Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva)Family: Hirundinidae The Cave Swallow is an increasingly common species in the greater Houston area. At first glance, the Cave Swallow appears very similar to the closely related (and more abundant) Cliff Swallow. Both species are generally light below and darker above, both species have a buffy rump patch that is easily […]
Read MoreEvery spring, Houston Audubon and other conservation organizations along the Texas coast participate in the Texas Colonial Waterbird Surveys to help monitor population trends in our state’s seabirds and wading birds. Houston Audubon, Audubon Texas and several additional undivided interest owners co-own North Deer Island, the largest and most productive breeding colony in Galveston Bay. […]
Read MoreGreen Heron (Butorides virescens)Family: Ardeidae What do you mean, I’m short? The Green Heron – our Beak of the Week – is one of the smallest resident members of the heron family in the Houston area. Full-size Green Herons are approximately 18 inches (45 cm) from beak to tail, which means they are comparable in […]
Read MoreBay-breasted Warbler (Setophaga castanea)Family: Parulidae When in doubt…look at the feet? Or at least that’s what you do when you are in doubt as to whether you are looking at a non-breeding female/young Bay-breasted or a Blackpoll warbler. Because these two can look very similar, biologists will use the distinctive blue-grey color of the soles […]
Read MoreMagnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) Family: Fregatidae Is that a dinosaur, soaring up there? Well, perhaps not quite, but our Beak of the Week – the Magnificent Frigatebird – is soaring into the Houston area these days. This pirate-bird of the high seas is commonly seen from boats and beaches throughout the late spring and summer months. […]
Read MoreVeery (Catharus fuscescens)Family: Turdidae Hopefully, this spring you will be fortunate enough to hear the enchantingly raspy and melodic song of the Veery. The Veery is a small thrush with a cinnamon-colored head, wings, back, and tail, light underside, and faint rufous spotting and a faint buffy wash to the throat and breast. Veery tend […]
Read MoreAcross the world, species are rapidly disappearing before our eyes. This is a biodiversity crisis. Urbanization has caused habitat degradation, loss, and fragmentation, which contribute to the decrease in global biodiversity. At Rice University, fifteen students signed up for Dr. Cassidy Johnson’s Conservation Biology Lab in hopes of making changes on their campus and in […]
Read MoreGolden-winged Warbler (Vermivora chrysoptera)Family: Parulidae The Golden-winged Warbler is sure to be an exciting flash of gold in the trees during migration season. Of the warblers that frequently visit or breed in the United States, the Golden-winged Warbler is the only species with the unique combination of bright golden-yellow wing bars and a dark face […]
Read MoreHere is a list of five common species you can see and hear during spring in Texas, using Houston eBird data for Harris County.Yellow-billed Cuckoo Dan Vickers/Macaulay Library (S55087581) This sometimes skulking species occurs regularly in Houston, as evidenced by the eBird range maps (including current reports in orange). During migration, you may see it […]
Read MoreSpring bird migration is in its peak over Texas, filling Houston with a plethora of colorful, melodious visitors. Turning out nonessential lights from April 19 – May 7 is one of the most impactful local actions you can make to save the lives of birds on their journey. As an extension of the city-wide Lights […]
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