Are you ready to meet the amazing night birds of Texas? Let’s go! Texas is home to a diverse range of birds that are active at night. These nightbirds are known for their unique calls and behaviours. In this guide, we will explore 15 types of night birds that you can find in Texas. Each bird is special in its own way.
Types Of Night Birds In Texas
1. Eastern Screech-Owl
The Eastern Screech-Owl is small and has a haunting call. It is very common in Texas.
2. Great-horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl is known for its deep hoots. It is one of the largest owls in Texas.
3. Barn Owl
The Barn Owl has a heart-shaped face. It makes a hissing noise instead of a hoot.
4. Barred Owl
The Barred Owl has a call that sounds like “Who cooks for you?”. It has striped feathers.
5. Western Screech-Owl
Similar to its eastern cousin, the Western Screech-Owl has a trill call and likes woodlands.
6. Common Pauraque
The Common Pauraque is a nightjar with a soft, whistled call. It’s well-camouflaged on the ground.
7. Common Nighthawk
The Common Nighthawk flies at dusk, hunting insects. It has a booming call during flight.
8. Chuck-will’s-widow
The Chuck-will’s-widow has a repetitive call that sounds like its name. It’s larger than a nighthawk.
9. Eastern Whip-poor-will
The Eastern Whip-poor-will also repeat its name in its call. It’s a master of hiding during the day.
10. Black-crowned Night-Heron
The Black-crowned Night-Heron fishes at night. It has a black cap and back with white underparts.
11. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
The Yellow-crowned Night-Heron is similar to its black-crowned cousin. It has a yellow crown.
12. Elf Owl
The tiny eagle lives in cactus deserts. It’s the smallest owl in the world!
13. Lesser Nighthawk
The Lesser Nighthawk has a softer call than the common nighthawk. It is also active at dusk.
14. Short-eared Owl
The Short-eared Owl is often seen in open fields. It has short ear tufts and a round face.
15. Long-eared Owl
The Long-eared Owl has long ear tufts. It’s very secretive and hard to find.
Quick Reference Table
| Bird Type | Unique Feature | Call Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Screech-Owl | Haunting call | Whinny and trill |
| Great Horned Owl | Deep hoots | Hoo-hoo-hoo |
| Barn Owl | Heart-shaped face | Hissing noise |
| Barred Owl | Striped feathers | Who cooks for you? |
| Western Screech-Owl | Trill call | series of hoots |
| Common Pauraque | Camouflaged on ground | Soft whistle |
| Common Nighthawk | Booming call in flight | Peent |
| Chuck-will’s-widow | Repetitive call | Chuck-will’s-widow |
| Eastern Whip-poor-will | Master of hiding | Whip-poor-will |
| Black-crowned Night-Heron | Fishes at night | Quok |
| Yellow-crowned Night-Heron | Yellow crown | Squawk |
| Elf Owl | Smallest owl | High-pitched chuckle |
| Lesser Nighthawk | Softer call | Soft chuckle |
| Short-eared Owl | Short ear tufts | Bark-like call |
| Long-eared Owl | Long ear tufts | Low hoots |
Our Previous Article:
| How Much Does a Rooster Cost — |
| Brownish Bird With Orange Beak — |
| Seeing Baby Birds: Spiritual Meaning — |
Frequently Asked Questions
What owls are native to Texas?
Texas is home to several owl species, including the Eastern Screech Owl, the Barn Owl, and the Great Horned Owl.
Can nightbirds see in the dark?
Yes, night birds in Texas, like nightjars and owls, have excellent night vision enabling them to see in the dark.
Where do Texas nightbirds nest?
Night birds in Texas often nest in trees, shrubs, and sometimes on the ground, depending on the species
What do Texas nightbirds eat?
Texas night birds primarily feed on insects, small mammals, and other small creatures, varying by species.
Conclusion
Texas night birds are amazing. Go out and enjoy their beauty and songs. Remember, when birdwatching, to always be respectful of nature and the creatures you’re observing. Happy birdwatching!
