​Friends of Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities on the Bayou Teche Refuge
The Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge has many species of plants, animals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Take a stroll on the walking trails to see plants such as the Louisiana purple iris, white spider lillies, mulberry, hibiscus, rose mallow, live and other oaks, cypress and tupelo trees and various grasses. You can view wood ducks, American bald eagles, pelicans, egrets, herons, hummingbirds, owls, American Bittern, Ibis, Roseate Spoonbills, migratory birds and many others. The refuge is the only refuge dedicated to preserve the Louisiana Black Bear which is a threatened species. Animals, aquatic species and reptiles on the refuge include alligators, turtles, many various of fish, nutria rats, mink, beaver, otters, hogs, rabbits, possums, snakes, coyotes, deer, just to name a few. Come and explore for yourself!
Birding on the Franklin & Garden City Units
Bayou Teche Refuge offers a variety of opportunities to see various types of birds. The Franklin and Garden City unit is comprised of cypress tupelo swamp and fresh water marsh. Common birds found at these locations are the Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Fish Crow, Barred Owl, Red Bellied Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse, Prothonotary Warbler, White Eyed Vireo, Indigo Bunting, Carolina Chickadee, Carolina Wren, Northern Cardinal and Red Winged Blackbird. Click on the photos to find links, descriptions and information on the various birds shown.
Birding on the Centerville Unit
The Centerville Unit's habitat is bottomland hardwood. Common birds found at this location are the Fish Crow, Prothonotary Warbler, Indigo Bunting, Loggerhead Shrike, Northern Mockingbird, Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, Mourning Dove, Eastern Towhee and Red Winged Blackbird.
Common Birds Found Throughout the Refuge
Birds found throughout the refuge include the Red Tailed Hawk, Red Shouldered Hawk, Mississippi Kite, Swallow Tailed Kite and the Bald Eagle.
Not Sure What Bird You are Viewing?
If you are unsure of the bird you are viewing, you can search for them on the following websites.
Audubon Birds of North America Cornell Lab of Ornithology
www.audubon.org https://www.birds-of-north-america.net www.allaboutbirds.org