25 Backyard Birds in Texas in 2023 (Pictures & Facts)

Last updated 11-04-2023 by Mathias

In this article, we try to help you answer the question: What species of backyard birds can I find in Texas?

Referred to as “The Lone Star State”, Texas is home to a plethora of birds. Texas is the state with the second most species of birds with 657 different species, being second to California’s 676 species. The Northern Mockingbird is the state bird of Texas. This article will showcase some of the most frequently spotted birds in the backyards of Texas.

25 most common backyard birds in Texas:

1. Northern Cardinal (93.96% frequency)
2. Carolina Chickadee (86.10% frequency)
3. House Finch (80.21% frequency)
4. American Goldfinch (77.79% frequency)
5. White-winged Dove (77.34% frequency)
6. American Robin (76.89% frequency)
7. Northern Mockingbird (76.59% frequency)
8. Blue Jay (76.44% frequency)
9. Carolina Wren (73.72% frequency)
10. Pine Siskin (70.09% frequency)
11. Mourning Dove (64.05% frequency)
12. House Sparrow (56.04% frequency)
13. Cedar Waxwing (55.44% frequency)
14. Yellow-rumped Warbler (54.83% frequency)
15. Tufted Titmouse (54.53% frequency)
16. Red-bellied Woodpecker (52.87% frequency)
17. Downy Woodpecker (51.81% frequency)
18. Chipping Sparrow (49.85% frequency)
19. Dark-eyed Junco (49.40% frequency)
20. Orange-crowned Warbler (43.81% frequency)
21. Eastern Phoebe (40.79% frequency)
22. Ruby-crowned Kinglet (38.97% frequency)
23. Red-winged Blackbird (37.76% frequency)
24. Brown-headed Cowbird (34.59% frequency)
25. European Starling (33.53% frequency)

1. Northern Cardinal

Image: © Suzie McCann | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Cardinalis cardinalis

Length: 8.3-9.1 in (21-23 cm)

Weight: 1.5-1.7 oz (42-48 g)

Wingspan: 9.8-12.2 in (25-31 cm)

Found in 93.96 percent of sites visited in Texas

Male cardinals have a reddish-orange body and a black and reddish-orange bill to match their reddish-orange bill. Female Northern Cardinals have reddish-brown wings, tails, and crests, as well as a reddish-brown body. They have black cheeks and crimson beaks, which distinguish them from their male counterparts.

Cardinal males are very protective of their territory, and they will go to any length to keep intruders from entering their domain. A male cardinal has been known to engage in a long-lasting battle with his own reflection. The female cardinal is one of the few songbirds in North America that can be heard singing, and she does it while perched on the edge of her nest. This cue will be used by the male cardinal to ensure that he does not miss out on food for the family’s nest.

Northern Cardinals can be seen throughout the year across most of Texas, including the state capital. For example, they’ve been spotted in Arizona, as well as the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest.

Northern Cardinals may eat from huge tube feeders, hoppers, platforms, and ground feeders, as well as from ground feeders. Seeds such as hulled sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, broken maize, millet, and milo are some of the types of seeds they consume.

2. Carolina Chickadee

Image: © Evan Lipton | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Poecile carolinensis

Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)

Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (9-14 g)

Wingspan: 6.3-8.3 in (16-21 cm)

Found in 86.10 percent of the sites visited in Texas

The coloration of this bird’s plumage is a combination of black, white, and grey. The feathers on the wings are a mixture of gray and white. Both the skull’s crown and the bib are made of black material. Because the bird’s black hat extends beyond its black eyes, it is difficult to distinguish the bird’s eyes. Chickadees, in contrast to other birds, have a head that is nearly spherical and a short neck. The anatomy of this bird is characterized by small, strong bills that contrast with long, slender tails.

Foraging Carolina Chickadees have been recorded memorizing hundreds of hiding locations where they store food and seeds, which has led to the conclusion that they are very intelligent. Raptors are inquisitive by nature, and they constantly examine the environment around them, including people. The Carolina Chickadee is a year-round resident of eastern Texas, and it is frequently one of the first birds that people become acquainted with.

If you have bird feeders, chickadees are among the birds that are most easily attracted to them. Birds like this one congregate at feeding stations like this one in search of suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts, among other foods. It is possible to assist chickadees in your yard by planting willow, birch, or alder trees.

