Welcome to San Marcos, a place renowned for its remarkable birdlife. San Marcos is home to an abundance of avian species, from the iconic Bald Eagle to the humble Hummingbird.
The city’s diverse habitat provides a haven for hundreds of birds, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and photography. With its picturesque lakes, rivers, and wetlands, San Marcos offers a variety of habitats for birds to thrive in.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, there’s something here for everyone. So explore the world of birds in San Marcos.
22 Birds to Watch in San Marcos
If you are a bird lover, you might visit San Marcos, a city in Texas that boasts a rich and diverse birdlife. San Marcos is located on the Central Flyway, a major migratory route for birds in North America.
The city has many natural habitats, such as lakes, rivers, wetlands, and forests, that attract hundreds of bird species throughout the year.
Here are 22 birds to watch in San Marcos that will make your trip unforgettable.
1. Great Horned Owl
The great horned owl is an impressive bird native to the Americas. It is sometimes referred to as the tiger owl or the hoot owl and is the continent’s most widely distributed true owl.
This species of owl is exceptionally adaptable and is found in various habitats. It is often seen in woodlands, deserts, forests, and urban areas. The great horned owl is a large bird with a wingspan of up to five feet.
Its plumage is streaked brown with white spots, and its head is crowned with two large tufts of feathers that give it its distinctive name.
Its eyes are large and yellow, and have excellent night vision. The great horned owl is an apex predator, hunting small mammals, reptiles, frogs, and insects.
It is also an opportunistic feeder, taking advantage of any available food source, and has even been known to feed on larger birds. The great horned owl is a monogamous species known to mate for life.
The female will lay two to five eggs in a nest, usually built in a tree.
The female will incubate the eggs for around a month before they hatch, and the male will provide food for the female and chicks. The great horned owl is an impressive species that is an integral part of the ecosystem in the Americas.
Its adaptability and wide range make it an essential species in the region.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Bubo |
| Species | B. virginianus |
2. Red-tailed Hawk
The red-tailed hawk is a species of bird of prey that inhabits a wide range of habitats across North America, from Alaska and Canada down to Central America. It is a member of the genus Buteo, which includes a variety of hawks and eagles found worldwide.
The red-tailed hawk is one of the most common birds in its genus and can be seen in various habitats, such as fields, forests, and even urban areas. The red-tailed hawk is a medium-sized bird with a wingspan of up to 4 feet.
Its plumage is primarily brownish-gray, with the distinctive red tail feathers that give the species its name. The head of the red-tailed hawk is usually darker than the wings and body, with a characteristic white stripe running from the beak to the back of the head.
The underside of the tail feathers is also white. The red-tailed hawk is an opportunistic feeder, which means it will hunt for the most readily available prey. It typically feeds on small mammals, reptiles, and other birds.
It has also been known to scavenge or feed on carrion.
The red-tailed hawk is an aerial hunter, which will hunt and capture its prey in the air. The red-tailed hawk is monogamous, meaning it will form a pair bond with one mate and stay with that mate for the duration of its life.
The pair will usually migrate together and will often return to the same nesting sites year after year. Red-tailed hawks typically lay two to four eggs in a single clutch, and the female will incubate them for up to 30 days.
The young hawks will fledge after another month or two. The red-tailed hawk is a beautiful and majestic bird; birdwatchers and naturalists have long admired it. Its wide range and adaptability make it an essential part of the North American ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. jamaicensis |
3. Woodpeckers
The family Picidae comprises several species of birds, including woodpeckers, piculets, wrynecks, and sapsuckers.
These birds are found worldwide, with notable exceptions in Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Madagascar, and the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
This means that woodpeckers can be found on all the continents except for those dangerous islands that make up the world. Woodpeckers, the most iconic birds of the Picidae family, are renowned for their unique and specialized behavior.
They use their beaks to peck on tree trunks to find food, such as insects and larvae, or to create nesting cavities. They also have a unique form of locomotion that allows them to quickly climb tree trunks and branches.
Piculets, wrynecks, and sapsuckers are also members of the Picidae family. Piculets are small, tropical birds primarily found in Central and South America.
Wrynecks are small Old World birds usually found in wooded areas, and sapsuckers are birds in the woodpecker family that feed on sap from trees.
