Among the states in the United States, Texas offers a variety of outdoor recreation adventures like no other. Texas has become a great tourist destination for both foreign and domestic tourists with its diverse wildlife collection. To put this into perspective, Texas has about 80 state parks and having two national parks. That’s why it doesn’t come as a surprise that Texas is also home to some of the most beautiful and colorful birds anyone can find in the whole world. Finches are among these birds, and in this article we’re taking a look at the finches in Texas.
Birdwatchers visit Texas year-round to get a view of some of their favorite bird species. Finches are one of the most popular songbirds you’ll find in texas. The most popular spot in all over Texas for birdwatchers looking to spot these songbirds is Lost Maples State National Area.
There are about eight known species of finches in Texas. They include;
- Red Crossbill
- Common Redpoll
- Pine Siskin
- Lesser Goldfinch
- Purple Finch
- House Finch
- Cassin’s Finch
- American Goldfinch
Among the eight species of finches in Texas, the House finches are the most common ones. If you’re a birdwatcher, you’ll not have a problem spotting these birds. It’s even possible that you won’t need to find a unique spot to spot them because they can be found almost everywhere around the state.
They’re regarded to be permanent residents of Texas and are in abundance in the state. The climate in Texas varies a lot depending on the region you’re in. The northern part of the state is known to have a continental climate, while the southern regions have a subtropical climate.
This means that the state has both cold winters and humid summers. So, where exactly can you find the different finches in Texas, and how can you attract them to your garden?
This post will break elaborate on each species of finches in great detail while also guiding you on some important tips that will help you attract these colorful songbirds a lot more effortlessly;
1. American Goldfinch
This is among the unique species of finches that you’ll find all over the United States. This is because the overall appearance of these birds tends to change with the prevailing season. The male American Goldfinches have very bright yellow feathers and black-tipped wings.
On the other hand, the female American Goldfinches are characterized by their yellow color of a much duller shade. As we approach the winter, these birds’ feathers will take on a much browner color.
The American Goldfinch is among the smallest species of finches that you’re likely to spot in Texas. During their breeding season, the breeding pairs will fly together in search of a suitable and secure spot to build their nests.
Once they’ve found the spot, the female American Goldfinch normally takes up the responsibility of building the nest while the male offers protection and brings food. If you’re looking to distinguish this species from other finches, you’re in luck.
The American Goldfinch is widely known for its unique call that sounds like po-ta-to-chip. The best news for birdwatchers looking to spot these finches in Texas is that they can do so all year around.
However, the American Goldfinch is only found in the northern parts of Texas during its breeding season. If you’re looking to attract these songbirds into your feeders, you’ll need to have several seed feeders.
These seed feeders should be mostly filled with sunflower seeds and, of course, their favorite, nyjer seeds. Due to the design of their beaks, American Goldfinches only feed on small seeds. If you’re a birdkeeper, it might interest you to know that this species rarely feeds on anything outside the seed family.
Their measurements are;
- Length: 11-14cm
- Weight: 11-20g
- Wingspan: 19-22cm
2. Pine Siskin
This species of finches are known to have streaky feather patterns and very small bills. One of the unique traits about these species is shown with their courtship behavior. To court a female, the male will sit on high perches and perform a series of courtship songs to impress her.
Pine Siskins are also known to exist in loosely structured colonies that are likely to last during their mating seasons. This species is characterized by its small beaks that are perfectly designed for eating seeds, and as the name suggests, Pine Siskins mostly feed on seeds from the pine family.
However, it’s not unusual to find these songbirds feeding on insects, mostly during the winter. In most cases, these insects are usually aphids. Also, during the winter, you’re likely to witness aggressive behavior among this species.
This is usually caused by the scarcity of food as pine seeds become hard to find during the winter. Like the American Goldfinches, Pine Siskins can be found all over Texas. However, they can only be easily spotted across the state outside their breeding seasons.
