Overview
Texas records more bird species than any other U.S. state — over 650 — thanks to its size and its position on major migration corridors. From Gulf coast marshes to Hill Country oaks to West Texas desert, there is remarkable variety within reach.
This guide covers common and iconic Texas birds — the field marks that identify them, their habitats, and where to look. Pair it with a photo and the app to confirm any bird you spot.
Key Species to Know
Northern Mockingbird
Mimus polyglottos
Texas's state bird — gray above, pale below, with bold white wing patches that flash in flight. Famous for tirelessly mimicking other birds' songs, day and night.
Great-tailed Grackle
Quiscalus mexicanus
A large, glossy blackbird with a very long, keel-shaped tail and pale eyes; males are iridescent purple-black. Loud and social, forming big flocks in parking lots and city squares.
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
A familiar crested songbird — males brilliant red with a black face, females warm buff with red highlights. A common, year-round backyard visitor with a clear whistled song.
Painted Bunting
Passerina ciris
One of North America's most colorful birds — the male a jewel-like mix of blue head, red underparts, and green back; females are bright yellow-green. Shy and often heard before seen.
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Tyrannus forficatus
A pale gray flycatcher with salmon-pink flanks and an extraordinarily long, forked tail it opens like scissors in flight. A signature bird of Texas summers, often perched on fences and wires.
Golden-fronted Woodpecker
Melanerpes aurifrons
A barred black-and-white woodpecker with a golden nape and (in males) a red crown patch. A characteristic bird of central and south Texas, replacing the red-bellied woodpecker of the east.
Seasonal Guide
- Spring and fall migration bring huge waves of songbirds through the Gulf coast and Hill Country.
- Early morning is the most active time for feeding and song.
- Coastal refuges, state parks, and the Rio Grande Valley offer the greatest variety anywhere in the U.S.
Safety Reminder
Observe birds without disturbing them, and never approach nests. Identification results are reference information for learning and enjoyment.
Identify it instantly
Found something and not sure what it is? Point your camera with Spotter and get a species identification in seconds — with detailed reference info and species notes.