Texas is situated in the South-Central region of the United States and is the second-largest state, spanning 268,596 square miles. Due to the size of this state, the climate can vary considerably depending on the region. Eastern Texas experiences a subtropical humid climate, while central Texas has a subtropical sub-humid climate. The rest of the state has a subtropical arid climate.
Many different habitats are present in Texas. Available aquatic habitats include the extensive coastline, prairies, marshes, river systems including the Rio Grande and the Colorado River, and large lakes such as Caddo Lake and Lake Palestine. This variety of habitats provides resources for a great number of water birds. Many of these species overwinter in the state and move further afield to breed, although a handful remain in Texas throughout the year.
Texas Water Birds
1) Great blue heron (Ardea herodias)
- Native to North America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The great blue heron is a large water bird, growing to lengths of 97 – 137 cm (3 ft 2 in – 4 ft 6 in) with a wingspan of 167 – 201 cm (5 ft 6 in – 6 ft 7 in). This bird has long legs and a long neck, with a large head and hefty pointed bill. The plumage is blue-gray with a streaked underside, and a black stripe running from above the eye into the crest.
Ardea herodias is widespread in Texas, regularly breeding throughout the state. This species resides on marshes, tide flats, and swamps, where it feeds in open areas with little to no cover. The breeding habitat of this bird is characterized by large trees in which the nest is constructed, although pairs will take advantage of any tall structure if no trees are available.
2) Snowy egret (Egretta thula)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The snowy egret is a medium-sized heron, attaining lengths of 56 – 66 cm (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft 2 in) and a wingspan of 100 cm (3 ft 3 in). This species has a small head atop a long, thin neck, and has slender, black legs with bright yellow feet. Its plumage is entirely white, while the bill is black, and the face displays a yellow patch of skin in front of the eye.
Egretta thula can be observed both inland and in coastal regions of Texas, where it occupies saltwater and freshwater marshes as well as lakes, lagoons, and bays. This species displays various foraging techniques, such as wading slowly through the water in search of prey and creating a stirring motion with the foot to disturb small organisms in the substrate. The diet of the snowy egret includes insects, crustaceans, and fish species.
3) American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Pelecanidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American white pelican is an enormous bird, reaching lengths of 127 – 165 cm (4 ft 2 in – 5 ft 5 in) with a wingspan of 244 – 290 cm (8 ft – 9 ft 6 in). This species is heavy-bodied, with a long neck that supports a huge yellow bill. During breeding season, a horny protrusion develops on the upper mandible. The plumage is entirely white, except for the flight feathers, which are black.
Migrating and non-breeding American white pelicans can be found statewide, however, there is a non-migrating breeding population in the east of the state. Populations can be found on lakes and marshes, but have also been reported along the Gulf Coast, with some individuals also breeding here. There are no significant threats to this species, and it appears to be thriving.
4) American white ibis (Eudocimus albus)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Threskiornithidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The white ibis has a round body atop long, thick legs. It reaches lengths of 56 – 68 cm (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft 3 in) and has a wingspan of 96 cm (3 ft 2 in). The plumage of this bird is white with black wingtips, and its face, bill, and legs are bright pink.
Eudocimus albus is found along the coast in Texas and while some populations do breed inland, they do not stray far from the coastal regions. This species is tolerant of fresh, salt, or brackish water, preferring shallow areas where it feeds on insects, crabs, and fish. Urbanization may affect the ecology of the white ibis, with one study finding that urban populations had shorter breeding seasons.
5) Green heron (Butorides virescens)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
In contrast to most members of Ardeidae, the green heron is quite stockily built, with short legs and a thick neck. It grows to 41 – 46 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 6 in) in length and has a wingspan of 64 – 68 cm (2 ft 1 in – 2 ft 3 in). This bird has dark plumage, which is green across the back and top of the head, and chestnut on the underside and neck. The bill is dark, and the legs are orange.
Butorides virescens is widespread in Texas, where it occupies lakes, streams, marshes, and ponds, tending to gravitate towards areas with dense emergent vegetation. Individuals feed on fish, amphibians, and insects, including dragonflies, which they snap out of the air. Green herons are hunted for food in some areas, but this is not a major threat to populations.
6) Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Pelecanidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The brown pelican is a striking bird – it grows to an enormous 100 – 137 cm (3 ft 3 in – 4 ft 6 in) in length and has a wingspan of 200 cm (6 ft 7 in). The plumage on the body is gray-brown, while the neck is white and the head yellow. During breeding season, the back and sides become a much richer brown in color. The large bill is pinkish with a dark pouch on the lower mandible.
