NORTHEAST MEXICO: Monterrey, and El Cielo Biosphere preserve.

We will be birding in and around Monterrey, exploring a variety of habitats across northeastern Mexico. Our itinerary includes the spectacular Sierra Madre Oriental, the montane forests near Saltillo, and the high plains of the Chihuahuan Desert.

The tour also extends into Tamaulipas, where we will visit the renowned El Cielo Biosphere Reserve, located approximately 4.5 hours by road from Monterrey. This remarkable reserve protects a unique transition zone of cloud forest, tropical forest, and pine-oak habitats, making it one of the most important birding and biodiversity areas in northeastern Mexico.

Monterrey and Saltillo area

Main locations to visit: Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, Chihuahuan Desert, and some birding hotspots near Monterrey city.

Habitat: Pine-oak Forest, dessert, and scrubland.

Target species: 

• Maroon-fronted Parrot*

• Crimson-collared Grosbeak

• Long-billed Thrasher

• Mexican Jay 

• Audubon Oriole 

• Blue-capped Motmot 

• Colima Warbler*

• Northern Pygmy-Owl 

• Brown-backed Solitaire 

• Russet Nightingale-Thrush 

• Rufous-capped Brushfinch 

• Hooded Yellowthroat 

• Worthen Sparrow 

El Cielo Biosphere Preserve 

Habitat: tropical and cloud forest

Target species:

• Altamira Yellowthroat

• Aplomado Falcon 

• Tamaulipas Crow

• Tamaulipas Pygmy-Owl

• Thicket Tinamou 

• Sungrebe 

• Hooded Grosbeak 

• Military Macaw

• Mottled Owl 

• Stygian Owl

• Tawny-collared Nightjar 

Duration:
This tour is designed as a 6-day itinerary, with the option to add an extension to Chihuahua, extending the trip to a total of 9 days. The extension includes a domestic flight between Monterrey and Chihuahua.

Recommended Season:
The best time of year for this tour is from May through August. Other dates can also provide excellent birding opportunities; however, some species marked with an asterisk may be absent outside this period due to seasonal migration.

Arrival / Departure Location:
Monterrey — General Mariano Escobedo International Airport.

Trip extension: Chihuahua 

Habitat: Pine forest

Target species:

• Thick-billed Parrot*

• Eared Quetzal 

**Only Summer**