Texas is home to an incredible variety of black birds, filling its fields, wetlands, and cities with their bold shapes and busy calls. From the sharp cries of grackles in the parking lots to the steady presence of crows in rural fields, these birds are part of everyday life across the state. Some, like the Red-winged Blackbird, add a splash of color to their dark feathers, while others, like the Common Grackle, shine with a surprising hint of iridescence when the light hits just right.
Whether you’re walking through a quiet park or driving down a country road, chances are you’ll spot at least one of these striking birds. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different black birds you can find in Texas, what makes them unique, and why they continue to thrive in such a wide range of landscapes across the state.
1. Common Grackle
- Scientific name: Quiscalus quiscula
- Life span: 5-6 years
- Size: 11–13 in (28–34 cm)
- Weight: 2.6–5.0 oz (74–142 g)
- Wingspan: 14–18 in (36–46 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Most stay year-round; some migrate south in winter.
The Common Grackle is widespread throughout the eastern and central United States, reaching into southern Canada and parts of Mexico. In Texas, they are a familiar sight across towns, parks, and farmlands. Their glossy black feathers often shimmer with hints of blue, purple, and green in the sunlight.
They have a long, keel-shaped tail and striking yellow eyes that give them a piercing, almost mischievous expression. Their upright stance and confident strut make them easy to spot in noisy, busy flocks.
Common Grackles build their nests in a variety of spots — trees, shrubs, or even artificial structures. They like dense cover and often nest in loose colonies. Their nests are rough but sturdy, made of twigs, grass, and even bits of trash. Both parents share responsibilities, although the female does most of the building.
Grackles aren’t picky eaters. They forage across lawns, marshes, and fields, taking everything from insects and grains to small fish and even frogs. They have a clever way of prying open food with their strong bills. Watching a group of them move methodically across a park or parking lot, picking through scraps or insects, shows just how adaptable and resourceful they really are. Nothing is wasted when a grackle is around.
Historically, Common Grackles have thrived alongside human development, expanding their range significantly. While some farmers see them as pests, overall they are doing very well in terms of numbers. Conservation concern for this species is low at the moment, though changing agricultural practices and pesticide use could pose future risks.
2. Great-tailed Grackle
- Scientific name: Quiscalus mexicanus
- Life span: Up to 12 years
- Size: 15.0–18.1 in (38–46 cm)
- Weight: 3.7–6.7 oz (105–190 g)
- Wingspan: 18.9–22.8 in (48–58 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Mostly stay year-round; northern birds may move south.
Found across the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America, the Great-tailed Grackle is especially common in Texas. These birds have glossy black bodies, bright yellow eyes, and incredibly long, V-shaped tails that seem almost too big for their frames.
Males are particularly flashy, often puffing up and calling loudly from treetops or powerlines. Their iridescent feathers catch the sun beautifully, shifting from deep purples to shimmering greens with every slight movement.
Great-tailed Grackles are bold nesters, often building in colonies high in trees or shrubs near water. Their nests are fairly large and messy, made mostly of twigs and grasses. Females do most of the construction, weaving a deep, cup-shaped nest where they lay three to five eggs. Males, although flashy and loud, rarely help. Colonies can be loud and lively, with shimmering males displaying constantly while females busily tend to the hidden young.
Great-tailed Grackles have incredibly flexible diets. They forage for insects, fruits, seeds, small vertebrates, and even human leftovers. In Texas cities, it’s common to see them combing through parking lots or outdoor dining areas with fearless energy. They can hunt insects in the grass one minute and steal a french fry the next.
The Great-tailed Grackle’s history in Texas is a story of rapid expansion. Originally from Central America, they pushed northward dramatically in the 20th century, taking advantage of irrigation, agriculture, and urban sprawl. Today, they are considered abundant and not at risk. Their ability to adapt to human-altered landscapes has been extraordinary. While some people see them as a noisy nuisance, others appreciate their cleverness and the splash of life they bring to everyday spaces.
3. Boat-tailed Grackle
- Scientific name: Quiscalus major
- Life span: 10-12 years
- Size: 10.2–14.6 in (26–37 cm)
- Weight: 3.3–8.4 oz (93–239 g)
- Wingspan: 15.3–19.7 in (39–50 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Stay year-round in coastal Texas.
Boat-tailed Grackles are coastal birds, living along the southeastern and Gulf coasts from Texas to the Atlantic. In Texas, they stick mostly to marshy areas near the coast. They are large and slender, with glossy, blackish-blue plumage and exceptionally long tails that often droop in a boat-like curve, giving them their name. Males are showier and larger than females, often perching high to display. Their heavy bills and sharp profiles give them a tough, unmistakable silhouette.
