Birds of the Houston-Galveston Region

Resources Birds of the Houston-Galveston Region

On the Upper Texas Coast, we are fortunate to have hundreds of bird species that live here year-round or seasonally. Listed below are the species that have been reliably sighted in our area. Each species is listed with its common name, a photo, the time(s) of year when it is seen, the habitat(s) it favors, areas where the bird has been spotted, a link to an in-depth identification guide, and a link to a map showing sightings of the bird.

Thanks to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's eBird website and All About Birds website for the information and maps compiled in this list. This list is merely a collection of links and information, all research credit is due to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Photo credit to All About Birds.

Note that the photos of the birds are mostly males in breeding plumages, and that reliable reports were based off of recent, repeated reports.

Jump to Waterfowl: Ducks and Geese

Jump to Waterbirds: Loons, Grebes, Pelicans, Cormorants, Anhingas, Frigatebirds, Bitterns, Herons, Egrets, Ibis, Spoonbills, Storks, Rails, Soras, Coots, Cranes

Jump to Shorebirds

Jump to Gulls, Terns and Skimmers

Jump to Quail, Doves, Pigeons, Parakeets and Cuckoos

Jump to Birds of Prey

Jump to Nighthawks and Swifts

Jump to Hummingbirds

Jump to Kingfishers, Woodpeckers, Corvids, and Shrikes

Jump to Songbirds/Passerines

Jump to Uncommon/Rare Birds

Waterfowl

Black-bellied Whistling Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

Present in: Mar-Nov, some resident

Habitat: Lakes, ponds, rice fields, wooded areas

Reliably reported at: Brazos Bend State Park, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory

Fulvous Whistling Duck

Dendrocygna bicolor

Present in: Mar-Nov, some resident

Habitat: Rice fields, ponds, lakes

Reliably reported at: Brazos Bend State Park, San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge.

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

Present in: Oct-Apr

Habitat: Marsh, rice and corn fields

Reliably reported at: Brazos Bend State Park, San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary.

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

Present in: Oct-Mar

Habitat: Fields, lakes, rice stubble

Reliably reported at: Brazos Bend State Park, San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Brazos River County Park, Galveston Island State Park, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary.

Ross's Goose

Anser rossii

Present in: Oct-Mar

Habitat: Rice fields, marshes, prairie

Reliably reported at: Brazos Bend State Park, San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Brazos River County Park, Galveston Island State Park, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary.

Wood Duck

Aix sponsa

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Ponds, lakes, swamp, bayou

Reliably reported at: Brazos Bend State Park, San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Brazos River County Park, High Island (Smith Oaks), Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Bayside Regional Park, Armand Bayou Nature Center.

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Marshes, flooded ditches

Reliably reported at: Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Brazos Bend State Park, San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Galveston Island State Park, Sweetwater Nature Preserve, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

Present in: Oct-Apr

Habitat: Marshes, ponds

Reliably reported at: Brazos Bend State Park, San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Lakes, reservoirs, flooded fields, bayous, bay waters

Reliably reported at: Brazos Bend State Park, San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Bryan Beach, Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Galveston Island State Park, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary

Gadwall

Mareca strepera

Present in: Sept-May

Habitat: Lakes, reservoirs, flooded fields, bayous

Reliably reported at: Brazos Bend State Park, San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Bryan Beach, Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Galveston Island State Park, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, San Jacinto Battleground Sanctuary

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

Present in: Sept-May

Habitat: Lakes, ponds, flooded fields

Reliably reported at: Brazos Bend State Park, San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Galveston Island State Park, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

Present in: Sept-Apr

Habitat: Lakes, reservoirs, flooded fields

Reliably reported at: San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Galveston Island State Park, Nassau Bay Peninsula Wildlife Reserve

Mottled Duck

Anas fulvigula

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Fresh, brackish & saltwater marshes, lakes, flooded fields

Reliably reported at: Brazos Bend State Park, San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Bryan Beach, Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Galveston Island State Park, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Bolivar Flats, San Luis Pass

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

Present in: Sept-May

Habitat: Fresh & brackish marshes, bays

Reliably reported at: Brazos Bend State Park, San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Galveston Island State Park, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, San Luis Pass

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

Present in: Sept-May

Habitat: Marshes, flooded fields, bay waters

Reliably reported at: Brazos River County Park, San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Galveston Island State Park, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge

Canvasback

Aythya valisineria

Present in: Oct-Apr

Habitat: Ocean, bays, estuaries, lakes

Reliably reported at: Brazos Bend State Park, San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Katie Prairie, John Paul Landing Park, NRG Cooling Ponds/Dutton Lake

Redhead

Aythya americana

Present in: Oct-Apr

Habitat: Oceans, bays, lakes, ponds

Reliably reported at: West Galveston bay, Christmas Bay, FLNG ponds Quintana, Katy Prairie, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

Present in: Oct-Apr

Habitat: Pounds, impoundments

Reliably reported at: Brazos Bend, Warren Lake, Hermann Park HAS, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Galveston

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

Present in: Oct-May

Habitat: Oceans, bays, lakes

Reliably reported at: Brazos Bend, Morgan's Point, Bryan Beach, Galveston Island SP, Seabrook Wildlife Park, Katy Prairie

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

Present in: Nov-Apr

Habitat: Larger bays, nearshore waters

Reliably reported at: Sugar Bean ponds Galveston, Port Bolivar, Quintana beach and jetty

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

Present in: Nov-Apr

Habitat: Lakes, ponds, saltwater marshes

Reliably reported at: Thompson's Bait Camp, Galveston Island SP, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Port Bolivar, Lavaca/Cox Bay

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

Present in: Nov-Apr

Habitat: Bays, open waters

Reliably reported at: Galveston, Moses lake/ Dollar Bay, Port Bolivar, Seabrook--Back Bay

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

Present in: Nov-Apr

Habitat: Ponds, lakes, tidal sloughs

Reliably reported at: San Jacinto SP, Barker Reservoir, Brazos Bend, Seabrook Wildlife Park

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

Present in: Oct-May

Habitat: Bays, rivers, ocean

Reliably reported at: Galveston, Quintana Beach and Jetty, Bolivar peninsula, McHale Park, Hermann Park

Ruddy Duck

Oxyura jamaicensis

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Bays, brackish water, ponds

Reliably reported at: Brazos Bend SP, Quintana Beach and Jetty, Galveston Island SP, Anahuac NWR, San Jacinto Battleground, Katy Prairie

Waterbirds

Common Loon

Gavia immer

Present in: Oct-May

Habitat: Oceans, bays, lakes

Reliably reported at: Offatts Bayou, Quintana Beach and Jetty, Texas City, Lafitte's Cove

Least Grebe

Tachybaptus dominicus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Pond to reservoir-sized fresh water bodies

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Lafitte's Cove

Pied-billed Grebe

Podilymbus podiceps

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Fresh or brackish waters

Reliably reported at: Galveston, Texas City WTP, Armand Bayou Nature Ctr., Anahuac NWR, Mason Park, Katy Prairie, San Bernard NWR

Eared Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis

Present in: Sept-June

Habitat: Coastal waters, bays

Reliably reported at: Galveston, Texas City dike, Quintana Beach and Jetty, Offatts Bayou

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

Present in: Aug-May

Habitat: Gulf and bay waters

Reliably reported at: San Luis Pass, Rollover Pass, Bolivar, Fort Bend, McFaddin NWR, Bryan Beach

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Gulf and bay waters

Reliably reported at: Galveston, Robinson Park, Anahuac NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Quintana Beach and Jetty, Morgan's Point

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Fresh and salt marshes, bays, reservoirs

Reliably reported at: Galveston, Fort Bend, Anahuac NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Quintana Beach and Jetty, Brazoria NWR

Double-crested Cormorant

Nannopterum auritum

Present in: Sept-June

Habitat: Fresh and salt marshes, bays, ocean waters

Reliably reported at: Galveston, Fort Bend, Anahuac NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Quintana Beach and Jetty, Brazoria NWR

Anhinga

Anhinga anhinga

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Lakes, swamps, standing water

Reliably reported at: Galveston, Fort Bend, Anahuac NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Quintana Beach and Jetty, Brazoria NWR, Brazos Bend SP

Magnificent Frigatebird

Fregata magnificens

Present in: Apr-Nov

Habitat: Flying in bays and ocean waters

Reliably reported at: Galveston Island SP, Seabrook, Galveston Seawall, Surfside Beach and Jetty

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

Present in: Aug-May

Habitat: Freshwater and brackish marshes, paddy fields

Reliably reported at: Anahuac NWR, Horseshoe Marsh, Brazoria NWR, Brazos Bend SP, Quintana, Galveston

Least Bittern

Ixobrychus exilis

Present in: Mar-Nov

Habitat: Lakes, ponds, estuarine habitats

Reliably reported at: Galveston Island SP, Brazos Bend SP, Brazoria NWR, San Bernard NWR, Sea Rim SP

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Wetlands of all types

Reliably reported at: Galveston Island SP, Brazos Bend SP, Brazoria NWR, San Bernard NWR, Sea Rim SP