3. House Finch

Image: © Martina Nordstrand | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Haemorhous mexicanus

Length: 5.1-5.5 in (13-14 cm)

Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz (16-27 g)

Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 in (20-25 cm)

Found in 80.21 percent of the sites visited in Texas

When he reaches maturity, a male House Finch’s face and breasts turn a fiery crimson. Dark stripes can be seen on the animal’s back, belly, and tail while it is in the wild. An adult woman with a non-red complexion and an unmarked face is described as having a basic grey-brown complexion. In spite of its diminutive appearance, the House Finch is known for having an enormous beak and a flat-topped skull. Having a smaller tail appears to be a result of their wings being so short. However, unlike many other finches with notched tails, the House Finch’s is noticeably smaller than the average.

The House Finch is known for congregating in communal feeding areas or trees to share a meal and engage in conversation. When they’re not at the feeders, you could catch a glimpse of them munching on weeds or the ground. When compared to the flight of most finches, theirs is unusually bouncy.

It’s possible to see these finches throughout the entire year in western Texas. House Finches travel south for the winter from the Great Lakes and the Northeast.

Birds of prey can be found in developed habitats like parks and urban areas, as well as on private properties. They’re impossible to miss when they’re in big numbers.

Feeding your birds a little amount of black oil sunflower seeds is a good idea. Groups of up to 50 birds can be expected if these birds find your feeders. Tube feeders are their favorite method of feeding. Nyjer hulled sunflower and safflower seeds, and hulled safflower seeds are among their favorite snacks.

4. American Goldfinch

Image: © Darren Clark | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Spinus Tristis

Length: 4.3-5.12 in (11-13 cm)

Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz (11-20 g)

Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in (19-22 cm)

Found in 77.79 percent of the sites visited in Texas

In the early spring, the male adult’s forehead is a brilliant yellow and black pattern. The adult male’s wings are black with white markings on the underside. When women get older, their skin turns a darker golden hue and they appear more olive over all. The Wintertime appearance of The Goldfinch is gloomy due to the lack of stripes and dark wings on its wings.

There were occasions when swarms of these acrobatic birds would congregate around feeders or on the ground beneath them, which was rather amusing. Predators are attracted to their undulating, bouncing flight pattern, as well as to their powerful call signals.

Aside from the breeding season, they can be found throughout Texas, northern Minnesota, Michigan, and even Canada during the rest of the year. When they are not breeding, they can be found in a variety of locations across the country.

Because of its large size, the American Goldfinch is attracted to a wide variety of bird feeders. Goldfinches are attracted to natural thistles and other composite plants, so put these in your yard to attract them. Sunflower seeds and nyjer are among the most popular.

5. White-winged Dove

Image: © Jeff Timmons | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Zenaida asiatica

Length: 4.4-6.6 oz (125-187 g)

Weight: 18.9-22.8 in (48-58 cm)

Found in 77.34 percent of the sites visited in Texas

The White-winged Dove, which has a plump body, squared tails, long beaks, and small heads, is about the same size as a robin in terms of overall size. Despite being smaller than the Eurasian Collared-Dove, this dove outweighs the Mourning Dove in terms of size. With a black spot on the cheek, the White-winged Dove has a brown body and a brown head. There is a thin white line running around the border of the wings.

The White-winged Blackbird Doves will feed on discarded grain and seeds that have been thrown out on the ground. It is possible that they will eat berries from trees, but in the desert, they will consume the fruit from saguaro cacti. These doves will frequently congregate in big groups, as they do so in order to travel between roosting and foraging places on a regular basis.

During the mating season in southeastern Texas, this dove can be seen in large flocks.

These doves can be seen in and around metropolitan areas, as well as in cities themselves. White-winged Doves prefer to forage in flocks in the southern United States, sit on feeders, and occasionally build their nests in large trees.

The White-winged Dove is a seed-eating bird that is frequently seen at raised bird feeders. It likes safflower, corn, milo, and sunflower seeds, among other things. They also enjoy the berries that can be found on plants.

6. American Robin

Image: © Alex Eberts | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Turdus migratorius

Length: 7.9-11.0 in (20-28 cm)

Weight: 2.7-3.0 oz (77-85 g)

Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in (31-40 cm)

Found in 76.89 percent of the sites visited in Texas

While there are exceptions, most American Robins are grey or brown. Their beaks are yellow in color. The undersides of these creatures are a vivid orange. Both women have gray heads and backs, but their heads are noticeably lighter than their backs, even though both are gray. These birds have gigantic bodies with short legs and lengthy tails. To compare the sizes and shapes of different birds, you can use a robin as a model.

This bird’s beak is extended upward as it swoops through the grass to take in its surroundings. During the winter, birds need to forage for berries and build nests in trees. Honeysuckle berry consumption by American Robins can result in intoxication. The American Robin consumes a substantial amount of fruit throughout the cooler months of the year.

