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Backyard Bird Identification in Texas

The largest state in the continental United States, Texas has many types of natural environments, such as coastal areas, grasslands, forests, deserts and mountains. Most residents of the Lone Star State don't have to go far to observe several kinds of birds. In fact, many can just go outside to the their back yards to bird watch. Hundreds of bird species are in Texas, and some are commonly found in the backyard setting. Each species displays certain characteristics that aid in its identification.

Mockingbird
- The mockingbird is the official state bird of Texas, and it can be found in most Texas habitats, including urban back yards, deserts and forests. It is known for its melodic song and usually is no more than 10 inches in length. Male and female mockingbirds look alike. They have light gray feathers with whitish undersides. Their wings and tails are darker gray and typically include small, white patches. Mockingbirds usually remain in Texas year round, typically mating in spring and summer. They are fierce defenders of their nests and are often seen swooping down on dogs or cats that get too close to them.
Wrens
- According to research by Texas Parks and Wildlife, two major types of wrens are in the Lone Star State---the Carolina wren and Bewick's wren. The Carolina wren is in the eastern parts of the state and usually noticed by its songs before it's seen. It often sings a "tea kettle" or "pidaro pidaro" song. It has a plump, orange breast, spotted rump and wings, white eye stripe and reddish brown back. The Bewick's wren is found throughout the state, and it is browner than the Carolina version. The Bewick's wren has a long tail with white corner tips, a gray belly and a buzzy-sounding song.
Hummingbirds
- According to BirdWatchersDigest.com, the two common types of hummingbirds in Texas are the black-chinned and ruby-throated hummingbirds. Black-chinned hummingbirds are in the western part of Texas, and they have long bills and purple bands below black chins. They usually pump their tails when hovering. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are all over the state, but more common in eastern Texas. They have longer tails than black-chinned hummingbirds and narrow, straight wing tips.
Woodpeckers
- Texas has several types of woodpeckers common in back yards. The golden-fronted woodpecker is found in southern Texas and Texas Hill Country, and it has black and white stripes, a red cap, a gold or orange nape and a white rump. The red-bellied woodpecker is found in eastern Texas and is also the most common type of woodpecker in the state. It has a spotted rump, a red nape and white patches under its wings.
Cardinal
- Texas residents often spot northern cardinals, or redbirds, in their yards. These birds are found throughout the state, and the males and females look different from each other. Males are red with long tails, red bills and black masks. Females are red, but have gray masks with orange crests.

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