Although members of the Picidae family are found worldwide, they are absent from Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Madagascar, and the extreme polar regions. This is likely because of the lack of suitable habitat for these birds in these areas.
Overall, the Picidae family is a diverse group of birds found worldwide, with notable exceptions in Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Madagascar, and the extreme polar regions.
Woodpeckers are the most iconic of these birds and are renowned for their unique behavior and specialized skills.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
4. Mourning Dove
The mourning dove is a dove species belonging to the Columbidae family. It is native to the Americas and is also known by various other names, such as the American mourning dove, the rain dove, and colloquially as the turtle dove.
At one point, this species was called the Carolina pigeon and Carolina turtledove. The mourning dove is a medium-sized bird with a long tail and pointed wings. Its coloring is typically grayish-brown, with black spots on its wings and tail.
It has a soft, low-pitched, cooing call used to communicate with other doves and attract a mate. The mourning dove breeds in woodlands, open fields, backyards, and city parks. It builds a flimsy nest of twigs, usually placed in a tree or building ledge.
The female lays two white eggs, which both parents share in incubating. They feed on various seeds and insects and are typically found in flocks.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. macroura |
5. Barn Owl
The barn owl is a species of owl found almost anywhere on Earth except in polar and desert regions, Asia north of the Himalayas, most of Indonesia, and some Pacific Islands.
This makes the barn owl one of the most widespread species of birds on the planet, as it can inhabit a wide range of habitats, from grasslands and forests to cities and suburbs.
Its adaptability and wide range of food sources make it well-suited to living in various environments, and it has developed several exciting behaviors to survive in different environments.
For example, it is known to use its acute hearing to locate prey in the dark, and it hunts using a silent flight to avoid detection.
The barn owl is also incredibly vocal, and its calls are used to communicate with other owls and advertise its presence to potential mates.
All of these traits make the barn owl an incredibly successful species, and it is the world’s most widely distributed species of owl.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Tytonidae |
| Genus | Tyto |
| Species | T. alba |
6. White-winged Dove
The white-winged dove is a unique bird in the Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It is a giant dove easily identified by its white wing edges. This distinctive marking makes it stand out from other doves in the area.
Additionally, it has blue eyering and red eyes, further distinguishing it from other species. The white-winged dove is giant, measuring up to 11 inches in length. Its wingspan is usually between 20 and 25 inches.
It has a grayish-brown body with a white belly and a white patch on its upper wings. The most distinctive feature is the white edge of its wings. This white edge is what makes the white-winged dove so unique and identifiable. The white-winged dove has an interesting behavior.
It is usually found in pairs or small flocks and prefers to stay close to brush and shrubs. It feeds mainly on seeds, berries, and insects and is also known to eat nectar from flowers. This bird can be found in open woodlands, grasslands, and marshes.
The white-winged dove is an essential species listed on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services’ list of migratory birds. It is also protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Its population is stable and not classified as threatened or endangered.
In conclusion, the white-winged dove is a distinctive bird in the Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Its most unique feature is the white edge on its wings, which makes it stand out from other doves in the area.
It is an important species and is protected by law.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. asiatica |
7. Burrowing Owl
The Burrowing Owl, also known as the Shoco, is a small owl species with long legs that is native to both North and South America. It inhabits various open, dry areas with low vegetation, such as grasslands, rangelands, agricultural areas, and deserts.
This owl species can be found in many different regions as long as they provide the space and the resources it needs to survive.
The Burrowing Owl is a unique species of owl as it prefers to live in underground burrows, where it digs or takes over from mammals such as prairie dogs or groundhogs.
These caves provide the Burrowing Owl with protection from predators and the elements and a safe place to rest and raise its young. The Burrowing Owl is also unique in its diet, which consists of small mammals, insects, and other invertebrates.
In addition to its unique habitat and diet, the Burrowing Owl is also unique in its behavior. It is a very social species of owl, often forming groups of up to 10 individuals. These groups will even help each other to defend their territory and raise young.
The Burrowing Owl is an essential species in its native habitats and a critical indicator of the environment’s health. Unfortunately, it is threatened by habitat destruction and the use of pesticides and other chemicals that can harm the species.
