Exploring Nature: Texas Birds

It is hard to beat Texas when it comes to birding. Although we are no longer the largest state (hello, Alaska!) we are one of the birdiest, with a whopping 648 species.

Migratory birds use Texas as a last-chance refueling stop on flights to Mexico and South America each autumn and the lower Rio Grande Valley is a magnet for birds with its subtropical climate. Also, our state’s Big Bend has more bird species than any other national park and the Davis Mountain region is famous for its hummingbirds.

Where are the best birding hotspots in Texas? What are some of the must-see birds in our fine state?

Well, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge has some 368 bird species and is considered by many as the number one birding locale in not only Texas but the entire United States.

Other magnificent locales for seeing birds include South Padre Island, Bentsen-Rio Grande State Park and the Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory outside Austin.

Hornsby Bend is the closest hotspot in our vicinity and it is well worth a visit.

What are some of the must-see birds of Texas? My top 10 list would include the whooping crane, ferruginous pygmy-owl, ringed kingfisher, goldenfronted woodpecker, crested caracara, buffbellied hummingbird, great kiskadee, groove-billed ani, green jay and black-bellied whistling duck.

With these great birding hotspots and outstanding birds, there’s no excuse not to go birding in Texas. We’re simply the best of the best.