The best time to attract these birds into your garden is during the winter. This is because, at this time, when food is scarce for them, they normally depend on humans to feed them. If you’re looking to lure them more easily, placing pine seeds on your birdfeeders is the best way to go.
Their measurements are;
- Length: 11-14cm
- Weight: 12-18g
- Wingspan: 18-22cm
3. Common redpoll
The common redpoll is among the most colorful of the species of finches. The male Common Redpolls are characterized by their frosty red plumage, with the top of their heads being covered with red feathers.
On the other hand, females down the red feathers on their heads but never on their plumage. These songbirds are also very small compared to the other finches. During their nesting season, the female Common Redpoll takes on the responsibility of finding a suitable nesting spot and then proceeds to build the nest.
This species of finches normally uses materials such as twigs and grass to build their nests. Also, at times, these birds will take nesting materials from other nests to build their own. The courtship ritual among the Common Redpolls is also very unique.
It begins with the male flying around the females and calling out to them. After winning the attention of an interested female, the make Common Redpoll will proceed to feed her to keep her around.
It’s important to note that Common Redpolls are not common in Texas and are mostly found in the northern regions of the state during the winter months. When they have moved to Texas to spend their colder months, it is also the only time you’ll see them in your garden.
If you want to attract these songbirds, ensure that you keep your birdfeeders filled with small seeds, more so nyjer seeds.
Their measurements are;
- Length: 11.5-14cm
- Weight: 11-20g
- Wingspan: 23cm
4. Red Crossbill
These finches are unique from the other finches in Texas, and it would be very hard to mistake with the other species. This is because their bodies are usually covered in red feathers, and as the name suggests, have a crossed bill.
Unlike most of the other species of finches, the Red Crossbills are very social and usually stay in large groups that can last even through their mating seasons. As a result of their social nature, the breeding pairs of these songbirds usually build their nests close to other breeding pairs of this species.
Even though most research labels Red Crossbills as monogamous, it is not clear whether these birds return to the same mating partner every year. You can only spot these songbirds in Texas outside their breeding seasons.
During this season, you’ll likely find them in the western and northern regions of the state. It’s very hard to attract these birds into your garden but not entirely impossible. But if you want to try your luck, consider filling your bird feeders with pine seeds.
However, it’s important to note that they’re only likely to visit your garden during the winter when food is scarce. As much as Red Crossbills are known to feed mainly on seeds, it’s not unusual to spot them feeding on small insects, more so during the summer.
Due to their varied and widely undocumented sizes, there are no details about the average weight, length, and wingspans of the Red Crossbills.
5. Lesser Goldfinch
These songbirds are among the most colorful you’ll find not only in Texas but also all over the United States. They’re characterized by their bright yellow bellies and usually have brown feathers on their backs and wings.
Unlike most species of finches that feed while perched, these songbirds prefer to hover. Also, the courtship routine among the Lesser Goldfinch is very different from the other finches. This is because, as opposed to finding a nesting spot together, the male Lesser Goldfinch will first establish their territory before they can invite the female to join them in the nest.
After they have established their territory, the male will perform a series of courtship songs, and if the female is interested, they will approach the male. Afterward these songbirds will chase after each other in flight.
If you’re looking to spot them, it might interest you to know that Lesser Goldfinches are found in Texas all year-round. However, you’re likely to spot these birds in the northern regions of Texas during their breeding season.
Outside their breeding season, you’ll easily spot them in the southern regions of the state. The best news for birdkeepers is that you can easily attract these birds into your garden. However, it’s important to know that they’re likely to bring other species with them during these visits.
Lesser Goldfinches are mostly known to feed on small seeds such as nyjer seeds. Also, they occasionally feed on fruits such as elderberries and sunflowers.
Their measurements are;
- Length: 8.9-11cm
- Weight: 8-11.5g
- Wingspan: 15-20cm
6. Cassin’s Finch
This species of finches are also very colorful. The male Cassin’s Finches have a light red plumage and head, while their backs and wings are covered in brown feathers. On the other hand, females are covered in white and brown streaky feathers.
