By Avian Feathers Team
Published June 2025
Texas is famous for its bird diversity. With deserts, forests, coastlines and everything in between, it attracts birds from all over. But while many are common, a few species are harder to find. These rare birds might only live in small corners of the state, visit briefly during migration or show up once in a lifetime.
Here are 10 rare birds you might be lucky enough to spot in Texas.
1. California Condor
This is one of the rarest birds in the world. Once extinct in the wild, California Condors have been slowly reintroduced in a few places. They are huge, with wide wings and bald heads. Very few have ever been spotted in Texas, making it an unforgettable sight.
Size
Length: 46–53 inches.
Wingspan: 9.5 feet.
Weight: 17–25 pounds.
Scientific Name: Gymnogyps californianus
2. Steller’s Sea Eagle
This eagle is native to far eastern Russia, but a few individuals have wandered into the United States. One was famously seen in Texas, causing excitement in the birding world. It has a massive yellow beak and dark feathers with bold white patches. It is one of the largest and rarest eagles on Earth.
Size
Length: 34–41 inches.
Wingspan: 7.5–8.2 feet.
Weight: 15–20 pounds.
Scientific Name: Haliaeetus pelagicus
3. Rose-throated Becard
This tropical-looking songbird is rare in Texas and usually only found in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Males have a rosy pink throat that stands out against their gray feathers. They prefer wooded areas near water. Spotting one takes patience and luck.
Size
Length: 6.5–8 inches.
Wingspan: 12 inches.
Weight: 0.9–1.3 ounces.
Scientific Name: Pachyramphus aglaiae
4. Amazon Kingfisher
Most kingfishers in Texas are small and blue, but this one is larger and green. It usually lives in Central and South America. Occasionally, one will cross the border into Texas. It hunts along rivers and streams and is extremely rare in the United States.
Size
Length: 11–12 inches.
Wingspan: 18–20 inches.
Weight: 4.5–5.5 ounces.
Scientific Name: Chloroceryle amazona
5. Golden-cheeked Warbler
This small warbler is found only in central Texas during breeding season. It nests in old oak and juniper woodlands and is listed as endangered. Males have black heads with bright yellow cheeks. Its song is sweet and sharp, but the bird itself is hard to find.
Size
Length: 4.5–5 inches.
Wingspan: 7.5 inches.
Weight: 0.3–0.4 ounces.
Scientific Name: Setophaga chrysoparia
6. Colima Warbler
This shy little bird lives in just one part of the United States — the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park. It hides in the canyons and high forests. Reaching its habitat often requires a full day hike. For many birders, spotting a Colima Warbler is a bucket list goal.
Size
Length: 4.5–5.5 inches.
Wingspan: 7–8 inches.
Weight: 0.4 ounces.
Scientific Name: Leiothlypis crissalis
7. Northern Jacana
This tropical shorebird has long legs and toes that help it walk on floating vegetation. It is colorful, with yellow, brown and black feathers. Jacanas are rare in Texas but sometimes show up in wetlands in the south. Their loud calls and odd shape make them stand out.
Size
Length: 8–10 inches.
Wingspan: 18–22 inches.
Weight: 3–4 ounces.
Scientific Name: Jacana spinosa
8. Blue Bunting
This deep blue songbird is usually found in Mexico and Central America. Every now and then, one appears in south Texas. Males are entirely rich blue, while females are duller brown. They hide in dense thickets, so spotting one feels like finding a secret.
Size
Length: 5–5.5 inches.
Wingspan: 7–8 inches.
Weight: 0.5–0.6 ounces.
Scientific Name: Cyanocompsa parellina
9. Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl
This tiny owl lives in thorn scrub and mesquite brushlands in southern Texas. It is active during the day and gives a quick, repetitive whistle. Though it is rare in the United States, a few breed near the Lower Rio Grande. Its fierce look and small size make it unforgettable.
Size
Length: 6–7 inches.
Wingspan: 14 inches.
Weight: 2.5–3 ounces.
Scientific Name: Glaucidium brasilianum
10. Crimson-collared Grosbeak
This striking black and red bird is a rare visitor from Mexico. It shows up in Texas mostly during winter and prefers quiet, brushy areas. Males are black with a bright red chest and collar. Females are olive green. Both are beautiful and hard to find.
Size
Length: 8–9 inches.
Wingspan: 13–15 inches.
Weight: 1.5–2.3 ounces.
Scientific Name: Rhodothraupis celaeno
From tropical visitors to once-in-a-lifetime sightings, these rare birds add a thrilling element to birdwatching in Texas. Some appear only for a short season, while others live quietly in hidden corners of the state. Spotting any of them takes patience, timing and a bit of luck—but the reward is unforgettable.
Whether you’re hiking the canyons of Big Bend, exploring the wetlands of the south or simply keeping an eye on your backyard feeders, these elusive birds remind us how rich and surprising Texas nature can be. Keep your binoculars close and your curiosity wide open.
Where to Spot Rare Birds in Texas
Finding rare birds in Texas can feel like going on a real-life treasure hunt. These birds are shy, seasonal, or tucked away in very specific habitats. With some planning, quiet observation, and a little luck, you might just catch a glimpse of one of these special species.
Here’s where you can start looking:
California Condor. Very rarely seen in Texas. If one appears, it’s usually flying high above remote canyon areas near the western edge of the state.
Steller’s Sea Eagle. This bird is an extreme rarity. It has only been spotted once in Texas. Stay tuned to bird alert networks if another sighting happens.
Rose-throated Becard. Found mostly in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Look in wooded areas near water, especially during spring and summer.
Amazon Kingfisher. Seen on rare occasions along southern Texas rivers. Keep watch near the Rio Grande and surrounding waterways.
Golden-cheeked Warbler. Lives in old oak and juniper forests in central Texas. Try birdwatching in places like Balcones Canyonlands or Lost Maples during breeding season.
Colima Warbler. Only found in Big Bend National Park. Hike into the high-elevation Chisos Mountains in spring for the best chance to see one.
Northern Jacana. Search shallow wetlands in southern Texas, such as the Santa Ana or Estero Llano Grande state parks.
Blue Bunting. Occasionally visits dense thickets in far south Texas. Check areas around Brownsville and other Lower Rio Grande Valley preserves.
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. Found in thorn scrub habitats in southern Texas. Your best chance is near the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
Crimson-collared Grosbeak. Rare winter visitor to brushy areas near south Texas nature centers. Try Frontera Audubon or Quinta Mazatlan.
Rare birds make birdwatching in Texas even more exciting.
Have you spotted one of these unusual visitors? Let us know which rare bird is still on your list.