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Lakes and reservoirs, flooded fields, marshes, bayous, beaches

Reliably reported at: Galveston Island SP, Anahuac NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Nassau Bay Peninsula Wildlife Reserve

Tricolored Heron

Egretta tricolor

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Beaches, intertidal flats, marshes

Reliably reported at: Galveston Island SP, Anahuac NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Nassau Bay Peninsula Wildlife Reserve, Bay Area Park

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Fresh water creeks, sloughs, bayous, margins of inland lakes

Reliably reported at: Galveston Island SP, Anahuac NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Nests in bottomland forest with bald cypress and water oak. Feeds on intertidal flats, beaches, saltwater marshes

Reliably reported at: Galveston, San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Black-crowned Night-Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Coastal marshes, sloughs, bayous, bay edges

Reliably reported at: Galveston, Clear Lake Park, Riverpark Nature Trails, Freeport Marsh

Great Egret

Ardea alba

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Wetlands, prairies, still waters

Reliably reported at: Galveston, Anahuac NWR, San Bernard NWR, Clear Lake Park, Katy Prairie

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Fresh and saltwater marshes, flooded fields, beaches, bayous, lakes

Reliably reported at: High Island, Galveston, Smith Oaks Rookery Count, George Bush Park, Brazoria NWR

Cattle Egret

Bubulcus ibis

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Prairies, pastures, marshes

Reliably reported at: Galveston, El Franco Lee Park, Brazos River Park, Brazoria NWR

Reddish Egret (blue form)

Egretta rufescens

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Beaches, intertidal flats

Reliably reported at: Galveston, Quintana, Surfside

White Ibis

Eudocimus albus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Flooded fields, marshes, bottomland forests

Reliably reported at: Galveston, Brazos Bend SP, Clear Creek Nature Park, Anahuac NWR

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

Present in: Resident but sparse

Habitat: Rice fields, freshwater impoundments with emergent vegetation, occasional saltmarshes

Reliably reported at: Anahuac NWR, Galveston Island SP

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Rice fields, flooded fields

Reliably reported at: Anahuac NWR, Galveston, Katy Prairie, Amoco Settling Pond, Brazoria NWR, San Bernard NWR

Roseate Spoonbill

Platalea ajaja

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Flooded fields, bays, fresh and saltmarshes

Reliably reported at: Smith Point, Rollover Pass, Surfside, Anahuac NWR, Galveston, Archbishop Fiorenza Park

Wood stork

Mycteria americana

Present in: May-Nov

Habitat: Freshwater and brackish marshes

Reliably reported at: Brazoria NWR, Riverpark Nature Trails

Clapper Rail

Rallus crepitans

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Salt marsh at Gulf and bay margins

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Bryan Beach, Brazoria NWR, San Luis Pass, Fort Travis Seashore Park, Bolivar Flats Bird Sanctuary, Smith Oaks Sanctuary

King Rail

Rallus elegans

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Freshwater or brackish marshes, rice fields

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Bolivar Flats Bird Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

Present in: Sep-May

Habitat: Freshwater marsh, rice fields, wet prairie

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Bolivar Flats Bird Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Boy Scouts Woods

Sora

Porzana carolina

Present in: Mid Aug-June

Habitat: Freshwater marsh, margins of vegetation-covered ponds

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Brazos Bend SP, Baytown Nature Center, Katy Prairie Conserv., Anahuac NWR

Purple Gallinule

Porphyrio martinica

Present in: Apr-Nov

Habitat: Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs with floating and emergent vegetation

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Brazos Bend SP, Anahuac NWR, Smith Oak Sanctuary

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Freshwater marshes, ponds, lake edges

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Bryan Beach, Brazoria NWR, Anahuac NWR, Galveston Island SP

American Coot

Fulica americana

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Fresh, brackish, or (rarely) salt water

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Bryan Beach, Brazoria NWR, Anahuac NWR, Galveston Island SP, Nassau Bay Peninsula Wildlife Reserve

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

Present in: Mid Oct-mid Mar

Habitat: Prairie and agricultural lands, occasionally plowed or shallow flooded fields

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Galveston Island SP, Katy Prairie

Shorebirds

Black-bellied Plover

Pluvialis squatarola

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Coastal zones on sandy beaches, sand flats, mixed sand/mudflat and wet shoreline

Reliably reported at: Surfside Beach and Jetty, Bryan Beach, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, San Luis Pass

Snowy Plover

Charadrius nivosus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Open sandy beach, tidal sand flats

Reliably reported at: Follett's Island Blue Water Hwy, Bryan Beach, San Luis Pass, Galveston Island SP, Texas City Dike

Wilson's Plover

Charadrius wilsonia

Present in: Mar-Nov

Habitat: Sandy beach, sand flats

Reliably reported at: Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, San Luis Pass, Texas City Dike, High Island

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Sand and mudflats, lagoon shorelines, intertidal wetlands, rice paddies

Reliably reported at: Quintana Beach and Jetty, Brazoria NWR, Galveston Island SP, Texas City Dike, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary

Piping Plover

Charadrius melodus

Present in: July-May

Habitat: Sandy beach, tidal sand flats

Reliably reported at: Bryan Beach, San Luis Pass, 8 Mile Beach, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, Rollover Pass

Killdeer

Charadrius vociferus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Grasslands, pastures, lake and pond shores, uppermost edges of saline sites

Reliably reported at: Bryan Beach, San Luis Pass, Galveston Island SP, Texas City Dike, Smith Point, Ash Lake

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Bays, tidal sand and mudflats, sandy beaches, oyster reefs

Reliably reported at: Follett's Island Blue Water Hwy, San Luis Pass, Texas City Dike, Smith Point, Rollover Pass

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Marshes, sloughs, rice fields

Reliably reported at: Brazoria NWR, East End Lagoon Nature Preserve, Anahuac NWR, Tanger Outlet Retention Ponds, San Jacinto Battleground

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Major sand flats, tidal salt marshes, sloughs, pools

Reliably reported at: Bryan Beach, Brazoria NWR, Texas City Dike, Port Bolivar, High Island, Anahuac NWR

Greater Yellowlegs

Tringa melanoleuca

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Freshwater impoundments, rice fields, lake and pond shores, flooded prairies and pastures

Reliably reported at: Bryan Beach, San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Kelly Hamby Nature Trail, Galveston Island SP

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Freshwater impoundments, rice fields, lake and pond shores, flooded prairies and pastures

Reliably reported at: San Luis Pass, Brazoria NWR, Galveston Island SP, Texas City Dike, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

Present in: Mar-June; July-Dec

Habitat: Freshwater marshes, lake edges, flooded fields

Reliably reported at: Seabourne Creek Park, Brazos Bend SP, Texas City Dike

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Sandy beach, mixed sand/mudflats, lagoon and bay shores, coastal rice fields during migration

Reliably reported at: Surfside Beach and Jetty, Brazoria NWR, Lafitte's Cove, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, Morgan's Point

Spotted Sandpiper

Actitis macularius

Present in: July-mid June

Habitat: Rocky groins, bulkheads, jetties, pond and lake shorelines, bayous

Reliably reported at: Fort Velasco, Lafitte's Cove, Moody Gardens, Texas City Dike, Sylvan Beach Park, White Oak Park

Upland Sandpiper

Bartramia longicauda

Present in: Mid Mar-mid May; Aug-mid Nov

Habitat: Grasslands, cultivated fields, overgrazed pastures, rice paddies

Reliably reported at: Quintana bridge spoils pond, Anahuac NWR, Katy Prairie, Attwater Prairie-Chicken NWR

Whimbrel

Numenius phaeopus

Present in: Mid Mar-mid June; Aug-mid Nov

Habitat: Coastal rice fields, burned prairie, overgrazed pastures, beaches and intertidal sand flats in the fall

Reliably reported at: San Luis Pass, Fort Travis Seashore Park, Rollover Pass

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

Present in: Late July-June

Habitat: Prairies, plowed cultivated fields, harvested hayfields, sandy beaches and sand flats potentially

Reliably reported at: Bryan Beach, Brazoria NWR, San Luis Pass, Moody Gardens, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, Rollover Pass, Anahuac NWR

Hudsonian Godwit

Limosa haemastica

Present in: Apr-July

Habitat: Rice fields, crawfish ponds, reservoir margins, coastal and inland pools and ponds

Reliably reported at: Anahuac NWR, Fort Travis Seashore Park, Brazoria NWR

Marbled Godwit

Limosa fedoa

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Tidal flats, sandy beaches, grassy fields, flooded rice paddies

Reliably reported at: Bryan Beach, Brazoria NWR, Dos Vacas Muertas, Horseshoe Marsh, Rollover Pass

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Sandy beaches, tidal sand and mudflats, rocky breakwaters and jetties, rice paddies and wet plowed fields during migration

Reliably reported at: Fort Velasco, Surfside Beach and Jetty, Christmas Bay Paddling Trail, San Luis Pass, Galveston Island SP, Fort Travis Seashore Park

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

Present in: Apr-June; Aug-Dec

Habitat: Intertidal flats, sandy beaches, rarely in coastal rice fields during migration

