From songbirds at feeders to hawks soaring overhead, Texas backyards are alive with birdlife. Thanks to its varied climate and wide-open spaces, the Lone Star State is home to dozens of year-round and seasonal visitors. Whether you’re in the city or the countryside, this guide will help you recognize and enjoy 50 of the most common backyard birds in Texas each with quick facts, ID tips, and feeding habits.
1. House Sparrow
The House Sparrow is one of the most familiar birds in Texas neighborhoods. Small, chunky, and sociable, these birds often flock in groups around homes, cafes, and parking lots. Males sport a gray crown, black bib, and chestnut neck, while females are more subdued with soft brown tones. House Sparrows are bold around people and love seed-filled feeders, especially near buildings and open areas.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Passer domesticus
- Size: 5.9–6.7 inches
- Habitat: Urban areas, farms, backyards
- Food: Seeds, crumbs, insects
- Behavior: Flocks, nests in crevices and roofs
Read also: House Sparrow vs Chickadee: How to Tell These Small Birds Apart
2. White winged Dove
With distinctive white wing edges flashing in flight, the White-winged Dove is a common sight at feeders across Texas. These chunky doves are slightly larger than Mourning Doves and enjoy gathering in flocks around seed trays, spilled grain, and fruiting trees. Their soft, hooting coos add a peaceful rhythm to many neighborhoods during spring and summer.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Zenaida asiatica
- Size: 11 inches
- Habitat: Cities, deserts, suburban areas
- Diet: Seeds, grains, berries
- Behavior: Ground feeders, flocks, soft calls
3. Mourning Dove
Sleek and gentle, Mourning Doves are among the most peaceful birds you’ll see in your backyard. Their soft “coo-oo” calls and swift, whistling takeoffs are instantly recognizable. These doves are slim with a pale brown color, and they love foraging for millet or cracked corn beneath feeders or in open yards.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Zenaida macroura
- Size: 9–13 inches
- Habitat: Urban parks, grasslands, rooftops
- Diet: Seeds, grains
- Behavior: Ground feeders, calm, fast fliers
4. Blue Jay
Bold, loud, and strikingly beautiful, the Blue Jay commands attention. Its brilliant blue feathers and loud screeches make it one of the easiest backyard birds to recognize. Blue Jays are highly intelligent and enjoy caching food like acorns and peanuts. They’re also known to mimic hawks to scare other birds away from feeders.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Cyanocitta cristata
- Size: 9–12 inches
- Habitat: Forests, neighborhoods, city parks
- Diet: Nuts, seeds, insects, fruit
- Behavior: Vocal, smart, territorial
Read also: 13 Types of Jays
5. Northern Cardinal
Few birds are as iconic as the Northern Cardinal. Males boast a vivid red coat, while females glow with soft brown and warm red tones. These birds stay in Texas year-round and are often found in pairs. They love dense shrubs for nesting and are drawn to feeders stocked with sunflower seeds.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Cardinalis cardinalis
- Size: 8–9 inches
- Habitat: Suburbs, thickets, forest edges
- Diet: Seeds, berries, insects
- Behavior: Pair bonding, sweet whistling songs
6. Northern Mockingbird
Known as the state bird of Texas, the Northern Mockingbird is an excellent mimic. It can replicate the songs of dozens of other birds and even some mechanical sounds. With gray feathers and white wing patches, it’s often seen perched in the open, singing its heart out. They’re fiercely territorial, especially during breeding season.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Mimus polyglottos
- Size: 9–11 inches
- Habitat: Lawns, streets, open yards
- Diet: Insects, fruits, berries
- Behavior: Song mimicry, aggressive defenders
7. Carolina Chickadee
Small and energetic, the Carolina Chickadee wears a classic black cap and bib with white cheeks. These cheerful birds are year-round residents in Texas, often traveling in mixed flocks with titmice and wrens. They love suet, sunflower seeds, and mealworms. Look for their bouncy movements and listen for their “chick-a-dee-dee” calls.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Poecile carolinensis
- Size: 4.7–5.9 inches
- Habitat: Woodlands, backyards, parks
- Diet: Insects, seeds, suet
- Behavior: Curious, agile, flocking
8. House Finch
These sociable red-capped birds brighten up any backyard feeder. Male House Finches display rosy red heads and chests, while females are brown and streaked. They sing a long, cheerful song and love black oil sunflower seeds. House Finches often nest in hanging planters or old decorations around homes.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Haemorhous mexicanus
