Texas offers a rich and varied landscape that supports an incredible diversity of birdlife , including many species with salient black plumage . These bird are often seen in wood , grasslands , wetlands , and even city parks . explore the manytypes of black fowl in Texasreveals a surprising range of sizes , strain , and behaviors that go far beyond their dark feathers .
Some black birds are have a go at it for their bluff personality and loud calls , while others are more closemouthed and lonely . They play important roles in local ecosystem — insure insect population , clean house up dissipation , and even pollinate plant . Learning to identify the differenttypes ofblack birdsin Texascan volunteer a deeper connector to the innate world decent outside your door .
This guide introduces 24 uniquetypes of black birds in Texas , each with photos , identification tips , habitat penchant , and alimentation habits . Whether you ’re spotting them on a backyard feeder or along a nature trail , this list will assist you recognize and appreciate these remarkable bird across the state .
Different Types of Black Birds in Texas
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
The Red - winged Blackbird is one of the most recognisable ousel inTexas , especially known for the outstanding scarlet and yellowish berm spot on the male person . male have glossy black feathers counterpoint by their bright red epaulets , while females are more subdued with streaked brownish plume for camouflage . Their size of it is average , about 7 to 9 inches in length , and they have a sharp , orient bill ideal for their omnivorous dieting .
These birds are commonly witness in wetlands , Reginald Marsh , and opened fields throughout Texas , often alight on reeds and cattails . They are highly territorial during breed season , with male sharply defending their nesting area by singing forte and displaying their reddened berm patch . Red - winged merle can be seen year - round in many theatrical role of Texas , though northern populations may migrate south for winter .
Their dieting consists primarily of come , grains , and louse , making them good for controlling pest population in agricultural areas . They also eat little fruits and now and then scrounge on the primer coat or in shallow water . Their social behavior is notable , as they often form large troop outside of breeding time of year , which can number in the K .
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
European Starlings are medium - sized birds about 7 to 8 inch recollective with opaline black feathers that shimmer with hints of green and purple in sunlight . Their plumage is speckled withwhite stain , particularly in winter , and they have a slim , point yellow Federal Reserve note . Starlings are be intimate for their strong , verbatim flying and highly vocal nature , equal to of mimicking other birds and sound .
Introduced to North America in the 19th 100 , European starling have become widespread in Texas and across the continent . They thrive in a variety of home ground including urban areas , tillage , park , and open forest . These birdie are highly adaptable and often nest in cavities , such as tree holes or man - made complex body part , sometimes vie with aboriginal metal money .
European starling are omnivores with a diet that admit insects , fruits , seed , and even human food bit . Their scrounge behavior is often insure in large heap , where they probe the ground or turf for insects and grubs . While their front is usual , they can sometimes be look at a pain due to their aggressive competition with aboriginal birds and tendency to damage crops .
Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater)
Brown - head Cowbirds are distinctive blackbirds with a showy dark body and a ample brown head , measure around 7 to 8 inches in duration . Males exhibit this sharp direct contrast , while female person are more uniformly brown and less flashy . They have a slightly chunky physique and a scant , thick bill suit for their varied dieting . Cowbirds are well known for their brood parasitism conduct , lay eggs in the nests of other birdie species .
In Texas , Brown - head up Cowbirds are common across undefendable habitat such as grasslands , pasture , and agrarian fields . They often abide by graze animate being or machinery to pick up dirt ball vex by motion . This species does not construct its own nest but or else rely on other birds to grow its new , which can negatively sham horde bird populations .
Their dieting includes seeds , grain , and a wide variety of worm . They forage on the solid ground or depressed vegetation and are often seen in flocks , especially outside the breeding time of year . Despite their parasitic behaviour , Brown - headed Cowbirds play an ecological role by check dirt ball population and contributing to the complexity of local ecosystems .
Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)
The Common Grackle is a great New World blackbird , measuring 11 to 13 inch long , known for its glossy black-market plume with iridescent vapors , greens , and purples , especially noticeable in good light source . They have long nates , yellow eye , and a acute , pointed bill . Their size of it and iridescence make them stand out among other blackbirds , and their vocalism include a variety of harsh and melodic calls .
In Texas , Common Grackles are widespread in urban , suburban , and rural areas . They prefer open habitats such as parks , fields , and agricultural lands , often form large , noisy flocks . During the rearing time of year , they nest in trees or shrub and sometimes use caries or older nests of other bird . These skirt are extremely adaptable and prosper in human - altered environments .
