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Bird of the Week: Song Sparrow
Found from western Alaska to Florida, the Song Sparrow is among our most common and most familiar sparrows. This “little brown bird” is distinguished from its cousins by thick malar…
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Bird of the Week: Northern Harrier
A Northern Harrier on the hunt is a beautiful sight: with wings held high, it seems to hover over the grassland, only a few feet above the ground, looking…
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Bird of the Week: Killdeer
For many landlocked birders, the Killdeer is the only shorebird they are likely to see at home year round. These small, active plovers are built for wading but…
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Bird of the Week: Northern Mockingbird
Northern Mockingbird The mockingbird is our state bird, and it’s not hard to see why Texans might feel an affinity for this brash, talkative songbird. The Aztecs called…
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Bird of the Week: Black-capped Vireo
Black-capped Vireo The Black-capped Vireo is one of two endangered species of birds that breed in Central Texas, the other being the Golden-cheeked Warbler. The smallest vireo in…
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Bird of the Week: American Kestrel
American Kestrel Weighing in at about 4 ounces, the American Kestrel is our smallest falcon, as well as our most common. Kestrels’ small size represents a great advantage…
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Bird of the Week: Carolina Chickadee
Carolina Chickadee Sociable, chatty, and curious, Carolina Chickadees pack a lot of personality into a small package. These cousins of the titmouse (with whom they may be found…
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Bird of the Week: Red-eyed Vireo
Red-eyed Vireo The strident, tireless song of the Red-eyed Vireo–one listener reported 22,197 songs by a single male in one day!–is a common sound in summer, and a…
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Bird of the Week: Snowy Egret
Snowy Egret Smaller and more delicate than the Great Egret, to which it bears a passing resemblance, the Snowy Egret is easily distinguished by its black bill and…
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Bird of the Week: Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Scissor-tailed Flycatchers are a common sight in summer–though their beauty, both in flight and at rest, is anything but common. The bird’s long, forking tail–often longer…
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Bird of the Week: Painted Bunting
Painted Bunting The male Painted Bunting is almost too beautiful to be believed, looking as if he has just flown out of a Matisse painting. His blue head…
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Bird of the Week: Summer Tanager
Summer Tanager The Summer Tanager is our only completely red bird, making it easy to distinguish. However, it tends to spend most of its time high in the…
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Bird of the Week: Red-bellied Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker Red-bellied Woodpeckers are conspicuous residents of any woodland they call home, both visually and vocally. With a crisply striped black back and vibrant red cap, these…
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Bird of the Week: Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Ruby-throated Hummingbird The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a beautiful and hyperactive little bird, sometimes mistaken for an insect due to its small size and ability to remain stationary while…
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Bird of the Week: Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk Red-shouldered Hawks are often heard long before they are seen, their insistent territorial calls echoing through the forests they call home. Smaller than their common cousin,…
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