These Robins can be seen throughout the year in most of Texas. American Robins can be found all over the southern half of the United States. Gulf Coast, Southwest, and Mexico have all yielded specimens.

You can find robins in your neighborhood park or even in your own garden. Finding them is as simple as paying attention to the distinctive lilting and beautiful calls they make. These birds can be heard in the trees of fruit trees in the winter producing soft cries.

The American Robin loves feeders that are set down on the ground or on a platform. These birds will come to your feeders if you put out suet, fruit, mealworms, hulled sunflower seeds, and peanut hearts.

7. Northern Mockingbird

Image: © Jay McGowan | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Mimus polyglottos

Length: 8.3-10.2 in (21-26 cm)

Weight: 1.6-2.0 oz (45-58 g)

Wingspan: 12.2-13.8 in (31-35 cm)

Found in 76.59 percent of the sites visited in Texas

In contrast to the Northern Mockingbird’s brown body, its lighter brown breast and abdomen are clearly distinguishable. The wingtips of this species are covered in two white bands and patches. Robins and mockingbirds are of similar size.

As a means of announcing its presence, the Northern Mockingbird perches on fences, trees, and telephone poles, among other things, These birds are capable of being aggressive toward intruders and ejecting them from their territory if necessary.

It is because these birds do neither migrate nor hibernate that they are restricted to a single geographic location The northern mockingbird can be spotted by year-round residents of Texas and the rest of the country.

Mockingbirds may be seen in your yard after the grass has been mowed. They may perch on power lines and telephone poles as well as other birds of prey.

In spite of their frequent visits to backyards, Northern Mockingbirds do not frequently visit bird feeders in suburban areas. They’ll be drawn to your property if you maintain an open lawn surrounded by fruiting trees and plants. In the wild, mulberries, hawthorns, and blackberries are among the fruits they enjoy eating.

8. Blue Jay

Image: © Scott Martin | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Cyanocitta cristata

Length: 9.8-11.8in (25-30 cm)

Weight: 2.5-3.5 oz (70-100 g)

Wingspan: 13.4-16.9 in (34-43 cm)

Found in 76.44 percent of sites visited in Texas

The Blue Jay has a variety of blue hues. With a variety of shades of blue, you may find one to fit your mood, from vibrant to quiet, from the wingtips to your head. Black marks appear on the neck, wings, and eyes of these species as well. They have white eyes, a white neck, and a white stomach. This blue-gray songbird has a long tail and a prominent crest on its head. In terms of size, they’re between a robin and a crow, with a robin being slightly larger.

Blue jays may be heard from miles away as they sing. While sitting on a tree with other Blue Jays, the Blue Jay sings. In the course of migration, blue jays tend to be a bit more subdued. In a pouch on their neck, they carry their daily caloric intake.

If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one as far north as eastern Canada. In western Texas, you’ll see the Blue Jay all year round.

Both their shrieks and their sociable nature make blue jays well-known. Blue jays are easy to see since they wander in big groups along shorelines. In open spaces, residents may assemble together in large groups, yet they normally fly silently and one at a time across large distances.

In comparison to a standard feeder, Blue Jays prefer the tray feeder or hopper feeder. For them, tray feeders are better than hanging feeders. Suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts are just a handful of their favorite foods. If there are oak trees in the region where the jays live, they will have access to acorns.

9. Carolina Wren

Image: © Don Danko | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Thryothorus ludovicianus

Length: 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm)

Weight: 0.6-0.8 oz (18-22 g)

Wingspan: 11.4 in (29 cm)

Found in 73.72 percent of the sites visited in Texas

This bird’s normal coloring is a reddish-brown on top, with an orange belly. Despite its huge size, the Carolina Wren is made to last. They have a long and extended cocked tail. This bird has a wide, downward-curving mouth and long, narrow neck.

The ability of Carolina Wrens to eat fruit and insects while darting through dense undergrowth and climbing tree trunks is well-known among bird enthusiasts. Spying on others and their belongings is one of their favorite pastimes. They will sing constantly throughout the day and night as a kind of territorial defense.

Western Texas is home to year-round populations of the Carolina Wren. Wrens don’t migrate in this location, therefore they stay put.

Carolina Wrens should be on your radar. In densely wooded areas, you may hear this bird’s piercing and powerful song.

Carolina Wrens are known to visit suet feeders throughout the winter months in search of food. When food is available, this species congregates in backyards. In the wild, Carolina Wrens have a preference for a variety of meals. The most common sites where you’ll see them grazing are tube feeders, suet cages, platforms, and hoppers.

