New Orleans Birding Tours

The Great Mississippi River Delta is brimming with beautiful wildlife—it’s one of the most biologically diverse areas in the country. Of course, avian life plays a huge part in that diversity, which is why The Great Delta Tours is proud to offer New Orleans birding tours to help you discover some of the greatest birds in the area!


Our New Orleans Birding Tours

On our walking tours, you’ll experience some famous birds of the area, learn about the rich history of New Orleans, and become more informed on the cultural and environmental changes that have negatively affected the Great Mississippi River Delta. Through our tours, you’ll get to see and understand the vast and beautiful landscape that has stood the test of time.


What Birds Will I See?

Brown Pelican

As the state bird of Louisiana, Brown Pelicans are commonly known for their large bill and comical, yet graceful appearance. But what many people don’t realize is that these birds were once on the brink of extinction. If you see a Brown Pelican on your tour, you’re looking at one of the biggest and most celebrated birds of the Great Mississippi River Delta!

Double-Crested Cormorant

Looking as much like a dinosaur as a bird, the lanky Double Crested Cormorant is a powerful fishing bird of the Great Mississippi River Delta, and easily recognizable with black feathers and a orange-yellow face. If you’re lucky, you might see a few of these birds flying low above the water, waiting to pounce to pick up a tasty, fishy meal!

Many, Many More

Major species of birds include:

  • Pelican
  • White Pelican
  • Great Blue Heron
  • Little Blue Heron
  • Tri-colored Heron
  • Great Egret
  • Snowy Egret
  • Cattle Egret
  • Black-Necked Stilt
  • Greater Yellow Legs
  • Lesser Yellow Legs
  • King Rails
  • Black Bellied Whistling Duck,
  • Gallinule
  • Cormorant
  • Vultures
  • Bald Eagle
  • Osprey
  • Red-tailed Hawk
  • American Coot

About Your Tour Guide

PETER YAUKEY

Co-author of The Great Delta Tour, Peter Yaukey is a science professor who chose to move to New Orleans from Georgia 25 years ago to teach at the University of New Orleans and to experience the amazing opportunities for birding that the Mississippi River Delta offers. He brings extensive knowledge of the region’s natural environment. As a writer, and researcher, he specializes in the impact of urban development and hurricanes on wildlife. He has led private birding tours for years and is considered one of the top naturalists in the state, as well as a great story teller.


Why Choose The Great Delta Tours?

Watching birds is one thing—but learning the history and the culture behind the birds is another thing entirely. That’s what The Great Delta tours is passionate about. On our tours, you won’t just learn about birds—you’ll learn about their connection to the landscape and the people of the area, and how they play a part in the larger story of New Orleans and its rich history. Schedule a tour with us today!

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