- Size: 5–6 inches
- Habitat: Cities, suburbs, gardens
- Diet: Seeds, fruits, buds
- Behavior: Chatty, urban dwellers, flocking
9. Red-bellied Woodpecker
Despite its name, the Red-bellied Woodpecker is more recognized by its bright red head and black-and-white zebra-striped back. These birds are often heard before they’re seen, thanks to their loud rolling calls or steady drumming on tree trunks. They’re regulars at suet feeders and love peanuts and fruits, too.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Melanerpes carolinus
- Size: 9–10.5 inches
- Habitat: Wooded yards, parks, forests
- Diet: Insects, fruits, nuts
- Behavior: Drumming, vocal, feeder-friendly
10. American Goldfinch
This bright yellow beauty shines in Texas gardens, especially in late summer and winter. Males are vivid yellow with black wings during breeding season, while females stay muted year-round. These birds prefer tube feeders with nyjer or sunflower chips and are often seen flitting among wildflowers.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Spinus tristis
- Size: 4.3–5.1 inches
- Habitat: Gardens, fields, feeders
- Diet: Seeds, especially thistle and sunflower
- Behavior: Flocking, fluttery flight, bouncy singers
11. Downy Woodpecker
The smallest woodpecker in North America, the Downy Woodpecker is common across Texas backyards. Males have a red patch on the head, while both sexes sport black-and-white bodies. They forage on tree trunks and love suet feeders. Their gentle tapping and presence around feeders make them easy to spot.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Dryobates pubescens
- Size: 5.5–6.7 inches
- Habitat: Forest edges, backyards, parks
- Diet: Insects, seeds, suet
- Behavior: Quiet drumming, feeder frequenters
12. Carolina Wren
Loud and lively, the Carolina Wren is often heard before seen. It sings a rich “tea-kettle, tea-kettle” song from shrubs, porches, and woodpiles. Rusty-brown in color with a white eyebrow stripe, this wren is a year-round Texas resident that occasionally visits suet or peanut feeders.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Thryothorus ludovicianus
- Size: 4.7–5.5 inches
- Habitat: Yards, thickets, brush piles
- Diet: Insects, spiders, suet
- Behavior: Loud singer, low forager, shy
13. American Robin
A classic harbinger of spring, the American Robin is known for its orange chest and cheerful demeanor. In Texas, you’ll often see them hopping across lawns for worms or perching in trees to sing. While not frequent feeder visitors, they appreciate birdbaths and berry bushes.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Turdus migratorius
- Size: 9–11 inches
- Habitat: Lawns, trees, open parks
- Diet: Worms, insects, berries
- Behavior: Ground forager, early singer, soft call
14. Red-winged Blackbird
Famous for its fiery red and yellow shoulder patches, the male Red-winged Blackbird is a springtime staple. These birds love wetlands but often visit backyard feeders in groups. Their loud “conk-la-ree” call is a familiar sound near marshy areas and open fields.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Agelaius phoeniceus
- Size: 7–9.5 inches
- Habitat: Marshes, meadows, yards
- Diet: Seeds, insects
- Behavior: Group feeding, territorial singing
15. Tufted Titmouse
The Tufted Titmouse is a small gray bird with a crest and big black eyes that give it a curious look. Often spotted with chickadees and nuthatches, they’re regular visitors to feeders offering sunflower seeds or suet. Their “peter-peter” whistle is one of the most recognizable woodland calls.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Baeolophus bicolor
- Size: 5.5–6.3 inches
- Habitat: Deciduous woods, leafy neighborhoods
- Diet: Seeds, insects, suet
- Behavior: Active, joins mixed flocks
16. Common Starling
Though non-native, the Common Starling is a loud and flashy backyard bird in Texas. Its iridescent plumage shines green and purple, especially in sunlight. Starlings often gather in huge flocks, mimicking sounds and dominating feeders. They nest in crevices and birdhouses meant for other species.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Sturnus vulgaris
- Size: 7.5–9 inches
- Habitat: Cities, towns, farmland
- Diet: Insects, fruit, grains
- Behavior: Noisy, aggressive, mimics other birds
Read also: Sparrow vs Starling: How to Tell Them Apart
17. Cardinalidae (Family)
Cardinalidae includes some of the most vibrant and well-known backyard birds like the Northern Cardinal and Painted Bunting. These songbirds have thick, conical bills and a love for seeds and fruit. Many are strikingly colorful and melodious, often sticking around year-round in Texas. They thrive in areas with shrubs, open woodlands, and dense vegetation.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Group: Cardinalidae
