The White-throated Sparrow has a bright white throat and a splash of yellow between the eyes.  It's distinct whistle, "Oh-sweet-canada-canada" or "Old-sam-peabody-peabody," can be heard from the tops of trees.  This sparrow hangs out on the edge of woods, thickets, pastures, and frequents backyards.  They are ground foragers, and use both feet to scrape the dirt, and then jump on anything they uncover. The white-throated sparrow arrives in Texas in October, and winters through the end of April. They can often be seen at bird feeders in search of seeds.

The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a small, plump bird that is gray-green in color with a with a white wing bar that has a black one directly underneath.  They are noticeable by their hovering and plucking of insects from tree foliage while constantly flickering its wings. This bird winters in Texas from mid-September through early May.

The Eastern Phoebe is part of the flycatcher family that is abundant from November until March. Recognized by its tail-wagging while perched, its found in woodlands, often near water. They eat insects, small berries, and fruit. Eastern Phoebes make their nests from mud, moss, and grass, and attach it to rock overhangs, bridges, culverts, and building ledges. Unlike most birds, they will reuse their nests. **FUN FACT:  The Eastern Phoebe has a mutually beneficial relationship with white-tailed deer by perching on their backs and foraging for deer lice.