Seen any of these "urban birds" lately?

House Finch

There are more birds living in and around north Texas cities than you may think. Especially since there is far less "rural" land now, and more and more built-up land. Of course all of these species won’t be in all yards. And some birds (like Goldfinches & Juncos) are winter-only, while others (like Orioles & Swallows) are summer-only. These are the most numerous year-‘round urban birds; 

□House Finch Sometimes called a red-headed “Hollywood Finch”

□Red-winged Blackbird Travels and feeds in large flocks

□American Crow Extremely intelligent, for a bird

□American Robin Actually lives here year-‘round

□European Starling Not a native bird; imported from Europe 

□House Sparrow Not a true North American sparrow

□Dove Several species, all with memorable songs

□Killdeer Likes to nest on ground, near pavement

□Rock Pigeon Well-adapted to city life

□Carolina Chickadee Small, inquisitive bird

□Tufted Titmouse Takes readily to birdhouses

□Grackle Their range is expanding northward

□Wren Several species of this active, loud bird

□Northern Mockingbird Official state bird of Texas;  eats bugs

□Blue Jay Large, noisy bird that loves nuts

Killdeer

While it's certainly not winter here yet, a few of north Texas' "winter birds" have already arrived. Readers tell me they've seen Juncos, Flickers, Chipping Sparrows, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Orange-crowned Warblers and Ruby-crowned Kinglets.         In my own yard I've seen some of these plus several White-throated Sparrows.