Reliably reported at: Rollover Pass, Brazoria NWR, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary

Sanderling

Calidris alba

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Sand beach, mixed sand and mudflats

Reliably reported at: Surfside Beach and Jetty, San Luis Pass, Galveston SP, High Island Beach

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

Present in: Mar-Nov

Habitat: Freshwater ponds, rice fields, margins of reservoirs and lakes, occasionally beach and sand flats

Reliably reported at: Bryan Beach, San Luis Pass, Anahuac NWR, San Jacinto Battleground

Western Sandpiper

Calidris mauri

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Tidal flats, sandy beaches during high tides, freshwater and brackish pools, rice fields, lake edges

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Bryan Beach, Brazoria NWR, Texas City Dike, Chambers County Beach, Anahuac NWR

Least Sandpiper

Calidris minutilla

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Inland pond and lake shorelines, rice fields and reservoirs, algae-covered rock jetties

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, West Mary's Creek, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

White-rumped Sandpiper

Calidris fuscicollis

Present in: Mid Apr-July

Habitat: Inland rice fields, margins of freshwater impoundments

Reliably reported at: Lafitte's Cove, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Moody Gardens

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

Present in: Mar-June; Aug-Oct

Habitat: Rice fields, grassy areas, occasionally beaches and tidal flats

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Surfside Beach and Jetty, Lafitte's Cove, Anahuac NWR, Katy Prairie

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

Present in: Mar-Dec

Habitat: Freshly flooded rice fields, grazed or flooded pasture, shores of freshwater lakes and ponds

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, San Luis Pass, Galveston Island SP, Anahuac NWR

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

Present in: Mid Sep-mid June

Habitat: Intertidal flats, bay shorelines, less commonly in rice fields

Reliably reported at: Quintana Beach and Jetty, Brazoria NWR, Galveston Island SP, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, High Island, Pine Gully Park

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Flooded paddy fields, shallow impoundments, natural rainwater-filled depressions

Reliably reported at: Brazoria NWR, Bryan Beach, San Luis Pass, Lafitte's Cove, Anahuac NWR

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Coastal mudflats, tidal sloughs and bayous

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, San Luis Pass, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, High Island

Long-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus scolopaceus

Present in: July-June

Habitat: Rice and flooded tilled fields, margins or impoundments, reservoirs, ponds

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Anahuac NWR, Katy Prairie, Texas City WTP, Bolivar Flats Bird Sanctuary

Wilson's Snipe

Gallinago delicata

Present in: Sep-May

Habitat: Rice fields and irrigated agricultural land, harvested paddy fields, freshwater marsh, muddy fields

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Anahuac NWR, Galveston Island SP, Harvest Green Village Farm, Katy Prairie

Wilson's Phalarope (breeding female)

Phalaropus tricolor

Present in: Mar-mid Nov

Habitat: Flooded rice fields, freshwater impoundments

Reliably reported at: Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR

Red-necked Phalarope (breeding female)

Phalaropus lobatus

Present in: Mid Aug-Oct

Habitat: Coastal Ponds and reservoirs, tidal flats

Reliably reported at: Quintana

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Oceans, bays, beaches, mudflats, coastal rice fields, coastal freshwater impoundments

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Surfside Beach and Jetty, Brazoria NWR, Dos Vacas Muertas, Nassau Bay Peninsula Wildlife Reserve, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

Present in: Mid Mar-June; Oct-mid Dec

Habitat: Shallow prairie lakes, coastal tidal flats, rice fields, impoundments

Reliably reported at: Quintana Xeriscape Park, San Luis Pass, El Jardin Park/Beach, Katy Prairie

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

Present in: Mid Nov-May

Habitat: Gulf and bay waters, roosts on beach and tidal flats

Reliably reported at: Quintana Beach and Jetty, Bryan Beach, Brazoria NWR, 8 Mile Beach, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary

Ring-billed Gull

Larus delawarensis

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Open Gulf and bay waters, tidal flats, sandy beach, inland lakes and reservoirs

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Beach and Jetty, Bryan Beach, Brazoria NWR, 8 Mile Beach, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, Nassau Bay (Clear Creek)

Herring Gull

Larus argentatus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Open Gulf and bay waters, tidal flats, beaches

Reliably reported at: Brazoria NWR, Quintana Beach and Jetty, Bryan Beach, 8 Mile Beach, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, Rollover Pass

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

Present in: Near resident (missing first half of June)

Habitat: Tidal flats, beaches

Reliably reported at: Brazoria NWR, Surfside Beach and Jetty, Bryan Beach, 8 Mile Beach, Texas City Dike

Gull-billed Tern

Gelochelidon nilotica

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Salt- and freshwater marshes, shallow fresh to extremely salty impoundments, flooded and freshly tilled fields

Reliably reported at: Brazoria NWR, San Bernard NWR, San Luis Pass, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, High Island

Caspian Tern

Hydroprogne caspia

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Beaches, sandbars and spoil islands, intertidal flats, occasionally inland lakes

Reliably reported at: Bryan Beach, Surfside Beach and Jetty, Galveston Island SP, High Island Beach, San Jacinto Battleground

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Beaches, flats, sand bars and spoil islands

Reliably reported at: Bryan Beach, Surfside Beach and Jetty, San Luis Pass, Sweetwater Nature Preserve, San Jacinto Battleground, High Island Beach

Sandwich Tern

Thalasseus sandvicensis

Present in: Mar-Jan

Habitat: Beaches, tidal flats, sand bars and spoil islands

Reliably reported at: Fort Velasco/Surfside Bird and Butterfly Trail, Christmas Bay Paddling Trail, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, High Island Beach

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

Present in: Mar-Jan

Habitat: Beaches, tidal flats, sand bars and spoil islands

Reliably reported at: Galveston Island SP, Quintana Beach and Jetty, Texas City Dike, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

Present in: Mar-Jan

Habitat: Beaches, tidal flats, sand bars and spoil islands, open Gulf and bay waters, regularly venturing inland along major rivers and bayous

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Bryan Beach, Brazoria NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Armand Bayou Nature Ctr., Texas City Dike, Rollover Pass

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

Present in: Mar-Oct

Habitat: Beaches, bay edges, intertidal flats, islands, nearshore waters

Reliably reported at: Bryan Beach, San Luis Pass, East End Lagoon Nature Preserve, Pine Gully Park, High Island Beach

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

Present in: Apr-mid Nov

Habitat: Beaches, bay edges, intertidal flats, islands, open Gulf waters

Reliably reported at: Quintana Beach and Jetty, Galveston Island SP, Morgan's Point, Anahuac NWR, Sea Rim SP

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Bay waters and tidal flats, Gulf beach margins, nearshore waters, river mouths, sloughs and saline impoundments

Reliably reported at: Quintana Beach and Jetty, San Luis Pass, Galveston Island SP, Apffel Park/East Beach, Rollover Pass

Quail, Doves, Pigeons, Parakeets and Cuckoos

Northern bobwhite

Colinus virginianus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Fields with low brush, prairie, fallow cultivation

Reliably reported at: Anahuac NWR, Katy Prairie, Attwater Prairie-Chicken NWR, Mad Island Marsh Preserve/WMA, Fort Bend

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Rural and urban areas

Reliably reported at: Houston, Galveston, Quintana

Eurasian Collarded-Dove

Streptopelia decaocto

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Urban woodlots, landscaped yards

Reliably reported at: Houston, Galveston, Quintana

White-winged Dove

Zenaida asiatica

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Urban and residential areas, usually with mature shade trees

Reliably reported at: Houston, Galveston

Mourning Dove

Zenaida macroura

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Rural and urban areas, overgrown fields and light woodland

Reliably reported at: Houston, Galveston

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Rural and urban residential areas, farms, parks, scrubby woodland edge

Reliably reported at: Houston, Matagorda County Birding Nature Ctr., Eagle Lake Municipal Park

Monk Parakeet

Myiopsitta monachus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Urban and rural areas, frequently along railroad and power line rights-of-way

Reliably reported at: Moody Gardens, El Franco Lee Park, Wetlands Park, Bayshore Park

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus americanus

Present in: Apr-Dec

Habitat: Broadleaf woodland, second growth and hedgerows, riparian corridors, well-wooded neighborhoods

Reliably reported at: Houston Audubon Field Station, Smith Oaks Rookery Count, Katy Prairie, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

Birds of Prey

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Open country, near the coast and inland, riparian woodland

Reliably reported at: Freeport Wetlands Preserve, San Bernard NWR, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Brazoria NWR, Carbide Park, Brazos River Park, Anahuac NWR

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Coastal and inland, open country including beaches, prairie and agricultural lands

Reliably reported at: Freeport Wetlands Preserve, San Bernard NWR, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Brazoria NWR, Carbide Park, Brazos River Park, Anahuac NWR

Osprey

Pandion haliaetus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Open coast, bays, various freshwater bodies

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Nassau Bay Peninsula Wildlife Reserve, Brazos Bend SP, Anahuac NWR, Horseshoe Marsh

