Texas Is Full of Black Birds—and These 10 Are the Most Fascinating

Texas is home to more birds in the U.S. than any other state. With more than 600 species to see, there are quite a few that share the same gothic appearance as the blackbird. However, blackbirds aren’t the only black-colored birds in Texas, and many are commonly seen throughout the state. While most have their eyes peeled for bright red cardinals or vibrant blue jays, Texas’s black birds are some of the most unique in the state. Here are ten you might see while birdwatching.

Great-Tailed Grackle

Great-tailed grackles are one of the most prevalent blackbirds in Texas. These birds thrive in a wide range of environments and can be found in both urban settings and rural countryside. These birds are unique because of their unusual boldness. Whereas many birds shy away from humans, a great-tailed grackle prefers to be wherever humans live.

They’re quite social within their flocks, as well, choosing to stick together when roosting at night. It’s possible to find a lone great-tailed grackle, but you’re more likely to find them in groups. Their lack of fear of humans has caused them to be somewhat of a pest, but they’re well-loved by birdwatchers. As with many crows and blackbirds, their quirky, unusual nature makes them interesting animals to observe.

Common Grackle

If the great-tailed grackle is considered a nuisance, then the common grackle would be viewed as a pest by Texas standards. These birds are abundant in northern and eastern Texas, inhabiting any suitable place for building a nest. The common grackle is a frequent visitor in residential communities and on farms, and is also found wherever there’s human activity.

While they can cause damage if a roost finds its way into a building, they’re incredibly beneficial to the Texas wilderness. They consume a steady diet of insects, including mosquitoes, which helps keep the actual pest population under control. The common grackle is slightly smaller than its great-tailed cousin, but just as beautiful a bird.

Red-Winged Blackbird

The red-winged blackbird is a full-time resident of Texas. It’s commonly found near wetlands and marshes, preferring a permanent residence near bodies of water. These stunning birds have garnered a reputation across social media for their unique coloring, and thankfully, they’re abundant throughout the state. However, red-winged blackbird males are the only ones with such colorful feathers.

Although nice to look at, red-winged blackbirds can display aggression if you get too close. They’re not afraid to make it known when you’re in their territory, which is also what makes them so thrilling to watch as a birder. When they’re not defending their personal space, red-winged blackbirds consume a steady diet of insects, seeds, and small animals. They nest in colonies, and while some northern populations migrate south as far as Mexico when the seasons change, many remain year-round.

American Crow

The American crow is common throughout the U.S. and also throughout all of Texas. As one of the largest black-colored birds in Texas, these are relatively easy to spot. However, they’re often mistaken for grackles and blackbirds due to their all-black feathers. The easiest way to determine one species from another is by their bird calls, and the American crow’s sound is distinctive.

These birds nest in a variety of locations, ranging from building corners to upper tree branches, and can be found in both cities and rural areas. They’re incredibly smart and social, often observed flying with other members of their flock during the daytime. They help control local pest populations, but also feed on fruit, carrion, and garbage, making them resourceful scavengers.

Common Starling

Common starlings are also known as European starlings, and they’re one of Texas’s smaller black-colored birds. They’re not native to the state and are considered invasive species. Even so, these birds are a common sighting for birders in Texas and are a unique species to observe. Thanks to their evolutionary adaptability, they thrive in both rural and urban environments.

This adaptability can sometimes lead them to compete with native bird populations, making it challenging for Texas’s natural bird life. Their adaptive qualities give them an edge, but also make it challenging for Texas’s natural bird life. What makes common starlings so unique to see are their feathers, which can sometimes change from season to season.

Rusty Blackbird

Rusty blackbirds are slightly less common in Texas than other black-colored birds. However, you can still find them during the winter season when they migrate south for the season. These birds prefer to be near bodies of water in the winter and are commonly found in areas such as swamps and marshlands. As their name implies, these birds have uniquely rust-colored feathers that differentiate them from other blackbirds.

Interestingly, rusty blackbirds take part in something called mixed flocks. This means they fly south with other bird species, including blue jays, robins, and other blackbirds. If enough rusty blackbirds migrate together, they can sometimes appear in flocks of several hundred birds.

Yellow-Headed Blackbird

The yellow-headed blackbird is another species commonly seen in Texas during winter. These birds migrate south at the start of the season change, and are natural foragers. They can be found near farmlands and agricultural fields, and sometimes near marshlands during breeding season.

These blackbirds are notable for their bright yellow feathers, which contrast against their jet-black bodies. Males are more vibrantly colored, while females are slightly duller but still beautiful to see in the wild. Similar to the rusty blackbird, the yellow-headed blackbirds also flock with other species when it comes time to migrate.

Orchard Oriole

In stark contrast to the typical yellow oriole, the orchard oriole is black with burnt orange accents. As a summertime resident, the orchard oriole is spotted frequently during Texas’s hottest months. Since their diet consists primarily of insects, nectar, and fruit, they can be found near fruit trees and blossoming plants, hence their name.

These small birds are highly adaptive and have also learned to inhabit suburban areas. They prefer to be near water sources but are most often sighted in Texas’s mesquite brushlands. Birders can also find them on the outskirts of woodlands, as well as near open fields.

Black Vulture

Vultures might send a shiver down some people’s spines, but the black vulture is an impressive species. While a circling black vulture is a sure sign of roadkill or carrion, these birds are remarkable scavengers. They’re more aggressive than other vulture species and are known to attack animals when they can sense weakness or vulnerability.

With a wingspan of up to five feet, they’re also fairly intimidating. Black vultures typically nest in caves, dark thickets, hollow trees, and even abandoned buildings. They nest in pairs and, despite their aggressive nature, are monogamous, mating for extended periods of time.

Turkey Vulture

Turkey vultures are the most recognizable vulture species. Their reddish heads and two-toned wings often give them away when circling carrion. They’re less aggressive than the black vulture and play a crucial role in the Texas ecosystem. Turkey vultures are essentially the cleanup crew of the roadkill world, keeping diseases and other pathogens in check.

Another notable feature is their V-shaped flight pattern, which differentiates them from other species. They’re found throughout Texas, but are more common in the eastern part of the state and less common in the northwest and far west. As a testament to their capabilities, their scientific name, Cathartes aura, translates to “cleansing breeze.”

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