Common Grackles are omnivores , eating insects , small Pisces , source , fruits , and even egg or nestlings of other birds on social occasion . Their opportunistic eating behavior leave them to tap many food source . They are often experience foraging on lawns , parking lots , or farmland , and their enceinte flocks can sometimes cause damage to crop or become a pain in the neck in urban areas .
Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus)
Great - tailed Grackles are among the large blackbirds in Texas , measuring 15 to 18 inches long , with Male notably big than females . male person are shiny black-market with a long , keel - mould arse , while females are smaller and chocolate-brown with streaked underpart . Their brilliant yellow eyes and tacky , wide-ranging calls make them easily identifiable . They have a distinctive , confident posture and are often seen strutting in group .
These grackles are common in southerly Texas and are exposit their range northward . They favor urban area , wetlands , and agricultural study and are oft spotted near water sources like lake , rivers , and irrigation canals . They nest in trees , shrubs , or on human being - made social system , often in colony . Great - track Grackles are very social doll , often forming tumid flocks that garner noisily .
Their dieting is extremely varied , consisting of insects , small vertebrates , cereal , yield , and human food scraps . They are thinking and resourceful forager , live for stealing food and scavenging . Their adaptability to urban environments and strong-growing behaviour often lend them into near contact with people , where they are both admired and sometimes consider pest .
Boat-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus major)
The Boat - tailed Grackle is a large blackbird closely related to the Great - tailed crow blackbird , but it is chiefly found along the Gulf Coast and coastal Texas . Male have glossy black-market plume with a subtle purple - blue angel sheen and long , submarine - shaped tails . Females are smaller and brownish with lighter underparts . Their yellow eyes are coin and help with designation , specially against their dingy feathers .
Boat - give chase Grackles prefer seawater Marsh , tidal flats , and coastal wetlands in Texas . They are often take in roost on Rhizophora mangle , docks , or fencing posts near water . These birds are highly social and form large flocks , sometimes commix with other ouzel species . They are especially vocal , give rise a variety of calls and whistles that bear well across their wetland habitats .
Their diet is diverse , including modest Pisces , crustaceans , insects , and seeded player . They forage along shorelines , sometimes probing clay or shallow water to find food . Boat - tag Grackles also scavenge in urban areas , taking reward of human food scrap . Their adaptability to coastal environments make them an important species in Texas wetlands .
Brewer’s Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus)
Brewer ’s Blackbird is a average - sized merl with a pernicious iridescent sheen on its black feathers . male person expose a lustrous over-embellished - black color with bright yellow eyes , while female are duller grayish - brown with darker wings and derriere . Their relatively modest sizing and sleek frame tell them from with child grackles .
In Texas , Brewer ’s merle inhabit open fields , tillage , urban parks , and grasslands . They are ground feeders , often seen foraging in flocks on lawns or agricultural fields . These birds are adaptable and expand in a mixed bag of habitats , including human - alter landscapes . Their presence increases in wintertime when they bring together large mixed - mintage flocks .
Brewer ’s Blackbirds chiefly eat seeds , grains , and insects . They forage by walk on the ground , picking food items from the soil or broken vegetation . Their diet shifts seasonally , rely more on dirt ball in summer and seeds in cold months . Their bluff and social conduct makes them common and detectable in many part of Texas .
Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)
The Yellow - head Blackbird is a prominent specie easily identified by its bright yellow top dog and chest contrast with a glossy black consistency . Males exhibit this vivid colouration , while female person are deadening with brownish body and less prominent chickenhearted marking . Their size of it is similar to other blackbirds , about 8 to 10 inches in length .
These birds privilege marshy wetland and fresh water Ngaio Marsh in Texas , especially during breeding season when male exhibit prominently to attract teammate . They nest in dim botany near water and often mold colonies . icteric - head Blackbirds are migratory , spending winters in southern Texas and Mexico and summers further north .
Their dieting primarily dwell of germ and dirt ball . They forage by gleaning insects from Reed and cattails or picking seeds from grasses and aquatic plants . Their mien in wetland ecosystems help control worm populations , and their loud , abrasive calls are a common auditory sensation in Texas marshlands during fosterage time of year .
