Bird Conservation Region 40
Desierto
de Baja California
This BCR includes
most of Baja California. It is a center of endemism that includes flat
desert zones similar to the Sonoran Desert, shrublands, and coastal lagoons.
The El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve—the largest reserve in Mexico
and Latin America—is found here, as are several IBAs. The desert
shrublands and salt marshes of
Área de San Quintín provide habitat for California Gnatcatcher,
Clapper Rail, Least Tern, Brant, and Western Sandpiper. Complejo Lagunar
Ojo de Liebre and Complejo Lagunar San Ignacio IBAs are dominated by halophytic
scrubs, salt marshes, and mangroves. These lagoon complexes are critical
for shorebird and waterfowl species, such as Brant, Caspian and Royal
Terns, Black-vented Shearwater, and Snowy Plover. Bahía Magdalena–Almejas
IBA includes desert scrub and mangrove habitat for such birds as Elegant
Tern,
Bald Eagle, Northern Pintail, Blue-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Brown Pelican,
Brandt’s Cormorant, and a breeding colony of Magnificent Frigatebird.
Sierra la Giganta IBA is dominated by desert scrub that is home to the
endemic Xantus’ Hummingbird and Gray Thrasher.
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