The East Texas Pineywoods is a unique region that is home to many bird species highly sought after by birders. This region represents a dramatic contrast to other landscapes typically associated with Texas, creating habitat for bird communities more characteristic of Louisiana, Arkansas, and the broader southeastern United States.
 

The Big Thicket National Preserve, along with several parks and preserves in the area, provide access to look for the numerous bird species that call these forests home.  The Red-cockaded Woodpecker stands as the pineywoods’ most significant specialty species. ​In addition to the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, numerous other species can be found in these forests, including Pileated Woodpecker, Bachman’s Sparrow, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Prairie Warbler, Swainson’s Warbler, and Swallow-tailed Kite.  The pineywoods also serve as important corridors for forest-dwelling migrants. The extensive forest cover provides crucial stopover habitat for species requiring woodland environments during migration.

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Birding the East Texas Pineywoods offers a distinctly different experience from other Texas regions. The enclosed forest environments require different skills and approaches, emphasizing auditory identification and spotting skills. The rewards include encounters with some of North America’s most beautiful forest birds in their optimal habitats.