Birds of the Everglades

Florida Airboat Rides

Our Florida airboat rides are home to a number of varied bird species along with the gators that make Wild Florida home. This natural habitat attracts a number of different bird species to the region with over 350 species of birds that have been identified just in the Everglades. Each ride is unique, and our captains provide you with the most opportunistic tours to see our unique animals. What types of birds can you expect to see on your next airboat ride?

Often classified as a type of heron, egrets come in several sizes and colors. Snowy egrets are typically all white, while cattle egrets are white and have reddish brown accents. Reddish egrets also have red and brown colors but are dark all around. They also have a white form with grey and reddish colors. They are found in both saltwater and freshwater environments and typically feed on fish, frogs and other aquatic animals.

Ospreys are a bird of prey and generally feed on fish, rodents, other birds, reptiles and other animals. They have dark wings, while their bodies are generally white. Their hooked beak helps them tear through meat for consumption and is a typical characteristic of a raptor bird, or birds of prey.

Bald eagles are sensitive to human encroachment, and can occasionally be seen on our Florida airboat rides. They are opportunistic feeders and they mainly feed on fish. Bald eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, which prohibits anyone from disturbing nests and eagles in any way, including killing, capturing, pursuing and other acts.

Roseate spoonbills are wading birds that have a distinctive pink color similar to the Flamingo. Their bill is flat and spoon-shaped, which gives them their name. They had been hunted during the early 20th century for their feathers, dramatically lowering their population, but have since rebounded. A spoonbills’ diet consists of small aquatic animals, feeding in both saltwater and freshwater.

These are only a few of the species you may encounter at our Florida airboat rides. Others may include the Glossy Ibis, Great Blue Herons, White Ibis, Sandhill Crane, and many more! Check out our Wild Florida family on one of our airboat rides by calling us at 407-901-2563 to book a tour.