Texas is a hotspot for some of the best birding around, which is why areas of the state draw birders from around the U.S. Some 650 species have been spotted in the Lone Star State. Given its mass of territory, it should come as little surprise there’s Texas-sized opportunity to check some birds off your list.
If you’re looking for that perfect winter getaway, Texas lets you enjoy some warm weather while squeezing in a bit of birding. Not only can you see some colorful birds staying for the winter, but you can also find species you can’t find anywhere else in the U.S. The one that comes top of mind is the Green Jay, which draws birders to Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park every winter.
Or, check out one of nine sites of the World Birding Center, located along the Rio Grande Valley, home to many tropical bird species. The Center features exhibits and guided activities, such as wilderness walks and float trips.
To plan your trip, a good place to start is the Great Texas Wildlife Trails, which will guide you through the best birding spots of the Lone Star State.
Top Texas backyard birds
Which birds are common to Texas? Here, we compiled a list of feeder favorites, as reported by the 500-some citizen birders who took part in Project FeederWatch from November 2020 through April 2021.
- Northern Cardinal
- Carolina Chickadee
- White-winged Dove
- Pine Siskin
- House Finch
- Carolina Wren
- Blue Jay
- American Robin
- American Goldfinch
- Northern Mockingbird
- Yellow-rumped Warbler
- Tufted Titmouse
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Orange-crowned Warbler
- Mourning Dove
- House Sparrow
- Downy Woodpecker
- Dark-eyed Junco
- Chipping Sparrow
- Ruby-crowned Kinglet
- White-throated Sparrow
- Lesser Goldfinch
- Eastern Phoebe
- Cedar Waxwing
- Black-crested Titmouse
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Bewick's Wren
- Eastern Bluebird
- Brown-headed Cowbird
- American Crow
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
- White-crowned Sparrow
- Red-winged Blackbird
- Purple Finch
- Pine Warbler
- Ladder-backed Woodpecker
- European Starling
- Eurasian Collared-Dove
- Common Grackle
- Hermit Thrush
Looking to entice more birds to come in for a landing?
Start with a premium brand that packs every bag with the good stuff that draws a crowd. Lyric Supreme Wild Bird Mix features a variety of seeds and nuts, sunflower kernels, black oil sunflower a favorite of many and other energy nuggets that entice birds to fly in for a snack!