Most Common Birds of Key West and the Florida Keys

Discover the Birds of Key West, the Florida Keys, and the Key West National Wildlife Refuge

Key West, Florida is more than just a tropical paradise with vibrant sunsets and crystal-clear waters. It’s also a haven for bird enthusiasts! Whether you’re hoping to spot owls in Florida, scan the skies for Florida birds of prey, or simply observe the multitude of small Florida birds, the region’s diverse habitats offer ample opportunities to encounter a wide variety of species. Below, we’ll introduce you to the bird life in and around Key West and the nearby Key West National Wildlife Refuge, share insights on when to see certain species, and highlight how you can experience these birds firsthand—especially on our private charters and mangrove kayaking tours.

Birds You Can See in Key West and the Key West National Wildlife Refuge

Migratory and Year-Round Residents

Because Key West is located in South Florida, it attracts many migratory species escaping colder weather. You might witness flocks of geese in Florida during certain parts of the year, as well as warblers, vireos, and other small birds in South Florida. Many of these species stop by the birds of the Florida Keys corridor on their way south or north, making Key West a strategic bird-watching location in both spring and fall.

Year-round residents include iconic Key West birds like the White Ibis, various herons, and pelicans. These water-loving birds thrive among the mangroves and shallow waters of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, offering bird watchers plentiful photo opportunities. If you’re curious about pictures of birds of Key West, keep your camera ready while paddling through mangrove tunnels or cruising on a private charter—spectacular sightings await!

Colorful Highlights

• Red birds in Florida: One of the most common red birds you might spot is the Northern Cardinal, often seen in gardens and neighborhoods.
• Pink colored birds in Florida: Keep an eye out for Roseate Spoonbills, whose rosy plumage adds a pop of color to the coastal wetlands. Flamingos are more rare in the Keys, but occasionally sighted in the region.
• Black birds in Florida: Grackles, crows, and blackbirds roam widely, often flocking in wetlands and near the coast.
• Black and white birds in Florida: Species like the Black-necked Stilt and the Anhinga (nicknamed the “Snake Bird”) sport dramatic black-and-white plumage.

Variety of Sizes and Shapes

• Florida big birds: Great Blue Herons, Brown Pelicans, and Wood Storks are common large wading and diving birds found in mangroves and coastal areas.
• Small white birds in Florida: Look for Snowy Egrets and Cattle Egrets as they wander the shorelines and occasionally backyards.
• Backyard small birds in Florida: You might see the Mourning Dove, Northern Mockingbird (the state bird of Florida), and finches of Florida such as the American Goldfinch during winter migration.
• Small birds of Key West: Warblers, hummingbirds, and finches all make appearances in the Keys, particularly in well-vegetated yards and gardens.

Birds with Notable Features

• Florida birds with long beaks: The Roseate Spoonbill and various ibis species come to mind, as do herons and egrets with their elongated bills perfect for fishing.
• Florida hawks and falcons: Red-shouldered Hawks and the occasional Peregrine Falcon frequent the Keys, especially during migration.
• Owls in Florida: Burrowing Owls, Screech Owls, and Great Horned Owls inhabit parts of South Florida, but keep in mind they’re often nocturnal, so spotting them can require patience or a guided tour.

When to Visit for Prime Bird Watching

While birding in Key West can be rewarding year-round, the migratory seasons (spring and fall) are peak times to catch transient species passing through. Winter months bring an influx of northern visitors such as geese and certain finches. Summer remains a busy season for resident seabirds and wading birds, often nesting in the refuge’s protected islands.

Below is a streamlined, month-by-month quick-reference guide

Highlighting some of the notable birds you might see in and around Key West. Use it to plan your outings—and remember, nature isn’t on a strict timetable, so exact dates can vary slightly each year!

