Best Spots for Birding This Winter In and Around Mérida

Parrots can be spotted all over Mérida especially early in the morning. They are fairly easy to spot as they are quite loud.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

Birdwatching is enjoyed by millions of people across the world, and there are few places better to engage in this relaxing activity than the Yucatán Peninsula.

The region is home to an extremely wide variety of birds endemic to the region, as well as migratory species.

The rose-breasted grosbeak is likely to pay you a visit in your garden in northern Yucatán if you set up a couple of bird feeders.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

But in all honestly, one of the major factors that get in the way of enjoying this activity tends to be the Peninsula’s heat and humidity, which make spending prolonged periods of time outside (and without a cold drink in hand) rather punishing.

A woodpecker and flycatcher pose together for a photo.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

Fortunately, usually starting in late November, temperatures tend to decrease significantly, making birding expeditions all the more enjoyable.

Detail of a bird among anthropomorphic ears of corn in Cacaxtla, Tlaxcala.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

This said, it is still a good idea to apply plenty of sunblock and get out nice and early to avoid the warmest periods of the day and enjoy the wee hours of the morning when wildlife springs to life.

Dozens of birds species are part of the Ría’s ecosystem, but one of the most plentiful is the Yucatecan Cornmorand.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

But even if you are not feeling like making your way deep into the countryside there are still plenty of fantastic areas to catch a glimpse of some of Yucatán’s most beautiful species.

Mérida’s Acuaparque

Link to Mérida’s Acuaparque on Google Maps

This manmade lake in the far west of town is perhaps the best place in the entire city to view aquatic birds. Because the park is open 24 hours a day you can show up as early as you like and enjoy that magical early morning light.

Mérida’s Aquaparque is one of the few spots in town where you can reliably spot water birds.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

The Acuaparque has good facilities, including bathrooms, and employs park rangers. However, going very late at night is probably not a good idea and would make spotting birds difficult.

A Northern Jaracana spreads its winds as it runs along lily pads in Mérida’s Aquaparque.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

Dzibilchaltún

As the first rays of light began to project through the temple’s entrance, everyone began to prepare for that perfect shot.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

Link to Dzibilchaltún on Google Maps

Fifteen minutes north of Mérida is the archaeological site of Dzibilchaltún. Aside from its fascinating Mayan monuments, the site and surrounding town are teeming with wildlife. This is in part thanks to several cenotes in the area, which attract a large number of animals, including birds.

To attract hummingbirds to your yard offer them a source of water, hang red feeders and plant bright colored flowers.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

As the archaeological park does not open until 8 a.m., it is a good idea to explore the surrounding countryside before making your way in. There are plenty of interesting abandoned haciendas with nooks and crannies perfect for smaller birds, so make sure to keep an eye out.

Like just about everywhere in Belize, you are likely to see a great variety of birds if you keep your eyes peeled and senses alert.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

Progreso

From the dock it is posible to see a wide range of exotic birds, including pink flamingos.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

Link to Progreso on Google Maps

Anyone interested in catching a glimpse of flamingos knows that Celestun and Rio Lagartos are among the best places in the world to do so. But with a little luck, you are likely to spot these majestic pink birds a little closer to home.

The best way to see flamingos in large numbers is to take a boat tour around the mangroves of Yucatán’s coast.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

Flamingos can be spotted in Progreso along several locations, sometimes even including the highway. But to maximize your chances, look out for one of the many lookouts or miradores in the area.

One of the nicest things about La Ría Progreso is just how close it is to Mérida, as well as the fact that there is no need to haul out your own kayak.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

But even if you don’t get to see any flamingos, the trip will still surely be worth it as egrets, hummingbirds, cormorants, pelicans, and dozens of other species can reliably be seen in the area — especially early in the morning.

Parque Eco-arqueológico del Poniente

Mérida’s Parque Eco-arqueológico del Poniente is one of the city’s largest parks and, like Dzibilchaltún, is also home to ancient Mayan structures.

Link to Parque Eco-arqueologico del Poniente on Google Maps.

Because of the abundance of water in the region, Kankí is overflowing with wildlife, especially birds.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

The park features several paths, some of which are fairly narrow and perfect for birders looking to catch a glimpse of a mot-mot or flycatcher. Because the area surrounding the park has long been used as a quarry it often floods when it rains, which in turn attracts all sorts of species that would otherwise not be seen in this part of town.

Pair of Yucatán Jays. Only males of the species have yellow beaks.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

Parque de la Ibérica

Several species of birds can only be seen in Yucatán during the migratory season further north.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht / Yucatán Magazine

Link to Parque de la Ibérica on Google Maps

Despite being located near downtown, this large park full of vegetation is usually fairly quiet and great for urban birding. Because its gates don’t open until 8 a.m. this should give visitors plenty of time to take a leisurely walk from Mérida’s downtown, all the while keeping your eyes open for feathered friends.

Because of the black stripe that runs across their head, many people refer to social flycatchers, bandidos, or bandits.Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

Do you have any favorite spots in and around town for birding that we missed? Let us know at carlosrosado@roofcatmedia.com.

Check out some of our past features on birding and wildlife in the Yucatán here.

Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht, PhD, is a journalist, photographer, and expedition leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada, and Norway. Most recently, he earned a doctorate in Heritage Studies in 2026.