Top 15 Types Of Birds In Austin TX (With Pictures)

Observe Austin's top 15 bird species, including vivid images and intriguing details that will inspire your next outdoor adventure.

birds in austin tx

Austin, Texas, boasts a rich variety of bird species that enhance the local biodiversity with their unique characteristics. Among the most prominent are the Northern Cardinal, known for its striking red plumage and melodious calls, and the Great-tailed Grackle, with its glossy black feathers. The Black-chinned Hummingbird, notable for its black chin and shimmering purple throat, is a common sight in spring and summer. Other significant species include the American Robin, with its bright red breast, and the Red-tailed Hawk, recognized by its distinctive red tail and impressive wingspan. Each bird plays an essential role in the ecosystem, presenting a splendid opportunity to explore further insights into their behaviors and habitats.

Northern Cardinal

vibrant red bird species

Renowned for their striking red plumage, Northern Cardinals are a prominent bird species in Austin, TX, delighting residents with their vivid appearance and melodious calls.

Male cardinals, with their full red head and body, contrast starkly against the females' brownish hue with red highlights. These birds, feeding primarily on the ground, are a common, colorful sight in local gardens throughout the year.

Great-tailed Grackle

loud iridescent black bird

Great-tailed Grackles, with their long bills and smaller stature compared to crows, are a familiar sight in Austin, TX. These black birds are recognized by their glossy black plumage and harsh calls.

Commonly seen in urban settings and open fields around the city, Great-tailed Grackles are notable for their distinctive color variations, making them a standout species in the local avian community.

Black-chinned Hummingbird

ruby throated hummingbird identification

Hovering gracefully around Austin's vibrant gardens, the Black-chinned Hummingbird is a small yet enchanting bird species distinguished by its black chin and shimmering purple throat.

Weighing just 0.12 ounces, these birds enhance local biodiversity with their high-pitched vocalizations and distinctive tail movements while feeding.

Their presence in spring and summer adds a dynamic visual and auditory element to Austin's natural tapestry.

American Robin

common north american bird

While the Black-chinned Hummingbird captivates with its aerial acrobatics, the American Robin is equally remarkable, often recognized by its striking red breast and melodious song.

Common in Austin, these birds, about 9-11 inches long, thrive on insects, fruits, and berries.

Their red head contrasts with gray upperparts, enhancing their visibility as they hop on lawns during early morning, filling the air with their cheerful tunes.

Red-tailed Hawk

majestic hunter of skies

Soaring gracefully through the skies of Austin, Red-tailed Hawks are a majestic sight, easily identifiable by their striking red tails and impressive wingspan of up to 56 inches.

These large raptors hunt small mammals from high above, perching on utility poles or gliding over open fields and highways.

Their keen eyesight makes them formidable predators in Austin's grasslands.

Carolina Wren

bird with distinctive song

From the high-flying Red-tailed Hawk, we shift our focus to the smaller, yet equally fascinating Carolina Wren, known for its melodious teakettle song and distinctive vocal patterns.

This bird sports a gray neck and a long tail that it often cocks, adding a unique flair to its appearance. Its yellow eyes and dark eye line make it a striking sight in Austin, TX.

Eastern Bluebird

colorful bird of east

The Eastern Bluebird, with its striking blue plumage, is a common sight in Austin's open landscapes, delighting observers with its melodious warbles. These small, thrush-like birds exhibit vibrant blue on their heads, wings, and tails, accented by black and white.

They thrive in open woodlands and meadows, playing an important role in local ecosystems through pest control and seed dispersal.

Painted Bunting

vibrant bird with rainbow

Painted Buntings, with their kaleidoscope of colors, are a stunning sight in Austin's natural habitats. The male bird flaunts vivid blue, green, and red plumage, while the female showcases more subdued green and yellow tones.

These birds thrive in dense, shrubby areas near water, where they nest and forage. Their melodious songs contribute a cheerful ambiance to Austin's diverse bird population.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

warbler with yellow rump

A common winter visitor to Austin, the Yellow-rumped Warbler is easily recognized by its distinctive yellow rump. This bird features a striking black head, yellow throat, and white wing bars.

It thrives on a varied diet of insects, berries, and seeds. Birdwatchers enjoy spotting these warblers in local parks and woodlands, where they are often heard singing melodiously from fall through spring.

Downy Woodpecker

small black and white

Renowned for its small size and agile climbing abilities, the Downy Woodpecker is a frequent and beloved sight in both woodlands and suburban areas of Austin.

Exhibiting distinctive black and white plumage and a striking black crest, the males uniquely feature a small red patch on the back of their heads. Their chisel-like bill is perfect for foraging insects and sap from trees.

Belted Kingfisher

vibrant blue and white

The Belted Kingfisher, a medium-sized bird known for its striking slate-blue plumage and shaggy crest, is a common sight near Austin's water bodies. This bird that hangs around central Texas showcases a black back and a white wing, making it easily identifiable.

Distinctive for the red dot on its head, it engages in unique headfirst dives to catch fish, echoing its loud, rattling call.

Cedar Waxwing

elegant bird with mask

Cedar Waxwings, easily recognized by their sleek brown and gray plumage and distinctive black mask, are a common yet striking presence in Austin's avian landscape.

These social birds, often found in flocks, primarily feast on berries, playing an essential role in seed dispersal.

Their migratory habits and crested heads with yellow-tipped tails make them a fascinating species for both casual observers and avid birdwatchers.

Peregrine Falcon

swift aerial predator bird

With speeds reaching up to 240 miles per hour in a dive, the Peregrine Falcon is celebrated for its remarkable hunting prowess.

Notable for its black 'sideburns,' this bird was once endangered due to pesticides but has rebounded thanks to conservation efforts.

These falcons are skilled hunters, capturing other birds mid-air. They thrive in diverse habitats including urban areas and open spaces.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

bird with long tail

Renowned for its striking tail feathers that mimic the appearance of scissors, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is a frequent sight in Austin, Texas.

Exhibiting pale gray bodies and salmon-pink flanks, these birds display impressive agility, often perching on fences or power lines.

They expertly catch insects mid-flight, utilizing their long, distinctive tail feathers for balance and aerial maneuvering.

What Bird Species Found in San Antonio, TX are also Common in Austin, TX?

San Antonio and Austin share commonalities in their bird species. Some types of birds in San Antonio, like the Northern Mockingbird, Great Horned Owl, and White-winged Dove, are also common in Austin. The two cities’ proximity and similar environments make it possible for these bird species to thrive in both locations. Additionally, both cities are home to a variety of other species that contribute to the rich biodiversity of the region. Among the types of white birds in Texas often observed in San Antonio and Austin are the Snowy Egret and Great Egret, which are commonly spotted near rivers and wetlands. These graceful birds add to the natural beauty shared by the two vibrant cities.

White-winged Dove

beautiful bird with wings

The White-winged Dove, easily recognizable by its prominent white wing patches, is a common sight in Austin, Texas. Measuring about 11.5 inches and weighing 5 ounces, this dove is known for its unique 'Who cooks for you?' call.

A frequent visitor to bird feeders, its presence enhances the local ambiance with its graceful flight and distinctive markings.