Boat-tailed Grackles are colonial nesters, gathering in dense, noisy groups near marshes and coastal waters. Females build bulky cup-shaped nests out of reeds, grasses, and other wetland plants, anchoring them securely among tall vegetation. Males patrol the edges, displaying and calling loudly but rarely helping with the nest.
Boat-tailed Grackles are opportunistic feeders. They forage for insects, crustaceans, seeds, and sometimes small fish, especially in marshy environments. They are surprisingly good at wading through shallow waters or picking prey from mudflats. In urban settings, they will also scavenge food scraps with skill. Their sharp bills and curious nature make them excellent survivors in a wide variety of settings.
Boat-tailed Grackles have benefited from the expansion of coastal development, often using artificial wetlands and new marsh edges. They are considered stable and common, though local populations can be vulnerable to severe storms and habitat loss. Their coastal range in Texas remains strong, with many nesting areas protected through wetland conservation projects.
4. American Crow
- Scientific name: Corvus brachyrhynchos
- Life span: 7-8 years
- Size: 16-21 inches (41-53 cm)
- Weight: 11-21 ounces (315-595 grams)
- Wingspan: 33-40 inches (84-102 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Stay year-round throughout Texas.
The American Crow is a familiar bird across nearly all of North America, from southern Canada through most of the United States, including all parts of Texas. They are jet black from beak to tail, including their legs and eyes.
Their plumage has a slight sheen when caught in the sunlight, but overall they maintain a simple, deep black look. Broad-winged and strong, they are often seen flying steadily or gathered in noisy groups on open fields.
American Crows nest high in trees, favouring secluded branches far from ground predators. They build large nests with sticks, lined carefully with softer materials like moss, bark, and grass. Both mates work on the nest, and older siblings often help raise the young. Crows are famously attentive parents. Their nests, hidden among thick branches, can be hard to spot unless you notice the constant comings and goings of these watchful, clever birds.
American Crows eat an astonishing variety of foods. They forage for insects, grains, fruits, small animals, and carrion, and they’re also notorious scavengers of human garbage. Their strong, versatile bills and sharp intelligence make them expert foragers. Watching a crow methodically flip over leaves or drop nuts onto pavement to crack them open reveals just how resourceful they are. Almost anything they can find or invent can become a meal.
Crows have historically thrived alongside human civilization, but they faced a major challenge with the outbreak of West Nile virus in the early 2000s. Populations dropped sharply in some areas, but since then, they have recovered well in Texas. As a species, American Crows remain widespread and secure, admired for their adaptability and intelligence.
5. Chihuahuan Raven
- Scientific name: Corvus cryptoleucus
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 21-27 inches (53-68 cm)
- Weight: 1.3-2.6 pounds (600-1200 grams)
- Wingspan: 45-46 inches (115-117 cm)
- Status: Least concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Stay year-round in western Texas.
The Chihuahuan Raven lives primarily in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, thriving in dry grasslands, deserts, and open scrub. In Texas, they are mostly found in the western part of the state. Smaller than the Common Raven, they are still impressive birds, with deep black plumage that may show a purplish sheen in strong light. Their shorter, stouter beaks and slightly scruffy throat feathers help distinguish them from other large black birds.
Chihuahuan Ravens prefer the open landscapes of western Texas, building their nests on utility poles, trees, cliffs, or even old structures. Their nests are large and rough, woven from sticks and often lined with softer material like wool or grass. They are known to reuse the same nesting sites year after year. Nesting pairs work together closely, and their loyalty to chosen territories gives lonely desert roads a little hidden life during breeding season.
Chihuahuan Ravens have a broad diet, scavenging carrion, insects, grains, small animals, and even reptile eggs. In their arid environment, they are opportunistic and clever, using whatever food they can find. They often patrol roadsides for roadkill or forage through agricultural fields.
Chihuahuan Ravens have remained relatively stable across their range. Their success is tied to their ability to exploit both natural and human-altered habitats. Although localized threats like habitat destruction or droughts can affect them, they are not currently considered at risk. Their presence across west Texas stands as a reminder that not every species struggles with change — some, like the Chihuahuan Raven, manage to carve out a life amid difficult conditions.
