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Birds
Not only do the Central and
Mississippi flyways meet here, but
the most southern tip of Texas is
also the northernmost range for many
bird species. This, combined with
the climate (temperate, desert,
coastal and sub-tropical), is what
makes the Valley an international
birding favorite. Nearly 500
species, including neotropical
migratory birds, shorebirds,
raptors, and waterfowl, can be found
here. The plain chachalaca, green
jay, great kiskadee, least grebe,
and many other species exclusive to
this area establish LRGV as one of
the premier birding refuges in the
nation.
Butterflies
Zebra Longwings, Julias, and Mexican
Bluewings are but a few of the 300+
butterfly species that make South
Texas a must for butterfly
enthusiasts. Peak diversity falls
between October and December. A
single October day has been known to
produce a tremendous 65 documented
species!
Other Wildlife
The diversity of habitat in the
lower Rio Grande Valley has resulted
in a diversity of wildlife. The
speckled racer, southern yellow bat,
Kemp's Ridley turtle, white-tailed
deer, and collared peccary are but a
few of the species found in the
lower four counties of Texas. The
endangered ocelot that once roamed
eastern, central and southern
portions of Texas today exists
mainly in the South Texas brush
lands. Because 95% of the vegetation
in the Valley has been cleared or
altered, LRGV is a crucial link in
the effort to protect the region’s
tremendous biodiversity.
Habitat
Eleven unique plant and animal
communities are found in the four
most southern counties of Texas.
Once completed, LRGV will be made up
of anywhere from 2,000 to 20,000
acres of each identified community.
Coastal barrier islands, resacas
(oxbow lakes), desert-like
brushlands, riverside woodlands, and
caliche hillsides play host to a
variety of plant and animal life.
Native brush and trees include
mesquite, sabal palm, Texas ebony,
prickly pear, and Montezuma bald
cypress.
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