Top 15 Types Of Birds In West Texas (With Pictures)

Curious about West Texas birds? Discover top species with vibrant pictures and intriguing habits that will captivate any birdwatcher.

birds of west texas

West Texas is home to a rich variety of bird species, each with distinctive features and behaviors. Among the top are the Red-tailed Hawk, known for its broad wings and hunting prowess, and the Painted Bunting, celebrated for its colorful plumage and melodious songs. The Vermilion Flycatcher, with its vivid red feathers and dynamic hunting, attracts many observers, while the Black-chinned Hummingbird is renowned for its iridescent green back and unique courtship displays. The Golden-fronted Woodpecker, with its golden-yellow nape and diverse diet, also thrives in this region. Exploring these species further reveals the rich avian tapestry of West Texas.

Red-tailed Hawk

majestic bird of prey

The Red-tailed Hawk is a prevalent species in West Texas. It is easily recognized by its broad wings and distinctively colored tail feathers. With a wingspan of about 4 feet, these hawks are adept hunters, targeting small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Often spotted perched on fence posts or soaring in the sky, their 'kee-rah' call resonates across open lands, signaling their presence.

Painted Bunting

colorful bird species

Painted Buntings, a small yet brilliantly colored bird species, thrive in the dense, shrubby habitats of West Texas.

Males are distinguished by their vibrant blue, green, and red plumage, while females sport more subdued hues.

These birds are celebrated for their melodious songs during breeding season.

Conservation measures are critical to counter habitat loss and illegal trapping, ensuring the survival of this striking species.

Vermilion Flycatcher

bright red bird species

Continuing our exploration of West Texas avifauna, the Vermilion Flycatcher captivates observers with its vivid red plumage and dynamic hunting techniques.

Male Vermilion Flycatchers showcase brilliant red, while females display subtler tones with red hints. Known for aerial insect hunting, their breeding involves impressive flight displays.

This species adds vibrant color and activity to the Texas Birds watching scene, especially during late spring.

Black-chinned Hummingbird

tiny green hummingbird species

Renowned for their iridescent green backs and distinctive black chins, Black-chinned Hummingbirds are a common sight in West Texas. These medium-sized hummingbirds flaunt a slightly decurved bill.

They primarily feed on nectar, supplemented by small insects for protein. During breeding season, males engage in elaborate courtship displays.

Their migration spans from Mexico to Texas, marking a seasonal rhythm in their presence.

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

colorful woodpecker in texas

The Golden-fronted Woodpecker, a prevalent species in West Texas, is easily recognized by its golden-yellow nape and vibrant red cap on males. These woodpeckers thrive across various habitats including woodlands, scrublands, and urban settings.

Their diet is diverse, consisting of insects, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Importantly, their distinctive drumming on trees serves both to communicate and to establish territorial boundaries.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

distinctive long tail bird

Scissor-tailed Flycatchers, distinguished by their elongated tail feathers, are a striking feature of West Texas's avian landscape. As Texas's state bird, they thrive in open grasslands and along roadsides, expertly catching insects mid-air.

During breeding season, males showcase acrobatic flights in courtship displays. These birds migrate to Central America in winter, returning to Texas each spring to breed.

Burrowing Owl

bird species ground dwelling habits

Burrowing Owls, with their distinctive white eyebrows and long legs, are a notable presence in the open landscapes of West Texas.

These small, diurnal birds nest underground in burrows, typically found in prairies and agricultural fields.

They are active during the day, hunting insects, small mammals, and reptiles.

Burrowing Owls are considered a species of conservation concern due to habitat loss and burrow disturbances.

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

woodpecker with ladder stripes

Sporting a distinctive ladder-like pattern on its back, the Ladder-backed Woodpecker is a common sight in the arid regions of West Texas.

This bird features a black and white striped head and a barred back, with males displaying a red crown patch.

Adapted to desert and scrubland, they skillfully climb trees to forage for insects, thriving in the challenging landscape.

Greater Roadrunner

fast desert dwelling bird

Did you know that the Greater Roadrunner, capable of sprinting at speeds up to 20 miles per hour, is a remarkable predator of the West Texas arid landscapes?

This bird, with its long legs and streaked appearance, skillfully hunts insects, lizards, and small mammals.

Adapted to the desert, it uses sunbathing to regulate body temperature, showcasing its unique survival strategies in hot climates.

Montezuma Quail

bird native to mexico

Montezuma Quail, characterized by their vibrant and intricately patterned plumage, are elusive inhabitants of West Texas's dense vegetation areas. Known scientifically as Cyrtonyx montezumae, these small, stocky birds thrive in oak woodlands and brushy canyons of the Chihuahuan Desert.

Their diet mainly consists of seeds and insects, complemented by local vegetation, relying on their camouflage to remain concealed from predators.

Bullock's Oriole

bright orange and black

The Bullock's Oriole, with its vivid orange and black plumage, is a conspicuous presence in the avian community of West Texas. Known for melodious whistling songs, this oriole enriches local soundscapes.

It feeds on insects, fruits, and nectar, reflecting a varied diet. During breeding, they craft intricate hanging nests. These migratory birds seasonally travel between West Texas and Central America.

Lazuli Bunting

blue and black bird

Continuing our exploration of West Texas avifauna, we encounter the Lazuli Bunting, a bird celebrated for its vivid blue and rusty orange plumage. Commonly found in open woodlands and shrubby areas of West TX, males showcase a distinctive blue head, back, and tail.

These birds sing melodious songs during the breeding season to attract mates and establish territories, feeding on insects, seeds, and berries.

Peregrine Falcon

agile predator with speed

Among the most awe-inspiring birds in West Texas is the Peregrine Falcon, renowned for its astonishing hunting speed and agility. Captured in striking bird pictures, this raptor features a distinctive 'moustache' and sleek, blue-gray plumage.

Adaptable across diverse habitats, their population has rebounded, thanks to conservation efforts. Peregrine Falcons are formidable hunters, attacking from high with breathtaking speed.

Common Pauraque

nocturnal bird with camouflage

Shifting focus from the skies to the subtler ground dwellers of West Texas, the Common Pauraque exemplifies nature's mastery of camouflage. This nocturnal bird, part of the nightjar family, thrives in the region's scrubby habitats and open woodlands. Its cryptic plumage blends perfectly with the environment, protecting it during daytime roosts.

Birdwatchers can locate it by its distinctive 'wheep' calls at night.

Are the Types of Water Birds in Texas Similar to the Types of Birds in West Texas?

Yes, the types of water birds in Texas are different from the types of birds in West Texas. West Texas is known for its arid desert landscapes and is home to a different variety of birds compared to the wetlands and coastal areas where you can find various types of water birds in Texas.

American Kestrel

small colorful falcon species

The American Kestrel, a diminutive yet vibrant falcon, thrives in the expansive open habitats of West Texas. Recognizable by their rusty back and slate-blue wings, these falcons employ a unique hovering technique over fields and small ponds to scout for prey like insects and small mammals.

Their presence is vital for maintaining local ecosystems by controlling pest populations.