Texas Bird Identification

Ken Thomas/wikimedia.org

Bird-watching is a fun way to get out into the outdoors and enjoy wildlife. Texas is home to over 600 different species of birds, including some unusual desert and tropical types. Identifying these birds requires a good pair of binoculars and some patience to work through a process of elimination and categorization.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Binoculars
Binoculars

Step 1

Note the size and shape of the bird's body, including the proportionality of the head. For example, the Texas State Bird is the Northern Mocking Bird. This bird is medium-sized, has a plump body and a proportional head.

Step 2

Note the tail and the bill. The common loon has a large bill but a stubby tail. The bill itself may also have coloration that can distinguish a bird. One of the telltale features separating a common loon from a yellow-billed loon is the bill, which is grayish on the common loon and ivory-yellow on the yellow-billed loon (hence the name). Both birds are found in Texas.

Step 3

Observe the color pattern. The blue-footed booby is mostly white, including an off-white head, but with dark face, dark or black wings and a mottled back. The feet are bright blue (hence the name).

Step 4

Observe the bird's behavior. Black vultures, which are found in east and south Texas, are soaring birds when they are in flight. They are also infamous scavengers, so they can frequently be found picking over a carcass.

Step 5

Take note of the bird's specific habitat. Of the aforementioned examples, the black vulture lives in open woodlands and nests in cliff areas. The loons and boobies are waterbirds, so they live near ponds and lakes, and nest on the ground. Mockingbirds now live in urban areas and nest in shrubs.

Article Written By Edwin Thomas

Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...