During their mating season, the female will pick a suitable nesting spot and proceed to build the nest. While she’s doing so, the male will be fighting off any other males that might be a threat to their territory.
The Cassin’s Finches are particularly very social songbirds. They always appear in groups even during their mating seasons, and when food gets scarce, they will help each other find it. However, it’s important to note that this species of finches is not very common in Texas.
If you want to spot these songbirds, you’ll have to go to the western regions of the state. These birds will only leave Texas in April or May for their breeding season. Even these birds might be scarce to find in Texas; you can still be lucky to spot some in your garden during the winter months.
If you’re looking to attract the Cassin’s Finches into your birdfeeders, it’s advisable you place a variety of small seeds on them. Their favorite seeds are the sunflower seeds, and they will occasionally feed in fruit shrubs in case you have some in your garden. Also, it’s not unusual to spot these birds feeding on some small insects if they’re available.
Their measurements are;
- Length: 16cm
- Weight: 22-34g
- Wingspan: 25-27cm
7. Purple Finch
Unlike what the name suggests, the Purple Finches are actually covered in raspberry-colored feathers. The female Purple Finches do not share the same raspberry color as the males.
Instead, the females are covered in streaky brown feathers up to their backs and wings, and their bellies are particularly white. These songbirds have unique bills that are ideal for breaking seeds open.
Unlike most of the species of finches, the purple finches can be very aggressive. This aggression is mostly over the nests and food but doesn’t necessarily involve physical attacks, although, at times, it might escalate.
The female Purple Finches are usually the victors in these fights as much as they’re responsible for building the nests. In Texas, the breeding pairs have only been reported in the northeastern regions of the state during the winter months.
When this season is over, this species will move to the southern regions of texas. If you’re looking to attract these birds into your garden, you might want to carry out some modifications to your birdfeeders.
This is because the Purple Finches are easily attracted to birdfeeders with perches more than those with platforms. Also, ensure that you stock your birdfeeders with their favorite seeds, such as safflower seeds and sunflower seeds. These birds also occasionally feed on nectar and flower birds.
Their measurements are;
- Length: 12-15cm
- Weight: 18-31g
- Wingspan: 22-26cm
8. House Finch
House finches are undoubtedly the easiest to spot in Texas, more than any other species of finches. These songbirds are easily recognizable because of their cherry plumage that is common among males.
On the other hand, the females are usually covered in streaky patterns of brown and grey feathers. House Finches usually eat while perched rather than hovering around. For this reason, you’re likely to find them in your birdfeeders more often than any other species.
They mostly feed on a variety of seeds, although black oil sunflower seeds are their favorite ones. Also, if you’re looking to attract House Finches into your garden, it might interest you to know that they like feeding on dropped food.
You can also add some flower buds and fruits such as cherries and thistle in your birdfeeders, and they’re likely to visit. These birds are also very social compared to the other species and can stay together in flocks of up to 100.
These flocks last even beyond their mating seasons. The best news for birdwatchers in Texas is that you can spot these birds across the state all-year-round. However, it’s important to note that they’re most abundant in the western regions of the state.
Their measurements are;
- Length: 15cm
- Weight: 16-27g
- Wingspan: 20-25cm
Conclusion
Texas is among the best places you can spot different species of finches. The state has such a great climate and scenery that makes the whole birdwatching experience a memorable one. If you’re passionate about songbirds, Finches make a great choice.
This is because they’re both colorful, and they only require common seeds to keep them around. By having these songbirds around, your home is likely to look more colorful and filled with beautiful sounds.
Related
- Finches are fun and cute little birds, but Texas is also home to some much bigger apex predators. Learn a little more about the hawks of Texas, who regularly patrol the terrain.
- Texas is also home to a whole host of spooky owls. Learn more about them in: Owls in Texas (13 Species Pictured)
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