Since 1927, the Northern Mockingbird has held the title of Texas’ state bird. While beloved for its adaptability and rich song, the bird’s appearance isn’t particularly striking. Its dull gray top with paler underparts doesn’t make it a standout in the world of wildlife.
Its long tail and white outer tail feathers become more noticeable when the bird is in flight, but its overall plumage—ranging from gray to pale to white—may not catch the eye as other birds do.
However, when it comes to rarity and striking features, Texas has a much more extraordinary bird: the Attwater Prairie Chicken.
The Most Rare Native Bird in Texas: The Attwater Prairie Chicken
Have you ever heard of the Attwater Prairie Chicken? Once found across coastal Texas and Louisiana in numbers nearing one million, this bird is now one of the rarest and most peculiar-looking species in the U.S.
Unfortunately, the Attwater Prairie Chicken’s unique habitat has been increasingly destroyed by development. The bird’s once-expansive habitat has been paved over and plowed up, and today, less than 1 percent of its original habitat remains. As a result, the bird teeters on the edge of extinction, with fewer than 200 remaining in the wild.
The Attwater Prairie Chicken is an odd-looking bird, and unless you’ve visited the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge outside of Houston, you’ve likely never seen one in person. The refuge is home to the last remaining population of these rare birds, and it offers the only public access to encounter them in their natural setting.
Visit the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge
If you’re looking for a unique summer family trip, why not make the visit to see these rare birds? The Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge has a visitor center that’s now open to the public.
Visiting hours are 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, Tuesdays through Saturdays, from November to May. During the warmer months of June to October, the center is open from Thursdays to Saturdays.
It’s a rare chance to see one of the most unique birds in Texas, making for a special experience you won’t forget.