South · Central Flyway

Birds in Texas

Texas has the second-highest bird diversity in the U.S., spanning Gulf Coast beaches to Chihuahuan Desert.

640+Bird species
5Habitat types
3Birding hotspots
6+Cities

Popular cities in Texas

Common Birds in Texas

The most frequently reported bird species across Texas. Click any bird for full profiles, photos, calls, and attraction tips.

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Backyard Birds in Texas

Birds that regularly visit feeders and gardens in Texas. These are the species you're most likely to attract with the right food, plants, and habitat setup.

Find the right feeder →Bird-friendly plants →

Birds by Habitat in Texas

Texas spans 5 major habitat types. Explore birds adapted to each environment.

🏖️Coastal BirdsShorebirds, gulls, terns, and seabirds along the coastline.
🏜️Desert BirdsDesert specialists—from thrashers to quail adapted to arid conditions.
🌲Forest BirdsWoodland and canopy birds including woodpeckers, warblers, and owls.
🌊Wetland BirdsMarsh, lake, and river species—waterfowl, herons, and shorebirds.
🏙️Urban BirdsCity-adapted birds thriving in parks, gardens, and neighborhoods.

Top Bird Watching Spots in Texas

The best places to go bird watching in Texas, from national wildlife refuges to local sanctuaries.

1

Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary

Gulf Coast shorebird magnet with thousands of peep and terns.

2

Santa Ana NWR

Lower Rio Grande Valley—Mexican species at their northern limit.

3

High Island

Trans-Gulf migrant fallouts in spring after storms.

Bird Calendar — Texas

What to expect each month: migration arrivals, departures, and seasonal highlights.

February
Steady winter residents
March
Steady winter residents
June
Steady winter residents
July
Steady winter residents
August
Steady winter residents
November
Steady winter residents
December
Steady winter residents

Explore neighboring states

About birding in Texas

Texas is located in the South region of the United States and falls along the Central Flyway, one of four major North American migration routes. The state is home to more than 640 bird species across 5 habitat types: coastal, desert, forest, wetland, urban.

Whether you're a backyard birder in Houston or planning a trip to Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, this guide covers the most commonly seen species, seasonal patterns, and practical tips for attracting and identifying birds in Texas.