Veracruz River of Raptors
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Loading ...Veracruz has quickly gained fame for its yearly spectacle of raptor migration. Each fall between 4 & 6 million (!) raptors make there way through the state, offering a birding experience like no other.
The geography of Veracruz acts as a funnel for western, central, and eastern raptor species as they trek southward to wintering grounds in Central and South America. Nearly the entire population of Mississippi Kites (200,000 birds) pass through the area, making this not only a wonderful place to view birds, but an area of conservation importance.
Other raptor numbers are equally impressive as the kites: 2 million Broad-winged Hawks, 1 million Swainson’s Hawks, and over 1.5 million Turkey Vultures pass through Veracruz.
Turkey Vultures
Without safe, protected areas in Veracruz, the River of Raptors would not be what it is and many of the wonderful birds of prey that spend their time in the U.S. would be in trouble.