6. Fish Crow
- Scientific name: Corvus ossifragus
- Life span: 6-10 years
- Size: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm)
- Weight: 8–11 ounces (230–310 g)
- Wingspan: 29-33 inches (74-84 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Stay year-round in eastern Texas.
Native to the southeastern United States, the Fish Crow has expanded inland in recent decades, reaching into parts of eastern Texas. Slightly smaller than the American Crow, they have similar all-black plumage with a slight greenish gloss in good light.
Their bills are a little slimmer and more delicate-looking. Often seen along waterways, Fish Crows can be difficult to tell apart from American Crows by sight alone, but they have a softer, more nasal call.
Fish Crows nest in trees, often near water but also in suburban areas and city parks. Their nests look similar to American Crows’, built from sticks and lined with softer materials. Fish Crows sometimes nest in small, loose colonies, giving a neighborhood the lively background noise of their distinctive nasal calls. They’re highly social, and while they are devoted to their mates and young, they also seem to enjoy the company of their neighbours.
Fish Crows feed on an array of foods, much like their larger cousins. They eat fish, crabs, insects, fruit, and human scraps, often foraging along riverbanks and coastal areas. They are also opportunistic, scavenging garbage when they can. Their smaller size and slightly more agile flight allow them to exploit places that larger crows might ignore.
Fish Crows are expanding their range westward, including deeper into Texas. Historically tied to coasts and rivers, they’ve adapted well to urban settings. There are no major conservation concerns for them right now. Their increase is a reminder of how flexible some bird species can be. As waterways and urban centers grow in Texas, the Fish Crow is likely to become an even more familiar — and noisy — neighbour in coming years.
8. Black Vulture
- Scientific name: Coragyps atratus
- Life span: 15-20 years
- Size: 56-66 cm / 22-26 in
- Weight: 0.9-1.6 kg / 2-3.5 lbs
- Wingspan: 1.3-1.5 m / 4.3-4.9 ft
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Stay year-round across Texas.
Black Vultures are found in the southeastern United States through much of Mexico and into South America. In Texas, they are widespread, especially in warmer parts of the state. They have black feathering from head to tail, with gray, wrinkled skin covering their bare heads and necks. Their broad wings have striking white patches at the tips, visible in flight. On the ground, they look stocky and purposeful, moving with short, quick steps.
Black Vultures don’t bother with building traditional nests. Instead, they lay their eggs on bare ground in dark, protected places like hollow trees, rock crevices, abandoned buildings, or thick brush. Both parents share the work of incubating and feeding the chicks. Family bonds are strong, and young vultures often stay with their parents through the first winter.
Black Vultures are primarily scavengers, feeding mostly on carrion. They locate dead animals by sight, often following Turkey Vultures who find food by smell. They will also eat eggs, insects, and even plant material when necessary. In cities, they sometimes forage through dumpsters. Their methodical way of walking through fields or landing near roadkill gives them a slow, deliberate look.
Once limited mostly to southeastern North America, Black Vultures have expanded northward and westward, including deeper into Texas. They have benefited from road networks, cities, and an overall rise in available food sources. Although not particularly loved by farmers or drivers, they play an important ecological role by cleaning up dead animals.
9. Turkey Vulture
- Scientific name: Cathartes aura
- Life span: 16-20 years
- Size: 66-81 cm / 26-32 in
- Weight: 0.9-2.3 kg / 2-5 lbs
- Wingspan: 1.8-2.3 m / 5.9-7.5 ft
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Some migrate south in winter; many stay year-round.
Turkey Vultures are among the most common vultures in North America, ranging from southern Canada through all of the United States and deep into South America. In Texas, they are seen almost everywhere.
These large birds have dark brownish-black plumage, with featherless red heads that set them apart at a glance. Their wings are broad and slightly two-toned, with pale undersides that flash silver in flight. Their soaring, teetering flight style is instantly recognizable.
Turkey Vultures nest in hidden, secluded spots — hollow trees, caves, rocky outcrops, or even abandoned buildings. They don’t build elaborate nests, simply laying their eggs directly on the ground or substrate. Both parents share the responsibility of raising the chicks. Their nesting sites are so well hidden that most people rarely stumble across one. Quiet and secretive during breeding, these large vultures blend into the landscape, living almost invisible lives during their nesting season.
Turkey Vultures are expert scavengers, feeding almost entirely on carrion. Unlike Black Vultures, they locate food primarily through their keen sense of smell — a rare trait among birds. They soar on thermals for hours, barely flapping, scanning below for signs of death. Watching them circle lazily against the blue Texas sky reminds you that even decay has its place in nature.
