Birding in Texas
Texas holds the largest state bird list in the lower 48, with over 650 species recorded thanks to its vast size, Gulf Coast location, and proximity to Mexico.
Overview
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the bird list. The Lone Star State's vast size encompasses piney woods, coastal prairies, Hill Country oak savannas, Chihuahuan Desert, and the subtropical Rio Grande Valley, which brings Mexican species into the U.S. found nowhere else. The Gulf Coast is a primary landfall for trans-Gulf migrants, and High Island and the upper Texas coast produce some of the most dramatic spring fallouts in the Americas. TrailBird is expanding to cover Texas's birding hotspots with live eBird data, trail maps, and seasonal guides.
Seasonal Birding Guide
Trans-Gulf migration fallouts at High Island are legendary. The Rio Grande Valley produces Mexican rarities. Shorebirds pack the coast.
Breeding Green Jays, Great Kiskadees, and Altamira Orioles in the Rio Grande Valley. Colima Warblers nest in the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend.
Southbound hawks concentrate along the coast. Rare Mexican vagrants appear in the Valley. Shorebirds fill coastal flats.
Rio Grande Valley winter specialties draw birders from across the country. Whooping Cranes winter at Aransas NWR. Waterfowl pack coastal marshes.
Quick Facts
🚨 Recent Rare Bird Alerts in Texas
Notable sightings in the last 14 days
🔥 Top Birding Hotspots in Texas
Ranked by total species recorded
🪶 What's Being Seen in Texas
Species spotted in the last 14 days
No recent species data available yet.
📍 Most Active Hotspots This Week
Where birders are reporting right now
🥾 Trails Near the Action
Hiking trails near recent rare sightings
No featured trail data available yet.
📹 Live Bird Webcams in Texas
Watch birds live from Texas