Birds Commonly Seen On or Near the Ground

Mockingbirds and Thrashers – Family Mimidae

Brown Thrasher. Often seen scratching in leaf litter. Compare with Long-billed Thrasher in south Texas.

Pigeons and Doves – Family Columbidae

Mourning Dove. Common and widespread. Hunted as a game bird.

Common Ground-Dove. Review the range map for this species to see its unusual range.

Towhees and Sparrows – Family Emberizidae

Spotted Towhee. Western counterpart of the Eastern Towhee.

White-throated Sparrow. Compare with White-crowned Sparrow.

Dark-eyed Junco. Nests north to Alaska, winter or permanent resident in most of the United States. Several color phases.

Dark-eyed Junco.

Dark-eyed Junco