Keep An Eye Out For...

Olive Warbler - Although this bird nests only 50 miles to the south of BBNP in Mexico, there are only five records from the Trans-Pecos. Prefers high coniferous forests. Most likely to be seen in the Chisos or Davis mountains.

Crescent-chested Warbler - Currently there is only one accepted record of this bird in Texas (from Big bend NP on 6/2/93). This record was a "first" record for Texas but it did not have accompanying photos. A convincing description, however, was enough to put this bird on the Texas "Presumptive List." Anyone seeing this bird should try and photograph it. Most likely to be seen in the mountains.

Slate-throated Redstart - There are two accepted records, The first from Boot Spring in the Chisos Mountains of BBNP (5/15/90) and the second from private property in the Davis Mountains (8/2/97). This bird would most likely be found in the mountain ranges during spring or summer.

Botteri's Sparrow - There were no prior records of this species in the Trans-Pecos until 6/12/97, when a pair was observed in Presidio County. These birds nested and fledged young. The birds have not been re-found since then. If observed, a photograph is requested to help determine subspecies. Detailed notes would also be helpful. Most likely observed in grassy desert shrub, low canyons, and washes.

Also see information on the Tropical Kingbird in Texas

Other Birds of Interest

p=photo or diagnostic tape recording required
r=review species-written details required
n=no Texas records

Birds currently on the "presumptive list" only: Black Swift (p,r), Crescent-chested Warbler (p,r).

Birds which we should have official records for, but don't: Anhinga, Vaux's Swift (p,r), Bridled Titmouse (p,n), and Bohemian Waxwing (r).

Birds which have never been reported as a nesting species in the Trans-Pecos as yet, but which appropriate habitat exists: Northern Pygmy Owl (r), White-eared Hummingbird (r), Olive Warbler (r), Slate-throated Redstart (r), Rufous-capped Warbler (r), Worthern's Sparrow (p,n), Field Sparrow, and Yellow-eyed Junco (r).

Birds in which nesting confirmation is requested because of nesting infrequency: Great Blue Heron, Northern Harrier, Barn Owl, Long-eared Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl (r), Red-naped Sapsucker, Broad-billed Hummingbird (r), Anna's Hummingbird, Ringed Kingfisher, Greater Pewee, Dusky Flycatcher, Dusky-capped Flycatcher (r), Tropical Kingbird, Thick-billed Kingbird (r), Bank Swallow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Mountain Bluebird, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Botteri's Sparrow, Lark Bunting, Field Sparrow, Brewer's Blackbird, Cassin's Finch, and Pine Siskin.

Birds that are highly localized and which nesting information is requested: Western and Clark's grebes (info requested for nesting outside of Lake Balmorhea), Mississippi Kite, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Cooper's Hawk, Gray Hawk, Common Black Hawk (outside of Davis Mtns.), Peregrine Falcon, Mountain Plover, Laughing Gull, Least Tern, Spotted Owl, Lucifer Hummingbird (outside of Chisos Mtns.), Any empidonax flycatcher other than Cordilleran,  Black-capped Vireo, Gray Vireo, Yellow-throated Vireo, and Painted Redstart.

Birds of Concern: Snowy Plover (in decline everywhere), Mountain Plover (in decline as a Texas nester, perhaps in decline everywhere), and Hooded Oriole (in decline as a Texas nester).

Trans-Pecos review species: Yellow-billed Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Eurasian Wigeon, Garganey, Barrow's Goldeneye, Masked Duck, Northern Goshawk, Northern Jacana, Red-necked Stint, Ruff, Red Phalarope, Long-tailed Jaeger, Mew Gull, Thayer's Gull, Western Gull, Elegant Tern, Arctic Tern, Ruddy Ground-Dove, Northern Pygmy Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl, Broad-billed Hummingbird, White-eared Hummingbird, Berylline Hummingbird, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird, Elegant Trogon, Tufted Flycatcher, Greater Pewee, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Piratic Flycatcher, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Thick-billed Kingbird, Rose-throated Becard, Yellow-green Vireo, Clark's Nutcracker, Black-billed Magpie, Black-capped Chickadee, American Dipper, Rufous-backed Robin, Varied Thrush, Aztec Thrush, Gray Silky Flycatcher, Olive Warbler, Crescent-chested Warbler, Red-faced Warbler, Slate-throated Redstart, Rufous-capped Warbler, Flame-colored Tanager, Baird's Sparrow, Golden-crowned Sparrow, Yellow-eyed Junco, Snow Bunting, Black-vented Oriole, Lawrence's Goldfinch

And Finally...

Birds frequently misidentified in Trans-Pecos reports: Mountain Plover, Northern Goshawk (r), Aplomado Falcon, Thick-billed Kingbird (r), Gray Vireo, Baird's Sparrow (r), and Cassin's Finch/Purple Finch).