American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) Family: Ardeidae The American Bittern is a medium-sized thickset wading heron. They are primarily buff brown with distinctive white streaks on the underside and sides of the neck. Their intricate wing coloration makes them fairly camouflaged when trying to spot them alongside marsh vegetation. While in flight they can be easily […]

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) Family: Regulidae ✏️ By Ryan McGinty, Conservation Technician, Houston Audubon The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is named for the ruby crown patch that they display during spring and summer on a singing male. Although the bird is named for its ruby crown this feature is not usually visible so other clues must be […]

American Coot (Fulica americana) Family: Rallidae ✏️ By Averi Lohman, Conservation Technician, Houston Audubon The American Coot is probably one of the goofiest birds you can see in the United States. This duck-like bird, just a bit smaller than a mallard, has a peculiar habit of bobbing its head forward as it swims, almost as […]

Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) Family: Sulidae ✏️ By Hope Caliendo, Conservation Technician, Houston Audubon Brown Boobies are a rarity in the United States, but they can occasionally be seen along the Bolivar Peninsula and can stray as far north as Canada. Their typical range revolves around tropical oceans worldwide where they are seen maneuvering swiftly […]

Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) Family: Cuculidae ✏️ By Ryan McGinty, Conservation Technician, Houston Audubon The Greater Roadrunner is a large cuckoo that was born to run. While it is a weak flier, this bird is able to outrun a human, reaching speeds upward of 15 mph when running and even faster spurts when chasing prey. […]