It is essential to be aware of the Burrowing Owl and its needs and to take steps to ensure its survival in the future.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Athene |
| Species | A. cunicularia |
8. Northern Flicker
The northern flicker, also known as the familiar flicker, is a species of woodpecker widely located throughout North America, Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands. It is a medium-sized bird, usually between 28 and 33 centimeters long.
Its wingspan is approximately 40 to 45 centimeters, making it one of the larger woodpecker species. The northern flicker is primarily brown, with a white rump and a black tail tipped with white.
It has a red crescent-shaped patch on its nape and a white barred pattern on its wings. The northern flicker is an omnivore, feeding on various foods such as ants, beetles, seeds, fruits, and berries.
Its unique feeding behavior uses its long tongue to reach into crevices and ant hills to extract food. The northern flicker is one of the few woodpecker species that migrate.
During winter, they mostly migrate south to Central America and the Caribbean, but some can be found in the northern United States. They begin to migrate back to their breeding grounds in the spring.
The northern flicker is an essential species in many North American ecosystems, as it helps to control insect populations and disperse seeds. It has also been used to symbolize perseverance and strength in many cultures.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Colaptes |
| Species | C. auratus |
9. Red-shouldered Hawk
The red-shouldered hawk is a medium-sized type belonging to the Buteo family. It can be found in various habitats, from forests to fields, throughout eastern North America, as well as in coastal California and northern to northeastern-central Mexico.
This hawk is a permanent resident in most of its range, but those in more northern areas migrate to central Mexico during the colder months.
They are recognizable by their reddish-brown shoulders and streaked undersides, and they have a wide variety of prey, such as small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
Red-shouldered hawks are essential predators in their ecosystems, helping to maintain the balance of nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. lineatus |
10. Turkey Vulture
The turkey vulture is the most widespread New World vulture, found across various habitats and climates from the southernmost tip of South America to southern Canada.
It is one of three species within the genus Cathartes, which is part of the family Cathartidae. The turkey vulture has adapted to its vast range, thriving in habitats ranging from deserts to grasslands, wetlands, and forests.
Its powerful sense of smell helps it to locate carrion, its primary food source. With its muscular wings, the turkey vulture is a soaring master, able to take advantage of warm thermals to travel great distances with minimal effort.
Its distinctive red head and dark body make it easy to recognize in the sky. The turkey vulture plays an essential role in its ecosystems, helping to keep the environment clean by disposing of dead animals and preventing the spread of disease.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Cathartidae |
| Genus | Cathartes |
| Species | C. aura |
11. Acorn Woodpecker
The Acorn Woodpecker is a bird native to North and South America that is easily recognizable due to its white and black stripes, red crown, and white belly. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring approximately 21 cm long and weighing an average of 85 g.
The Acorn Woodpecker is also known for its unique storage behavior, in which it collects and stores acorns in crevices and holes in trees. This behavior has caused the Acorn Woodpecker to become an essential disperser of seeds for many species of oak trees.
The Acorn Woodpecker also feeds on insects, fruits, and nuts and occasionally feeds on eggs and nestlings of other birds. This makes it an essential part of the food chain in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. formicivorus |
12. Golden-fronted Woodpecker
The golden-fronted woodpecker is a species of bird belonging to the subfamily Picinae, which is part of the more prominent woodpecker family, Picidae. This species is commonly found in three regions of the world – the southern United States, Mexico, and some parts of Central America.
These birds have a unique physical appearance, with a golden-colored forehead and red crown.
They also have a white throat, breast, barred back, and wings. The golden-fronted woodpecker is an omnivore, meaning it consumes various food sources such as insects, seeds, fruits, and nuts.
It is also known for its loud call, a repeated tapping sound.
This species is usually seen alone or in pairs and can often be seen on trees, utility poles, and other artificial structures. The golden-fronted woodpecker is considered to be of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
This is due to its wide distribution and its stable population numbers. However, it is still important to note that these birds are vulnerable to habitat loss, degradation, and predation.
As such, it is essential to ensure that their habitat remains intact and they are protected from potential threats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. aurifrons |
13. Band-tailed Pigeon
The band-tailed pigeon is a large, woody bird found primarily in the western regions of North and South America. It is a member of the Columbidae family, which includes other common species of pigeons, such as the rock pigeon and the passenger pigeon.
