Recognized as a Ramsar site, the wetlands fill during the rainy season and partially dry out in summer.
Areas used for grazing and habitat for seed-eating birds and waders.
Include rice fields and pasture, creating a matrix for adaptable and migratory species.
Including the Río Frío, which winds through the refuge and supports abundant aquatic life.
Spot-breasted Wren, Boat-billed Heron, Russet-naped Wood-Rail, Green Kingfisher, Amazon Kingfisher, Ringed Kingfisher, Green Ibis, Anhinga, Neotropical Cormorant, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, various Seedeaters.
Uncommon species: Jabiru (Endangered), Nicaraguan Seed Finch, Sungrebe, Nicaraguan Grackle, Gray-headed Dove, Black-collared Hawk, Yellow-breasted Crake, Agami Heron, Pied Puffbird, Royal Flycatcher.