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

Witness the beauty of Texas' top 15 wild birds, from the vivid Purple Gallinule to the soaring Red-tailed Hawk—discover more inside!

wild birds in texas

Texas is home to an impressive array of wild birds, making it an exciting destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. Among the top species to observe are the Tricolored Heron, known for its distinctive blue-gray plumage and fishing skill, and the Northern Mockingbird, the state bird, celebrated for its vocal mimicry. The striking Red-headed Woodpecker is easily identifiable by its bright red head and contrasting body, while the Red-tailed Hawk dominates the skies with its broad wingspan. The Purple Gallinule adds a burst of color with its vibrant feathers. Each bird plays an important role in the local ecosystem, showcasing unique behaviors and adaptations. Exploring further will reveal more about these fascinating creatures and their habitats.

Tricolored Heron

elegant wading bird species

The Tricolored Heron, scientifically known as Egretta tricolor, is a distinctive member of the heron family Ardeidae, inhabiting various wetland environments across Texas.

These birds, characterized by their striking blue-gray plumage and tricolored neck, thrive in marshes, swamps, and coastal areas.

As skilled hunters, they patiently stalk fish, crustaceans, and insects in shallow waters, showcasing their prowess in their natural habitats.

Northern Mockingbird

mimics other bird songs

From the wetland hunting grounds of the Tricolored Heron, we shift focus to another avian icon, the Northern Mockingbird, renowned across Texas for its vocal versatility. As the state bird of Texas, this medium-sized songbird exhibits extraordinary mimicry skills, imitating various sounds.

Known for its territorial behavior, it fiercely protects its space. Its varied diet, including insects and fruits, enhances its adaptability.

Red-headed Woodpecker

distinctive red headed woodpecker

Renowned for its vivid red head and striking contrast of black wings against white underparts, the Red-headed Woodpecker makes a significant visual statement in Texas's open woodlands, parks, and orchards.

These birds are skilled at aerial insect hunting and store food in tree bark.

Conservation efforts are essential due to habitat loss and competition from invasive species, ensuring their presence continues to captivate onlookers.

Red-tailed Hawk

majestic bird of prey

Soaring through the Texas skies, the Red-tailed Hawk showcases its broad wingspan and distinctive red tail feathers, marking its presence as a crucial predator.

These birds of prey excel in hunting small mammals, aided by their sharp talons and impressive aerial agility.

Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, they play a key role in controlling rodent populations, contributing to ecological balance.

Purple Gallinule

vibrant purple bird species

While the Red-tailed Hawk dominates the skies, the vibrant Purple Gallinule adds a burst of color to the Texas wetlands. Known for its vibrant plumage, this bird exhibits a blue body and green back, with a distinct red and yellow bill.

Omnivorous, the Purple Gallinule thrives in marshes, feeding on seeds, insects, and small aquatic creatures, skillfully moving through floating vegetation with its long toes.

Le Conte's Sparrow

small secretive prairie bird

Le Conte's Sparrow, scientifically known as Ammodramus leconteii, is a small yet elusive bird that inhabits the grasslands of Texas.

This secretive member of the Emberizidae family thrives in grassy habitats, characterized by a distinctive buff eyebrow and collar ring.

Birdwatchers may spot it in grasslands and wet meadows, making it a unique species to observe in its natural environment.

Barn Swallow

symbol of good luck

The Barn Swallow, distinguished by its deeply forked tail and vibrant blue plumage, is a familiar sight in the skies of Texas.

This common bird showcases acrobatic flight as it hunts insects near water sources. They build mud nests under eaves, often returning annually.

Birdwatchers in Texas delight in observing these agile flyers during their impressive long-distance migrations across the Americas.

Hooded Merganser

colorful duck with crest

Have you ever spotted a Hooded Merganser in Texas, known for its dramatically striking appearance and diving prowess?

This waterfowl features a distinctive black-and-white crest and vibrant cinnamon-colored sides.

Male Hooded Mergansers can raise or lower their white crest to showcase a large white patch, signaling their presence.

As skilled divers, they primarily feast on fish, insects, and crustaceans.

Violet Green Swallow

colorful bird species description

Violet Green Swallows, distinguished by their iridescent violet and green plumage, thrive in diverse habitats across Texas.

This small bird is a skilled aerial forager, catching insects mid-flight with remarkable agility.

During breeding season, they construct cup-shaped nests using mud and vegetation, often placed in crevices or on man-made structures, showcasing their adaptability and unique nesting preferences.

Brown-headed Cowbird

brood parasite shiny black

Why do Brown-headed Cowbirds stand out in the avian world of Texas?

As members of the Icteridae family, these birds are notorious brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of other species.

Characterized by their distinctive brown heads and shiny black bodies, Brown-headed Cowbirds are commonly found throughout Texas, thriving in various habitats by primarily feeding on seeds and insects.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

distinctive bird with long tail

Renowned for their spectacular tail feathers, Scissor-tailed Flycatchers are a common sight in the open landscapes of Texas.

These Texas Birds, distinguished by their long tail feathers and graceful flight, are skilled aerial hunters.

Their striking appearance is highlighted by peachy-pink underparts and contrasting black and white wings, making the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher a mesmerizing feature of Texas's avian diversity.

Montezuma Quail

distinctive black face markings

The Montezuma Quail, characterized by its complex patterned plumage, is a secretive bird species native to the dense vegetation of Texas's Hill Country.

This galliform bird thrives in brushy habitats dominated by oak and pine, camouflaging effortlessly.

Males display distinctive white faces with bold black and white body patterns, making them a fascinating sight for birdwatchers despite their elusive nature.

Swallow-tailed Kite

majestic bird of prey

From the ground-dwelling Montezuma Quail, we shift our focus skyward to observe the Swallow-tailed Kite, a striking bird of prey known for its dramatic aerial maneuvers. Sporting a black and white plumage, this bird performs aerial acrobatics with ease in Texas skies.

Its deeply forked tail and long wings aid in capturing insects and small vertebrates during its summer stay.

Rufous Hummingbird

small vibrant migratory bird

Dazzling onlookers with its vibrant copper penny coloration, the Rufous Hummingbird is a fast-flying species commonly spotted in Texas. Known for their aggressive territorial behavior, they fiercely guard resources, often chasing other hummingbirds away.

Renowned for their long migrations, they travel extensively from Mexico to the Pacific Northwest. This hummingbird's distinct high-pitched buzzing in flight marks its presence unmistakably.

Are the Types of Wild Birds in South Texas Different from the Types in Texas Overall?

Yes, the types of birds in South Texas are different from the types in Texas overall. South Texas is home to a diverse range of bird species due to its unique habitat and climate, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers and ornithologists.

Painted Bunting

colorful bird in texas

Among the most visually striking birds found in Texas, the Painted Bunting captivates observers with its vivid multi-colored plumage.

These vibrant colors make it a favorite among birdwatchers. Found in brushy habitats and woodland edges, the Painted Bunting is primarily a seed-eater, though it also enjoys insects and berries.

Its melodious song adds to the allure, making it a delightful sight in the Texan wilds.