10. Pine Siskin

Image: © Ryan Sanderson | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Spinus pinus

Length: 4.3-5.5 in (11-14 cm)

Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz (12-18 g)

Wingspan: 7.1-8.7 in (18-22 cm)

Found in 70.09 percent of sites visited in Texas

This bird has a beak that is as pointed as an arrow, a short, notched tail, and is the size of an average sparrow. These blackbirds have yellow-tinged wings and tails. Unlike other finches, thin-bill finches are one of a kind. Look for forked tails and pointed wingtips when these birds are in the air.

In the early hours of the morning, the Pine Siskin’s metabolism increases by a factor of 5. Temperatures can fall to –70°C (–94°F) if they do this.

If you’re looking for Pine Siskins, Texas is the place to be. Throughout much of North America, these birds can be found year-round. Their range extends as far south as the state of Minnesota and as far north as Alaska.

The Pine Siskin can be spotted sitting at the tops of branches in fir trees. Hanging from an upside-down ceiling is no problem for these. You should keep an ear out for a twisted screech that can’t be overlooked. Some people say the sound of the phone call is like tearing apart a piece of paper. ‘ In North America, the Pine Siskin may be seen one winter and then vanish the following.

Thistle and Nyjer feeders attract Pine Siskins most. Hulled sunflower seeds and millet are also popular. Seeds from plants and weeds are their favorite food.

11. Mourning Dove

Image: © Ryan Schain | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Zenaida macroura

Length: 9.1-13.4 in (23-34 cm)

Weight: 3.0-6.0 oz (96-170 g) 

Wingspan: 17.7 in (45 cm)

Found in 64.05 percent of the sites visited in Texas

Mourning doves blend into their native environment, which is mostly open land. They have a brown-tan body with black patches on the wings and a white tail with black borders on the feathers. You can tell these doves apart from the rest of the flock because of their hefty frames and short legs.

Doves are recognized for their quick descents, ascents, and other flying maneuvers because of their tremendous wingbeats and speed. Three Mourning Doves may be observed flying in a close formation during the breeding season; the male of a pair that has successfully mated with another bird is almost usually at the lead of the group. Second, an unmarried male is chasing his rival to a nesting place. In the mated pair, there is a third member, a female.

In Texas, the Mourning Dove can be found throughout the year; however, during mating season, they migrate to the north to lay their eggs.

Telephone wires and other high perches are common places to spot them in your neighborhood. Check out areas where birds congregate to restock their food supply.

You can use platform feeders or the ground to disperse seeds like millet around your property to draw these birds. Planting thick bushes and evergreen trees in your yard may help you offer nesting places for these birds. It’s best to keep your cats indoors as well, as cats are more inclined to attack birds that spend a lot of time on the ground.

12. House Sparrow

Image: © Evan Lipton | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Passer domesticus

Length: 5.9-6.7 in (15-17 cm)

Weight: 0.9-1.1 oz (27-30 g)

Wingspan: 7.5-9.8 in (19-25 cm)

Found in 56.04 percent of the sites visited in Arizona

Male House Sparrows have white cheeks and a black bib that contrast with the bird’s grey head. The women’s backs are brown with a distinct stripe on their backs, although there are a few patches of dirty grey on their backs. Because of its broader chest, rounder head, and shorter tail compared to other North American sparrows, the House Sparrow is the most distinct of the family.

The House Sparrow established itself in Brooklyn, New York City, after settling there. It had reached the Rocky Mountains some 50 years later. There are over 5,000 scientific articles based on the House Sparrow as a model organism, due to the bird’s widespread availability.

The House Sparrow can be found year-round in North, Central, and South America, as well as sections of the Caribbean.

Obtaining a Residence In order to find a sparrow, simply go to a city and look around for one running about the ground. Feeding them out of your hands may be possible.

In the United States, it is doubtful that you will need to put up a feeder in order to attract House Sparrows. It is possible to feed animals in various ways: through tubing or hoppers, platforms, or even by hand. Millet, peanuts, and hulled sunflower seeds are their favorite snacks.

13. Cedar Waxwing

Image: © Malcolm Gold | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Bombycilla cedrorum

Length: 5.5-6.7 in (14-17 cm)

Weight: 1.1 oz (32 g)

Wingspan: 8.7-11.8 in (22-30 cm)

Found in 55.44 percent of the sites visited in Texas

Despite its pale brown head and chest, the Cedar Waxwing’s body is a silky grey that goes down to the wings and back. It has pale yellow bellies and a gray tail that turns brilliant yellow near the tip. Its tail is a blend of gray and yellow. The red tips on their wings can be hard to see at times. Cedar Waxwings, a medium-sized bird with a distinctive call, have a large head and short neck.