Pelecanus occidentalis can be found along the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts in Texas, where they may be found on salt bays or on the open ocean. This species faces a number of threats, such as human disturbance, pollution from pesticides, and the fishing industry (mainly in the form of birds becoming tangled in equipment, and the decrease in fish populations).
7) White-faced ibis (Plegadis chihi)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Threskiornithidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The white-faced ibis attains lengths of 46 – 56 cm (1 ft 6 in – 1 ft 10 in) and has a wingspan of 90 – 93 cm (2 ft 11 in – 3 ft 1 in). This bird has a fairly rotund body, with a long neck, long legs, and downward-curved bill. Non-breeding adults display matte brown plumage, but during the breeding season, they become maroon, with glossy green and bronze wings. The legs and facial skin are pink, and a white stripe runs from the bill around the back of the eye.
Plegadis chihi resides on marshes, swamps, ponds, and rivers. It is also associated with rice fields in Texas, where it is unfortunately exposed to pesticides. Although the overall conservation status of this species is that of least concern, in Texas it is considered threatened.
8) American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American bittern is around 60 – 85 cm (2 ft – 2 ft 9 in) in length and has a wingspan of 92 cm (3 ft). It is a stoutly built bird with a thick neck and shorter legs than most herons and has a dagger-like bill. The plumage is brown, buff, and white in color, displaying a strongly streaked pattern.
Botaurus lentiginosus is typically only seen as a migrant or winter visitor in Texas, where it occupies marshes or reedy lakes, relying on areas with emergent vegetation for camouflage. Occasional breeding pairs do occur in the state – the male performs an elaborate courtship display which includes calling to the female, fluffing up the feathers, and lowering and shaking the head.
9) Snow goose (Anser caerulescens)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The snow goose ranges in length from 69 – 83 cm (2 ft 3 in – 2 ft 9 in) and has a wingspan of 138 cm (4 ft 6 in). This bird has a large body and a thick neck, and the bill is pink with a dark ‘grin patch’. There are two color morphs in this species: the white morph has entirely white plumage with black wingtips, and the blue morph is dark brown with a white face and white underneath the tail.
Over recent years, populations of Anser caerulescens on the Texas Gulf Coast have declined. The species is hunted in the state, and it may also be affected by climate change in the future. Despite this, the overall conservation status of the species is not a concern, and many populations outside of Texas are increasing.
10) Pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps)
- Native to North America
- Order: Podicipediformes
- Family: Podicipedidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The pied-billed grebe is a very small bird, reaching just 30 – 38 cm (1 ft – 1 ft 3 in) in length with a wingspan of 45 – 62 cm (1 ft 6 in – 2 ft). This bird has a large head and a very short tail, giving it an almost juvenile appearance. The plumage is brown and slightly darker above, with black patches on the throat, nape of the neck, and crown.
In Texas, Podilymbus podiceps is most common in the Coastal Prairies and the Coastal Sand Plain region. This species inhabits both fresh and saltwater areas, where it usually dives for fish and crayfish. However, rare cases of terrestrial foraging have been reported, with individuals obtaining prey such as earthworms.
11) American coot (Fulica americana)
- Native to the Nearctic region
- Order: Gruiformes
- Family: Rallidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American coot is often mistaken for a duck but is actually a type of rail. It is a small bird, growing to lengths of just 39 – 43 cm (1 ft 3 in – 1 ft 5 in) with a wingspan of 58 – 64 cm (1 ft 11 in – 2 ft 1 in), and it has a stout build with a short neck and tail. The plumage is dark gray or black, and the forehead is bright white with a white bill.
This species is widespread in Texas, where it resides on lakes or marshes, selecting areas with deeper water and abundant emergent vegetation. Many pairs of American coots breed in the state – a fascinating study has found that parents will preferentially feed chicks with more ‘ornamental plumage’, thus increasing their chances of survival.
12) Double-crested cormorant (Nannopterum auritum)
- Native to North America
- Order: Suliformes
- Family: Phalacrocoracidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The double-crested cormorant is 70 – 90 cm (2 ft 4 in – 2 ft 11 in) in length and has a wingspan of 114 – 123 cm (3 ft 9 in – 4 ft). This bird has a striking appearance – it stands very tall and has a slender body with a long neck, and strong, hooked bill. The plumage is dark brown or black, with subtle mottling across the wings. The face is yellow and the bill pale, and during breeding season adults develop white plumes above the eyes.
