Wetlands Wildlife

Productive and DiverseTexas Coastal Wetlands

Even deserts have wetlandsWest Texas Cienega

Carolina Wren

Common Yellowthroat

Red-winged Blackbird

Belted Kingfisher

Green Heron

Great Egret

Coot

Mallard duck

Canvasback

Pintail

Red-shouldered Hawk

Killdeer

Eastern Meadowlark

Least Bittern

Beaver

Raccoon

River Otters

Dragonfly

Damselfly

Green Anole

Water Snake

TurtlesRed-eared SliderSoftshell Turtle

Green Tree Frog

Cricket Frog

Bull Frog

Leopard Frog

Gulf Coast Toad

Wetland InsectsCicadaKatydid By Ronald F. Billings, Texas Forest Service

Alligator

Brought to you by:Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartmentTexas State UniversityTexas Watch

Wetlands are among the most productive and diverse ecosystems in the world. The creatures that live in the wetlands harmonize in a complex food web where each is dependent on another for survival.

Springtimethe time of the year when birds create their nesting territories. During this time of year you often hear the tea-kettle-tea-kettle-tea-kettle of Carolina wrensand warblers, like the wichity-wichity-wichity-wich of the common yellowthroatsand the konk-la-reee of red-winged blackbirdsOther birds commonly heard in wetlands include the metallic rattle of the belted-kingfishergreen heronsGreat egret note the yellow bill and black legsMallard ducks are dabbling ducks, dipping their heads in the water to feed.Canvasbacks dive underwater for foodred-shouldered hawkKilldeer feign broken wings to distract predators away from their ground nestEastern meadowlarkLeast bitternCommon mammals in a wetland include beaverraccoonAnd River ottersWetlands provide homes to reptiles and amphibians. Most commonly sighted is the green anole lizard.

Occasionally a water snake is spotted. Turtles that often live here include redeared sliders, Texas river cooters, smaller common musk turtles (or stinkpots), common snapping turtles, and spiny softshell turtles.

A very observant visitor may see green tree frogs clinging to a tree, cattail or poleor hear the calls of the cricket frog, which sounds like marbles being clicked together. They will often answer if you tap two rocks togetherOther common frogs include bull frogsYou may hear leopard frogs in cooler weather, or late at night, like the Rio Grande leopard frogIn many parts of Texas after a good rain, listen for Gulf Coast toadsSome common wetland singing insects are cricketskatydidsand cicadas

Other amazing wetland sounds come from bellowing alligatorsSee ya later, alligator! Thats our tour for todaywith support from Texas State University-San Marcos and Texas Watch.