Over 600 native bird species are known to occur in texas

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service (DOI FWS) awarded the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) $673,386 under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety program (CFDA 15.611) for the period September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2027. This formula grant supports comprehensive nongame bird conservation initiatives across Texas, where over 600 native bird species occur. The award funds administration, planning, coordination, and implementation of nongame bird research, conservation, public outreach, and management activities for the approximately 91% of Texas bird species not designated as game species, including summer, winter, and permanent resident populations as well as migratory species.

TPWD will deliver these services through extensive coordination with state and federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and stakeholder groups to develop conservation plans and agreements. The grant-funded projects align with the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act's mandate to restore, conserve, manage, and enhance wild birds and mammals and their habitats while promoting wildlife conservation and public recreational access to wildlife resources.

Only 9% of these species dove quail waterfowl and turkey among others are currently considered game species. The remaining majority of texas bird species comprised of summer winter and permanent residents as well as migrants form the nongame birds covered by this grant. Nongame bird projects involve administration planning coordination and implementation of nongame bird research conservation public outreach and management. Projects involve extensive coordination with state and federal agencies nongovernmental organizations and stakeholder groups to develop conservation plans and agreements.