- Size: 6–9 inches (varies by species)
- Habitat: Shrublands, suburban yards, thickets
- Diet: Seeds, berries, insects
- Behavior: Bold singers, colorful, ground feeders
18. Brown-headed Cowbird
The Brown-headed Cowbird is a small blackbird best known for laying its eggs in other birds’ nests—a behavior called brood parasitism. Males have glossy black bodies with brown heads, while females are drab brown. They often show up in flocks at feeders or open fields, chattering softly.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Molothrus ater
- Size: 7–8.7 inches
- Habitat: Open country, edges, feeders
- Diet: Seeds, insects
- Behavior: Brood parasite, social flocks
19. Ruby crowned Kinglet
Tiny and busy, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a treat to spot. Males reveal a hidden red crown when excited, but both sexes flick their wings constantly while foraging. They’re winter visitors in Texas, often found darting through shrubs and trees looking for insects.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Corthylio calendula
- Size: 3.5–4.3 inches
- Habitat: Woodlands, parks, backyard shrubs
- Diet: Insects, spiders, berries
- Behavior: Fast-moving, high-pitched call, wing flicking
20. Black-crested Titmouse
A Texas native, the Black-crested Titmouse is similar to its cousin, the Tufted Titmouse, but sports a spiky black crest. Found mostly in central and south Texas, these birds are active and vocal. They enjoy sunflower seeds, suet, and insects, often seen with chickadees in mixed flocks.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Baeolophus atricristatus
- Size: 5.5–6 inches
- Habitat: Oak woodlands, urban backyards
- Diet: Insects, seeds, suet
- Behavior: Sharp “p’dink” call, acrobatic, curious
21. American Crow
The American Crow is a large, all-black bird with impressive smarts. It has a deep cawing voice and often travels in family groups or noisy flocks. These adaptable birds are ground foragers and omnivores, feeding on almost anything from seeds to small animals to trash.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Corvus brachyrhynchos
- Size: 17–21 inches
- Habitat: Open fields, towns, farmlands
- Diet: Omnivorous—seeds, insects, carrion
- Behavior: Very intelligent, social, loud
22. Yellow-rumped Warbler
With its distinctive yellow patches on the rump, sides, and crown, the Yellow-rumped Warbler is a common winter visitor. These warblers can digest berries that others can’t, allowing them to stay in colder climates. You’ll see them flitting through trees or visiting suet feeders.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Setophaga coronata
- Size: 5.5 inches
- Habitat: Forests, urban yards, scrub
- Diet: Insects, waxy berries, suet
- Behavior: Active flier, forages in flocks
23. Cedar Waxwing
Elegant and sociable, the Cedar Waxwing is a soft brown bird with a sleek crest, black mask, and yellow-tipped tail. They travel in flocks and love berries. In Texas, they’re more common in winter and early spring, often feasting on fruiting trees like juniper and holly.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Bombycilla cedrorum
- Size: 6–7 inches
- Habitat: Suburbs, forests, orchards
- Diet: Berries, flying insects
- Behavior: Quiet, flocking, fruit lovers
24. Orange-crowned Warbler
Subtle but widespread, the Orange-crowned Warbler is olive-green with a faint orange crown that’s rarely visible. These birds are winter guests in Texas, often flitting low in shrubs while foraging for insects. They occasionally visit suet feeders and blend in with the foliage.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Leiothlypis celata
- Size: 4.5–5 inches
- Habitat: Brush, gardens, forest edges
- Diet: Insects, nectar, spiders
- Behavior: Low forager, quick movements
25. Golden-fronted Woodpecker
A bold and colorful resident of Texas, the Golden-fronted Woodpecker has a golden-yellow patch on its head and nape, and males also sport a red crown. With a barred back and pale face, it’s easy to spot in open woodlands and suburban backyards. These birds enjoy suet, fruit, and peanuts, often making themselves known with a sharp call or tree drumming.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Melanerpes aurifrons
- Size: 8.5–10 inches
- Habitat: Open woods, backyards, mesquite groves
- Diet: Insects, fruit, suet
- Behavior: Loud caller, suet feeder visitor
26. Eastern Bluebird
The brilliant blue plumage and rusty chest of the Eastern Bluebird make it a standout in any yard. These birds nest in cavities or bird boxes and prefer open spaces with scattered trees. Insects are their main food source, but they’ll also eat berries and enjoy mealworms in feeders.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Sialia sialis
