Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge

Infobox_protected_area | name = Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
iucn_category = IV

---

caption = Map of Texas
locator_x = 175
locator_y = 218
location = Hidalgo County, Texas, USA
nearest_city = Alamo, Texas
lat_degrees = 26
lat_minutes = 4
lat_seconds = 59
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 98
long_minutes = 8
long_seconds = 6
long_direction = W
area = 2,088 acres
(8.45 km²)
established = 1943
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
governing_body = U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge is a convert|2088|acre|km2|sing=on 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. It's 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.

Birds

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 Gray Hawk, seen occasionally on the refuge, attract birders from around the world.

Over 35 species of spring 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.

Wildlife

Notable species include the the endangered and rare Ocelot and Jaguarundi feline species.

External links

* [http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/santana.html Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge]
* [http://www.fws.gov/refuges/profiles/index.cfm?id=21551]
* [http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/texas/stabuttr.html Santa Ana NWR Butterfly Checklist]
* [http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/wildlife_trails/coastal/lower/santaana Texas Parks and Wildlife]