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Open savanna and grassland with tall scrub or scattered trees, both coastal and inland

Reliably reported at: Brazoria NWR, San Luis Pass, Galveston Island SP, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Smith Oaks Sanctuary

Mississippi Kite

Ictinia mississippiensis

Present in: Apr-Oct

Habitat: Riparian corridors and mixed pinewood forests during migration, bottomlands in the summer

Reliably reported at: Brazos Bend SP, Independence Park, Memorial Park (Eastern Glades), Katy Prairie

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Present in: Sep-mid May

Habitat: Breeds in mature bottomland hardwood forests, winters on lakes, reservoirs, fields

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazos Bend SP, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Armand Bayou Nature Ctr., Anahuac NWR

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Marshes, prairies and pastures, fallow fields with low shrubby growth, flooded rice stubble, shores of inland reservoirs and impoundments

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Galveston Island SP, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

Present in: Sep-May

Habitat: Open areas with tall brush or scattered trees, woodland edge

Reliably reported at: Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), John Paul Landing Park, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, White Oak Park

Cooper's Hawk

Accipiter cooperii

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Hedgerows, fallow fields and second growth, residential areas

Reliably reported at: Quintana Xeriscape Park, Brazoria NWR, Brazos Bend SP, Anahuac NWR, Houston Heights Reservoir, Katy Prairie

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Riparian woodlands, pine and mixed pine-oak forests, agricultural land with fallow fields and scattered

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Lafitte's Cove, Challenger 7 Memorial Park, George Bush Park, Carbide Park, Anahuac NWR

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

Present in: Mar-Nov

Habitat: Prairie and agricultural land

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Buffalo Bayou Park, Katy Prairie, Riverpark Nature Trails

White-tailed Hawk

Geranoaetus albicaudatus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Open country with scattered clumps of trees or thickets of McCartney rose or huisache

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Anahuac NWR, Katy Prairie Conserv.

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Agricultural land, lightly urbanized areas

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Moody Gardens, Clear Creek Nature Park, Anahuac NWR, Katy Prairie

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Open country with tall brush or scattered trees

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Moody Gardens, Armand Bayou Nature Ctr, Anahuac NWR, Katy Prairie, Brazos Bend SP

Merlin

Falco columbarius

Present in: Sep-May

Habitat: Coastally at mudflats and wetlands, elsewhere at flooded fields, fallow fields, pastures

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Anahuac NWR, Katy Prairie

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

Present in: Sep-May

Habitat: Farmland, prairie, railroad and power line rights of way

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Anahuac NWR, Katy Prairie, Brazos Bend SP, Moody Gardens

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

Present in: Sep-June

Habitat: Beaches, mudflats, reservoirs, rice paddies, coastal and inland prairies

Reliably reported at: Moody Gardens, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, San Jacinto Battleground, White Oak Park

Great Horned Owl

Bubo virginianus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Bottomland hardwoods, mixed pine-hardwoods, mature plantings of pine and live oak

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Lafitte's Cove, Brazos Bend SP, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Katy Prairie, Rice U. Campus

Barred Owl

Strix varia

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Bottomland cypress forest, mixed pine forest, live oak woodland, forages in open habitats like agricultural land and fallow fields

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Randolph Park, Brazos Bend SP, Armand Bayou Nature Ctr., Bear Creek Park

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

Present in: Mid Oct-Apr

Habitat: Coast and inland marshes, prairies, and agricultural lands

Reliably reported at: Brazoria NWR, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Katy Prairie Conserv.

Nighthawks and Swifts

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

Present in: Mid Apr-mid Oct

Habitat: Beach, coastal and inland prairie

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve, High Island, Hermann Park, Memorial Park

Chuck-Will's-Widow

Antrostomus carolinensis

Present in: Mid Mar-mid May; mid Aug-mid Oct

Habitat: Coastal woodlands, well-vegetated residential areas, mixed pine-oak forest

Reliably reported at: Lafitte's Cove, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Rice U. Campus

Chimney Swift

Chaetura pelagica

Present in: Mid Mar-Nov

Habitat: Urban and suburban areas, nesting in uncapped chimneys, wooded areas with hollow trees

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Moody Gardens, Boy Scout Woods, Russ Pitman Park/Nature Discovery Center, El Franco Lee Park

Hummingbirds

Buff-bellied Hummingbird

Amazilia yucatanensis

Present in: Oct-June

Habitat: Well-planted gardens, woodlots

Reliably reported at: High Island, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Woodland, hedgerows, residential areas with ornamental plantings and sugar water feeders

Reliably reported at: Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Moody Gardens, Lafitte's Cove, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

Present in: Sep-mid May

Habitat: Upland and riparian woodlands, scrub, dry canyons, residential areas

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Lafitte's Cove

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

Present in: Mid Aug-mid Apr

Habitat: Suitably planted gardens, especially those with sugar water feeders

Reliably reported at: Lafitte's Cove, Boy Scout Woods, Riverpark Nature Trails

Kingfishers, Woodpeckers, Corvids, and Shrikes

Belted Kingfisher (Female)

Megaceryle alcyon

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Any body of water that supports small fish including bay edge, fresh and saline channels and impoundments, marshes

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Bryan Beach, Brazoria NWR, San Luis Pass, Galveston Island SP, Fort Travis Seashore Park, Baytown Nature Center

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Melanerpes carolinus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Deciduous and mixed woodlands, residential areas with mature trees

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Brazoria NWR, Brazos River County Park, Clear Creek Nature Park, Katy Prairie Conserv., Smith Oaks Sanctuary

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

Present in: Oct-May

Habitat: Various wooded situations and residential plantings

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Clear Creek Nature Park, Memorial Park, White Oak Park

Downy Woodpecker

Dryobates pubescens

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Light woodland, second growth, hedgerows, residential neighborhoods

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Lafitte's Cove, Carbide Park, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Rice U. Campus, Bay Area Park

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

Present in: Oct-mid Apr; Mid July-Aug

Habitat: Small woodlots to extensive forest, wooded neighborhoods, open habitat with widely scattered trees

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazos River County Park, Boy Scout Woods, White Oak Park, Katy Prairie Conserv.

Pileated Woodpecker

Dryocopus pileatus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Various forest types including bottomland hardwoods, pine or mixed pine, live oak, and post oaks

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazos River County Park, Riverpark Nature Trails, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, Bear Creek Park

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Nearly all wooded UTC localities, including residential areas with mature vegetation, largely absent from the coastal prairies and wetlands

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Jack Brooks Park, Anahuac NWR, Memorial Park, Brazos Bend SP, Katy Prairie Conserv., Hermann Park

American Crow

Corvus brachyrhynchos

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Forest, second growth, residential areas, farmland with scattered trees; very scarce along the coast

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Carbide Park, Anahuac NWR, Memorial Park, Brazos Bend SP, Katy Prairie Conserv., Hermann Park

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Open areas with scattered trees, live oak and holly thickets, hedgerows, brushy land

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Beach and Jetty, San Luis Pass, Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, El Franco Lee Park

Songbirds/Passerines

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

Present in: Mid Apr-June; Aug-mid Oct

Habitat: Woodland edge, feeds from exposed perches over open fields and grasslands adjacent to woodlands

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Lafitte's Cove, Smith Oaks Sanctuary

Eastern Wood-Pewee

Contopus virens

Present in: Apr-mid June; Aug-Dec

Habitat: Woodlands coastal mottes, residential areas with mature trees

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Xeriscape Park, Galveston Island SP, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Woodland Park

Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Empidonax flaviventris

Present in: May; Aug-Nov

Habitat: Interior parks and woodlands, coastal mottes, less frequently in scrub

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Galveston Island SP

Acadian Flycatcher

Empidonax virescens

Present in: Apr-Nov

Habitat: Moist bottomland or riparian forest

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Lafitte's Cove, Boy Scout Woods, Anahuac NWR, Woodland Park, Rice U. Campus

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

Present in: Aug-June

Habitat: Coastal mottes and scrub, feeds near the ground along the edge of coastal woodlands

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Xeriscape Park, Galveston Island SP, Boy Scout Woods, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

Eastern Phoebe

Sayornis phoebe

Present in: Mid Sep-Apr

Habitat: Brushy fields, open marshes, riparian vegetation

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Brazoria NWR, Moody Gardens, Carbide Park, Anahuac NWR, Houston Heights Reservoir, Katy Prairie

Vermilion Flycatcher

Pyrocephalus rubinus

Present in: Sep-mid Mar

Habitat: Rattlebox and similar open, low vegetation, often in and around temporary pools and lakes

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Brazoria NWR, Moody Gardens, Brazos Bend SP, Anahuac NWR

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

Present in: Mid Oct-Apr

Habitat: Thickets of huisache and rattlebox, occasionally in riparian areas

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Corps Woods, Katy Prairie

Great Crested Flycatcher

Myiarchus crinitus

Present in: Mar-Nov

Habitat: Bottomland hardwood forest, mixed pine-hardwood forest, residential areas with tall mature trees

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Galveston Island SP, Corps Woods, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Houston Heights Reservoir, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

