A Checklist of Bird Sightings in Broward County’s Natural Areas

The vast diversity of plant communities found in South Florida provide either temporary or permanent homes for more than 250 species of birds. More than 200 species have been sighted in Broward County parks and natural area sites. Hardwood hammocks, cypress/maple wetlands, and pine flatwoods are among the habitats preserved in these parks for human recreation and wildlife habitat.

The abundance notations are in accordance with “Checklist of Southern Florida Birds,” compiled by Dr. Ira Joel Abramson and Dr. Oscar T. Owre for the Tropical Audubon Society. The symbols are:

C = common; often seen or heard in appropriate habitat.
U = uncommon; usually present but not always heard or seen.
R = rare; present in appropriate habitats only in small numbers and seldom seen or heard.
r = resident; present all year although abundance may vary seasonally.
w = winter visitor (includes spring and fall).
m = migrant; present ordinarily only in migration.
o = occasional or casual visitor.
s = summer visitor.
h = historical.

The abundance of a bird species may be determined by its need for specialized habitat. While some species may be found in all park sites, others may not occur due to lack of suitable habitat within Broward County. This information is given as a general guide. The sightings in this collection have been accumulated from 1978 to May 20, 2003, and may not be representative of current bird populations.

Natural Area Sites Included In This Study
CC – Coconut Creek Maple Swamp Natural Area
CL – Crystal Lake Sand Pine Scrub Natural Area
FM – Doris Davis Forman Wilderness Preserve
HS – Highlands Scrub Natural Area
HP – Hillsboro Pineland Natural Area
LK – Long Key (now known as Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center)
MP – Miramar Pineland Natural Area 
MT – Military Trail Natural Area
PI – Pine Island Ridge Natural Area
SWI – Snake Warrior’s Island Natural Area
TC – Tall Cypress Natural Area
WD – Woodmont Natural Area
WW – Warbler Wetlands (Prospect Road)