Where to watch hawks migration in Veracruz, Mexico

In Veracruz, Mexico, there are roughly 680 bird species divided into 73 families. This accounts for around 69 percent of all birds found in the entire country. So, there are definitely some great vistas of migrating raptors waiting for you there! Check out the perfect spots to watch hawks in Veracruz!

That said, birders, let’s jump right into our list of the top 4 best hawk watching sites in Veracruz, Mexico.

Veracruz River of Raptors Cardel, MX

where to watch hawks in Veracruz, Mexico

Spring dates: Feb 20- May 15
Fall dates: Aug 20- Nov 20
Address: Centro, 91680 José Cardel, Ver., Mexico

Birds you’ll see: Black vulture, turkey vulture, osprey, swallow-tailed kite, Mississippi kite, hook-billed kite, northern harrier, red-shouldered hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, cooper’s hawk, gray hawk, broad-winged hawk, Swainson’s hawk, zone-tailed hawk, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, peregrine falcon, merlin

The Veracruz River of Raptors (VRR), the world’s most concentrated migrating raptor site, is becoming a renowned hawk-watching destination in Veracruz. The biggest number of migrating raptors that originate in North America can be found at this location!

4 to 6 million raptors pass through Veracruz each fall on their way to wintering grounds in Middle and South America. Thermals abound on the Gulf coastal plain’s warm lowlands, making it easier for raptors to migrate. Raptors from western, central, eastern, and North America cross paths here due to the area’s geography, giving visitors a show unlike any other.

Each fall, up to 2 million broad-winged hawks, 1 million Swainson’s hawks, and 200,000 Mississippi kites travel through Veracruz, accounting for practically the entire global population of these hawk species. In addition, about 1.5 million Turkey Vultures, as well as thousands of other raptors, songbirds, and waterfowl join in.

The two sites are manned annually by a trustworthy crew of three observers from August 20 to November 20. The eastern site, Cardel (4.3 miles from the coast) is at the top of Hotel Bienvenidos in downtown Cardel, 18.5 miles N of Veracruz City.

Learn more about the Veracruz River of Raptors Cardel, MX here.

Veracruz River of Raptors Chichicaxtle, MX

Spring dates: Feb 20- May 15
Fall dates: Aug 20- Nov 20
Address: Chichicaxtle, Ver., Mexico

Birds you’ll see: Black vulture, turkey vulture, osprey, swallow-tailed kite, Mississippi kite, hook-billed kite, northern harrier, sharp-shinned hawk, cooper’s hawk, gray hawk, broad-winged hawk, Swainson’s hawk, zone-tailed hawk, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, peregrine falcon, merlin, bald eagle

This is the second monitoring site of the Veracruz River of Raptors, where you can find a similar concentration of migrating raptors but with more bald eagles! Chichicaxtle is 10.5 miles from the coast and is situated in a tower near the town’s soccer field.

Learn more about the Veracruz River of Raptors Chichicaxtle, MX here.

Chavarrillo

Dates: Feb 2- May 15
Address: 91642 Chavarrillo, Veracruz, Mexico
Birds you’ll see: Black vulture, turkey vulture, osprey, Mississippi kite, hook-billed kite, Northern harrier, sharp-shinned hawk, cooper’s hawk, gray hawk, broad-winged hawk, Swainson’s hawk, zone-tailed hawk, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, Peregrine falcon

Learn more at the Chavarillo website.

Tlacotalpan Veracruz MX

Dates: Apr 5- Apr 30
Address: Rivera s/n, Centro, 95461 Tlacotalpan, Ver., Mexico
Birds you’ll see: Turkey vulture, osprey, Mississippi kite, northern harrier, sharp-shinned hawk, cooper’s hawk, gray hawk, broad-winged hawk, Swainson’s hawk, American kestrel, peregrine falcon, short-tailed hawk

The site is at least 1,000 feet above sea level, and it offers unforgettable vistas of migrating hawks in spring.

Learn more about the Tlacotalpan Veracruz MX here .

FAQs about Hawk Migration to Veracruz

What types of hawks can I see in Veracruz?

There are 17 different hawk species that Veracruz is known for: Black vulture, turkey vulture, osprey, swallow-tailed kite, Mississippi kite, hook-billed kite, Northern harrier, red-shouldered hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, cooper’s hawk, gray hawk, broad-winged hawk, Swainson’s hawk, zone-tailed hawk, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, Peregrine falcon,

Wrap up- Where to watch hawks in Veracruz, Mexico

If you’re looking for a place to watch hawks in Veracruz, you’ve got a few options. Whether you’re traveling to Mexico and looking for something interesting to do, or going specifically to watch hawks, you are in for an amazing sight!

More Hawk Migration Locations

More visit-worthy hawk watching spots await you. Check out our top picks in these other hawk migration locations.

You might also be interested in exploring the best birdwatching spots in Guatemala and in Cancun!