Band-tailed pigeons have a distinctive gray-brown plumage, with a white rump and a white band across the tail. They measure between 33 and 37 centimeters in length and have a wingspan of up to 60 centimeters.
The band-tailed pigeon is an omnivorous bird, feeding mainly on seeds, fruits, berries, and grains. It also feeds on invertebrates, such as insects and worms. The band-tailed pigeon is a migratory species, with some populations migrating up to 1,500 kilometers.
During winter, the bird often forms large flocks that can number in the thousands. The band-tailed pigeon is a social species, usually gathering in large flocks to feed or roost.
During the breeding season, the birds form pairs and may remain together for up to two years. The female lays one to two eggs in a nest made of twigs and grass, and both pair members take turns incubating the eggs.
The young birds can fly after a few weeks, and the parents continue to care for them until they are independent. The band-tailed pigeon is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN. It is a famous game bird hunted for sport and food in some areas.
The primary threats to the species are habitat loss, fragmentation, hunting, and trapping.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Patagioenas |
| Species | P. fasciata |
14. Northern Mockingbird
The northern mockingbird is a species of mockingbird found in North America. It is mainly a permanent resident, though some birds may migrate south during harsh weather. This bird species is not native to Europe, though it has been spotted there on rare occasions.
The northern mockingbird is easily identifiable due to its unique song and its habit of singing throughout the day and night. It is also known for its ability to mimic the calls of other birds and animals.
The northern mockingbird is usually grey or brown and has a long tail and wingspan. It feeds on insects, fruits, and seeds found in its natural environment, which consists of open woodlands, shrubs, gardens, and lawns.
The northern mockingbird is a protected species in the United States, and its populations have increased in recent years.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Mimus |
| Species | M. polyglottos |
15. Black-bellied Whistling Duck
The black-bellied whistling duck, formerly known as the black-bellied tree duck, is a species of whistling duck that was mainly found breeding in the southern United States, Mexico, and tropical Central to south-central South America before the year 2000.
This duck species can now be found year-round in many parts of the United States. This duck has a black belly and a unique call or “whistle.” It is also known for its long legs and long neck, allowing it to forage in deeper water than other ducks.
The duck is also known for its social nature and can be found in large flocks. They are omnivorous, feeding on various aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small fish.
The black-bellied whistling duck is an essential species for conservationists, as its population has declined in recent years due to habitat loss and hunting. To conserve this species, it is necessary to protect its wetland habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Dendrocygna |
| Species | D. autumnalis |
16. Red-winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird is a species of bird belonging to the family Icteridae, a family of birds found mainly in the Americas. This species is native to much of North America and Central America. It is a passerine bird that perches and eats while perched.
The red-winged blackbird is a medium-sized songbird, with males having bright red and yellow shoulder patches, while females are more subdued in color. They are known for their loud, melodic songs that can be heard in their natural habitats.
The red-winged blackbird is a social species, living in large flocks and congregating around wetlands and agricultural fields. They are known to be aggressive and territorial and will often chase away other species of birds that come too close to their nesting sites.
These birds feed primarily on insects, fruits, and seeds and can be found in various habitats, including open fields, meadows, wetlands, and forests.
Red-winged blackbirds are an essential species to many ecosystems, providing food for other animals and helping to control insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
17. Rock Dove
The rock dove, rock pigeon, or common pigeon is a bird species belonging to the family Columbidae. It is commonly referred to as simply a pigeon, and it is the ancestor of the domestic pigeon.
Domestic pigeons were initially bred and kept by humans; however, they have since escaped into the wild and spread to various parts of the world, creating large populations of feral pigeons.
These feral pigeons are the same species as domestic ones, descended from the original wild rock doves.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. livia |
18. Spotted Towhee
The spotted towhee is a large New World sparrow in North America. It is a member of the genus Pipilo, and its taxonomy has been debated among ornithologists for several decades.
Until 1995, the spotted towhee was considered the same species as the eastern towhee, and the two were known as the rufous-sided towhee. This was eventually determined incorrect, and the two species were separated.