Turkey Vultures have managed to thrive in modern times, expanding northward and maintaining strong populations across North America, including all of Texas. Their flexible diet, soaring efficiency, and tolerance of human presence have helped them weather many environmental changes. They are not considered threatened. These silent gliders, often misunderstood, quietly perform one of nature’s most important cleanup jobs, recycling death back into the ecosystem without much applause but with great impact.
10. Common Raven
- Scientific name: Corvus corax
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm)
- Weight: 1.6-4.6 pounds (700-2100 grams)
- Wingspan: 46-56 inches (117-142 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Stay year-round in western Texas.
The Common Raven is one of the largest all-black birds in North America, found from the Arctic down through the western United States, including west Texas. Their plumage is a deep, glossy black, often showing a blue or purple shine in sunlight.
They have thick, heavy beaks and shaggy throat feathers. Their wedge-shaped tails and deep, croaking calls help distinguish them from smaller crows. In flight or perched on rocky cliffs, they have a powerful, rugged presence.
Common Ravens build large, bulky stick nests on cliffs, tall trees, or even human-made structures like towers and bridges. The nests are lined carefully with softer materials like fur, moss, and bark. Both members of the pair work on construction, often choosing remote or difficult-to-reach locations. Ravens are fiercely loyal to their mates and territories, and their high, secure nests reflect that careful, secretive nature. You rarely see a raven nest unless you know exactly where to look.
Common Ravens have one of the most flexible diets of any bird. They eat everything from carrion and small mammals to grains, berries, insects, and garbage. They’re opportunistic hunters and crafty scavengers, often seen turning over rocks, digging in the dirt, or soaring in search of a meal. Their heavy bills and strong intelligence make them supreme survivors.
Common Ravens once declined in parts of the eastern U.S. due to habitat loss and persecution, but in Texas and the West, they have remained steady. As forests regrow and human tolerance has improved, their numbers have risen in many areas. Listed as Least Concern today, they remain a symbol of resilience and adaptability.
11. Brewer’s Blackbird
- Scientific name: Euphagus cyanocephalus
- Life span: Up to 11 years
- Size: 8.3-9.8 inches (21-25 cm)
- Weight: 2.1–3.0 oz (60–86 g)
- Wingspan: 14.6 in (37 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory behaviour: Leave Texas in late spring after wintering.
Brewer’s Blackbirds are widespread across western and central North America, including parts of Texas, especially during migration and winter. Males are deep black with a purplish sheen on the head and a greenish gloss on the body, while females are duller brownish-gray.
Their clean, sharp profiles and bright, pale eyes make them stand out even among mixed flocks. They are adaptable, showing up in open fields, city parks, and roadside ditches with equal ease.
Brewer’s Blackbirds often nest in small trees, shrubs, or on the ground in open areas. They build neatly woven nests lined with grasses and softer materials. While some birds nest alone, others form loose colonies, filling a small patch of parkland or pasture with dozens of singing males. Females do most of the work building and caring for the chicks.
Brewer’s Blackbirds have a wide-ranging diet that changes with the seasons. Insects dominate during warmer months, while seeds and berries become more important in colder times. They forage on the ground with quick, purposeful steps, constantly probing and picking. In city parks or rural fields, they’re often seen striding confidently across open spaces.
While Brewer’s Blackbirds remain widespread, populations have declined somewhat due to habitat changes and pesticide use. Open spaces like grasslands and wetlands are important to their survival, and conservationists keep a close eye on these habitats. Fortunately, their flexible behaviour and broad range mean they are still common across much of the West, including Texas in winter.
12. Red-winged Blackbird
- Scientific name: Agelaius phoeniceus
- Life span: 4-8 years
- Size: 6.7–9.1 in (17–23 cm)
- Weight: 1.1–2.7 oz (32–77 g)
- Wingspan: 12.2–15.8 in (31–40 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Stay year-round; some migrate south after breeding.
Red-winged Blackbirds are found throughout most of North America, especially abundant in wetlands and open fields. In Texas, they are year-round residents. Males are glossy black with bright red and yellow shoulder patches, which they often flash while singing loudly from perches.
Females look quite different, being streaky brown and heavily patterned. The sight of a blackbird clinging to a cattail, calling out over the marsh, is one of the most familiar scenes in Texas wetlands.
Red-winged Blackbirds are true marsh dwellers when it comes to nesting. Females build their nests low among cattails, reeds, or thick grasses, weaving a solid cup from stems and lined with softer materials. Males fiercely defend their territories, often balancing on swaying stems while singing loudly. The dense wetland vegetation hides the nests well from predators.
