A big state with several bird regions
Texas is large and varied, with coastal marshes, Hill Country, piney woods, prairies, and desert in the west. Sources describe the state as home to hundreds of bird species, and only a fraction of them regularly visit yards. What you see in Houston or Galveston will differ from what you see in Dallas or the Rio Grande Valley.
Year-round feeder birds
- Northern Cardinal: Red males and warm brown females visit feeders throughout the year.
- Northern Mockingbird: The state bird of Texas, a slim gray bird with a long tail and a varied song.
- Mourning Dove and White-winged Dove: Common ground feeders. White-winged doves show a white wing stripe.
- Carolina Chickadee and Tufted Titmouse: Small, active visitors to seed and suet feeders in the eastern half of the state.
- Carolina Wren: A plump, cinnamon-brown bird with a loud song.
- Blue Jay: Common in the eastern parts of the state. The Green Jay is mainly a South Texas bird.
- House Finch: Often seen at seed feeders.
- Woodpeckers: Downy, Ladder-backed, Golden-fronted, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers occur in different regions of the state.
Seasonal visitors
- Painted Bunting: The brightly colored male is a summer visitor in parts of Texas, including areas of the Hill Country and the east.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Passes through or visits eastern Texas in the warmer months.
- American Goldfinch: More often seen in cooler months, when males are less colorful.
- Cedar Waxwing: Winter flocks may gather around berry-bearing trees and shrubs.
Do roadrunners live in Texas?
Yes. The Greater Roadrunner lives in drier parts of Texas, including brushy and open country. It is a long-tailed, ground-running bird with a streaky brown look and a crest. It is less likely to use a seed feeder, but may appear in yards that border open or scrubby habitat. Do not try to hand-feed wild roadrunners.
Birds near Galveston and the coast
Coastal yards can see shorebirds, herons, gulls, and many migrating songbirds, especially in spring and fall when birds cross the Gulf. These are different from inland feeder birds, so a local checklist is useful if you live near the water.
Attracting birds in Texas heat
- Water first: Summer heat makes clean water especially valuable. Refresh a birdbath often and keep it shallow.
- Shade for feeders: Place feeders in shade so seed stays fresh. Clean feeders regularly, since spoiled food can harm birds.
- Native plants: Berry-producing and seed-producing natives give year-round food and cover.
- Food choices: Black-oil sunflower seed draws cardinals and finches. Suet can draw woodpeckers, but in extreme heat it may soften, so consider no-melt suet products.
If you are just getting started, see our overview of common backyard birds. Neighbors east of Texas may be interested in Georgia backyard birds, which shares many species, and our photo guide can help with identification.
Frequently asked questions
What birds are indigenous to Texas? Many species are native, including the Northern Mockingbird, Northern Cardinal, Carolina Wren, and Greater Roadrunner.
What are common backyard birds? Cardinals, doves, chickadees, wrens, jays, and house finches are common in yards in much of Texas.
What kinds of birds can be seen in Galveston? The coast hosts shorebirds, gulls, herons, and many migrants, with a mix of feeder birds in nearby neighborhoods.