- Size: 6.3–8.3 inches
- Habitat: Open lawns, pastures, parks
- Diet: Insects, berries, mealworms
- Behavior: Nest box user, soft singer
27. White-throated Sparrow
White-throated Sparrows visit Texas during the cooler months. They have a bright white throat patch, a striped head, and a yellow spot between the eyes and beak. Their soft whistled songs and foraging behavior in leaf litter make them winter backyard favorites, especially near feeders offering millet or sunflower seed.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Zonotrichia albicollis
- Size: 6.3–7.1 inches
- Habitat: Thickets, brush piles, woodland edges
- Diet: Seeds, berries, insects
- Behavior: Winter singer, ground scratcher
28. Red-tailed Hawk
One of the most common hawks in Texas, the Red-tailed Hawk is a broad-winged raptor with a brick-red tail. It often perches along highways or soars above open fields. Though not a feeder bird, it’s an important predator in the backyard ecosystem, helping control rodents and small mammals.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Buteo jamaicensis
- Size: 18–26 inches
- Habitat: Fields, roadsides, wood edges
- Diet: Rodents, birds, reptiles
- Behavior: Soars, perches, loud screech
29. Ladder-backed Woodpecker
This desert woodpecker features a ladder-like black-and-white pattern down its back and a red crown on males. It’s smaller than most other woodpeckers and prefers dry, brushy areas. It often taps lightly on mesquite or oak trees and may visit suet feeders in arid Texas yards.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Dryobates scalaris
- Size: 6–7 inches
- Habitat: Dry brushlands, deserts, suburban edges
- Diet: Insects, suet, cactus fruits
- Behavior: Forages on trees, subtle drumming
30. Lesser Goldfinch
A small, lively bird, the Lesser Goldfinch sports a black cap and greenish back (males), with yellow underparts. Females are duller in comparison. These finches are drawn to thistle feeders and weedy patches. They’re common in southern and central Texas and often travel in flocks, chattering constantly.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Spinus psaltria
- Size: 4.5 inches
- Habitat: Suburbs, open woods, gardens
- Diet: Seeds (sunflower, thistle), buds
- Behavior: Flock singer, fast flier
31. Black-chinned Hummingbird
This small hummingbird breeds across much of Texas and features a dark throat with a purple sheen (males). They’re frequent visitors to nectar feeders and tubular flowers. Their wings buzz rapidly as they hover, and they perch often between feeding bouts. They’re among the most common hummingbirds in the state.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Archilochus alexandri
- Size: 3.25 inches
- Habitat: Gardens, riversides, wooded yards
- Diet: Nectar, small insects
- Behavior: Hovers, territorial, feeder favorite
32. Pine Siskin
The Pine Siskin looks like a streaky, smaller goldfinch with touches of yellow on its wings and tail. These finches travel in flocks and may show up at nyjer feeders during colder months. They have a buzzy call and are known for their unpredictable migration patterns.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Spinus pinus
- Size: 4.3–5.5 inches
- Habitat: Wooded areas, gardens, feeders
- Diet: Seeds, especially thistle and conifer
- Behavior: Social, winter visitor, energetic
33. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a summer gem in East Texas. Males show off an iridescent red throat, while females are more subdued. These birds are incredibly fast and hover with ease as they sip nectar from flowers or feeders. They’re fiercely territorial and can be seen chasing other hummingbirds away from their favorite blooms.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Archilochus colubris
- Size: 3–3.5 inches
- Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, shaded backyards
- Diet: Nectar, tiny insects
- Behavior: Hovering, aggressive at feeders, migratory
34. Eurasian Collared-Dove
Introduced to North America in the 1980s, the Eurasian Collared-Dove has quickly become a backyard regular in Texas. It’s larger than a Mourning Dove, with pale gray plumage and a black crescent on the back of its neck. They visit feeders for seeds and often perch on power lines or fences.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Streptopelia decaocto
- Size: 11–12 inches
- Habitat: Urban neighborhoods, farms, backyards
- Diet: Grains, seeds, cracked corn
- Behavior: Calm, cooing, ground feeder
35. Eastern Phoebe