Present in: Mid Mar-Nov

Habitat: Brushy fields, fencerows, woodland edge, coastal mottes and weedy fields during migration

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Galveston Island SP, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Brazos Bend SP

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

Present in: Mid Mar-Dec

Habitat: Open country, including prairie or marsh with scattered trees

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Oppenheimer Bird Observatory, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Brazos Bend SP

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Scrub and understory, riparian thickets

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Justin Hurst WMA, Quintana Xeriscape Park, Brazoria NWR, Brazos River County Park, Lafitte's Cove, Smith Oaks Sanctuary

Yellow-throated Vireo

Vireo flavifrons

Present in: Mar-June; Sep-mid Oct

Habitat: Coastal oak and hackberry mottes during migration, mixed pine-hardwood forest and riparian woodlands during the breeding season

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Corps Woods, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Brazos Bend SP

Blue-headed Vireo

Vireo solitarius

Present in: Mid Sep-mid May

Habitat: Bottomland hardwood forests, pine-oak woodlands, isolated coastal mottes, urban woodlots

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Lafitte's Cove, Boy Scout Woods, Anahuac NWR, Clear Creek Nature Park, White Oak Park, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

Warbling Vireo

Vireo gilvus

Present in: Apr-June; Sep-early Oct

Habitat: Canopy of coastal oak mottes, willow groves

Reliably reported at: Quintana Xeriscape Park, Lafitte's Cove, Corps Woods, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Philadelphia Vireo

Vireo philadelphicus

Present in: Mid Apr-June; Mid Sep-early Nov

Habitat: Canopy of coastal oak mottes, willow groves, residential plantings, salt cedar and willow groves

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Corps Woods

Red-eyed Vireo

Vireo olivaceus

Present in: End Mar-mid June; Aug-early Nov

Habitat: Canopy of mature bottomland hardwood forest, mature pine-oak woodlands of the eastern counties

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Xeriscape Park, High Island, Anahuac NWR, White Oak Park, Rice U. Campus, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

Purple Martin

Progne subis

Present in: Feb-mid Oct

Habitat: Ponds, marshes and impoundments, residential neighborhoods, parks, edges of agricultural land and other open habitats

Reliably reported at: Sea Center Texas, Galveston Island SP, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Bay Area Park, White Oak Park, Riverpark Nature Trails

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

Present in: More abundant Aug-mid June

Habitat: Open habitats, especially where fresh water supports airborne insects

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Apffel Park/ East Beach, Anahuac NWR, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Baytown Nature Center, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Brazos Bend SP

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

Stelgidopteryx serripennis

Present in: Mid July-early June

Habitat: Prairie, agricultural land, rivers, and reservoirs

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Galveston Island SP, Boy Scout Woods, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Rice U. Campus

Cliff Swallow

Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

Present in: Mar-Nov

Habitat: Locally use artificial structures like bridges and buildings that serve as cliffs

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Xeriscape Park, Brazoria NWR, Amoco (Marathon) Settling Pond, Boy Scout Woods, Buffalo Bayou Park, John Paul Landing Park

Cave Swallow

Petrochelidon fulva

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Culverts, under bridges, and other artificial structures that mimic geological features

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Fort Travis Seashore Park, High Island, John Hargrove Environmental Complex/ Delores Fenwick Nature Center, White Oak Park, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

Present in: Feb-Dec

Habitat: Absent only from extensively wooded areas locally

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Galveston Island SP, Moody Gardens, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Brazos Bend SP, John Hargrove Environmental Complex/ Delores Fenwick Nature Center

Carolina Chickadee

Poecile carolinensis

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Woodlands, mature residential plantings, and riparian corridors, scarce or absent from inland prairies and coastal wetlands

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Brazos Bend SP, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Riverpark Nature Trails, Memorial Park

Tufted Titmouse

Baeolophus bicolor

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Woodlands, mature residential plantings, and second growth

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Brazos Bend SP, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, Carbide Park, Riverpark Nature Trails

Carolina Wren

Thryothorus ludovicianus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Thickets and low wooded localities with dense underbrush

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Boy Scout Woods, Brazos Bend SP, Brazos River Park, West 11th Street Park, Hermann Park

House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

Present in: Mid Sep-mid Mar

Habitat: Dense thickets and hedgerows, woodland edges, and occasionally in residential plantings

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Lafitte's Cove, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Rice U. Campus, Katy Prairie

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

Present in: Oct-early Mar

Habitat: Coastal and inland weedy fields and prairies

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazos Bend SP, Anahuac NWR, Morgan's Point, Brazoria NWR, Seawater Nature Preserve, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, Katy Prairie

Marsh Wren

Cistothorus palustris

Present in: Mid Sep-June

Habitat: Stands of introduced common reed, marshes thick with native reeds and cattails

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazos Bend SP, Anahuac NWR, Clear Creek Nature Park, Brazoria NWR, Lafitte's Cove, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, Katy Prairie

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

Present in: Mid Oct-mid Mar

Habitat: Pine and mixed forest, residential plantings, light woodland and second growth

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Lafitte's Cove, Hermann Park, Bear Creek Park

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Corthylio calendula

Present in: Mid Sep-May

Habitat: Various wooded situations including bottomland forest, coastal mottes, mixed conifer-hardwood forest, second growth, and residential areas with mature trees

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Anahuac NWR, Galveston Island SP, Houston Heights Reservoir, Pine Brook Wetland, Brazoria NWR, John Paul Landing Park

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

Present in: End July-mid Mar

Habitat: Found in all wooded areas as a nonbreeder. Migration flocks often found in oak mottes along the immediate coast

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Anahuac NWR, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Lafitte's Cove, Brazoria NWR, Brazos Bend SP, Clear Creek Nature Park, White Oak Park, Katy Prairie

Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Forest edges near the contiguous woodlands, pastures or oak parkland with large trees. Winter birds found more around woodland edge, open, and scrub habitats

Reliably reported at: Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Mahan Park, Walter Hall Park, Independence Park, Memorial Park, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

Present in: Apr-June; Mid Sep-early Nov

Habitat: Understory and forest floor of coastal and inland woodlands, also mature vegetation in residential areas

Reliably reported at: Quintana Xeriscape Park, Lafitte's Cove, Moody Gardens, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Rice U. Campus

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

Present in: Oct-mid Apr

Habitat: Woodland understory, larger coastal mottes, extensive hedgerows

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Lafitte's Cove, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Clear Creek Nature Park, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Brazos Bend SP

Wood Thrush

Hylocichla mustelina

Present in: End Mar-June; Oct-Jan

Habitat: Swampy thickets and bottom woods

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Lafitte's Cove, Moody Gardens, Corps Woods, Anahuac NWR, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Rice U. Campus, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Woodland edge and understory, second growth, abandoned fields, and the ornamental or shade trees of neighborhood yards

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Lafitte's Cove, Moody Gardens, Brazos Bend SP, Anahuac NWR, High Island, Rice U. Campus, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

Present in: Sep-June

Habitat: Dense understory of forest edge, hedgerows, coastal mottes, densely planted gardens

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Brazoria NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Dos Vacas Muertas, Moody Gardens, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Katy Prairie, George Bush Park

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Woodland, hedgerow, open areas with scattered trees, well-planted neighborhoods

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Brazoria NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Dos Vacas Muertas, Moody Gardens, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Katy Prairie, George Bush Park

Brown Thrasher

Toxostoma rufum

Present in: Mid Sep-mid May

Habitat: Woods, generally with thick understory; also frequents densely planted gardens and parks

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Xeriscape Park, Lafitte's Cove, Boy Scout Woods, Anahuac NWR, Seabrook Wildlife Park, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

European Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Locally found in all urban, suburban, and rural areas

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Lafitte's Cove, Moody Gardens, Galveston Island SP, Boy Scout Woods, Anahuac NWR, Seabrook Wildlife Park, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

American Pipit

Anthus rubescens

Present in: Oct-May

Habitat: Wet or dry plowed fields, margins of temporary wetlands, overgrazed pasture, prairie

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Bryan Beach, Brazoria NWR, Moody Gardens, Apffel Park/ East Beach, Boy Scout Woods, Anahuac NWR, Waterview Retention Pond and Wetlands

Cedar Waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

Present in: Nov-June

Habitat: Open woodland, second growth, residential areas

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Moody Gardens, Boy Scout Woods, Houston Heights Reservoir, Rice U. Campus

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

Present in: End Mar-mid May; mid Aug-Nov

Habitat: Coastally in oak or hackberry mottes, well-planted residential yards and parks, salt cedar or tall willow clumps

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Galveston Island SP, Lafitte's Cove, Corps Woods, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Woodland Park, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

Present in: Mid Mar-mid May; Sep-mid Nov

Habitat: Coastally in oak or hackberry mottes, inland forests and residential areas, salt cedar, willow clumps

Reliably reported at: Quintana Xeriscape Park, Galveston Island SP, Lafitte's Cove, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Rice U. Campus, Woodland Park, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

Present in: Mid Sep-May

Habitat: Coastal mottes, woodlands and hedgerows, residential and urban plantings

