The Chihuahuan Desert stretches from the Madrean Mountains on the west to the Edwards Plateau in Texas, grades into the Southern Great Plains to the north, and extends over much of the central Mexican Plateau. Arid grasslands and shrublands cover broad basins and higher elevation oak-juniper woodlands and conifers occur in numerous isolated mesas and mountains. Scaled Quail are typical of lowlands, with Bell's Vireo along some riparian zones, and Black-capped Vireo and Lucifer Hummingbird in the montane scrub community. The Colima Warbler is a rare inhabitant of a few of the taller mountains. The Rio Grande and adjacent wetlands provide important habitat for Sandhill Cranes, waterfowl, and other riparian and wetland-dependant birds.

ABC-designated Globally mportant Bird Areas in this BCR

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend Ranch State Park

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge

Davis Mountains, including Davis Mountains State Park and Davis Mountain Preserve

Devils River State Natural Area and Dolan Falls Preserve

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Guadalupe River State Park, and Honey Creek State Natural Area

Kickapoo Cavern State Park

Lincoln National Forest