In addition, the spotted towhee was formerly known as the “Oregon towhee”; however, this name is no longer in use.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Pipilo |
| Species | P. maculatus |
19. White-tailed Kite
The white-tailed kite is a small type of raptor, or bird of prey, found throughout western North America and some parts of South America. It is closely related to the Old World black-winged kite in other parts of the world.
The white-tailed kite is an impressive hunter, with its sharp eyesight and alertness allowing it to spot its prey from a distance. It is also a skilled flyer, using its long, pointed wings to swoop silently on its unsuspecting prey.
The white-tailed kite is highly adaptive and can thrive in various habitats, from open grasslands to wooded areas and wetlands. Its diet consists primarily of small rodents, insects, other small animals, and some carrion.
The white-tailed kite is essential to the ecosystem, helping keep the small animal population balanced. It is also a crucial species for bird watchers, as its striking appearance and behavior make it a popular subject for observation and study.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Elanus |
| Species | E. leucurus |
20. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s Hummingbird is a species of Hummingbird found mainly in North America. It is named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli, and is found in the western coastal regions of the continent.
The species is thought to have only been bred in northern Baja California and Southern California during the early 20th century. Still, its range has since expanded further north into Canada and further south into Mexico.
It is a medium-sized hummingbird with distinctive bright green and magenta plumage; males have a pinkish-red crown. Anna’s hummingbirds are typically found in open areas, especially gardens and parks, where they feed on nectar from flowers.
They also feed on small insects and spiders, which they catch in the air. They are known for their aggressive behavior when defending their territory, chasing away other birds and animals that enter their space.
In recent years, conservation efforts have focused on protecting the species and habitats threatened by urban development and climate change.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
21. Ladder-backed Woodpecker
The ladder-backed woodpecker is a species of bird native to North America. It is a member of the woodpecker family, Picidae, found throughout the continent.
The ladder-backed woodpecker has a distinctive black and white patterned back with a barred white crown and black eye stripe. Its wings and tail feathers have black and white barring patterns as well.
It has a white belly, and its bill is black. This woodpecker species primarily feeds on insects, and they search for food by drilling into dead trees and other dead wood.
They are highly adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including open woodlands, parks, and suburban areas.
They are also known to feed on fruits, nuts, and berries. The ladder-backed woodpecker has a loud, rapid call easily distinguished from other woodpeckers.
They are also known for drumming, a short series of rapid taps on hollow trees and other objects.
They are monogamous and typically pair for life, maintaining an extensive home range. The ladder-backed woodpecker is an essential species in controlling insect populations.
It is also an essential part of the North American ecosystem, providing food and habitat for other species. The species is currently listed as least concern by the IUCN due to its wide range and stable population.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryobates |
| Species | D. scalaris |
22. Golden-crowned Sparrow
The golden-crowned sparrow is a bird native to the western part of North America. It belongs to the sparrow family, which consists of small to medium-sized seed-eating birds.
This species is known for its striking physical appearance, featuring a distinctive yellow crown and bright white stripes. It also has a white throat and a gray-brown back. These birds are relatively large compared to other sparrows, with an average length of 15 to 17 cm.
The golden-crowned sparrow prefers to inhabit open coniferous or mixed forests at higher altitudes. They can also be found in thickets and brushy areas near the coast. These birds feed on insects and seeds and often flock together to forage.
They are also noted for their loud, melodic songs, which are used to attract mates and establish territory. The golden-crowned sparrow is an important species for conservation efforts in the western U.S.
It is listed as a species of most minor concern by the IUCN, but its population is declining due to habitat destruction and fragmentation.
Conservation efforts aim to protect and restore suitable habitats, which includes maintaining healthy coniferous forests and providing adequate food sources.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Zonotrichia |
| Species | Z. atricapilla |
Conclusion
Overall, the birds of San Marcos are an essential part of the city’s natural beauty and wildlife. From the majestic vultures to the tiny hummingbirds, these birds contribute to the unique and diverse ecosystem of the area.
The various species of birds help to bring balance to the environment and provide a pleasant experience for residents and visitors alike.
By protecting and preserving the local bird population, we can ensure that the birds of San Marcos will continue to thrive and be a source of beauty and joy for future generations.