San Blas Ecosystems

The San Blas area is home to a wide variety of ecosystems that provide some incredible birding opportunities. Here are some of the key habitats and the species they attract:

1. Mangroves & Estuaries

The mangrove forests around San Blas, especially in La Tovara National Park, are teeming with bird life. This ecologically abundant and diverse area is home to an extensive mangrove system and the Marismas Nacionales, a 2,000 square kilometer complex of lagoons and wetlands in coastal Nayarit and Sinaloa. 

These wetlands attract water birds such as:

• Boat-billed Heron

• Roseate Spoonbill

• Bare-throated Tiger Heron

• Mangrove Warbler

2. Coastal & Beach Areas

San Blas’ coastline and mudflats are prime spots for shorebirds, and the beaches near Matanchen Bay and Playa del Rey provide great opportunities to observe these species, particularly during migration. Birds commonly seen along the beaches and estuarine flats include:

• Wilson’s Plover

• Black Skimmer

• Whimbrel

• Reddish Egret

3. Tropical Dry Forests

Inland from San Blas, the tropical dry forests are home to many endemic and colorful species. These forests provide excellent birdwatching in the early morning and late afternoon when birds are most active.

Key locations include Singayta and Lower Sierra de San Juan, where you might spot:

• Citreoline Trogon

• Russet-crowned Motmot

• Lilac-crowned Parrot

• San Blas Jay

4. Freshwater Wetlands & Lagoons

San Blas features numerous freshwater wetlands, which support a variety of waterfowl and wading birds. These areas are particularly lively during the winter months when migratory birds arrive. The Laguna de Mexcaltitán and other nearby wetlands attract species like:

• Northern Jacana

• Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

• Least Grebe

• Snail Kite

5. Highland Pine-Oak Forests

For birders willing to venture farther, the nearby highlands of Cerro de San Juan offer a different set of species found in pine-oak forests. This habitat provides a contrast to the lowland forests and is a great spot for those looking to see more montane species including:

• Elegant Euphonia

• Mountain Trogon

• Gray-crowned Woodpecker

• Golden-cheeked Woodpecker