Red-winged Blackbirds shift their diet with the seasons. During the breeding season, insects make up the bulk of their diet, while in fall and winter they rely more on seeds and grains. They forage by walking or hopping through marshes and fields, often moving quickly and snapping up prey with swift pecks.
Red-winged Blackbirds are abundant across North America, including all parts of Texas. While large numbers are sometimes affected by pesticide use and habitat loss, their populations remain generally strong. Some areas have seen targeted efforts to protect wetlands, which benefits them directly. Their flashing red shoulder patches and loud songs remain iconic symbols of healthy wetlands and open spaces, and seeing a male perched proudly on a cattail is still a classic springtime sight.
13. Rusty Blackbird
- Scientific name: Euphagus carolinus
- Life span: Up to 8 years
- Size: 8.3–9.8 in (21–25 cm)
- Weight: 1.7–2.8 oz (47–80 g)
- Wingspan: 14.6 in (37 cm)
- Status: Vulnerable
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Stay year-round; some migrate south after breeding.
Rusty Blackbirds breed in the boreal forests of Canada and winter in the southeastern United States, including eastern Texas. In winter, they show a distinctive “rusty” look, with black feathers edged in cinnamon brown, giving them their name.
Males darken to a glossy black by spring. They have pale yellow eyes and a slightly hunched posture when feeding. Quiet and somewhat shy, they are often seen in small flocks near wet woodlands and swampy areas.
Rusty Blackbirds breed in remote boreal forests across Canada and Alaska, nesting near ponds, bogs, or slow-moving streams. Their nests are hidden low in dense shrubs or trees close to water. Females build the nest almost entirely on their own, lining it with grasses and moss. Their secluded nesting habits make studying them difficult, and they remain mysterious to many birdwatchers.
Rusty Blackbirds feed heavily on aquatic insects, small invertebrates, and seeds. During migration and winter in Texas, they often forage in shallow wetlands, turning over leaves or probing muddy ground. They move quietly, often overlooked unless you’re paying attention. Their foraging style is steady and patient, a reflection of their overall quiet nature.
Sadly, Rusty Blackbirds have experienced one of the steepest population declines of any North American bird. Habitat loss, climate change, and pollution in their breeding and wintering areas have all taken a toll. Conservation efforts now focus on preserving wetlands and studying their migration routes more carefully. In Texas, their winter presence is a quiet, fragile reminder of how important healthy wetlands are, not just for common species, but for those struggling silently to survive.
14. Bronzed Cowbird
- Scientific name: Molothrus aeneus
- Life span: 2-4 years
- Size: 7.9 in (20 cm)
- Weight: 2.3–2.6 oz (65–74 g)
- Wingspan: 13.0 in (33 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Mostly stay year-round in southern Texas.
The Bronzed Cowbird is found in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America, with Texas being one of its key breeding areas. Males are stocky and deep glossy black with a strong, bronze sheen, especially visible on the wings and back.
They have bright red eyes that stand out sharply against their dark feathers. Females are duller and browner. Their heavy bodies and thick necks give them a solid, almost muscular appearance compared to other blackbirds.
Bronzed Cowbirds, like other cowbirds, are brood parasites — meaning they don’t build their own nests. Instead, females lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species, leaving the unsuspecting hosts to raise their young. In Texas, this behaviour is widespread, especially in open country and farmland. Their sneaky reproductive strategy means they are often unpopular among other bird species. Yet it’s a remarkable and efficient survival method that has allowed them to flourish.
Bronzed Cowbirds forage for seeds, grains, and insects, often feeding on the ground in open fields or along roadsides. They walk with a distinctive, slightly hunched gait as they pick through grasses and dirt. During breeding season, males can sometimes be seen puffing up their dark feathers and chasing after rivals between feeding sessions.
Bronzed Cowbirds have expanded their range northward from Mexico into Texas and beyond over the past century. Today, they are considered common across their range. While brood parasitism can impact local songbird populations, Bronzed Cowbirds themselves face no major conservation threats. Their bold, gleaming plumage and bright red eyes are now a regular sight across southern Texas fields and towns, illustrating another case where adaptability has paved the way for success.
15. Brown-headed Cowbird
- Scientific name: Molothrus ater
- Life span: 6-8 years
- Size: 6.3–7.9 in (16–20 cm)
- Weight: 1.3–1.8 oz (38–50 g)
- Wingspan: 12.6–15.0 in (32–38 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Stay year-round; northern birds migrate south in winter.