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Brazoria NWR, Lafitte's Cove, Moody Gardens, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Clear Creek Nature Park, Rice U. Campus, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

Present in: Mid Sep-Dec; sparse occurrence Dec-mid Mar; higher occurrence again end Mar-mid May

Habitat: Coastal mottes, inland in light woodland, parks, and residential

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Lafitte's Cove, Corps Woods, Galveston Island SP, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

Present in: Mar-end Dec

Habitat: Bottomland hardwood and bayou edge riparian forest, second growth or modified wooded tracts with a moist understory

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Brazos Bend SP, Galveston Island SP, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Rice U. Campus, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Yellow Warbler

Setophaga petechia

Present in: Apr-June; Aug-Nov

Habitat: Salt cedar, willow, huisache, and other shrubby growth, fallow fields with baccharis and rattlebox

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Xeriscape Park, Galveston Island SP, Anahuac NWR, Smith Oak Sanctuary, Rice U. Campus

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

Present in: Apr-June; mid Sep-end Nov

Habitat: Coastally in oak and hackberry mottes and salt cedars, inland parks, woodlots, and residential plantings

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Galveston Island SP, Lafitte's Cove, Anahuac NWR, Smith Oak Sanctuary, Armand Bayou Nature Center, Rice U. Campus, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Magnolia Warbler

Setophaga magnolia

Present in: Apr-June; mid Sep-Dec

Habitat: Coastally in oak and hackberry mottes, willows and salt cedars, inland parks, woodlands, and residential plantings

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Xeriscape Park, Galveston Island SP, Lafitte's Cove, Anahuac NWR, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Armand Bayou Nature Center, Rice U. Campus, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Yellow-rumped "Myrtle" Warbler

Setophaga coronata

Present in: Mid Oct-mid May

Habitat: Throughout the region where trees or tall shrubs exist

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Xeriscape Park, Brazoria NWR, Galveston Island SP, Lafitte's Cove, Anahuac NWR, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Armand Bayou Nature Center, Rice U. Campus, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Black-throated Green Warbler

Setophaga virens

Present in: Mid Mar-June; Sep-mid Nov

Habitat: Oak and hackberry mottes, pecans, salt cedars and willows. Forest edge or gaps inside the forest

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Xeriscape Park, Galveston Island SP, Lafitte's Cove, Anahuac NWR, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Rice U. Campus, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Blackburnian Warbler

Setophaga fusca

Present in: Apr-June; mid Sep-mid Nov

Habitat: Coniferous, mixed coniferous, and deciduous forest. Locally in oak, hackberry, and other tall trees in coastal woodlots or neighborhoods with mature plantings

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Corps Woods, Anahuac NWR, Boy Scout Woods, Rice U. Campus

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

Present in: Mid Aug-May

Habitat: Uppermost canopy of coastal mottes, bottomland forest, cypress-lined bayous, and natural or introduced stands of live oaks

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Exploration Green Nature Park, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Pine Warbler

Setophaga pinus

Present in: Highest density Oct-early Mar; Varied density throughout rest of year

Habitat: Pine trees in coniferous or mixed forest with either dense or open parklike understory

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Clear Creek Nature Park, Exploration Green Nature Park, Rice U. Campus, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

Present in: Mid Sep-May

Habitat: Coastally in salt cedars and brushy margins of salt marsh; Stands of salt cedars, huisache, and rattlebox when inland

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Oppenheimer Bird Observatory, Anahuac NWR, Exploration Green Nature Park, Brazos Bend SP

Bay-breasted Warbler

Setophaga castanea

Present in: Mid Apr-mid May

Habitat: Coastal mottes, mature residential plantings, parks

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Galveston Island SP, Lafitte's Cove, Anahuac NWR, Rice U. Campus

Blackpoll Warbler

Setophaga striata

Present in: Mid Apr-June

Habitat: Coastal mottes and salt cedars, parks or neighborhoods with tall trees

Reliably reported at: Quintana Xeriscape Park, Galveston Island SP, Lafitte's Cove, Smith Oaks Sanctuary

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

Present in: Aug-June

Habitat: Trunk and larger branches of trees within coastal mottes, parks, and mature neighborhoods

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Xeriscape Park, Lafitte's Cove, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Armand Bayou Nature Center, Brazos Bend SP, Hermann Park, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

Present in: Apr-June; Aug-Dec

Habitat: Coastal mottes, open woodland, salt cedars, parks, and residential plantings

Reliably reported at: Quintana Xeriscape Park, Galveston Island SP, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Prothonotary Warbler

Protonotaria citrea

Present in: Mar-Oct (lower density during summer months)

Habitat: Understory, wooded bayous, forested lake edge, ponds inside forest. During migration interior of dense coastal mottes

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Lafitte's Cove, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

Northern Waterthrush

Parkesia noveboracensis

Present in: Mid Aug-mid May

Habitat: Pools, along wooded drainage ditches, or similar poor drained areas; also found in salt cedars

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Galveston Island SP, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), El Franco Lee Park

Worm-eating Warbler

Helmitheros vermivorum

Present in: Mid Mar-mid May; lower density sightings Sep-Nov

Habitat: Understory of coastal mottes, occasionally willow or salt cedar thickets; inland in light woodland, parks, or mature neighborhood plantings

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Xeriscape Park, Lafitte's Cove, Hooks Woods Sanctuary

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

Present in: Apr-mid May; Sep-end Nov

Habitat: On or near the ground in coastal mottes, extensive stands of salt cedars

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

Louisiana Waterthrush

Parkesia motacilla

Present in: Early Mar-May

Habitat: Nests just outside the region along clear, shallow streams in bottomland forest. Standing or flowing water during migration, wooded drainage ditches, poorly drained ground in coastal mottes

Reliably reported at: Quintana Xeriscape Park, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR

Kentucky Warbler

Geothlypis formosa

Present in: Early Mar-mid May; mid Aug-Oct

Habitat: Densely vegetated portions of coastal mottes, parks, and well-planted residential yards; breeds inland in understory thickets of mixed woodland

Reliably reported at: Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Eubanks Woods, Anahuac NWR

Common Yellowthroat

Geothlypis trichas

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Often in wet fields or emergent vegetation such as reed, cane, and willow growing around ponds and along waterways. Coastally, common to abundant in both fresh and brackish marshes

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Galveston Island SP, Brazoria NWR, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Brazos Bend SP, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

Hooded Warbler

Setophaga citrina

Present in: Mar-June; Aug-Dec

Habitat: Coastally, at the interior of mottes and other isolated woodlands; migrants occur inland in various types of forests; nesting birds favor remnant moist to wet forest with dense understory

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Xeriscape Park, Galveston Island SP, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Rice U. Campus

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

Present in: Mid Aug- June

Habitat: Coastal mottes and woodlands, willow or salt cedar thickets, open mixed woodlands

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Lafitte's Cove, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Hermann Park, White Oak Park

Canada Warbler

Cardellina canadensis

Present in: End Apr-June; mid Aug-Oct

Habitat: Coastally in mottes and salt cedar clumps; inland in parks and residential areas with tall shade and ornamental plantings

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Lafitte's Cove, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

Present in: Apr-early June; mid Aug-mid Oct

Habitat: Brier-patches in fields, thickets on the edge of woods

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Galveston Island SP, Lafitte's Cove, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Armand Bayou Nature Center, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Rice U. Campus

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

Present in: Sep-June

Habitat: Canopy of coastal and interior woodlands, parks, and older neighborhoods; nests in mixed pine and hardwood forest

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Xeriscape Park, Brazos Bend SP, Dos Vacas Muertas, Galveston Island SP, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Woodland Park

Scarlet Tanager

Piranga olivacea

Present in: Apr-June; mid Sep-early Nov

Habitat: Mature residential plantings

Reliably reported at: Quintana Xeriscape Park, Galveston Island SP, Campeche Cove, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Woodland Park

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Mixed and coniferous woodland, second growth, neighborhood plantings, coastal mottes, hedgerows

Reliably reported at: Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Galveston Island SP, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Park)

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

Present in: End Mar-June; End Sep-mid Dec

Habitat: Coastal mottes, open woodland, residential areas

Reliably reported at: Quintana Xeriscape Park, Dos Vacas Muertas, Galveston Island SP, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Park), Armand Bayou Nature Center, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Blue Grosbeak

Passerina caerulea

Present in: Apr-June; Aug-Dec

Habitat: Edges of woodlands, thickets, salt cedars, and weedy fields

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Xeriscape Park, Galveston Island SP, Lafitte's Cove, Corps Woods, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

Present in: Near resident, highest density seen end Mar-mid June and Aug-Dec

Habitat: Brushy fields, salt cedars, willows, and eastern baccharis

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Xeriscape Park, Brazoria NWR, Lafitte's Cove, Corps Woods, Boy Scout Woods, Anahuac NWR, Brazos Bend SP, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

Present in: Near resident, highest density seen end Apr-Nov

Habitat: Open woodland with a brushy understory, overgrown fields with emergent shrubs or saplings

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Brazoria NWR, Lafitte's Cove, Anahuac NWR, Baytown Nature Center, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

