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Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge is a 2,088-acre (8.45 km2) refuge situated along the banks of the Rio Grande in Hidalgo County, Texas south of Alamo, Texas. It was established for the protection of migratory birds in 1943. Its unique location at the meeting of several different climates (subtropical, Chihuahuan Desert, Gulf Coast, and Great Plains) has garnered a well deserved reputation as a birding delight.

Contents

Fauna

Notable species include the Texas Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis albescens) and Gulf Coast Jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi cacomitli) feline species. These species, while not considered endangered by the IUCN, are rare for the area. Both species are listed as Endangered in the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as Amended. The Jaguarundi is listed as on CITES Appendix II, and the Ocelot is listed in CITES Appendix I.

Birds

Common Moorhen (middle) and Blue-winged Teal in the refuge

397 bird species have been documented within the parks borders. Many of those are migratory species on their way to and from Central and South America.

A few species to be found here are Black-bellied and Fulvous Whistling Duck, Mottled Duck, Blue-winged, Green-winged, and Cinnamon Teal, Least Grebe, Anhinga, Tricolored Heron, White Ibis, lesser yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitcher and Least Tern.

Osprey, Broad-winged Hawk, Northern Harrier and Peregrine Falcon are among the migratory birds of prey found in the park. Hook-billed Kite and Grey Hawk, seen occasionally on the refuge, attract birders from around the world.

Over 35 species of spring New World warbler have been seen and include the Golden-winged Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Northern and Tropical Parula, American Redstart, Palm Warbler and Yellow-breasted Chat.

Butterflies

Not to be outdone by its reputation as a birding paradise, Santa Ana is also home to almost half of all butterfly species found in the United States; over 300 species have been seen at the park. As many as 65 have been seen on a single day.

External links

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Federal
National Parks Big Bend • Guadalupe Mountains
National Monuments and Memorials Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument • Chamizal National Memorial
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Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
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Categories: IUCN Category IV | National Wildlife Refuges in Texas | Hidalgo County, Texas | Protected areas established in 1943 | Texas geography stubs | Southern United States protected area stubs

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