The Pacific coast foothills of Sinaloa contain a great diversity of endemic birds, Many species inhabit a unique habitat called “deciduous forest”. This type of forest experiences a marked dry season when many trees lose their leaves, wich makes walking and birding a much easier. Very attractive during this season is the sight of several flowering trees like the Rosa Amarilla and the Amapa.. In México the ecological zone of the Foothills is heavily threatened by clearcutting for agricultural and cattle farming purposes. In the state of Sinaloa however a few large pristine areas still remain, like for example the Meseta de Cacaxtla wich has been declared as Natural Reserve by the ex-president Ernesto Zedillo last 27/NOV/2000. It´s 50,862 hectares offer excellent birding possibilities.. In the Pacific Foothills we can find many wonderfull residents such as Lineaded and Pale-billed Woodpecker, Elegant Trogon, Squirrel Cuckoo, Masked Tityra, Scrub Euphonia. During the winter we can find migrating species such as Warblers, Flycatchers and Orioles among others. These species compete with the resident birds for their food as they migrate further south. The Military Macaw is one of the true jewels of the forest, there are places where we can find large flocks.
Endemic birds that you will find along the Pacific Slope and within this habitat are the Citreoline Trogon, Black-Throated Magpie-Jay, Purplish-backed Jay, Yellow-winged Cacique, Lilac-crowned Parrot, Mexican Parrotlet, Golden-cheeked Woodpecker, Grey-crowned Woodpecker, Elegant Quail, Sinaloa Crow, Lesser Roadrunner, Rufous-bellied (W) Chachalaca, Russet-Crowned Motmot, Colima Pygmy- Owl, Sinaloa (Bar-Vented) Wren, Happy Wren, Golden-Crowned Emerald, Sparkling-tailed Woodstar Hummingbird, Berylline Hummingbird, Golden Vireo, Red- Breasted Chat, Rufous-backed Thrush, Black-Capped Gnatcatcher.
When driving up to the foothills we can often spot raptors, resting on an organ cactus or hovering to look for prey. These raptors include species like Grey Hawk, Laughing Falcon, Crested Caracara, American Kestrel, Crane Hawk, Red-Tailed Hawk among others.The birding season in the Pacific Foothills is year-round. During the rainy season (July-October) it can get very warm. Therefore a good physical health and condition are required for birding during the summer months. 
