eupsittula canicularis) – A small, noisy parakeet with an orange forehead.

Other Notable Near-Endemics:

While not strictly endemic, these birds have limited ranges and are commonly seen in San Blas:

• West Mexican Chachalaca (Ortalis poliocephala) – A loud, turkey-like bird found in western Mexico with a truly unique call. 

• Rufous-bellied Chachalaca (Ortalis wagleri) – Another chachalaca species found in forested areas.

• Colima Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium palmarum) – A tiny owl endemic to the Pacific slope of Mexico.

Migratory Bird Species

San Blas is also a hotspot for migratory birds, especially from North America, making it a prime location for bird watching throughout the year. If you’re interested in a specific species please let us know. 

Shorebirds & Waders

1. Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)

2. Long-billed Curlew (Numenius americanus)

3. Marbled Godwit (Limosa fedoa)

4. Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri)

5. Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla)

6. Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius)

7. Willet (Tringa semipalmata)

8. Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)

9. American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana)

10. Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca)

11. Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)

Waterfowl

12. Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors)

13. Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca)

14. Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)

15. American Wigeon (Mareca americana)

16. Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata)

17. Redhead (Aythya americana)

18. Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)

Raptors

19. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

20. Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)

21. Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)

22. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

23. Merlin (Falco columbarius)

Songbirds & Warblers

24. Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)

25. Wilson’s Warbler (Cardellina pusilla)

26. Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)

27. Magnolia Warbler (Setophaga magnolia)

28. Nashville Warbler (Leiothlypis ruficapilla)

29. Black-throated Gray Warbler (Setophaga nigrescens)

30. American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)

31. Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana)

32. Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)

33. Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius)

Other Notable Migrants

34. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)

35. Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope)

36. Western Wood-Pewee (Contopus sordidulus)

37. Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi)

38. Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris)

39. Warbling Vireo (Vireo gilvus)

40. Purple Martin (Progne subis)

41. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)