It is more common to see big groups of Waxwings than individual birds throughout the year. They love to sit in fruit trees and eat the berries in their whole state. As they fly over water, cedars are on the lookout for insects.

Short- to long-distance migratory birds can be found in the southeastern United States, with the majority of these birds coming from the east. To find food and refuge, some of these waxwings travel to Panama and Costa Rica. During the non-breeding season, these birds can be seen in Texas.

It’s a good omen if you hear the Cedar Waxwing before you see it. So that you may more readily spot these birds, become familiar with their high-pitched call notes by learning them. Wherever you go, you can find them in berry bushes at ground level or in the canopy of evergreens, even beside rivers and ponds.

This bird is drawn to trees and bushes that have small fruits because of their preference for fruit. Dogwood, serviceberry, cedar, juniper, winterberry, and hawthorn trees and shrubs are among their favorite sources of food.

14. Yellow-rumped Warbler

Image: © Ezra Staengl | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Setophaga coronata

Length: 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm)

Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz (12-13 g)

Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 in (19-23 cm)

Found in 54.83 percent of the sites visited in Texas

The Yellow-rumped Warbler is a big warbler, with a sleek grey body with flashes of white and yellow. Long, thin tails and a huge, robust beak are some of the characteristics of this species of bird. The Black-capped Chickadee is a good comparison for the size of these warblers.

This species of warbler prefers to forage in the upper reaches of the forest canopy at medium heights. Yellow-rumped It’s common to observe warblers swooping down to collect insects in midair, but they’re also known to take extended flights.

During the nonbreeding season, these birds can be seen in Texas. During the migration season, they can be seen in northcentral Texas.

Yellow-rumped Warblers often perch on trees’ outer limbs, where they can be seen singing. When they’re out in the open, they’re easy to spot. They can be found at backyard feeders during the winter months. Sunflower seeds, raisins, suet, and even peanut butter are favorites of these warblers.

15. Tufted Titmouse

Image: © Darlene Friedman | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Baeolophus bicolor

Length: 5.5-6.3 in (14-16 cm)

Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz (18-26 g)

Wingspan: 7.9-10.2 in (20-26 cm)

Found in 54.53 percent of sites visited in Texas

In addition to its silver-grey upper side and white underbelly, the Tufted Titmouse has tufts on its back. It’s pink on the sides. The bird’s beak has become blackened. The big heads and wide eyes of these birds give them a larger appearance than most other feeder visitors. Necks are hefty in these creatures. Some people equate the Tufted Titmouse to sparrows because of its size.

Foragers, titmice are more acrobatic than chickadees, and they move more slowly and carefully. As with woodpeckers and chickadee-and-nuthatch combos, they frequent bird feeders. Titmice, especially the smaller ones, are aggressive when it comes to feeding.

Eastern Texas is home to the Tufted Titmouse year-round. These people can be found in the Midwest, Southwest, East Coast, and some Southern states.

Find the Tufted Titmouse soaring between the limbs of trees in parks and backyards. In its natural environment, the Tufted Titmouse’s high-pitched whistled song often precedes the first observations of this species.

During the winter, they become increasingly common at bird feeders in yards. Snacks include sunflower seeds as well as nuts and suet. To entice them, place nest boxes around your property. As a result, your property will serve as a wildlife breeding ground. Preparation is key when it comes to preparing the nesting boxes.

16. Red-bellied Woodpecker

Image: © Scott Martin | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Melanerpes carolinus

Length: 9.4 in (24 cm)

Weight: 2.0-3.2 oz (56-91 g)

Wingspan: 13.0-16.5 in (33-42 cm)

Found in 52.87 percent of sites visited in Texas

The crimson head and black-and-white striped back of this woodpecker make it an eye-catching bird in the forest. It has a black and white striped back and white markings on its wings. In appearance, they resemble Hairy Woodpeckers, with their round heads and skinny bodies.

Woodpeckers have large beaks that they use to eat bark while perched on tree trunks and branches. The flight pattern of the Red-bellied Woodpecker is similar to that of other woodpeckers.

Throughout the year, these woodpeckers can be seen in western Texas. Most of these enterprises can be found in the Midwest, Southeast, and Eastern Seaboard of the United States.