January – February

• Common Year-Round Sightings
  • Great Blue Heron, Brown Pelican, White Ibis (classic “Florida big birds” and long beak birds in Florida).
  • Northern Cardinal (a favorite Florida red bird).
• Winter Visitors
  • Canada Geese & Other Geese (occasional flocks of Florida geese stopping over).
  • Warblers & Finches (including some Florida finches); look for these small birds in backyard feeders or mangroves.

March – April

• Spring Migration Peaks
  • Painted Bunting & Warblers (brightly colored small birds of South Florida).
  • Florida Hawks & Falcons (e.g., Peregrine Falcon) passing through on migration.
• Backyard & Mangrove Favorites
  • Owls of Florida (Barred, Screech, or Great Horned) may be more vocal near dusk.
  • Black birds of Florida (Grackles, Cowbirds) often flock in coastal areas.

May – June

• Breeding Season Specials
  • White-crowned Pigeon & Gray Kingbird (arrive to nest in the Keys; prime time for taking pictures of birds in Key West).
  • Roseate Spoonbill (a pink colored bird that Florida is famous for; easily spotted wading in shallow waters).
• Small White Birds in Florida
  • Snowy Egret, Cattle Egret (common near shorelines; they can also turn up in local backyards).

July – August

• Summer Residents & Offshore Nesters
  • Brown Noddy, Sooty Tern (look for them if you head out by boat on a private charter).
  • Tropical Visitors (watch for occasional sightings of rarities moving through the Lower Keys).
• Backyard Small Birds in Florida
  • Mourning Dove, Northern Mockingbird (still active, even in summer heat).

September – October

• Fall Migration
  • Warblers & Hummingbirds (major push of small birds moving south).
  • Florida Birds of Prey on the move (Peregrine Falcon, Osprey).
• Flocking Birds
  • Bobolink (a black and white bird during migration).
  • Possible geese or other waterfowl making a brief stopover in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge.

November – December

• Late Fall/Early Winter Visitors
  • Hawks & Owls (some remain in the Keys during mild winters).
  • Painted Bunting (sometimes reappears at feeders; a stunning red bird with multiple bright colors).
• Year-Round Favorites
  • Great Egret, White Ibis (classic long beak birds of Florida seen all year).
  • Keep an eye out for key west bird watching staples like Pelicans, Frigatebirds, and Herons any time!

Exploring Key West by Tour: Kayaking and Private Charters

One of the best ways to observe birds of Key West Florida is by getting out onto the water. Kayaking among the mangroves of Key West lets you silently approach roosting and feeding birds, increasing your chances of a close encounter. Our tours that include kayaking are especially popular for this reason—you’ll often see common birds in South Florida like ibises, herons, and egrets just a few feet from your kayak.

For a more personalized experience, consider our private charters in Key West for bird watching. These exclusive trips allow you to explore more remote parts of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge, where you may find even rarer species. A knowledgeable guide will help you identify common birds of Key West as well as some hidden gems.

Bird Rescue and Conservation Efforts

In addition to enjoying birds in Key West Florida, you can help preserve them by supporting local conservation and rescue organizations. Key West bird rescue groups assist injured and orphaned birds, working to release them back into the wild. By learning responsible bird-watching practices—such as maintaining respectful distances and not feeding wild birds—you contribute to the long-term health of these remarkable creatures.

Plan Your Next Birding Adventure

Whether you want to check off birds of Key West, capture pictures, or simply enjoy the serenity of Key West bird watching, the region offers countless opportunities. From spotting small birds of Key West flitting through coastal shrubs to observing big birds soaring overhead, every trip into nature here is sure to delight.

Join one of our Key West boat excursions or book a private charter to experience the abundant avian life yourself. With luck and a keen eye, you might encounter everything from the birds of prey to brilliant pink colored birds—all part of the enduring magic of the Lower Keys.

Ready to go birding in paradise?

Contact us today to learn more about our bird-watching excursions, kayaking the mangroves tours, and private charters that can take you deeper into the wild realms of the Florida Keys. Adventure and discovery await!