Austin for Birdwatchers
Despite being a bustling metropolis, Austin offers many scenic spots to immerse oneself in the majesty of nature. Areas such as Zilker Park, Lady Bird Lake, Mount Bonnell and Blunn Creek Nature Reserve are perfect havens for those wishing to reconnect with nature, and you might spot a few birds Austin TX!
Read on to discover 10 beautiful Austin TX birds that can be found year-round in the area. So, what birds are in Austin Texas? These are just a few.
Red-Tailed Hawk
The largest species of hawk, this magnificent bird can weigh anywhere from 2 to 4 pounds, boasting wingspans of up to 56 inches. Around 85% of their diet is composed of small rodents such as mice, rats and ground moles. They are quite effective hunters, with eyesight up to 8 times more powerful than a human’s. Red-tailed hawks were prized among nobility worldwide, particularly for their use in the ancient sport of falconry.
Golden-fronted Woodpecker
This breed of North American woodpecker is easily spotted by its vibrant, fire-hued crown. Golden-fronted Woodpeckers are frequently found in woodland areas and prefer to nest in trees such as pecans, oaks and mesquites. They feed on a variety of insects, along with vegetation such as acorns, berries and corn. During the summer months, they are often found with purple mouths, stained from eating the fruit of the prickly pear cactus that grows abundant in the Austin area.
Monk Parakeet
Originating from Argentina and nearby South American regions, the Monk Parakeet was first introduced to the US as domestic pets in the late 1960s. Over the next few decades, birds that escaped or were released by their owners eventually bred and spread across the states, growing to a healthy population size in the wild. Monk Parakeets often live communally, sometimes sharing nests with several other couples. They can live from 15 to 20 years in the wild, and up to nearly 30 years in captivity.
Great Horned Owl
A notable predator, these intimidating creatures dine on many smaller animals including scorpions, rodents and frogs. Their talons are a powerful hunting tool, and can require over 28 pounds of force to pry open. In the wild, these lovely birds can live well into their 20s. Their wingspan averages around 4.6 feet in length. Great Horned Owls are also known as “tiger owls”, “cat owls”, or “hoot owls”. They can be found in many different regions and habitats across America, and are highly adaptable to a variety of different climates.
Eastern Bluebird
This small, vibrant bird is most commonly spotted in open stretches of land with rich vegetation such as meadows, golf courses and forests. Their diets consist mostly of creepy-crawlies, but wild fruit and berries are also commonly eaten. Eastern Bluebirds have even been known to hunt creatures as large as snakes, lizards and shrews. The average Eastern Bluebird will live between 6 to 10 years in the wild–the oldest recorded specimen was estimated to be around 10.5 years old.
Barn Owl
These swift hunters are best spotted at night. As many as 46 individual types of Barn Owl have been recorded across the glove, but the North American variant is the largest on record–weighing around 2 pounds with wingspans of 47 to 50 inches in length. The North American Barn Owl has incredible low-light vision, but can also hunt down their prey by sound. They tend to swallow their meals hole, later coughing up pellets containing undigested material. Due to a loss of habitat, these beautiful birds are declining in population worldwide.
Woodhouse’s Scrub
This species of jay is named after doctor and naturalist Samuel W. Woodhouse, who participated in expeditions across the American Southwest from 1849 to 1852. Less common than other species of jay, the Woodhouse is typically located in woodlands containing juniper and pinyon pine trees. They are omnivores, dining on insects such as spiders, along with vegetation like nuts, seeds and berries. The Woodhouse Scrub is a notorious mischief-maker, often caught stealing food from other smaller birds.
Downy Woodpecker
These small birds are often spotted in backyards and forested areas, and are easily drawn by birdfeeders or offerings of treats such as peanut butter and millet. They are identified by their high-pitched call, and the loud drumming sounds made by hammering into wood or metal with their tough beaks. The oldest-known Downy Woodpecker was estimated to be nearly twelve years old, but most live anywhere from 2-5 years in the wild.
Chipping Sparrow
1920s naturalist Edward Forbush aptly described the Chipping Sparrow as “the little brown-capped pensioner of the dooryard and lawn, creeping about farmhouse doors to glean crumbs shaken from the tablecloth by thrifty housewives.” These spry, delicate birds are often found in open areas near the trees and shrubs where they nest. They are notably quite time, especially in densely populated areas where food can be readily found. Their diet consists primarily of seeds, fruits, and insects such as beetles and moths.
Barred Owl
Barred Owls are usually found near waterfronts or in large forests with a variety of trees. Dense, unpopulated forests are prime territory for these birds, as they tend to house a wide range of prey. Barred Owls eat a variety of small animals; even creatures as large as reptiles, rabbits and squirrels. They are also effective aquatic hunters, sweeping over the surface of the water to scoop up fish and crawdads. Despite hunting mostly at night, Barn Owls usually only feed during the day and will often store their prey in their large nests until it is time to eat. Their wingspans can reach lengths of up to 43 inches.
Which of these birds are you most excited to see?