Rusty Blackbird (Euphagus carolinus)
Rusty Blackbirds are intermediate - sized blackbird with a somewhat dull black trunk that look rust Robert Brown or grayish during non - breeding time of year . Males are dark-skinned and more shining during breeding , while female are in the main slow . Their yellowish eyes and somewhat ragged plumage during migration make them distinctive among blackbirds .
In Texas , Rusty Blackbirds are rare but sometimes see during migration or wintertime in wooded wetlands , swamps , and flooded forests . They opt nerveless , moist habitats rich in insect and aquatic invertebrates . Their populations have been declining , making sightings in Texas more notable and meaning for bird watchers .
Their diet is mostly insects , aquatic invertebrate , and seed establish in wetland environs . They forage by probe shallow urine or leaf litter for food . Rusty blackbird are do it to be shy and often ride out in small groups , pretend them less conspicuous than other ousel species in Texas .
Bronzed Cowbird (Molothrus aeneus)
The Bronzed Cowbird resemble the Brown - headed Cowbird but with a more metallic , bronze - colour body and a obscure head . Male show this showy bronze plumage , while female person are duller brown . They are about 7 to 8 column inch recollective and have a similar chunky anatomy and short billhook . This metal money is chiefly found in southern Texas and Mexico .
Bronzed Cowbirds inhabit clear woodlands , brushy area , and farmlands in Texas , especially near the border with Mexico . Like their Brown - headed congeneric , they are brood sponger , laying their eggs in the nests of other bird species . This behavior affects legion populations but is a natural part of their life Hz .
Their diet includes seeds , grains , and insects , often foraging on the ground or in low vegetation . They frequently associate with cattle or other heavy mammals , following them to catch disturbed insects . Their front in Texas is more localised compared to other cowbird species , but they are an of import part of the region ’s New World blackbird variety .
Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis)
The Shiny Cowbird is a small blackbird with a aerodynamic , lustrous blackened body and a fragile iridescent sheen , primarily found in southerly Texas and parts of Central and South America . Males expose the full calendered pitch-black plumage , while female incline to be duller brownish with less radiance . They have a poor , stalwart bill and a relatively succinct size around 7 to 8 inch in length .
In Texas , Shiny Cowbirds are mostly seen in the southern regions , especially in open and semi - open habitats such as fields , eatage , and edge woodlands . They are brood sponge like other cowbirds , laying their ball in the nests of various small doll species . Their presence is pretty localized but increasing , perhaps due to habitat changes and climate shifts .
Their dieting consist for the most part of seeds , grains , and insects , which they forage on the primer coat or in low vegetation . They often follow grazing animals , taking advantage of insect stirred up by front . The Shiny Cowbird ’s parasitical procreative strategy and adaptability make it a unique component part of Texas ’s blackbird community .
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius)
The Orchard Oriole is a small , colored member of the blackbird family , with males show a striking chestnut body contrast by a black head and back . Females are more olive - green with lite underpart , urinate them less conspicuous . They are slender birds , about 6 to 7 inches long , with a pointed invoice suited for their varied dieting .
In Texas , Orchard Orioles are summertime occupier , favoring loose woodlands , plantation , and suburban areas with passel of trees and shrubs . They work up modest hanging nests often debar from thin limb . Their melodic and full-bodied strain is a common sound in worthy habitats during breeding season .
These Old World oriole feed on insects , ambrosia , and yield . They often scrounge in tree canopies , gleaning louse from farewell or sipping ambrosia from flowers . Their presence benefits gardens and orchards by controlling insect pests , and their vibrant colors make them a favorite among bird watchers in Texas .
Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus)
Hooded Orioles are intermediate - sized orioles noted for their smart orangish - icteric torso and disgraceful hoods , wings , and nates in male . Females are ho-hum , mostly yellow - green without the pitch-dark hood , but deal the same svelte figure and pointed Federal Reserve note . They measure about 7 to 8 inches in length .
These orioles are common in southern Texas , specially in desert - edge habitats , riparian woodlands , and urban area with palm tree or large shade trees . Hooded Orioles are know for weaving intricate hanging nest from fibers and Mary Jane , often in palm fronds or deciduous tree .
Their diet consists mainly of ambrosia , fruit , and insects . Hooded Orioles are significant pollinators as they bring down flower regularly . They also forage for caterpillars and other insects , lend to natural pest control . Their bright plumage and spanking demeanour make them a spectacular front in Texas landscapes .
