Greater Los Angeles Birding: Where Coast Meets Mountains

Greater Los Angeles offers exceptional year-round birding with remarkable habitat diversity, from Pacific coastal wetlands to chaparral-covered mountains. The region is home to several California specialty species found nowhere else in the world, making it a must-visit destination for birders seeking endemic species.

California Specialty Birds

Los Angeles is one of the best places to find the threatened California Gnatcatcher, a tiny gray bird restricted to coastal sage scrub habitats. Allen's Hummingbird, a California specialty, is a year-round resident in the LA area. Other targets include California Thrasher in chaparral hillsides, California Towhee in urban parks, and the elusive Ridgway's Rail in coastal marshes.

Premier Birding Locations

Ballona Wetlands, just south of Marina del Rey, hosts over 250 bird species including herons, egrets, ducks, and shorebirds. Malibu Lagoon State Beach offers outstanding coastal birding with high species diversity during spring and fall migrations. The San Gabriel Mountains provide montane species like Mountain Quail in higher elevations. Point Dume is excellent for seabirds and marine species.

Migration Spectacle

Positioned along the Pacific Flyway, Los Angeles experiences impressive spring migration from March through May when warblers, vireos, and flycatchers pass through. Fall migration from September through October brings shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds. Coastal locations can produce rare vagrant species blown off course.

Best Times to Visit

While birding is productive year-round, September through May offers the most comfortable weather and greatest species diversity. Spring and fall migrations provide the highest variety, while winter brings waterfowl, loons, and grebes to coastal waters. Summer residents include breeding Allen's Hummingbirds and California Gnatcatchers.