Nestled between the Louisiana border and Interstate 45, the East Texas Pineywoods is a region unlike any other in Texas. Often called the “Rainforest of Texas” due to its lush vegetation and high annual rainfall (35–60 inches), this area features rolling hills, deep pine forests, hardwood bottomlands, and cypress-tupelo swamps. The landscape is a mosaic of loblolly, shortleaf, and longleaf pines interspersed with magnolia, beech, and oak, creating a rich tapestry of habitats that attract both resident and migratory birds. Birders are drawn here for the chance to encounter southern forest specialties and a remarkable diversity of migratory species, making the Pineywoods a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an immersive birding adventure.

May is a peak month for bird migration in the Pineywoods. The forests come alive with the songs and movements of birds arriving from their wintering grounds. The dense canopy and varied habitats support a wide array of species, many of which are difficult to find elsewhere in Texas. Regional specialties include Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Red-headed Woodpecker, and Bachman's Sparrow. The Pineywoods is also renowned for its warbler population including species such as Pine, Prairie, Swainson's, Prothonotary, Kentucky, and Hooded Warblers. 

The Pineywoods’ unique combination of habitats and its position along migratory flyways make it a hotspot for both resident breeders and transient migrants. Birders should be prepared for patient listening, slow walks, and scanning multiple canopy layers to fully appreciate the spectacle of migration in this “Rainforest of Texas”.