According to a study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau in 2000, a myriad of tropical birds, once thought to reside only in Mexico and Central America, are nesting in Laredo. The city is the proud caretaker of over 150 species of birds, including three that are very rare in the United States: the white-collared seedeater, the clay-colored robin, and the red-billed pigeon. Of the three, the white-collared seedeater is the rarest find and is sure to lure birding aficionados to Laredo.
"We call the white-collared seedeater a 'million-dollar bird' because it is very difficult to find it in the United States," said Marc Woodin, an official with the USGS who helped conduct the study. "Birders the world over consider any sighting of the white-collared seedeater as a jewel in their crown."
And, if those uncommon species are not enough to buoy the interest of birders from around the world, green parakeets, another tropical treasure, also call Laredo home, frequenting the city's older areas.
Some of the "hot" spots for such bird sightings are the Paso del Indio on the grounds of the Laredo Community College, Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, and the area along Zacate Creek.
"Our rare birds are Laredo's hidden treasures," said Don Raulie, director of the Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau. "And they will be a powerful lure for birding enthusiasts who will travel from all parts of the state and the nation to see the rare species we have in Laredo."
According to Raulie, birding in Texas generates more than $155 million a year in tourism revenue, and once the word is out about the rare species found in Laredo, the potential is great that the city will soon become a favorite destination for birders.
"Our festive border charm, our fine foods, our shopping bargains and now our birds-what better reasons for birders to come to Laredo," said Laredo Mayor Elizabeth G. Flores. "This is a new and exciting attraction for Laredo. We have always said, 'No place else but Laredo', and now this holds true for our birds."
Flores was enthusiastic about the results of the study and said that Laredoans should take an active role in fostering this fledgling attraction. The USGS report urged that preservation of the natural habitats "along the Rio Grande property is essential for successful conservation of the diverse bird community found in and near Laredo." This is especially true for the areas around LCC and Zacate Creek where the rarest birds are found. The USGS also encouraged the establishment of an educational center to educate the public about the birds.
The U.S. Geological Survey logged over 150 species in the Laredo-Webb County area. Along with the White-collared Seedeater, the Clay-colored Robin, the
Where to find the birds:
St. Peter's Neighborhood
Landmark Historical District
Restored Victorian-era residences are not the only sights to be seen in this landmark neighborhood. Green Parakeets can be spotted up in the treetops and rooftops of the area. Their favorite nesting spots are the crevices and awnings of the neighborhood's older buildings, including some abandoned church steeples. To get to the neighborhood, take the Scott Street exit off IH 35. Turn right on Washington Street and then turn left on Main. Street parking available.
Laredo Community College Campus Formerly Fort McIntosh
College students are not the only ones to call this historic campus home.
The White-collared Seedeater, the Red-billed Pigeon and the Brown Jay are just some of the birds that can be seen along the Rio Grande river banks below the Paso del Indio Trail on campus.
The site, located along the banks of the Rio Grande is adjacent to the Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center. Prior to hiking along the trail, birders can visit the center to learn more about the flora and fauna they will be traversing. They may even learn tips on the best times to spot the birds.
To get to the Center and the Campus Trail, take the Scott Street exit off IH-35. Turn right on Washington and continue over the overpass. Take the first right and follow Crawford to the Center and the Campus Trail.
Lake Casa Blanca International State Park
Just to the outside of the Bob Bullock Loop (Loop 20) lies Lake Casa Blanca International State Park. A man-made lake established as a reservoir, Lake Casa Blanca provides a peaceful setting where birders can pursue their aviary quests in a relaxed manner while also taking in the natural habitat.
Wildlife such as deer are also visible along the mesquite thickets. Fishing is also available. RV spaces are available but on a limited basis.
If coming in from North IH 35, take the Bob Bullock Loop exit and drive south along the loop past Texas A&M International University. The lake lies on the left side just across the loop from the Laredo International Airport.
If coming in from US 83, take the Bob Bullock loop going north just past US 59. The lake is on the right side.

Zacate Creek
Located in one of Laredo's oldest neighborhoods, this creek is a favorite nesting spot for birds such as the White-collared Seedeater, the Black Phoebe and the Audubon's Oriole. From downtown, go east on Farragut and turn right on San Eduardo. Turn left on Iturbide and drive east to San Leonardo. Then, turn right. San Leonardo dead ends at Water Street. The creek should be visible from that vantage point and parking is available.

Father Charles McNaboe Park
Father Charles McNaboe Park is one of the City of Laredo's newest municipal recreational areas. Located in the Mines Road sudivision, close to the northern banks of the Rio Grande, this park offers a good vantage point for birding. The Least Grebe and the Mourning Dove are just some of the birds that have been spotted along the landscape. To get to the park, head north on Mines Road and turn left on Rancho Viejo. Signage denotes location of the park.

La Bota Ranch
This gated community nestled just off of Mines Road hugs the northern banks of the Rio Grande. White-collared Seedeaters have been spotted as have the Olive Sparrow, the White-tipped Dove, the Red-Tailed Hawk, and Audobon's Oriole. The high trees and marshes will provide good viewings for these and many other species of birds. To get to La Bota Ranch, take the Mines Road exit off of South IH 35. Drive about 5 miles. A watertower stands near the entrance.

Lobo Creek
Lobo Creek is a private ranch that also features excellent birding. More information about the property can be obtained by contacting Willie Cavazos at (956) 724-6123, ext. 11.

Green Parakeet and the Red-billed Pigeon, these are just some of the birds that birders can see in Laredo:

Least Grebe Gadwall
Neotropic Cormorant Green Heron
Tri-Colored Heron Little Blue Heron
Black-bellied Whistling Duck Mexican Black Duck
Northern Shoveler Turkey Vulture
Osprey Northern Harrier
Northern Harrier Sharp-skinned Hawk
Swainson?s Hawk Crested Caracara
American Kestrel Northern Bobwhite
Killdeer Blackened-necked Stilt
Wilson?s Plover Greater Yellowlegs
Ring-billed Gull Black Tern
Rock Dove Inca Dove
Yellow-billed Cuckoo Groove-billed Ani
Greater Roadrunner Great-horned Owl
Lesser Nighthawk Common Pauraque
Ladder-backed Woodpecker Black Phoebe
Eastern Phoebe Couch's Kingbird
Western Kingbird Loggerhead Shrike
Green Kingfisher Ringed Kingfisher
Green Jay Tufted Titmouse
Long-billed Thrasher European Starling
Cedar Waxwing Olive Sparrow
Tennessee Warbler Nashville Warbler
Palm Warbler Pyrrhuloxia
Bronzed Cowbird Spotted Towhee
Audobon's Oriole Hooded Oriole