Birding Texas: Wichita Falls

The largest city between Amarillo and Fort Worth, Texas, Wichita Falls is also a phenomenal bird watching site. With bird watching habitats that include mesquite, cottonwood, and the Wichita River, as well as dry uplands and river beds, you are sure to see a variety of different species while bird watching here. In addition to bird watching, you'll also find museums, casinos, a water park and even a winery in Wichita Falls, Texas. For tips on finding and identifying just a few of the species you may see while bird watching in Wichita Falls, Texas, see below.

Great Blue Heron. This magnificent bird can be found along the river in Wichita Falls, Texas. Recognize it while bird watching from its blue gray back, long gray neck, and its white face and cap. It also has a long, feathery black crest and a gray and white striped belly. The Great Blue Heron nests in Wichita Falls, Texas, so look for it while bird watching here in the spring.

Carolina Chickadee. This small chickadee loves the open woods and swampy areas of Wichita Falls, Texas, although it can also be found in both urban and suburban areas. Identify it while bird watching from its black cap and bib, as well as its white cheeks and white underparts. It also has a short, black bill. Carolina Chickadees nest in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Greater Roadrunner. Look for this large, brown cuckoo in the open areas of Wichita Falls, Texas, especially in areas with scrubby thickets. You'll easily recognize it while bird watching from the blue and orange bare patch behind its eyes, as well as its shaggy crest and long tail. Greater Roadrunners feed on lizards, small birds, fruits, seeds and even snakes. Although they can fly, these birds prefer to run, reaching up to fifteen miles per hour.

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. You'll find this flycatcher in the open areas along the roads of Wichita Falls, Texas - look for it perched on utility wires and fence posts. Recognize them while bird watching from their gray upperparts and heads, pinkish-orange sides, and dark brown wings edged in white. These flycatchers have long, scissor-like tails, as their name implies.

Grasshopper Sparrow. This medium-sized sparrow can be found in the fields, pastures, and scrubby areas in Wichita Falls, Texas. Identify it from the white stripe through the dark crown on its flattened head, as well as its pink legs and feet. It also has a brown streaked body, with white underparts. These sparrows can be secretive, but they do like to perch on fence wires or shrubs and sing.

Tufted Titmouse. Look for this pretty bird in the woods near the lake in Wichita Falls, Texas, although it can also be found in urban shade trees. You'll recognize it while bird watching from its dark gray cap and crest, paler gray face, and white eyering. It also has a black bill and gray legs and feet. The Tufted Titmouse is the largest of the titmouses.

Source list:

Personal experience

http://www.wichitafalls.org

http://identify.whatbird.com

http://www.allaboutbirds.org