As well as being found along the coastline in Texas, Nannopterum auritum can be seen on lakes and rivers. A study into the diets of wintering double-crested cormorants in Texas found that individuals consume fish species such as striped mullet, Gulf toadfish, and Gulf menhaden.
13) Common loon (Gavia immer)
- Native to North America
- Order: Gaviiformes
- Family: Gaviidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The common loon is unmistakable – breeding adults have a black and white checkered back, striped chest, and a black neck with a short, sharp bill. Outside of breeding season, the plumage fades to subtle gray patterning. Individuals attain lengths of 66 – 91 cm (2 ft 2 in – 3 ft) and have a wingspan of 104 – 131 cm (3 ft 5 in – 4 ft 4 in).
Gavia immer occupies wooded lakes and coastal waters – because this species detects its prey visually, it requires clear water in which to dive. Common prey items include fish, crustaceans, mollusks, aquatic insects, and amphibians. Despite being vulnerable to pollution from pesticides, populations of the common loon are increasing.
14) Green-winged teal (Anas carolinensis)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The green-winged teal is 31 – 39 cm (1 ft – 1 ft 3 in) in length and has a wingspan of 52 – 59 cm (1 ft 8 in – 1 ft 11 in). Females have relatively plain brown plumage with a yellow streak on the tail, whereas males have much more complex coloration. The male has a gray body, a paler mottled chest, and a cinnamon head with an iridescent green stripe traveling through the eye towards the back of the neck. Both sexes have green patches on the wing, which are more visible in flight.
Most members of Anas carolinensis are common migrants and wintering birds in Texas, usually departing by April at the latest. This species occupies marshes, rivers, and bays. A study into wintering green-winged teals in Texas found that the time they spend doing activities varies depending on the time of year – for example, during a period of molting and depositing fat, individuals spend longer feeding.
15) Great egret (Ardea alba)
- Native to North, Central, and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The great egret is a large member of Ardeidae, reaching lengths of 94 – 104 cm (3 ft 1 in – 3 ft 5 in) with a wingspan of 131 – 145 cm (4 ft 4 in – 4 ft 9 in). This species has a very slender build with a long neck and long, slender legs. Its plumage is pure white, the legs black, and the bill yellow.
Ardea alba is widespread in Texas, but this was not always the case – in the early 1900s, this bird was hunted for its feathers and experienced huge declines in numbers. It has since been afforded legal protection, allowing populations to recover. This species forages in wetland areas, wading through the water in search of fish, crustaceans, amphibians, and reptiles.
16) Black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The black-crowned night heron is small, reaching just 58 – 66 cm (1 ft 11 in – 2 ft 2 in) in length with a wingspan of 115 – 118 cm (3 ft 9 in – 3 ft 10 in). Compared to most members of Ardeidae, this bird has a stout build with thick legs and a short, thick neck. The bill is also heavier than that of most heron species. The plumage of the adult is pale gray, with slightly darker wings and a black back and crown.
Nycticorax nycticorax resides on marshes and shores, usually roosting in trees. As well as consuming various fishes, this species will also feed on birds, often targeting nestlings of other colonial waterbirds. As the name suggests, black-crowned night herons are nocturnal, a habit that renders their nestling prey more easily obtained.
17) Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis)
- Native to North, Central, and South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The cattle egret is a small, compact bird, with a length of 46 – 56 cm (1 ft 6 in – 1 ft 10 in) and a wingspan of 88 – 96 cm (2 ft 11 in – 3 ft 2 in). This species has entirely white plumage with a yellow bill and legs, but during breeding season adults develop golden plumes on the back, chest, and head.
Bubulcus ibis breeds throughout the coastal and eastern regions of Texas. This species can be found in a variety of habitats including farms, marshes, and even at the edges of highways! The diet of the cattle egret includes insects, arachnids, crustaceans, mollusks, and even some amphibians and small rodents.
18) Tricolored heron (Egretta tricolor)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The tricolored heron is delicately built and has a very long bill (much longer than that of other members of Ardeidae). The length of this bird is 60 – 70 cm (2 ft – 2 ft 4 in) and it has a wingspan of 95 cm (3 ft 1 in). This species is highly colorful, with blue-gray and lavender plumage over the back, wings, and head, while the underside and throat are white.
Egretta tricolor can be found in mixed colonies along the Texas coast, where it forages by wading slowly through the water, or disturbing its prey and then chasing it. This species feeds predominantly on crustaceans and fishes.
