With over 625 species of birds documented, Texas is the birding capital of America. A confluence of three major migratory paths and an amazing diversity of habitat-types make Texas birding especially rich in variety. And Texas has its share of resident birds, as well as species from Mexico to add to the count.

Horned Larks, Mississippi Kites, and Lesser Prairie-Chickens make their home in the Texas Panhandle Plains. Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for thousands of wintering Sandhill Cranes. The Hill Country boasts the only bird that nests exclusively in Texas, the Golden-cheeked Warbler. Black-capped Vireos and Cave Swallows found in about 16 limestone caves and manmade structures like culverts and bridges are also specialties of the central Texas.

Several eastern species including the Wood Thrush, Acadian Flycatcher, and Kentucky Warbler, breed in the forested areas of the Piney of East Texas. While Swainson's Warblers and Swallow-tailed Kites can be seen in the swampy streambottoms.

More than 450 species have been identified in Big Bend National Park, more than any other national park. In the canyons of the Chisos Mountains, Painted Redstarts, Blue-throated Hummingbirds, Mexican Jays, rare Colima Warblers, and many other species of the Mexican Mountains may be seen.

Read more about Birding in Texas