The Golden-cheeked Warbler was selected as the Texas species to represent the 2019 Recertification Pin.
The Golden-cheeked Warbler was listed as endangered in 1990 due to habitat loss. These birds only breed in Texas. They require old- growth juniper and oak. They use the shredded bark from the mature juniper as nesting material. The Golden-cheeked Warbler overwinters in Mexico and Central America. They are best viewed in March and can be found in many places in Central Texas including the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. The bird is typically 5 inches in height and weighs one-third of an ounce. Every one of these birds is a native Texan!