Eastern woodpeckers can be seen most of the year perched on tree trunks and branches. In the spring and summer, woodpeckers make a lot of noise, so memorizing their sounds may be useful.

If you want to attract birds to your yard in the winter, provide them with suet, peanuts, and sunflower seeds. The nectar of hummingbirds has been reported to be consumed by the birds at feeders. Suet cages and huge hoppers are the most common feeding devices for these animals. These woodpeckers prefer black oil sunflower seeds, safflower, cracked maize, and mealworms.

17. Downy Woodpecker

Image: © Evan Lipton | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Dryobates pubescens

Length: 5.5-6.7 in (14-17 cm)

Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz (21-28 g)

Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in (25-30 cm)

Found in 51.81 percent of sites visited in Texas

The male Downy Woodpecker has a little red patch on the top of his head, while the rest of his body is covered in checkered black-and-white patterns, including his wings and head. Western Downy Woodpeckers have a darker coloration than Eastern Downy Woodpeckers, which makes them easier to distinguish. As a result, their wings in the Eastern hemisphere are a darker brown in color. Throughout the Pacific Northwest, a deep brown is the dominant color scheme.

During the winter months, Downy Woodpeckers frequently congregate in mixed-species flocks with other raptors. Consequently, they have less time to keep an eye out for predators, and because there are more people around to assist them in gathering food, they may be able to do so more quickly.

Throughout North America, including northern Texas, the Downy Woodpecker can be seen in large numbers.

This variety of Woodpecker is more common in the backyard, where it can be seen more frequently. Along with the suet cages, they also enjoy eating black oil sunflower seeds, millet, and even peanut butter chunks. Birds will occasionally use hummingbird feeders to obtain water, and this is normal.

18. Chipping Sparrow

Image: © Evan Lipton | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Spizella passerina

Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm)

Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz (11-16 g)

Wingspan: 8.3 in (21 cm)

Found in 49.85 percent of the sites visited in Texas

Its beak is quite short in relation to the length of its tail and slender body of other sparrow species, making it difficult to distinguish it from others. These sparrows have chilly underparts and a pale face with a rusty cap, and they have a rusty cap on their heads.

The Chipping Sparrow prefers to forage on the ground, where it can find cover from the elements provided by plants. They will sing from the branches of larger trees as well as from the branches of smaller trees. Chipping Sparrows are known to live for at least 10 years and 11 months, and the oldest one ever discovered was caught and released in Ontario in 1998, making it the oldest known.

During the breeding season, they can be found throughout Texas. Arizona, Arkansas, and Tennessee breeders will spend their non-breeding months in either Baja California, Mexico, or Florida throughout the months of June through August.

The Chipping Sparrow forages on open ground near trees in the winter, and small groups of birds can be seen foraging in the vicinity. It is black oil sunflower seeds that Chipping Sparrows favor above all other foods when it comes to feeding time. Despite the fact that these sparrows will occasionally eat from a feeder, they prefer to eat from the ground instead.

19. Dark-eyed Junco

Image: © Chris Wood | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Junco hyemalis

Length: 5.5-6.3 in (14-16 cm)

Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz (18-30 g)

Wingspan: 7.1-9.8 in (18-35 cm)

Found in 49.40 percent of sites visited in Texas

Although juncos can be seen in a wide range of colors, the most common are dark gray or brown. They have pink beaks and pale blue tail feathers. Distribution of the Dark-Eyed Junco is extensive. Slate-Colored, Pink-Sided, Red-Backed, Grey-Headed, and White-Winged Juncos are only a handful of the fifteen Junco kinds.

A dark-eyed junco is a common sight in North American woodlands. As a result, they are a familiar sight across North America, from Alaska to Canada to the Southwest to the Northeast to Mexico. They scavenge for seeds that have fallen to the ground by building their nests among bushes and trees. The Dark-eyed Junco can be seen in Texas if it is not breeding season.

Black oil sunflower seeds, cracked maize, oatmeal, and Nyjer are some of the most frequent Junco mainstays. Aside from the large hopper and platform feeders, ground feeders will ingest seeds that have been deposited on the ground.

20. Orange-crowned Warbler

Image: © Ian Davies | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Leiothlypis celata

Length: 4.3-5.5 in (11-14 cm)

Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz (7-11 g)

Wingspan: 7.5 in (19 cm)

Found in 43.81 percent of the sites visited in Texas

sporting noticeably thin bills, the Orange-crowned Warbler is a small songbird that is a tiny bit larger than the Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Being plain yellow or olive, they are yellower on the pacific coast, and more grey on the head further east.