Bullock’s Oriole (Icterus bullockii)
Bullock ’s Oriole is a vibrant blackbird with bright orange and disgraceful plumage in males , characterized by an orangish body , black throat , and white wing bar . Females are light , with yellow-bellied - orange tone and less black . These birds are medium - sized , about 7 to 8 in long , and have slender , pointed bills .
In Texas , Bullock ’s Orioles breed principally in northerly and westerly parts of the province , favoring open woodlands , riparian corridor , and parks with deciduous trees . They are migrant , spending winters in Mexico and Central America . Their fall nest are intricately woven and suspend from tree branch .
Their dieting include insects , nectar , and yield . They forage actively among foliage , catching insects in flying or glean them from leaves . Bullock ’s Orioles also feed on tree sap and are important for pollination . Their walk out semblance and energetic songs make them pop with doll security guard .
Altamira Oriole (Icterus gularis)
The Altamira Oriole is a large , bright color oriole with brilliant orange - yellow-bellied plumage contrasted by a black-market face , pharynx , and chest . It is one of the big orioles encounter in Texas , measuring about 8 to 9 inches long . Both sex are similar in appearing , with male slightly brighter .
Altamira Orioles are primarily find in southern Texas , specially along the Rio Grande Valley , in semitropic woodlands , irritant forests , and urban parks with tumid trees . They build bulky hang nest , often in marvelous trees near water . These oriole are territorial and outspoken , known for their loud , clear whistling .
Their dieting mainly consists of nectar , yield , and insects . They play an authoritative ecologic persona by pollenate flowers while feed and by controlling dirt ball populations . Their bold colours and classifiable calls make them a memorable sight in southern Texas habitats .
Audubon’s Oriole (Icterus graduacauda)
Audubon ’s Oriole is a spectacular bird with bright yellow - orangeness consistency plumage and a contrasting black cowling and back in male person . female are slightly duller but hold back the chicken and black design . This intermediate - sized American oriole , about 8 inch long , is easily recognized by its vibrant colors and long tail .
In Texas , Audubon ’s Orioles are mainly recover in the southern and southwestern parts , populate riparian woodlands , subtropical forests , and dense brush areas . They build give ear nests thread from fiber and often favour grandiloquent Tree near water . These New World oriole are territorial during raising and known for their exculpated , musical songs .
Their diet consist largely of ambrosia , yield , and insects . They forage actively in Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree canopies and shrub , help to pollenate efflorescence while feed on ambrosia . insect provide crucial protein , particularly during the breeding season . Audubon ’s Oriole ’s intense colouration and outspoken nature make it a deary for birdwatchers in Texas .
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)
Baltimore Orioles are well - known for their shining orange body , dim header , and white wing bars in males . Females are generally lighter orange or yellowish with greyish book binding . They are slender , about 7 to 8 inch long , with a pointed bill accommodate for nectar feeding and insect catching .
These orioles migrate to Texas during springiness and summertime , where they prefer candid woodlands , parks , and suburban sphere with deciduous tree . Their hanging , woven nest are usually attached to sparse offshoot or wires . Baltimore Orioles are look up to for their beautiful , flute - similar Sung dynasty .
Their diet consists mainly of insects , fruit , and ambrosia . They frequently feed on saccharide - water feeders and visit anthesis trees . Baltimore Orioles help curb louse populations and pollinate plants , make them ecologically valuable in Texas . Their glorious plume and upbeat songs tote up magical spell to many habitats .
Streak-backed Oriole (Icterus pustulatus)
The bar - backed Oriole is a average - sized oriole with brilliant yellow - orangeness plumage and distinctive black stripe on its back , giving it a unparalleled patterned appearance . Males are shining with clear streaking , while females are duller but show similar patterns . They value about 7 to 8 inches long .
In Texas , Streak - backed Orioles are mostly found in the southerly regions , especially near the Rio Grande Valley . They populate subtropical woodlands , scrublands , and urban park with obtuse trees . These birds build hang nest woven from grasses and fibers , often in thorny shrubs or tall trees .
Their dieting admit nectar , insects , and fruit . They are participating foragers , reap insects from foliage and sipping nectar from flowers . Streak - backed Orioles add to pollination and insect control , digest the wellness of Texas ’s semitropic ecosystem . Their streaky back make them typical among other orioles .
Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
The Dark - eyed Junco is a small , sparrow - like shuttlecock commonly seen across North America during wintertime . It has a slating - white-haired or chocolate-brown consistency with a white-hot belly , and its “ dark middle ” help distinguish it from other juncos . The body color motley by region , with some race showing more brown quality .
In Texas , Dark - eyed Juncos are winter visitant , frequenting forests , woodlands , garden , and common . They are ground affluent , often seen hopping on leaf litter or open primer coat search for seeds . These dame prefer cool , sheltered areas and are coarse in suburban and rural preferences during colder months .
Their dieting mainly consists of seeds , grains , and some louse . They forage by scratch the ground or picking cum from low plant . Dark - eyed Juncos change of location in flocks , sometimes mixed with other small birds , and their soft , musical songs and calls are typical winter sounds in Texas .
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
Turkey Vultures are large bird with a wingspread of up to 6 feet , well describe by their dingy brown to black feather and typical crimson , bald heads . They are scavengers , playing a vital function in ecosystem by cleaning up carrion . Their bang-up sense of olfactory sensation helps them locate dead animals from gamy in the sky .
In Texas , Turkey Vultures are widespread and unwashed , inhabiting open domain , timberland , and deserts . They are often seen soaring in large groups , using thermals to glide effortlessly while searching for food . They rest communally in tall trees or on cliffs and are highly societal outside of feed .
Their diet dwell almost whole of carrion , which they locate by visual sense and aroma . Turkey predator are important for hold disease by consuming dead creature . Their soaring flight and unfeathered heads make them unmistakable and an all-important part of Texas ’s innate landscapes .
Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)
The Downy Woodpecker is a lowly , compact bird with a black - and - white check pattern on its back , white underparts , and a small card . Males have a small red patch on the back of the head , while female lack this feature . Measuring about 6 to 7 inches long , it is the smallest peckerwood in North America .
In Texas , Downy Woodpeckers inhabit woodlands , parks , and suburban area with mess of trees . They are usually establish cleave to tree diagram trunks and branches , searching for insect hide in barque crevice . Their drumming on wood is a typical sound in many Texas forests and neighborhoods .
Their diet mainly consists of worm like beetle and pismire , which they educe by pecking and probing Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree bark . They also exhaust come and berry , especially in wintertime . Downy Woodpeckers play an important purpose in manipulate insect population and maintain forest health .
American Crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos)
The American Crow is a big , all - black bird with a strong , hardy Federal Reserve note and a fan - shaped rump . Measuring about 16 to 21 column inch long , it is extremely adaptable and level-headed . Their loud , “ caw - caw ” calls are familiar sounds across Texas .
American Crows are far-flung throughout Texas , occupy urban , suburban , and rural environment . They flourish in open woodlands , farmlands , and city parks . crow are highly social , often find out in large flock , especially during roosting and foraging .
They are omnivorous , feed on insects , seeds , fruits , small beast , and human nutrient scraps . Their intelligence let them to apply tools and work out complex trouble . American Crows are life-sustaining scavengers and ecosystem cleaners across Texas .
Common Raven (Corvus corax)
The Common Raven is one of the largest passerine birds , measuring up to 25 inches long with a compact cervix and shagged throat feathers . It is all black with a glossy sheen and has a deep , resonant “ croaking ” distinct from the American Crow .
In Texas , Common Ravens inhabit remote areas such as deserts , mountains , and clear plains , particularly in western portion of the United States Department of State . They are less common in urban options liken to crows . Corvus corax are lie with for their airy acrobatics and complex societal behaviors .
Their diet is highly varied , including carrion , little mammal , insects , texture , and occasionally food food waste . Ravens are opportunistic feeder and intelligent trouble solvers , make for a cardinal role in nutrient recycling and bionomical balance in Texas home ground .
Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)
The Black Phoebe is a small flycatcher with a dismal grey to black upper body and a contrasting lily-white abdomen and undertail cover . It measure about 6 to 7 inches farseeing and is known for its distinctive tail end - wag doings while perched .
In Texas , Black Phoebes are common near water system beginning like streams , ponds , and wetland , particularly in southern and primal parts of the state . They often perch on dispirited branches or rocks , flutter out to enamour flying insects before come back to their perch .
Their dieting consists in the main of insect such as flies , beetle , and moths , which they catch on the wing . Black Phoebes chip in to insect universe control near piss bodies and are appreciate for their lively presence and soft , buzzy calls in Texas .
