Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge is often called a bird sanctuary from October to April when the migrant birds are at the refuge.The variety of species and sheer quantity of individuals creates a spectacle that even non-birdwatchers will marvel at.

Among the many birds usually present are: Wood Stork, White Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Black-necked Stilt, Anhinga, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Snail Kite, American Widgeon, Northern Shoveler, and Blue-winged Teal.

This refuge extends through a 10,000 hectare refuge and is an important wintering site for migrant waterfowl, as well as a year-round habitat for resident wetland species. This is an eco vacation wonderland where one can experience so many species in one place: Cayman , Sloth, white faced and howler monkeys, tapir and other inhabitants. Visiting the habitat at Caño Negro in winter you will view a dramatic seasonal change. With the water accumulated in the rainy season, a shallow lake of some 800 hectares. is formed. As the dry season progresses from December to March, the lake dries up. By April, all that is left is the main channel of the Río Frio (Cold River).