These birds like to forage in dense shrubbery and low trees, being very quiet and unobtrusive. Whilst foraging their call is often high and faint. Orange-crowned Warblers will breed in dense areas of shrubs, often adjacent to forests.

The Orange-crowned Warbler is a medium to long-distance nocturnal migrant. A large population of these Warblers will winter in Mexico, and even more south to Guatemala and Belize. In Texas, these birds can be seen out of the breeding season, but in northern Texas, you can see them in their migration.

These warblers are quite scarce in the East, you may see them in late spring and late fall. In the southeast, they are usually seen in the winter. Orange-crowned Warblers often visit feeders filled with suet, peanut butter, or even sugar water.

21. Eastern Phoebe

Image: © Brad Imhoff | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Sayornis phoebe

Length: 5.5-6.7 in (14-17 cm)

Weight: 0.6-0.7 oz (16-21 g)

Wingspan: 10.2-11.0 in (26-28 cm)

Found in 40.79 percent of the sites visited in Texas

Brown-ish grey above, and white below, the Eastern Phoebe is a stocky songbird that has a mid-sized tail and a seemingly large head. Their beaks are short and thin similar to most small flycatching birds. This Phoebe is similar in size to the Tufted Titmouse.

Eastern Phoebes will often perch down low on fencelines or low in trees. These birds are super active, they make short flights in pursuit of insects. While perched the Eastern Phoebe will frequently wag their tails up and down.

Found in central Texas year-round, Eastern Phoebes are short to medium-distance migrants. Around September or November, these songbirds will find a wintering habitat in the central latitudes of the South and Mexico.

A sign that spring is returning is the song of the Eastern Phoebe, this is also a good way to find phoebes around quiet wooded neighborhoods. If you look carefully under eaves and overhangs you may be able to spot an Eastern Phoebe nest.

To attract the Eastern Phoebe to your backyard, try setting up a nesting structure to attract a breeding pair. Just make sure to set one up quite a while before the breeding season actually starts.

22. Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Image: © Evan Lipton | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Corthylio calendula

Length: 3.5-4.3 in (9-11 cm)

Weight: 0.2-0.3 oz (5-10 g)

Wingspan: 6.3-7.1 in (16-18 cm)

Found in 38.97 percent of the sites visited in Texas

Olive green is the predominant color of Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Ruby-crowned Kinglets acquire their name from a bright red patch on the crowns of their males’ heads that contrasts with their white eyering and wingbar, giving them the appearance of a ruby. They are little, slender birds with long, thin tails and a tiny beak, and they have a neck that is almost non-existent.

It is not uncommon to witness these birds scrambling through the foliage, fluttering their wings in the process. One nest of Ruby-crowned Kinglets may hold as many as 12 eggs, illustrating the large clutch size of this species in its natural environment.

The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is one of the species that migrates short distances. Mountains in the far northern and western hemispheres are where they breed. They can be seen throughout most of Texas even when the breeding season is over.

It is possible to catch a glimpse of one of these Kinglets hiding in the leaves of roadside trees if you are lucky.

Ruby-crowned Kinglets can be found in suet cages and platform feeders, where they are fed suet. Mealworms, hulled sunflower seeds, suet, and peanut hearts are just a few of the items they enjoy eating.

23. Red-winged Blackbird

Image: © Connor Charchuk | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Agelaius phoeniceus

Length: 6.7-9.1 in (17-23 cm)

Weight: 1.1-2.7 oz (32-77 g)

Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in (31-40 cm)

Found in 37.76 percent of sites visited in Texas

Red-winged Blackbirds have broad shoulders and a narrow beak like a cone. Stocky and with a short tail. Polished black on the outside and brilliant red and yellow on the interior. Even when it’s perched, the back of a Red-winged Blackbird has an obvious hump. Birds like this are easy to spot because to their brilliant shoulders.

To entice females, male Red-winged blackbirds will sing continuously from high perches throughout the day. When it comes to hunting for food and laying eggs, females prefer to stay lower in the treetops. During the winter, large flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds may include blackbirds and starlings.

All year round, residents of Texas can spot these blackbirds in the wild. There is no migration of blackbirds in the southern United States and Mexico, unlike in the northern United States.

In rural areas, it’s not uncommon to see a Red-winged Blackbird perched on a telephone wire. They can be found in cattail marshes and wet areas. These particular blackbirds will be the most readily apparent and heard.

Red-winged A mixture of grains and seeds may attract blackbirds to your yard. Sprinkle seeds or grain on the ground to attract Red-winged Blackbirds.