19) American wigeon (Mareca americana)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American wigeon is a compactly built duck that reaches 42 – 59 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 11 in) in length and has a wingspan of 84 cm (2 ft 9 in). The female has warm brown plumage with a gray-brown head, complete with a dark patch around the eye. In contrast, the male has a cinnamon-colored body with a mottled gray-brown head and white patches on the rump. There is a green stripe traveling through the eye and down the back of the neck, and the crown is white.
Mareca americana overwinters in Texas – a study has found that this species moves around and selects habitats that maximize their foraging efficiency over the winter months, as sustenance can be especially hard to come by during this time. American wigeons feed predominantly on plant material such as pondweeds and sedges but will also consume insects and snails.
20) Northern pintail (Anas acuta)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The northern pintail is an elegantly built bird, with a long, graceful neck and long pointed tail. This bird ranges in length from 51 – 76 cm (1 ft 8 in – 2 ft 6 in) and has a wingspan of 86 cm (2 ft 10 in) – when in flight, the wings are long and narrow in shape. Female northern pintails are mottled brown and white in color with a paler face and dark bill. Males have a gray body, white breast and throat, and chocolate-colored head, and also have green secondary flight feathers.
Anas acuta can be seen in the Texas panhandle, where it is an infrequent summer resident. Wintering populations can also be seen in the state. This species occupies marshes, ponds, and lakes, although it may be threatened by loss of wetland habitat as well as poisoning from ingesting lead shot.
21) Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The bufflehead is the smallest diving duck in North America, growing to just 32 – 40 cm (1 ft 1 in – 1 ft 4 in) in length with a wingspan of 55 cm (1 ft 10 in). Females display gray-brown plumage with a white oval-shaped patch on the face, while males have a white body, black back, and iridescent head with a white patch wrapping around the back of it.
An enormous number of buffleheads overwinter in Texas, residing both along the coast and inland. Coastal populations have been shown to be heavily reliant on sand shrimp, as well as mollusks, fishes, and isopods. Bucephala albeola usually feeds in the early morning or around midday and has been found to spend more time foraging than other species occupying the same areas.
22) Wood duck (Aix sponsa)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The wood duck has a unique profile, with a thin neck and large, crested head. This species grows to 47 – 54 cm (1 ft 7 in – 1 ft 9 in) in length and has a wingspan of 66 – 73 cm (2 ft 2 in – 2 ft 5 in). Female wood ducks are gray-brown with a paler breast, and they display a white ring around the eye. The male has a white underside, chestnut breast, buff sides, and a dark brown back. His head is iridescent green with white stripes across the face.
Aix sponsa is most common in eastern Texas and becomes less prevalent towards the west. There are no significant threats to this species and populations are reported to be on the rise, although it is a popular game bird in Texas and is frequently hunted.
23) Hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The hooded merganser attains lengths of 40 – 49 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 7 in) and has a wingspan of 60 – 66 cm (2 ft – 2 ft 2 in). This bird possesses a large crest and small, thin bill, which makes the head appear larger than it is. Female hooded mergansers are gray-brown with a cinnamon-colored crest, while males have chestnut sides, a black back, white breast, and a black head with a white patch across the crest.
Lophodytes cucullatus is present in Texas throughout the winter months, although some individuals have been seen during the summer. This species can be seen on wooded lakes, ponds, or rivers, often preferring areas of open water with surrounding woodland or shrubland.
24) Common merganser (Mergus merganser)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The common merganser is long-bodied, with a total length of 54 – 71 cm (1 ft 9 in – 2 ft 4 in) and a wingspan of 86 cm (2 ft 10 in). The female has a gray body with a paler throat, and her head is adorned with a shaggy rusty-colored crest. In contrast, the male has a white body, black back, and iridescent green head. Both sexes have a bright red bill.
Although the conservation status of this species is “least concern”, populations may still face threats such as persecution by anglers, water pollution, and entrapment in fishing nets. The common merganser may also be affected by avian influenza.
25) Black skimmer (Rynchops niger)
- Native to North America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Laridae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The black skimmer is a slender seabird with long, thin wings – this species grows to lengths of 40 – 50 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 8 in) and has a wingspan of 109 – 115 cm (3 ft 7 in – 3 ft 9 in). This bird is black above and white below, with the head neatly divided into these two colors. The bill is red dipped in black, while the legs are orange.
Rynchops niger prefers sheltered coastal waters such as bays or lagoons, where it flies low over the water ready to snatch fish that are near the surface. Populations of the black skimmer have declined dramatically in Texas, a trend that is likely a result of nest failure due to predation, flooding, or competition.
