A bird is considered endangered when its population has dropped so low that it could completely disappear from the wild. This usually happens because of habitat loss, pollution, or other serious threats caused by human activity. Once a bird is listed as endangered, it’s protected by federal law, with help from the Fish and Wildlife Service.
In Texas, some native bird species are only found in a small range, while others are losing their habitats due to land development. Because of these challenges, protecting endangered birds in Texas is a top priority. Your efforts will help keep the state’s natural ecosystems healthy. Keep reading to learn more about Texas’s endangered birds.
Endangered Birds in Texas
In Texas, birds or other animals can be listed as threatened or endangered under state law, federal law, or both. If an animal is listed by the state, that means the species is declining within Texas only. But if it’s listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, that means the animal is at risk of extinction across other states or even other countries.
According to state and federal listings, the only bird species considered endangered in Texas include:
- Whooping Crane – This is a tall, elegant bird that’s about 5 feet tall with mostly white feathers and black wingtips. It migrates through Texas during certain seasons and is one of the rarest birds in North America, making it endangered on the federal level.
- Red-Cockaded Woodpecker – This threatened species is about 7 to 8 inches long and lives in East Texas pine forests. It has mostly black and white feathers and a white belly.
- Golden-Cheeked Warbler – This is one of the endangered birds that calls Texas home. It’s about 4.5 to 5 inches long with bright yellow cheeks, black stripes, and a white belly. This is the only species of bird that is found in Texas alone.
- Northern Aplomado Falcon – This slim, medium-sized falcon lives in South Texas, New Mexico, and parts of Arizona. It has slate-gray wings, a black face mask, and rusty-orange underparts. It stands around 15 inches tall with a wingspan close to 3 feet.
- The Black-Capped Vireo – This small songbird is about 4.5 inches long. It has olive-green back feathers, a white belly, and a distinctive black cap on its head. This shy bird is mainly found in the shrublands of Central Texas.
There are other birds that were federally listed as endangered or threatened but have since, thankfully, been removed from the list due to resurgent population numbers. One famous example is the bald eagle, found throughout a significant portion of Texas.
Other Endangered Species in Texas
There are also countless other endangered species in Texas beyond birds, including 16 karst invertebrates (cave insects), as well as other threatened species like the Barton Springs salamander. Below, you can find lists of some, but not all, of the endangered species in Texas. You can visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site to find all the endangered species on the federal list.
Endangered Insects
- Bee Creek Cave Harvestman
- Tooth Cave Spider
- Kretschmarr Cave Mold Beetle
- Tooth Cave Ground Beetle
- Tooth Cave Pseudoscorpions
- Comal Springs Riffle Beetle
Endangered Mammals
- Mexican Long-Nosed Bat
- Black-footed Ferret
- Ocelot
- Jaguarundi
- Louisiana Black Bear
While the jaguarundi is technically extinct in Texas, it remains protected by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD).
Endangered Amphibians and Reptiles
- Concho Water Snake
- San Marcos Salamander
- Texas Blind Salamander
- Barton Springs Salamander
- Houston Toad
Endangered Fish
- San Marcos Gambusia
- Fountain Darter
- Clear Creek Gambusia
- Desert Spring Fishes
Partner With Las Huellas to Protect Texas Wildlife
Be it a plant, mammal, or anything in between, protecting endangered species in Texas is important. This protection is key to preserving the state’s natural ecosystems, from tall juniper forests to rolling plains. Even animals typically seen as pests deserve support for ongoing survival in nature. When you support wildlife conservation, you play a part in making sure future generations can enjoy the incredible wildlife that lives in the Lone Star State.
One great way to support conservation is by partnering with Las Huellas. At Las Huellas, we focus on conserving wildlife and their habitats across Texas. We work closely with local communities to protect wild turkeys, endangered birds, and many other species through education and advocacy. By supporting our mission through donations or volunteering, you’re helping us to give back to South Texas. Partner with us today to make a real difference in Texas wildlife conservation.