Common Birds in Texas – a Guide for Birdwatchers (2024)

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Whether you’re a new birdwatcher or an experienced one, this guide will teach you how to identify and appreciate 10 of the most commonly seen bird species in Texas:

The American Robin, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, American Goldfinch, House Sparrows and Finches, The American Crow, Song Sparrows, White-breasted Nuthatches, and Red-winged Blackbirds.

You will learn about their habits – where they live year-round as well as when they migrate through Texas – so you can better understand these amazing creatures that share our world.

With my expertise on regional wildlife and extensive field experience observing various avian species across Texas over many years, I’m confident this guide will prove invaluable for avid birdwatchers living here or visiting from out of state.

Let’s get started – it’s time to explore the wonderful common birds found throughout the great Lone Star State!

American Robin

You’ll often spot the familiar red-breasted American Robin hopping across Texas lawns. This songbird is a year-round resident here with numbers increasing in spring and fall from migrating populations.

As they hunt insects, you can watch Robins running and stopping on the ground, cocking their heads to locate worms with acute hearing.

Males sing a familiar cheerily carol, especially at dawn and dusk during breeding season while establishing territories. American Robins show up in any habitat with some trees nearby for nesting, from city parks to rural spaces.

While they often flock together when not breeding, Robins are fiercely territorial and chase intruders during nesting, which occurs from February through July with two to three broods. Though their numbers fluctuate, you can spot these cheerful red-breasted birds across the state as they add vibrant color and song to neighborhoods and woodlands.

Downy Woodpecker

The petite Downy Woodpecker drums persistently, seeking insects in the bark’s crevices. Among the smallest woodpeckers, males sport a bold red patch on the backs of their heads. Look for their characteristic tap-tapping as they probe tree trunks and branches for larvae and other morsels.

Downies frequent backyards with mature trees, readily coming to suet feeders and peanut butter spreads.

You’ll know this species by its diminutive size and the males’ red caps. Their wings show black and white barred patterns in flight. Although small, Downies help control tree pests like beetle larvae while enlivening yards and parks with their industrious presence.

Providing suet cakes attracts these charismatic birds, letting you observe their constant pecking and energetic acrobatics.

Hairy Woodpecker

From bigger size to less drumming, distinguishing Hairy Woodpeckers from Downies lets you notice their unique features in your Texas yard.

Larger than Downies with a heavy chisel bill, Hairy Woodpeckers create slower, more spaced drumrolls on resonant branches. Their striking black and white barred backs blend into tree bark as they probe deeply for beetle larvae.

While Downies frequent backyard suet, Hairys stick to insects in more open oak and pine woods. Once learning their ‘peekaboo’ flight style and recognizing their nasally calls, you can identify Hairys by size alone.

Exploring the behavior and habitat of each species lets you appreciate their key differences within Texas forests and backyards.

American Goldfinch

You’d recognize the sweet whistle of an American Goldfinch as it flits between thistles. These energetic finches breed across North America, traveling in flocks during migration. In Texas, their lively chirps and rollercoaster flight brighten fields and backyards.

Hopping along swaying weeds, Goldfinches pluck seeds with pointed beaks perfectly adapted for their diet.

They weave tiny nests using plant down to shelter young during summer breeding season. Though populations are stable, habitat loss threatens these meaningful birds which bring color and vitality wherever they gather.

Support conservation efforts to preserve the habitats and resources needed to sustain vibrant Goldfinch communities across Texas.

When you hear their rising, twittering song, you’ll know spring has arrived and hope is taking wing.

House Sparrow

You’ll see House Sparrows year-round in Texas as they’re fond of grains and scraps. Homes offer this adaptive bird food and shelter for nesting in cavities or under eaves. Males sport black throats and gray crowns, while females feature plain heads. They chatter constantly.

Though not native, they thrive from urban to rural areas across the state. You may hear their variable song with introductory chips interspersed with buzzes, trills, and whistles as males defend nest sites.

Offer millet and cracked corn away from nesting sites to enjoy them while protecting native species that enrich Texas’ avian biodiversity.

House Finch

Step outside on a cool October morning to catch the House Finch giving its cheerful song, while admiring its bold red coloring. A member of the sparrow family, this jaunty native tends to visit feeders near trees and shrubs but also thrives in urban areas.

