Meet the animals of the Tijuana Estuary
The Tijuana Estuary is home to an abundance of wildlife, including both native species and migratory animals. While birds are the most common sighting here, attracting birdwatchers and wildlife photographers throughout the county, there is also a wide array of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates that live throughout the land and waters of the Estuary.
Birds
The Tijuana Estuary is home to numerous species of birds, and is also a rest-stop for hundreds of migratory birds traveling along the Pacific Flyway.
Estuarine Fish & Invertebrates
Learn more about the estuarine organisms that inhabit the waters of the Tijuana Estuary, including various types of molluscs, crustaceans, and fish.
Mammals
Mammals are much harder to spot than reptiles and birds due to their nocturnal (active during the night) or crepuscular (active during dawn and dusk) nature. Common mammal sightings within the Estuary include the desert cottontail, black-tailed jackrabbits, long-tailed weasels, California ground squirrels, California voles, deer mice, coyotes, and even gray foxes. striped skunks, opossums, and a few species of bats are known to be around at night. Learn more by exploring the San Diego County Mammal Atlas.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Numerous species of reptiles and amphibians call the Tijuana Estuary their home. Explore our comprehensive list of reptiles and amphibians to learn more about where you may find these creatures.