This small flycatcher bobs its tail and perches upright as it surveys for insects. The Eastern Phoebe is drab brownish-gray but is easily recognized by its gentle “fee-bee” call. They often nest under porches or eaves and return to the same nesting spots each year.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Sayornis phoebe
- Size: 5.5–6.7 inches
- Habitat: Bridges, yards, near water
- Diet: Flying insects, beetles, spiders
- Behavior: Tail-bobbing, loyal nesters
36. Inca Dove
The Inca Dove is a slender, scaly-looking bird with a long tail and pale plumage. It often sits with feathers puffed and wings drooped to absorb sun. Found mostly in southern Texas, they forage quietly on the ground and make a gentle, rattling “coo-coo-coo” sound.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Columbina inca
- Size: 6.5–9 inches
- Habitat: Urban gardens, brushy lots
- Diet: Seeds, grains, small insects
- Behavior: Sun-bathers, quiet walkers
37. Dark-eyed Junco
A wintertime guest, the Dark-eyed Junco is a small sparrow with a dark gray top and white belly. These birds forage in flocks under feeders and hop around looking for millet and cracked corn. Their gentle, twittering calls can be heard in cooler months.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Junco hyemalis
- Size: 5.5–6.3 inches
- Habitat: Wood edges, lawns, shrub borders
- Diet: Seeds, insects in warmer months
- Behavior: Ground forager, winter visitor
38. Great-tailed Grackle
With a long keel-shaped tail and loud, screechy voice, the Great-tailed Grackle is impossible to ignore. Males are glossy black with iridescent hues, while females are brown. These birds are highly adaptable and often gather in noisy urban flocks, especially in parking lots and parks.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Quiscalus mexicanus
- Size: 15–18 inches
- Habitat: Cities, open fields, suburbs
- Diet: Insects, scraps, seeds, anything
- Behavior: Loud, bold, communal roosting
39. Chipping Sparrow
Chipping Sparrows are neat little birds with a rusty crown and clear gray chest. Their sharp “chip-chip” call gives them their name. These sparrows are active and friendly, especially around feeders with millet or sunflower bits. In spring, they nest in small trees or shrubs.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Spizella passerina
- Size: 4.7–6 inches
- Habitat: Yards, parks, woodland edges
- Diet: Grass seeds, insects
- Behavior: Ground feeder, quick, social
40. Painted Bunting
Arguably the most colorful bird in Texas, the Painted Bunting looks like a living rainbow. Males are red, blue, and green, while females are bright greenish-yellow. These shy birds prefer thick cover and are often heard before they’re seen. They may visit feeders with white millet in quiet areas.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Passerina ciris
- Size: 4.7–5.5 inches
- Habitat: Brush, woodland edges, thickets
- Diet: Seeds, insects
- Behavior: Secretive, sings from dense cover
41. Northern Flicker
The Northern Flicker is a unique woodpecker that often feeds on the ground. In Texas, you’ll mostly see the yellow-shafted variety with a spotted belly, black crescent on the chest, and bright yellow under the wings and tail. These birds eat ants and beetles and can be seen drumming on tree trunks or patios.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Colaptes auratus
- Size: 11–14 inches
- Habitat: Open woods, yards, edges
- Diet: Ants, beetles, berries
- Behavior: Ground forager, loud calls, tree drumming
42. Great Blue Heron
Tall and statuesque, the Great Blue Heron is often seen wading slowly in ponds or creeks—even in suburban areas. They’re solitary hunters, feeding on fish, frogs, and insects. While not a feeder bird, their graceful flight and presence in nearby waterways make them a backyard favorite near wetlands.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Ardea herodias
- Size: 36–54 inches
- Habitat: Ponds, streams, lakes
- Diet: Fish, frogs, small animals
- Behavior: Solitary, slow stalker, silent flyer
43. Red-headed Woodpecker
With its bright red head, bold black-and-white wings, and white belly, the Red-headed Woodpecker is a showstopper. They store food in tree crevices and are known to catch insects mid-air. Although less common than other woodpeckers, they occasionally visit feeders with suet or nuts.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Melanerpes erythrocephalus
- Size: 7.5–9 inches
- Habitat: Open woods, parks, clearings
- Diet: Insects, nuts, fruit
- Behavior: Food caching, aerial acrobatics
44. Barn Swallow
Recognizable by their long forked tails and glossy blue backs, Barn Swallows are agile flyers that feast on flying insects. They often nest on barns, porches, and under eaves, building mud nests. Their chittering calls and swooping flight are a joy to watch during spring and summer.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Hirundo rustica