Dickcissel

Spiza americana

Present in: Mid Apr-Nov

Habitat: Hedgerows, prairie grasses, weedy fields; migrants may congregate in salt cedars and other coastal shrubs

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Xeriscape Park, Brazoria NWR, Galveston Island SP, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Rice U. Campus

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

Present in: End Sep-mid May

Habitat: Coniferous forests and their borders, pine and pine-oak, open woods, and parks

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Galveston Island SP, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Brazos Bend SP, Exploration Green, Houston Heights Reservoir, Bear Creek Park

Field Sparrow

Spizella pusilla

Present in: Mid Oct-early Apr

Habitat: Thickets including huisache, hollies, and shrubby oaks, old fence rows, woodland edge

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Clear Creek Nature Park, Armand Bayou Nature Center, Shadow Creek Ranch Nature Park, Houston Heights Reservoir, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

Present in: End Sep-early May

Habitat: Harvested or fallow fields, prairie, road edge, and similar open land, occasionally around hedgerows, thickets, or woodland edge

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Anahuac NWR, Addicks Reservoir, Katy Prairie

Savannah Sparrow

Passerculus sandwichensis

Present in: End Sep-mid May

Habitat: Winters in low, open vegetation, including beach grasses, roadsides, cutover and fallow fields, and coast and inland prairie

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Surfside Beach and Jetty, Brazoria NWR, Galveston Island SP, Moody Gardens, Anahuac NWR, Brazos Bend SP, George Bush Park/ Barker Reservoir

LeConte's Sparrow

Ammospiza leconteii

Present in: Mid Oct-May

Habitat: Gulf cordgrass flats, weedy fields, and coastal bluestem prairies

Reliably reported at: Brazoria NWR, Galveston Island SP, Anahuac NWR, George Bush Park/ Barker Reservoir, John Paul Landing Park, Katy Prairie

Seaside Sparrow

Ammospiza maritima

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Extensive stands of smooth cordgrass

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, San Luis Pass, Galveston Island SP, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

Present in: Mid Oct-Apr

Habitat: Brushy fields, woodland edge, fence row, occasionally in freshwater marsh

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Galveston Island SP, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, San Jacinto Battleground, Baytown Nature Center, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Katy Prairie

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

Present in: Oct-mid May

Habitat: Thickety growth along the borders of woods, hedgerows, and weedy fields with shrubs or saplings

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Boy Scout Woods, Anahuac NWR, San Jacinto Battleground, Baytown Nature Center, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Katy Prairie, Clear Creek Nature Park

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

Present in: Oct-May

Habitat: Coastal marshes, both fresh- and saltwater, thickets of willow or baccharis along edges of channels or pools, inland in moist fields with low brush

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Boy Scout Woods, Anahuac NWR, San Jacinto Battleground, Baytown Nature Center, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Katy Prairie, Clear Creek Nature Park

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

Present in: Mid Oct-May

Habitat: Woodland, dense thickets and hedgerows

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Boy Scout Woods, Anahuac NWR, Brazos River County Park, Brazos Bend SP, Clear Creek Nature Park, White Oak Park

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

Present in: Mid Oct-May

Habitat: Thickety woodland edge, hedgerows, scrubby oak, thickets of huisache, hollies, and McCartney rose, fallow fields

Reliably reported at: Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Challenger 7 Memorial Park, Brazos Bend SP, Seabourne Creek Park, Cross Creek Ranch Wetlands

Red-winged Blackbird

Agelaius phoeniceus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Marshes, wet fields and rice paddies, dry plowed fields, hedgerows, and residential areas with mature vegetation

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Lafitte's Cove, Brazos Bend SP, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Armand Bayou Nature Center, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Inland and coastal prairie, fallow agricultural land

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Galveston Island SP, East End Lagoon Nature Preserve, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, High Island, Anahuac NWR, Armand Bayou Nature Center, Bear Creek Nature Park, Katy Prairie

Brewer's Blackbird

Euphagus cyanocephalus

Present in: Oct-mid Apr

Habitat: Wet or dry plowed fields in the inland portion of the region, heavily grazed fields and stockyards

Reliably reported at: Attwater Prairie Chicken NWR, Katy Prairie, Kleb Woods Nature Preserve

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Breeds in soft- and hardwood forest, open woodland; wintering groups occur in agricultural land, woodland edge, and in both urban and suburban areas

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Brazoria NWR, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Clear Creek Nature Park, Russ Pitman Park/ Nature Discovery Center

Boat-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus major

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Fresh and brackish coastal marshes, ranging to adjacent farmland

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Bryan Beach, Brazoria NWR, Galveston Island SP, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, High Island Beach, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Brazos Bend SP

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Urban and suburban settings

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Bryan Beach, Brazoria NWR, Galveston Island SP, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary, High Island Beach, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Brazos Bend SP, Hermann Park, Rice U. Campus

Bronzed Cowbird

Molothrus aeneus

Present in: Highest density mid Mar-Aug

Habitat: Residential plantings, light woodland

Reliably reported at: Quintana Island (general), Galveston Island SP, Boy Scout Woods, Anahuac NWR

Brown-headed Cowbird

Molothrus ater

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Woodlands and well-planted residential areas

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Galveston Island SP, Fort Travis Seashore Park, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Baytown Nature Center, Brazos River Park

Orchard Oriole

Icterus spurius

Present in: Mid Mar-mid Oct

Habitat: Open woodland, stands of tall brush, orchards, hedgerows, and residential plantings

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Xeriscape Park, Brazoria NWR, Galveston Island SP, Corps Woods, Eubanks Woods, Anahuac NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Rice U. Campus

Baltimore Oriole

Icterus galbula

Present in: Apr-mid May; end Aug-mid Oct

Habitat: Coastal mottes, extensive stands of salt cedars, second growth and mature mixed woodland, orchards, shade trees

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazoria NWR, Quintana Xeriscape Park, Galveston Island SP, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Rice U. Campus, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

House Finch

Haemorhous mexicanus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Residential and urban shade and ornamental plantings

Reliably reported at: Lafitte's Cove, Corps Woods, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Baytown Nature Center, Russ Pitman Park/ Nature Discovery Center, Houston Heights Reservoir

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

Present in: End Oct-May

Habitat: Woodland edge, mature neighborhood plantings, fallow fields

Reliably reported at: Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Taylor Lake Village Community Park, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, Terry Hershey Park

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

Present in: Mid Nov-May

Habitat: Woodland edge, mature neighborhood plantings, fallow fields

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Boy Scout Woods, Challenger 7 Memorial Park, Exploration Green, Seabrook Wildlife Park, Memorial Park, Houston Heights Reservoir

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Especially common near human dwellings; absent from isolated beaches and interior of extensive forest

Reliably reported at: Sea Center Texas, Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, Lafitte's Cove, Moody Gardens, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Clear Lake Park, Rice U. Campus, White Oak Park, Peckham Park

Uncommon/Rare

Listed below are birds that may be seen while out birding, but occur less frequently than the above listed birds. A bird in this section does not mean it can't be seen, sightings are just less abundant.

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

Present in: Oct-Apr, some resident

Habitat: Rice fields, marshes, prairie

Reliably reported at: Shy Pond (Lake Jackson)

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

Present in: Nov-Dec

Habitat: Coastal and inland; fresh- and saltwater ponds and impoundments

Reliably reported at: Texas City Dike, Tri City Beach Road, Horsepen Creek Park

Brown booby

Sula leucogaster

Present in: Varied months

Habitat: Gulf or inshore waters, roosting on buoys, offshore platforms, or other structures

Reliably reported at: Morgan's Point, Surfside Beach and Jetty, Baytown Nature Center, 8 Mile Beach

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

Present in: Nov-Apr

Habitat: Ocean waters

Reliably reported at: Galveston Beach, High Island Beach, Surfside Beach and Jetty

American Woodcock

Scolopax minor

Present in: Nov-Apr

Habitat: Riparian woodlands bordering creeks and streams, bottomland forest, swamps

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Katy Prairie, Bear Creek Park, Smith Oaks Sanctuary

Yellow Rail

Coturnicops noveboracensis

Present in: Mid Dec-mid Apr

Habitat: Moist to wet grassy habitats, including coastal prairies and rice cultivation

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Chambers County Beach, Katy Prairie Conserv.