24. Brown-headed Cowbird

Image: © Jack & Holly Bartholmai | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Molothrus after

Male

Length: 7.5-8.7 in (19-22 cm)

Weight: 1.5-1.8 oz (42-50 g)

Wingspan:14.2 in (36 cm)

Female

Length: 6.3-7.9 in (16-20 cm)

Weight: 1.3-1.6 oz (38-45 g)

Wingspan: 12.6-15.0 in (32-38 cm)

Found in 34.59 percent of the sites visited in Texas

Brown-headed As compared to other blackbird species, the cowbird’s snout is longer and its tail is shorter. In general, males have a glossy black with a dark brown or blackhead, while females are plain brown with the same dark brown or blackhead.

Birds like blackbirds and starlings love to eat on the ground, and they often do it in flocks. Brown-headed Cowbirds generate a range of clicks, whistlings, and gurglings that can be rather annoying to humans.

This species’ wintering habitats are 530 kilometers from its breeding area. Most of Texas is home to the Brown-headed Cowbird throughout the year.

Many cowbirds are out there. Their black and brown heads might be found in groups of other species during the winter. It’s easiest to track down these birds if you get to know their distinctive calls. To keep an eye on them, keep an ear to the ground and listen for their song.

There are a number of seeds and grains that cowbirds will eat in addition to sunflower seeds and cereal grains such as cracked corn, milo, peanuts, and millet. This includes hopper and platform feeding stations as well as the ground.

25. European Starling

Image: © Matt Davis | Macaulay Library

Scientific name: Sturnus vulgaris

Length: 7.9-9.1 in (20-23 cm)

Weight: 2.1-3.4 oz (60-96 g)

Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in (31-40 cm)

Found in 33.53 percent of the sites visited in Texas

In the summer, European Starlings’ plumage turns purple-green, with yellow beaks. They are brown in the winter and turn white as they tan. They are both little birds with short tails and long, thin beaks. Their short, pointed wings make them appear little when flying.

Around 100 European Starlings were released in New York City’s Central Park in the 1800s, marking their first sighting in America. Those who wanted to see every Shakespearean bird in person unleashed the starlings. More than 200 million European Starlings are predicted to live in the US and Canada. They’ve been found in Alaska and Mexico.

European Starlings live year-round in Texas. They can be found throughout the Caribbean and Mexico when not reproducing.

Most European Starlings live in cities and towns. Look for them in lawns, parks, and fields. They’re zigzagging through the grass. A starling’s beak would repeatedly stab the ground while walking. European Starlings, on the other hand, are commonly seen in large flocks flying over farms and highways in the countryside.

Besides suet cages, they can eat on the ground, hoppers, channel feeders, and platform feeders. Acorns, cracked corn, millet, and hulled sunflower seeds will help attract these birds to your yard.

Bird Watching in Texas

A trip to Texas provides an excellent opportunity to observe birds in their natural habitat. Bird watching in Texas is an excellent way to appreciate the state’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife. The mild climate and diverse terrain make this state ideal for bird watching, with plenty of opportunities to spot rare species.

Texas is home to a diverse range of birds, including small songbirds and large wading birds. Many of the state’s birds are migratory, meaning they pass through in the spring and fall. During these times, it is easy to see a wide variety of birds. The spring migration brings a variety of songbirds, whereas the fall migration brings larger wading birds.

The weather in Texas can be unpredictable, so dress appropriately for the season. To avoid overheating in the summer, dress in light clothing and wear a hat. It’s best to dress in layers in the winter to stay warm. If you intend to be out in the field for an extended period of time, you should also bring binoculars and a bird identification guide.

Attracting Backyard Birds in Texas

Creating a bird-friendly backyard in Texas is a great way to see more birds in your own backyard. Attracting birds to your yard will not only provide hours of entertainment, but it can also help to support the local bird population. There are a variety of ways to attract birds to your yard, such as providing food, water, and shelter.

Providing a food source is one of the best ways to attract birds to your yard. Bird feeders are a simple way to feed birds and come in a variety of sizes and styles. Plant native shrubs and plants that produce berries and seeds to attract a variety of birds.

A birdbath or other water source, in addition to food, is essential for attracting birds to your yard. Birdbaths should be placed in areas where birds can easily access them and kept clean. You might also want to consider adding a few perching spots for the birds, such as tree stumps or branches.

Finally, providing shelter is a critical component of attracting birds to your backyard. Birds can find a safe haven in trees and shrubs, as well as a place to nest. Placing birdhouses in your yard is another excellent way to provide birds with shelter and nesting sites.