- Size: 6.7–7.5 inches
- Habitat: Farms, bridges, open fields
- Diet: Flying insects
- Behavior: Nest builders, aerial feeders
45. Barred Owl
Barred Owls are large, round-headed owls with soulful dark eyes and a distinctive “Who cooks for you?” call. They live near water and dense woods, roosting in tree hollows during the day. While rarely seen, their haunting calls may be heard in suburban areas at night.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Strix varia
- Size: 16–25 inches
- Habitat: Wooded creeks, swamps, forests
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, amphibians
- Behavior: Nocturnal, hooting, cavity nesters
46. New World Warblers (Family)
This colorful group includes various tiny, energetic birds that visit Texas during spring and fall migration. Species like the Yellow, Black-and-white, and Nashville Warblers are commonly spotted flitting through trees and shrubs. They rarely visit feeders but are drawn to native plants and water features.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Group: Parulidae
- Size: 4–6 inches
- Habitat: Forests, gardens, brushy edges
- Diet: Insects, caterpillars, berries
- Behavior: Active, fleeting, seasonal migrants
47. Rufous Hummingbird
This fiery orange hummingbird is a standout among its kind. Males are coppery-orange all over, while females are greenish with rufous sides. Rufous Hummingbirds are fiercely territorial and often drive off other hummingbirds at feeders during their spring and fall migrations through Texas.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Selasphorus rufus
- Size: 3 inches
- Habitat: Gardens, woodlands, meadows
- Diet: Nectar, gnats, tiny spiders
- Behavior: Fast, aggressive, long migrant
48. Common Grackle
With shimmering black feathers and bright yellow eyes, the Common Grackle is loud, confident, and often found in large, rowdy flocks. These birds walk around lawns, raid feeders, and dominate birdbaths. Their varied calls and social behavior make them unmistakable.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Quiscalus quiscula
- Size: 11–13 inches
- Habitat: Fields, towns, yards
- Diet: Seeds, insects, trash
- Behavior: Social, noisy, dominant
49. Spizella (Genus of Sparrows)
This genus includes small, slim sparrows like the Chipping, Field, and Clay-colored Sparrows—all of which can be found in Texas. These birds are active ground foragers and are often seen in flocks, especially during migration. They prefer grassy and brushy areas.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Group: Spizella
- Size: 4.7–6 inches
- Habitat: Brushy fields, suburban parks
- Diet: Seeds, small insects
- Behavior: Quick movers, travel in groups
50. White-crowned Sparrow
Striking with its black-and-white striped head, the White-crowned Sparrow is a cool-weather visitor in Texas. These ground-feeding sparrows scratch for seeds beneath shrubs or feeders and are often seen in quiet flocks. Their whistled song is clear and sweet.
Quick Facts:
- Scientific Name: Zonotrichia leucophrys
- Size: 6–7 inches
- Habitat: Brush, hedgerows, parks
- Diet: Seeds, berries, insects
- Behavior: Winter feeder bird, mellow calls
FAQ’S
What are the most common backyard birds in Texas?
Some of the most common backyard birds in Texas include the Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Mourning Dove, House Sparrow, Carolina Chickadee, and Red-bellied Woodpecker. These birds are year-round residents and frequently visit feeders, birdbaths, and gardens.
How can I attract more birds to my Texas backyard?
To attract birds in Texas, offer a variety of food such as sunflower seeds, suet, and nyjer seed. Add a birdbath for fresh water, and plant native shrubs or trees for shelter. Installing bird feeders and nesting boxes can also make your yard a haven for birds.
What time of year do hummingbirds visit Texas?
Hummingbirds like the Ruby-throated and Black-chinned Hummingbirds typically visit Texas in spring and summer. Rufous Hummingbirds pass through during migration in spring and fall. Keeping feeders out from March to October helps attract them.
Are there any backyard birds in Texas that stay all year?
Yes, many birds such as the Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Carolina Chickadee, and Mourning Dove are non-migratory and stay in Texas year-round. They adapt well to urban environments and often return to the same feeders daily.
What bird has a red head in Texas backyards?
The Red-headed Woodpecker and House Finch both have noticeable red on their heads. The Red-headed Woodpecker has a full crimson head, while male House Finches have red foreheads and chests. Both are common sights in certain regions of Texas.