26) Mute swan (Cygnus olor)
- Native to Europe, Asia, and Africa
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The mute swan is very large, attaining lengths of 127 – 152 cm (4 ft 2 in – 5 ft) with a wingspan of 208 – 238 cm (6 ft 10 in – 7 ft 10 in). This bird is heavy-bodied with a curved, slender neck. Its plumage is entirely white, with an orange bill that has a black base – there is a large protrusion at the base of the upper mandible.
Cygnus olor is an invasive species in Texas and can cause ecological damage – it consumes large volumes of plant matter, and being an aggressive bird, it can often drive native bird species away. The aggression may also be targeted towards humans.
27) Canada goose (Branta canadensis)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The Canada goose is a heavy-bodied water bird that ranges from 76 – 110 cm (2 ft 6 in – 3 ft 7 in) in length and has a wingspan of 127 – 170 cm (4 ft 2 in – 5 ft 7 in). Males and females are similar in appearance, with a brown back, tan breast, and black neck and head with white chinstraps.
Branta canadensis is typically seen in Texas during the winter, although there are a handful of breeding populations in the state. This species feeds on an enormous variety of plant matter, including seeds, grasses, and vegetation of various other plant species. The use of pesticides in the Texas Panhandle has caused the death of many Canada geese.
28) Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja)
- Native to southern North America, as well as Central and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Threskiornithidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The roseate spoonbill is an unusual-looking bird, with a round body on top of long legs. It ranges in length from 71 – 86 cm (2 ft 4 in – 2 ft 10 in) and has a wingspan of 120 – 130 cm (3 ft 11 in – 4 ft 3 in). This bird’s bill is long and forms a spoon shape at the end, and its plumage is pink in color, with brighter pink on the shoulder and rump. The neck is white, and the head yellowish green, while the eyes are red.
Platalea ajaja can be found along the Gulf Coast of Texas, where it can be observed on coastal marshes and mudflats feeding on small fish and crustaceans. Breeding populations of roseate spoonbills are located around Nueces Bay, with several hundred adults congregating to nest in trees or shrubs.
29) Ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis)
- Native to North America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Laridae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The ring-billed gull grows to 43 – 54 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 9 in) in length and has a wingspan of 105 – 117 cm (3 ft 5 in – 3 ft 10 in). This bird has a slight build with long, slender wings, and its plumage is white with a gray back and wings. The wingtips are dipped in black, and the bill is yellow with a prominent dark ring around it.
Larus delawarensis is very flexible in its ecology, with individuals residing on lakes, marshes, coastlines, fields, and landfill sites. This species usually feeds on fish, insects, worms, refuse, and rodents, but there are reports of individuals targeting Portuguese man o’ war – an incredibly risky endeavor!
30) Wood stork (Mycteria americana)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Ciconiiformes
- Family: Ciconiidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The wood stork is a very large bird, with a heavy body and very slender, long legs. It attains lengths of 85 – 115 cm (2 ft 9 in – 3 ft 9 in) and has a wingspan of 150 – 175 cm (4 ft 11 in – 5 ft 9 in). This bird has white plumage with black flight feathers and a black tail. Its head and the upper portion of the neck are featherless, displaying instead dark, scaly skin.
This species is listed as threatened in Texas and has not been reported as nesting within the state since the 1960s. It usually comes to Texas from Mexico to take advantage of the dry summer months. Populations of Mycteria americana are decreasing, possibly due to expanding agriculture, invasive species, and predation.
31) Magnificent frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)
- Native to southern North America, as well as Central and South America
- Order: Suliiformes
- Family: Fregatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The magnificent frigatebird is unmistakable in flight – it has long, pointed wings, a deeply forked tail, and a long, hooked bill. This bird reaches lengths of 89 – 114 cm (2 ft 11 in – 3 ft 9 in) and has a wingspan of 217 – 224 cm (7 ft 1 in – 7 ft 4 in). The plumage is almost entirely black, although females and juveniles have white on the chest, belly, and head. Breeding males have a bright red throat pouch.
Fregata magnificens can be found along the coast and may venture far out to sea at times. This bird is adept at snatching prey from the ocean surface and has also been witnessed chasing other birds until they regurgitate food, which the frigatebird then dives down to steal.