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

Present in: Sept-Mar

Habitat: Pastures or prairie with scattered shrubs, hedgerows, woodland edge

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Fort Anahuac Park, Katy Prairie

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

Present in: Apr-June

Habitat: Margin and interior of coastal mottes, occasionally inland woodlots

Reliably reported at: Lafitte's Cove, Anahuac NWR, High Island

Groove-billed Ani

Crotophaga sulcirostris

Present in: Sep-Feb; sparse sightings mid Mar-May

Habitat: Coastal thickets, various inland shrubs

Reliably reported at: Quintana roads, Galveston Island SP

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

Present in: Mid Mar-mid June; mid Aug-Nov

Habitat: Urban woodlots, community parks, residential neighborhoods, coastal mottes, pine and pine-oak forests, bottomland forests

Reliably reported at: Riverpark Nature Trails, Rice U. Campus, Boy Scouts Woods, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Swallow-tailed Kite

Elanoides forficatus

Present in: End Feb-mid July

Habitat: Coastal prairie and along timbered watercourses

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Lafitte's Cove, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Bay Area Park

Eastern Screech-Owl

Megascops asio

Present in: Sparse sightings throughout the year

Habitat: Extensively wooded areas, rural woodlots

Reliably reported at: Brazoria NWR, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Rice U. Campus, Katy Prairie

Barn Owl

Tyto alba

Present in: Near resident (higher sightings Oct-Jan)

Habitat: Coastally and inland in mottes and other groves of tress, windbreakers, dense tangles of vegetation, abandoned barns

Reliably reported at: Brazoria NWR, Anahuac NWR, Katy Prairie Conserv., Boy Scout Woods

Anna's Hummingbird

Calypte anna

Present in: Mid Nov-Feb

Habitat: Feeders and gardens with plantings for hummingbirds

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, West Keegans Bayou Jogging Trail, Peckham Park

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

Present in: Dec-Mar

Habitat: Feeders in well-planted yards

Reliably reported at: Brunswick Lakes, Riverpark Nature Trails

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

Present in: Dec-Apr

Habitat: Well-planted gardens

Reliably reported at: Sparse Lake Jackson sightings

Red-headed Woodpecker

Melanerpes erythrocephalus

Present in: End Dec-June; End Aug-Nov

Habitat: Open areas with snags including cutover, burned, or herbicide-sprayed mixed pine and hardwood forest, old orchards and pasture edge

Reliably reported at: Stephen F. Austin SP, Kluge/Longwood Retention Basin, W.G. Jones State Forest

Alder Flycatcher

Empidonax alnorum

Present in: May; Aug-mid Oct

Habitat: Coastal mottes and scrub, dense forests of the northeast UTC

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Lafitte's Cove, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Bear Creek Park

Willow Flycatcher

Empidonax traillii

Present in: First half of May; Aug-Nov

Habitat: Coastal xeric scrub, willow groves

Reliably reported at: Dos Vacas Muertas, Lafitte's Cove, Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, Bear Creek Park

Couch's Kingbird

Tyrannus couchii

Present in: Mid Sep-mid Mar

Habitat: Woodland edges, brushy areas

Reliably reported at: Brazos Bend SP, Shadow Creek Ranch Nature Park, Eagle Lake Municipal Park

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

Present in: Apr-mid May, scattered density of sightings June-mid Dec

Habitat: Prairie or agricultural land with trees or bushes

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Galveston Island SP, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, White Oak Park

Horned Lark

Eremophila alpestris

Present in: Resident

Habitat: Nests on higher, drier portions of beaches; during winter, along beaches and plowed fields

Reliably reported at: Bryan Beach, Apffel Park/ East Beach, Katy Prairie

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

Present in: Apr-June; Aug-mid Oct

Habitat: Open habitats, most often over rivers or reservoirs, also agricultural land

Reliably reported at: Galveston Island SP, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Brazos Bend SP, Brazoria NWR, Lafitte's Cove

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

Present in: Oct-Mar

Habitat: Coniferous or mixed coniferous forest and often montane

Reliably reported at: Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Seabrook Wildlife Park, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), White Oak Park, Bear Creek Park

Brown Creeper

Certhia americana

Present in: End Oct-mid Mar

Habitat: Winters in wooded regions including residential areas with mature trees

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Bear Creek Park, Kleb Woods Nature Preserve

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

Present in: Nov-early Mar

Habitat: Wet forest and understory, most frequently in tangles, stumps, and fallen limbs adjacent to streams and bayous

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazos Bend SP, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Rice U. Campus, Armand Bayou Nature Center

Sprague's Pipit

Anthus spragueii

Present in: Oct-mid Mar

Habitat: Locally found on grazed or mowed habitats that mimic prairies

Reliably reported at: Carbide Park, Brazos Bend SP, Brazoria NWR, Katy Prairie

Golden-winged Warbler

Vermivora chrysoptera

Present in: Mid Apr-mid May; smaller density end Sep-Nov

Habitat: Coastally in oak or hackberry mottes, mature vegetation in residential yards and parks, salt cedar or tall willow clumps; inland in residential areas, parks, like oak groves

Reliably reported at: Quintana Xeriscape Park, Lafitte's Cove, Corps Woods, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Armand Bayou Nature Center

Cape May Warbler

Setophaga tigrina

Present in: Mid Apr-mid May

Habitat: Coastal migrant traps, oaks, salt cedars

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Lafitte's Cove, Smith Oaks Sanctuary

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Setophaga caerulescens

Present in: May; Oct-Feb

Habitat: Understory or canopy of oak or hackberry mottes and residential yards, privet, salt cedars, ornamental plantings

Reliably reported at: Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Bobby Ford Park

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

Present in: End Aug-Oct

Habitat: Salt cedar, oleander, stands of reed and cane, occasionally oaks or pecans in the outer edges of coastal mottes

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Quintana Xeriscape Park, Lafitte's Cove, Hermann Park

Cerulean Warbler

Setophaga cerulea

Present in: Apr-mid May

Habitat: Bottomland riparian and upland forests, coastal mottes

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Boy Scout Woods, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

Swainson's Warbler

Limnothlypis swainsonii

Present in: Apr-May

Habitat: Coastal mottes during spring migration. Breeds in moist to wet bottomland forest and along cypress-lined bayous

Reliably reported at: Lafitte's Cove, Hooks Woods Sanctuary

Mourning Warbler

Geothlypis philadelphia

Present in: End Aug-end Oct

Habitat: Coastal mottes and their borders; inland in well-vegetated residential yards, parks, and light woodland

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Hooks Woods Sanctuary

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

Present in: Jan-early Mar; Oct-mid Nov

Habitat: Coastal oak and hackberry mottes

Reliably reported at: San Jacinto Battleground, Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Lafitte's Cove

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

Present in: Oct-Mar

Habitat: Coastally and inland in the understory of salt cedar, oleander and baccharis thickets

Reliably reported at: Dos Vacas Muertas, Katy Prairie

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

Present in: Mid Oct-mid Jan

Habitat: Old hedgerows and thickets of McCartney rose, yaupon holly, possum haw holly, and similar dense shrubs or low trees

Reliably reported at: Quintana Neotropical Bird Sanctuary, Boy Scout Woods, Ash Lake, Challenger 7 Memorial Park, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land)

Eastern Towhee

Pipilo erythrophthalmus

Present in: Nov-mid Mar

Habitat: Woodland edge, thickets

Reliably reported at: Hollywood Bottom Park, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Boy Scout Woods, San Jacinto Battleground, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Memorial Park, Katy Prairie

Clay-colored Sparrow

Spizella pallida

Present in: Early Mar-May; early Sep-end Dec

Habitat: Edges of coastal thickets and marsh, salt cedars, and densely planted yards

Reliably reported at: Quintana Xeriscape Park, Dos Vacas Muertas

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

Present in: End Mar-early May; mid Aug-Dec

Habitat: Prairies near woods

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Galveston Island SP, Anahuac NWR

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

Present in: Higher density Oct-mid Jan

Habitat: Dry or moist grassy habitats, prairie or fallow fields with shrubs

Reliably reported at: Galveston Island SP, Anahuac NWR, George Bush Park/ Barker Reservoir, John Paul Landing Park

Nelson's Sparrow

Ammospiza nelsoni

Present in: Oct-June

Habitat: Stands of smooth cordgrass

Reliably reported at: Crab Road, Brazoria NWR, Galveston Island SP, Apffel Park/ East Beach, Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

Present in: Mid Nov-early Mar

Habitat: Woodland edge, stands of yaupon and McCartney rose, dense or abandoned residential plantings, hedgerows

Reliably reported at: George Park, Katy Prairie, Brazos Bend SP

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

Present in: Nov-early Mar

Habitat: Understory of woody thickets like yaupon holly or McCartney rose, margins of woodland, extensive hedgerows

Reliably reported at: Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), George Bush Park, Katy Prairie

Dark-eyed Junco (Slate-colored form)

Junco hyemalis

Present in: Oct-early Mar

Habitat: Woodland edge, thickets, weedy fields, hedgerows

Reliably reported at: Brazos Bend SP, Alcorn Bayou, Rice U. Campus

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

Present in: Absent most of Mar, and end May-Sep, otherwise, scattered times of the year

Habitat: Marshy areas, rice paddies, pond margins, occasionally coastal lawns or dunes, plowed fields

Reliably reported at: Artist Boat Coastal Heritage Preserve, Hooks Woods Sanctuary, Smith Oaks Sanctuary, Anahuac NWR

Bullock's Oriole

Icterus bullockii

Present in: Early Dec-mid Mar

Habitat: Mature Residential plantings

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Brazos Bend SP

Purple Finch

Haemorhous purpureus

Present in: End Nov-Apr

Habitat: Woodland edge and mature residential plantings

Reliably reported at: San Bernard NWR, Cullinan Park (Sugar Land), Terry Hershey Park, Eagle Nest Lake

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