Brown-headed Cowbirds are native to most of North America and are common in Texas. Males are shiny black with a rich, chocolate-brown head, which looks almost velvety in good light. Females are much plainer, a soft brownish-gray overall.
Their short, thick bills and rather chunky body shape give them a different profile compared to sleeker blackbirds. They are often seen moving through open pastures and along edges of wooded areas, usually in small flocks.
Brown-headed Cowbirds are also brood parasites, laying their eggs in the nests of over 200 different bird species. They prefer open woodlands, fields, and even suburban yards in Texas. Females sneak into host nests when the owners are briefly away, leaving behind an egg that will often outcompete the host’s own chicks. Their parasitic strategy has had a noticeable impact on some vulnerable bird species, but from a survival standpoint, it’s an efficient and remarkable adaptation.
Brown-headed Cowbirds mainly eat seeds and insects, foraging on the ground in open areas. In Texas, they’re commonly seen walking with short, purposeful steps across lawns, fields, or grazing lands. Their short, thick bills are perfect for cracking seeds, and they shift easily between agricultural fields and suburban parks. Their flexible diet and generalist foraging habits have made them one of the most successful blackbirds in human-modified landscapes across the state.
Historically, Brown-headed Cowbirds benefited enormously from the clearing of forests and the rise of agriculture. Today, they are abundant across North America, including all of Texas. Conservation efforts have sometimes targeted cowbird control in areas where they threaten endangered species like the Black-capped Vireo. Despite this, cowbirds themselves are in no danger.
16. European Starling
- Scientific name: Sturnus vulgaris
- Life span: 10-15 years
- Size: 8.0 in (20 cm)
- Weight: 2.1–3.4 oz (60–96 g)
- Wingspan: 12.2–15.8 in (31–40 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Stay year-round across Texas.
Introduced to North America in the 19th century, European Starlings are now widespread across the continent, including all of Texas. They appear black at a distance but shimmer with metallic greens, purples, and blues when the sunlight catches them. In winter, they often show white spots across their bodies.
Their short tails, pointed wings, and slightly downturned bills give them a distinctive silhouette. Starlings are energetic and noisy, gathering in massive flocks called murmurations.
European Starlings are cavity nesters, using holes in trees, buildings, and nest boxes. They are aggressive competitors, often taking nesting sites from native birds. Both males and females help build the nest, lining it with grasses, feathers, and trash. Their adaptability in finding nesting sites, even in the middle of cities, has helped them expand rapidly. Walking through an urban park, it’s common to hear their complex whistles and chatters coming from hidden nest holes.
European Starlings have a highly varied diet, including insects, fruits, grains, and even human food scraps. They forage on lawns, fields, and sidewalks, moving with short, busy steps. In summer, insects are important; in winter, they form massive flocks and shift to seeds and berries. Their quick, sharp probing style and aggressive competition for food make them highly successful.
Introduced to North America in the late 1800s, European Starlings have spread across the continent and are now considered invasive. While they are disliked for displacing native cavity-nesting birds, their sheer adaptability is impressive. In Texas, they are abundant year-round. Conservationists work to protect native birds from their competition, but starlings show no signs of declining.
Where to look for Black Birds in Texas
Finding black birds in Texas is easier than you might think. These birds are everywhere — from the middle of busy cities to quiet stretches of countryside. The best time to spot them is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when they’re most active. Bring a pair of binoculars if you have them, but honestly, many of these birds come so close you might not even need them. Stay still, listen for their sharp calls or songs, and you’ll start noticing them perched on wires, foraging in fields, or moving through the treetops.
Some of the best places to see a wide variety of black birds include Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, where grackles, crows, and cowbirds mix with other coastal birds. Big Bend National Park offers ravens and Brewer’s Blackbirds against a dramatic desert backdrop.
Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge is perfect for spotting Red-winged Blackbirds and Boat-tailed Grackles around marshlands. For a more urban setting, Lady Bird Lake in Austin has huge gatherings of grackles in the evenings. Wherever you go, take your time and keep your ears open — once you tune in, you’ll realize just how lively and full of character these birds really are.
Conclusion
Black birds are a vibrant part of Texas’s landscapes, from bustling cities to wide-open fields. Their adaptability, striking appearances, and diverse behaviours add life and energy to every corner of the state. Protecting their habitats ensures that future generations can enjoy the presence of these fascinating and resilient birds.