32) Neotropical cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum)
- Native to southern North America, as well as Central and South America
- Order: Suliiformes
- Family: Phalacrocoracidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
Compared to most cormorants, the neotropical cormorant is small, reaching just 61 cm (2 ft) in length with a wingspan of 102 cm (3 ft 4 in). This bird has a slender build with a long tail, and its bill is straight with a hook at the tip. The plumage is black, with a subtle olive coloration on the wings. There is orange skin on the throat with a white line running around it, and during breeding season, plumes of white feathers appear near the ear.
Nannopterum brasilianum breeds along the Texas coastline, with some populations residing further inland. A study found that neotropical cormorants along the Trinity River in Texas have traces of organic pollutants in their bodies. However, these were not considered to put them at risk of adverse effects.
33) Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Suliiformes
- Family: Anhingidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The anhinga is a slender bird that stands with an upright posture. It ranges in length from 75 – 95 cm (2 ft 6 in – 3 ft 1 in) and has a wingspan of 109 cm (3 ft 7 in). Male anhingas display black plumage with white streaks on the back and wings, whereas females and juveniles are pale tan in color on the neck, head, and chest.
In Texas, Anhinga anhinga can be found on swamps dominated by bald cypress, with most breeding populations being located in the eastern half of the state. This bird feeds on a variety of fish species, such as catfish, mullet, pickerel, and gizzard shad. It swims underwater to capture its prey.
34) Common gallinule (Gallinula galeata)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Gruiformes
- Family: Rallidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
Often mistaken for the common moorhen, the common gallinule was declared genetically distinct from its Eurasian counterpart in 2011. Common gallinules are 32 – 35 cm (1 ft 1 in – 1 ft 2 in) in length with a wingspan of 54 – 62 cm (1 ft 9 in – 2 ft). This species has a plump body, with a thin neck and small head. The plumage of this bird is described as ‘charcoal gray’ with a white stripe on the side. The face is adorned with a bright red shield, and the bill is red dipped in yellow.
Gallinula galeata resides on freshwater marshes or reedy ponds, preferring areas of open water characterized by panicum and paspalum grasses. This species consumes a varied diet, including leaves, stems, and seeds, as well as insects, earthworms, snails, and tadpoles.
35) Greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The greater white-fronted goose is thickset with a stout neck and thick legs. It reaches lengths of 64 – 81 cm (2 ft 1 in – 2 ft 8 in) and has a wingspan of 135 cm (4 ft 5 in). The plumage of this bird is predominantly mottled brown, with white underneath the tail and a white forehead. The bill and legs are orange.
In Texas, Anser albifrons is most commonly seen throughout the winter months, during which times it can be seen on marshes or in fields. Although the conservation status of the greater white-fronted goose is that of least concern, the species may face threats such as disease, climate change, and pollution.
36) American avocet (Recurvirostra americana)
- Native to western North America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Recurvirostridae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American avocet is a delicately built bird that attains lengths of 43 – 47 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 7 in) and has a wingspan of 72 cm (2 ft 4 in). During breeding season, this bird displays a rusty-colored head and neck, a white body, and black and white wings. The head and neck fade to gray outside of breeding season.
Recurvirostra americana breeds along the Gulf Coast, in western Texas, and in the Panhandle. The preferred habitat of this species is usually mudflats, fresh or saltwater marshes, and coastal bays – individuals wade through shallow water, making a sweeping motion with their bill to detect food. Common food items include crustaceans, insects, and seeds.
37) Greater yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Scolopacidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The greater yellowlegs grows to 29 – 33 cm (11 in – 1 ft 1 in) in length, with a wingspan of 60 cm (2 ft). This bird is slender, sitting atop thin legs, and has a long, straight bill used for probing for food. During breeding season, the greater yellowlegs is pale in color with multiple dark bands across the breast and neck, but for the rest of the year, the markings are more subtle.
Tringa melanoleuca is commonly seen in Texas during the winter months, usually between September and April, and is rarely seen in summer. This species resides on marshes and mudflats, although it may also be seen foraging in fields. Common food items include fish, insects, and insect larvae.
38) Black-necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Recurvirostridae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The black-necked stilt, also known as the black-winged stilt, has a small body atop very slender, long legs. It grows to lengths of 35 – 39 cm (1 ft 2 in – 1 ft 3 in) and has a wingspan of 72 – 76 cm (2 ft 4 in – 2 ft 6 in). The plumage is black above and white below, with a black bill and bright pink legs.
Himantopus mexicanus is found along the Gulf Coast of Texas, and there may also be breeding populations in the Texas Panhandle. Individuals can typically be seen on grassy marshes or mudflats, where they pluck insects and crustaceans out of the mud or water. This species can thrive in both salt and freshwater areas.
