Birds of Texas

Texas Is Known for Its Birds 

Texas is one of the most important bird states in the nation. With well over 600 documented bird species, Texas sits at the crossroads of diverse ecosystems, from pine forests and prairies to deserts, rivers, and more than 360 miles of Gulf coastline. This remarkable variety of habitats makes Texas a magnet for birds year-round, supporting residents, migrants, and wintering species that depend on the state for survival. 

From iconic coastal birds like the Whooping Crane and Black Skimmer to grassland species such as the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher and Lesser Prairie-Chicken, birds are woven into the natural and cultural fabric of Texas. Their presence tells the story of wide-open spaces, living waters, strong communities, and the Big Texas Sky. 

Why Our Birds Matter 

Birds are powerful indicators of environmental health. When birds are thriving, it signals that ecosystems are functioning well, with clean water, healthy soils, and resilient habitats. When bird populations decline, it is often an early warning that the natural systems people rely on are under stress. 

Birds also play vital roles in Texas ecosystems. They control insect populations, disperse seeds, pollinate plants, and contribute to balanced food webs. Beyond their ecological value, birds connect people to nature, support outdoor recreation and tourism, and inspire stewardship across generations. Protecting birds means protecting the natural resources that sustain both wildlife and people. 

Texas and the Central Flyway 

Texas lies at the heart of the Central Flyway, one of the Western Hemisphere’s major migratory bird highways. Because of its geography, size, and diversity of habitats, birds from across the hemisphere funnel through Texas as they move between breeding areas in North America and wintering grounds in Central and South America. Each year, billions of birds rely on the state’s wetlands, grasslands, forests, rivers, and coastal habitats to rest, refuel, and survive their long journeys. 

The Texas coast is especially critical, serving as the first landfall for exhausted migrants crossing the Gulf. Inland rivers, prairies, and working lands provide essential stopover habitat that allows birds to complete migration successfully. What happens in Texas has hemispheric consequences: protecting habitat here helps sustain bird populations across the Americas. 

By conserving and restoring habitats throughout Texas, we ensure that birds can continue to migrate, nest, and thrive, and that Texans can continue to enjoy the benefits birds bring to our landscapes and communities.