What birds have long tails in Texas?

Texas is home to a wide variety of bird species, some of which are known for their lengthy tail feathers. In the opening paragraphs of this article, we’ll provide a quick overview of a few common Texas birds with noticeably long tails.

Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher

One of the most iconic long-tailed birds found in Texas is the Scissor-Tailed Flycatcher. As the name suggests, this bird has incredibly long, forked tail feathers that can measure up to 20 cm (7.9 in). The tails are black and white, resembling an open pair of scissors. Scissor-Tailed Flycatchers breed throughout central and western Texas and migrate through the state each spring and fall.

Greater Roadrunner

The Greater Roadrunner is a large, terrestrial cuckoo with a tail that can reach lengths of 20-24 cm (7.9-9.4 in). It is commonly seen darting across roads and open terrain throughout central and south Texas. Roadrunners have long tails that they frequently cock upwards at an angle. The tail feathers are boldly patterned in white and black bands.

Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawks are one of the most widespread and common raptors across Texas. As their name suggests, they are easily identified by their reddish-brown tail feathers. A Red-tailed Hawk’s tail can reach 20 cm (7.9 in) in length and is often seen fanned out during flight. Red-tails occur year-round throughout most of Texas in various habitats.

Green Jay

The Green Jay is a long-tailed songbird endemic to Texas and parts of Mexico. It has bright green-yellow plumage on the head and underparts and a distinctly long tail. The tail measures around 20 cm (7.9 in) and is colored blue with black barring. Green Jays live in woodlands and brushlands of South Texas and northeastern Mexico.

Northern Mockingbird

Northern Mockingbirds are slim, long-tailed songbirds found throughout most of Texas. Their long tails have white outer feathers that flash conspicuously in flight and can reach 20 cm (7.9 in). Northern Mockingbirds are gray above with lighter underparts and two white wing bars. They are common in urban and rural environments across the state.

Swainson’s Hawk

The Swainson’s Hawk is a slim, long-winged raptor that breeds in grasslands and agricultural areas of central and northern Texas. It has a dark gray-brown back and wings contrasting with a light belly and dark flight feathers. The tail is gray-brown and can extend over 20 cm (7.9 in) in length. Swainson’s Hawks migrate through Texas each spring and fall.

Common Grackle

The Common Grackle is a very long-tailed blackbird found throughout Texas and much of North America. Males have glossy black plumage with bright yellow eyes. Their long tails can reach over 20 cm (7.9 in) and are keel-shaped in flight. Common grackles occur year-round in Texas in a variety of semi-open habitats.

Loggerhead Shrike

Loggerhead Shrikes are predatory songbirds with gray backs, white underparts, and black masks. A key field mark is their relatively long, black tail with white outer feathers. Loggerhead tails can extend over 18 cm (7 in). They perch conspicuously in open country throughout Texas.

Long-billed Thrasher

The Long-billed Thrasher is aptly named for its exceptionally long, downward curving bill and long tail. It occurs in dense shrublands of South Texas. Long-billed Thrashers have rich brown upperparts and white underparts with dark spotting. Their long tails help provide balance as they forage on the ground.

Cave Swallow

Cave Swallows are small, streamlined aerial foragers with deeply forked tails. They breed in colonies on cliffs and caves in west Texas. Their tail extends about 15 cm (5.9 in) and is shaped like a split ribbon in flight. Cave Swallows have glossy blue-black upperparts and pale underparts.

Curve-billed Thrasher

The Curve-billed Thrasher is a species of thrasher native to the arid regions of southern Texas. It has brownish-gray plumage with a decurved bill and long tail measuring around 18 cm (7.1 in). Curve-billed Thrashers forage on the ground in sparse brush and scrub habitats.

Turkey Vulture

Turkey Vultures are large, widespread scavenging birds in Texas. They have dark brown plumage except for silvery flight feathers. Turkey Vultures hold their wings in a dihedral “V” shape in flight. They have long, fanned tails that exceed 20 cm (7.9 in).

Vermilion Flycatcher

Male Vermilion Flycatchers are striking birds with long red tails that breed in south Texas. Females have gray heads and brown streaked underparts. Vermilion Flycatcher tails can reach up to 18 cm (7.1 in). Their breeding habitat includes open woodlands near water.

Painted Bunting

The Painted Bunting is a stunning, brightly colored songbird of the coastal plains and lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas. The male’s blue head, red underparts, and green back perfectly complement its long blue-green tail. Painted Bunting tails can exceed 15 cm (5.9 in).

Rose-throated Becard

Rose-throated Becards are tropical species that just reach the United States in South Texas. Males have bright red throats and breast patches. Their black tails are notably long, measuring up to 15 cm (5.9 in). Rose-throated Becards nest in woodland clearings and edges.

Bronzed Cowbird

Bronzed Cowbirds are stocky blackbirds with glossy black plumage that breeds in south Texas. The male has a distinctive reddish-brown shoulder patch. Bronzed Cowbirds have long tails around 18 cm (7.1 in) in length.

Black-throated Sparrow

The Black-throated Sparrow is a striking species of the arid southwest. It has gray and brown plumage with a black throat and bib. The tail is relatively long for a sparrow, reaching up to 11 cm (4.3 in). Black-throated Sparrows occur in desert scrub habitats.

Botteri’s Sparrow

Botteri’s Sparrow is a large sparrow endemic to the grasslands of northern Mexico and southern Texas. It has streaked, gray-brown upperparts and a white chest with dark streaking. The tail is long for a sparrow at 11 cm (4.3 in).

Cassin’s Sparrow

Cassin’s Sparrows are rather plain, large grassland sparrows with a long tail. Adults have gray-brown streaked upperparts and fine streaks on the breast and belly. Their tail length can reach 10 cm (3.9 in). They occur in open grassy habitats.

Table of Texas Birds with Long Tails

Key Findings

In summary, many birds found in the diverse ecosystems of Texas have noticeably lengthy tail feathers that serve important functions. The scissor-tailed flycatcher and common grackle have some of the longest tail feathers, exceeding 20 cm. Other birds with impressively long tails include the greater roadrunner, red-tailed hawk, green jay, and northern mockingbird. Even smaller songbirds like the painted bunting and Cassin’s sparrow have relatively lengthy tails compared to body size.

Birds utilize their elongated tail feathers for critical needs including flight control and steering, courtship displays, and communication. The streamlined shape of longer tails improves aerial maneuverability and stabilization for many species. During courtship, elaborate tail movements and displays communicate desirability. Predators like shrikes use their tails to help balance when hunting from perches. Overall, the remarkable diversity of avian tails in Texas provides ample opportunity to observe and appreciate the many adaptations of our feathered friends.

Conclusion

Texas hosts a wide array of bird species with noticeably long tail feathers adapted for specific purposes. Some of the most iconic and easily observable long-tailed species include the scissor-tailed flycatcher, greater roadrunner, red-tailed hawk, northern mockingbird, loggerhead shrike, and common grackle. The varied shapes and functions of avian tail feathers reflect the incredible diversity of ecosystems and evolutionary adaptations found across the Lone Star State. Whether an expansive grassland, arid desert, or riparian corridor, one can likely encounter a resident or migratory bird species displaying its lengthy tail to aid in identification and appreciation of Texas’ rich natural heritage.