Birds That Migrate To South Florida

South Florida — and the Everglades specifically — is a haven for migratory birds.

For many birds that migrate south to Central and South America for the winter, the Everglades mark their final stop on dry land where they can fuel up for the long ocean crossing. The variety of habitats and abundance of food in the Everglades region means that birds of all shapes, sizes and characteristics can find a safe place to rest and refuel before continuing on further south. Some even decide to stay all winter long! “Snowbirds,” indeed.

Here are just a few birds you’re likely to see show up during winter here in South Florida!

12 birds that winter in Southeast Florida

Vermilion flycatcher

The vermilion flycatcher is a strikingly beautiful bird that nests primarily in the southwestern United States from Texas to Arizona. During the winter months it migrates to South Florida, where its vibrant red plumage really makes it stand out against the subtropical foliage. 

This flycatcher favors open woodlands and edge habitats, where it can often be seen perched conspicuously as it searches for insects. The male's bright crimson underparts and dark wings make it one of the most visually captivating birds in the region, so keep an eye out for it next time you’re on a hike through the Everglades!

Palm warbler

This small and lively bird nests in the northern parts of Canada and the northeastern United States, but will migrate to the southern United States as winter approaches. 

This warbler prefers coastal areas, wetlands and open woods (all of which are in great supply in the Everglades and Fakahatchee Strand), where its bright yellow underparts and distinctive tail flicking behavior make it a lively presence in the subtropical environment. You’re sure to see it if you spend some time walking through parks and wetlands around South Florida. 

Cedar waxwing

Cedar waxwings, with their sleek and elegant appearance, breed in Canada and the northern United States. When they migrate to South Florida for the winter, they can often be seen in fruit-laden trees and shrubs stocking up on food and nutrients for the journey back home. Their soft brown and gray plumage, coupled with their distinctive black mask and red-tipped wing feathers, make them a striking addition to the local bird population. 

Gray catbird

Though not as vibrantly-colored as some of the other birds in South Florida, the mild-mannered gray catbird is still a familiar and easily identifiable fellow. During the winter months, it migrates from Eastern and Central North America to the southeastern United States, where you can spot it in dense shrubs and thickets where it can hide and forage for insects and berries. You’re more likely to hear it before you see it, as its cat-like call is very easy to pick out. 

Yellow throated warbler

As winter approaches, the yellow-throated warbler heads to South Florida, where it inhabits a variety of wooded habitats including pine forests and hardwood swamps. Its striking yellow throat and black-and-gray striped back help it stand out in the subtropical foliage, where you can also hear it chirping its sweet little song.

Ruddy turnstone

The ruddy turnstone is a shorebird that breeds in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, but migrates all the way down to South Florida during the winter months!

This bird can be found along sandy beaches and mudflats, where its rusty plumage and bold black markings are well-suited for camouflaging among the rocks and debris as it searches for food. For such a small bird, it certainly flies a long and treacherous journey to make it down to sunny South Florida!

Red-breasted merganser

The red-breasted merganser is a diving duck that breeds in northern lakes and rivers across North America, then migrates south to South Florida and the Gulf of Mexico for the winter. 

Spending most of its time in freshwater lakes, estuaries and coastal waters, this duck is recognized by its distinctive shaggy mohawk and striking red bill, so it’s easy to spot among the many other duck species out there!

Sandhill crane

This large wader breeds in the northern United States and Canada, but will inevitably make its way to South Florida where it can be seen in wetland areas and open fields. With its tall body, long legs and distinctive trumpeting calls, this graceful bird is a truly elegant sight in the Everglades and its surrounding habitats.

Ruby-throated hummingbird

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the only hummingbird species that breeds east of the Mississippi River, migrates to South Florida from its breeding grounds in the northeastern United States. The journey is all the more impressive considering how small the bird is — a mere 0.11 ounces!

This tiny bird favors gardens, feeders and flowering plants, where its iridescent emerald green and ruby-red plumage sparkles in the sunlight as it hovers to feed on nectar.

Western kingbird

The western kingbird breeds across the western United States and Mexico — in the winter, it migrates to the Gulf of Mexico where it can be seen in open and semi-open areas like agricultural fields and edges of forests. Its bright yellow underparts and grayish wings make it an easy spot for bird watchers, so keep an eye out!

American redstart

This little black-and-orange bird is round, plump and easy to spot among the forests and trees where it bounces around looking for insects and berries. 

Black-throated blue warbler

With a sea-blue back, white belly and black face and wings, the black-throated blue warbler is another common sight in the Everglades. Its main wintering grounds are all over the Caribbean, but some prefer to stay in South Florida and ski the treacherous ocean crossing altogether.

If you live in or near our luxury South Florida apartments, then keep an eye out for these migratory birds as the fall and winter months approach. You’ll be surprised at how many new visitors you’ll see!

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Featured photo by Patrice Bouchard on Unsplash