Basaseachic Falls National Park

Birds

The towering cliffs, dense forests, and river valleys of Basaseachic Falls National Park provide an ideal habitat for a wide variety of bird species, from soaring raptors to colorful songbirds.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
One of the most majestic birds in the park, the golden eagle soars high above the cliffs, hunting for small mammals and birds. Its sharp eyesight and powerful talons make it a top predator.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
Known for being the fastest bird in the world, the peregrine falcon is often seen diving at incredible speeds to catch its prey. It nests on the park’s cliffs and rocky ledges.

Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida)
A rare and elusive owl, the Mexican spotted owl inhabits the park’s dense pine forests. It hunts small mammals and birds at night and is known for its distinctive dark eyes and spotted plumage.

Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)
These social and noisy woodpeckers store acorns in tree trunks for later use. Their black-and-white bodies, red crowns, and comical behavior make them a favorite sight among birdwatchers.

Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
A striking blue and black bird with a prominent crest, Steller’s jay is a curious and intelligent species commonly found in the park’s forests. It is known for its loud calls and mimicry of other birds.

Mountain Trogon (Trogon mexicanus)
With its emerald green back, red belly, and elegant long tail, the mountain trogon is a beautiful sight in the park’s wooded areas. It feeds on fruit and insects and prefers dense forest canopies.

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
A vital scavenger in the park’s ecosystem, the turkey vulture soars effortlessly on thermal currents, using its keen sense of smell to locate carrion. It plays an important role in keeping the environment clean.

White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis)
Often seen darting around cliffs and waterfalls, these agile birds are some of the fastest flyers in the park. They feed on insects in mid-air and nest in rock crevices.

Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)
A small but vividly colored bird, the western bluebird sports bright blue plumage with a rusty-red chest. It thrives in the park’s open forests and meadows, feeding on insects and berries.

Gray Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii)
A subtle but important species in the park, the gray flycatcher perches on branches, waiting to dart out and catch flying insects. Its drab coloration helps it blend into the forest understory.

Basaseachic Falls National Park, located in the Sierra Madre Occidental of Chihuahua, Mexico, is a rugged landscape of towering cliffs, pine-oak forests, and the breathtaking Basaseachic Waterfall. This diverse ecosystem is home to a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that thrive in the high-altitude forests and rocky terrain.

Mexican Black Bear (Ursus americanus eremicus)
A subspecies of the American black bear, the Mexican black bear roams the forests of Basaseachic in search of berries, acorns, and small prey. Though elusive, it plays an important role in the park’s ecosystem.

Cougar (Puma concolor)
Also known as the mountain lion, this apex predator is a master of stealth and can be found in the park’s rugged terrain. It preys on deer and smaller mammals, helping maintain ecological balance.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
This small, pig-like mammal is a common sight in the park’s woodlands. They travel in groups and use their tough snouts to forage for roots, fruits, and small invertebrates.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
One of the most commonly spotted mammals in the park, white-tailed deer are essential to the local food chain. They graze on grasses and shrubs and serve as prey for large predators.

Ring-tailed Cat (Bassariscus astutus)
A nocturnal, agile climber, the ring-tailed cat is a small, raccoon-like mammal that thrives in the park’s rocky outcrops and forested areas. It preys on insects, small rodents, and fruit.

Rock Squirrel (Otospermophilus variegatus)
These large, ground-dwelling squirrels are often seen foraging near cliffs and rocky slopes. They feed on seeds, nuts, and insects and are a common sight near hiking trails.

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)
A well-camouflaged and venomous snake, the western diamondback is an important predator in the park. It preys on rodents and birds and uses its rattle as a warning to potential threats.

Chihuahuan Spotted Whiptail (Aspidoscelis exsanguis)
This fast-moving lizard, with its distinctive spotted pattern, thrives in the dry, rocky areas of the park. It feeds on insects and small invertebrates and is known for its quick, darting movements.

Barking Frog (Craugastor augusti)
A nocturnal amphibian, the barking frog gets its name from its distinctive, dog-like call. It prefers moist, rocky crevices and plays a role in controlling insect populations.

Tarahumara Salamander (Ambystoma rosaceum)
This rare and secretive amphibian is found in the cool, high-altitude streams of the park. Like other salamanders, it serves as an important indicator of water quality in the region.