Adapted to living alongside people, these birds eat both natural and commercial seeds. As permanent Texas residents, House Finches do not migrate but often stroll with other sparrows and finches. They nest in trees, shrubs, or human-made shelters. Males sing throughout the year with more passion in breeding season to entice potential mates.

In spring and summer, watch for fledglings tentatively trying out their wings. Provide sunflower seeds in elevated feeders, especially during cold months when natural food becomes scarce. With their bright song and plumage, House Finches bring cheerful color to backyards and parks.

American Crow

After discussing the House Finch, let’s move on to the American Crow. This large, glossy black bird is a familiar sight across much of Texas. Known for their intelligence, crows often thrive in urban and suburban areas. They’re highly social and communicate in various vocalizations and body postures.

Crows work together to find food, mob predators, and even play. Their diet’s varied – from grains and insects to garbage and carrion. American Crows are crafty foragers, using tools and solving problems to access food.

Urban living suits crows well, providing food and roosting sites. Next time you see a congregation of crows, take a moment to appreciate their wits. From complex social dynamics to innovative food-finding techniques, the American Crow has clearly mastered city life.

Song Sparrow

You’ve noticed a brown-streaked bird with a gray crown perched on your fence post, singing its lovely trilling song – it’s likely a cheerful Song Sparrow bringing joy to your backyard.

Song Sparrows are year-round residents in Texas that thrive in brushy habitats. Their songs vary regionally, with over 200 dialects described. They eat insects and seeds, hopping along the ground under cover. Nests are cups of grasses hidden in low bushes or on the ground.

Several broods may be raised each year. This familiar songbird livens up backyards and parks with its sweet melody.

The presence of the Song Sparrow indicates a healthy habitat that supports native wildlife.

White-breasted Nuthatch

From the familiar Song Sparrow, we come to the energetic White-breasted Nuthatch. You’ll find this agile bird actively creeping along tree trunks and branches, probing the bark for insects with its long, pointy bill.

Nuthatches get their name from jamming nuts and acorns into tree bark to hammer them open.

To spot this sociable nuthatch, check mature woods with large trees or parks with old trees. Watch for their slate blue-gray upperparts and bold white face and underparts. Nuthatches nest in tree cavities, so try putting up nest boxes to attract them.

Their boundless energy and bold black eyeline give nuthatches an expressive character.

White-breasted Nuthatch

Characteristics	Nesting	Behavior
blue-gray back, white underparts, black cap	cavities in dead trees	headfirst down trunks
white face, black eyeline	abandoned woodpecker holes	probes bark for insects
long pointed bill	lined with bark, fur, feathers	loud nasal calls
slender with short tail	6-8 eggs	hoards seeds in bark
4.5-6 in. long	April-early June	sociable, flocks with titmice

You’ll often find the energetic White-breasted Nuthatch actively creeping along tree trunks and branches, probing the bark for insects with its long pointy bill. Nuthatches get their name from jamming nuts and acorns into tree bark to hammer them open.

To find this little acrobat, check mature woods and parks with old trees. Watch for their slate blue-gray upperparts and bold white face and underparts. As cavity nesters, try putting up nest boxes to attract them. Offer sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet cakes to bring these animated companions to your feeders.

As lively and frolicsome as squirrels, white-breasted nuthatches will keep you smiling with their bold eye lines and tireless treetop acrobatics.

Red-winged Blackbird

Your ears have heard the liquid konk-la-ree! of Red-winged Blackbirds before they swooped into your yard or field. These iconic birds are year-round Texan residents sporting jet-black plumage with bright red and yellow shoulder patches.

1. Red-winged Blackbirds are common across wetlands, marshes, and fields.
2. Males defend nesting territories with song and display flights.
3. Their varied diet consists of insects, grains, seeds, and berries.

Widespread Red-winged Blackbird populations adapt readily to habitats altered by humans. Still, conservation efforts help preserve essential wetland ecosystems relied on by these familiar voices of summer.

Spotting a male’s crimson epaulets or hearing his konk-la-ree call signifies another Texan spring’s arrival.