Arizona’s one of those places where everything’s just crazy. The state goes from bottomless canyons to top-of-the-world mountains, pine forest to cactus desert. That diversity creates one of the most diverse birding habitats in the nation.
There are over 560 species of wildlife in Arizona, and it’s birders’ paradise. It is even possible to catch flash-emerald-colored hummingbirds zipping by, hawks gliding across rock outcrops, or a covey of quail booming down sand washes on Saturday.
Here in this travel guide, we examine the entire universe of Arizona birds—backyard staples and infrequent tropical fly-bys. We’ll hike along canyons, rivers, and deserts, encounter Arizona’s birding community, and observe as conservation is ensuring these birds for thousands of years to come.
Why Arizona Is a Birding Paradise
Arizona is a point where worlds intersect.
- South of it lies the Sonoran Desert, where ocotillos and saguaros burst forth.
- Forests and mountains to the north and northeast offer cooler weather.
- Streams across the state like the San Pedro trench riparian corridors.
- Grand canyons and plateaus offer space for thermaling raptors.
That diversity is one of the reasons Arizona has desert wrens, mountain thrushes, and even tropical intruders like the elegant trogon. There are states that are less picturesquely diverse.
Arizona Birds
Arizona birds surprise even in back yard city lots.
Mourning Dove
The mournful, melancholy call of the mourning dove is heard drifting on the breeze—on wire posts, in patios, and on soft calls. They are seen because of their long tail and level flight.
Cactus Wren
State bird of Arizona, cactus wren, is loud, raucous, and inquisitive. Spotted chest and call at harsh pitch enable it to build secure nests in the cacti to protect itself. Dawnings spent within saguaros will find you sharing your cactus wren bothering you.
Gambel’s Quail
The Gambel’s quail is understated desert beauty. These stumpy, chubby birds with teardrop crests flash across sandy washes in family pairs. They prefer to travel on foot and stiffen up when frightened.
Northern Cardinal
Yes, Arizona cardinals do! The males shine red against green mesquite, and the females shine with burnished browns and orange bills. Their soft whistles are a gift to desert mornings.
Birds of Prey in Arizona
Arizona’s open skies are owned by the raptors.
- Red-tailed Hawk – Cruises above freeways on spine-tingling scream.
- Harris’s Hawk – Hunts socially in packs, rare in hawks.
- Golden Eagle – Dominantly powerful, in distant mountains.
- Peregrine Falcon – World’s fastest land animal, stooping in well over 200 mph.
- Turkey Vulture – Ground scavenger, soaring on spread wings on thermals.
Perching a hawk in circle or an eagle in glide is not unusual in Arizona skies.
Arizona Hummingbirds
Arizona is the hummingbird capital of the United States. Over a dozen species appear, particularly in the southeast.
- Anna’s Hummingbird – A resident bird with a dazzling pink head.
- Broad-billed Hummingbird – Bright blue and green, abundant around feeders.
- Rufous Hummingbird – An irruptive vagrant that makes journeys of thousands of miles.
- Rivoli’s Hummingbird – Large and majestic, often found in shady canyons.
Summer canyon trails like Madera Canyon are lined by feeders, flowers, and a constant hum of wings.
Unusual and Uncommon Arizona Birds
Arizona is renowned for attracting birds which are rare in America elsewhere.
- Elegant Trogon – Green-backed red-bellied tropical trogon. Birding tour guides across the country take the journey in expectation of catching a glimpse of it in southeastern canyons.
- Elf Owl – Smallest owl in the world and dweller of crevices of saguaro cacti.
- Zone-tailed Hawk – Deceptively mimics vultures to swoop down on unsuspecting prey.
- Vermilion Flycatcher – Lovely red gem frequently seen perched on water fences.
These are the birds of beauty that turn Arizona into a bird paradise for bird-watchers.
Migration and Seasonal Birds
Arizona is situated on two flyways, and migration, as such, is a marvelous spectacle.
- Spring: Tanagers, orioles, and warblers have arrived, woods filled with song.
- Summer: Desert breeding birds; eat insects during monsoons.
- Fall: Hummingbirds and hawks migrate south, sandhill cranes gather in Wilcox.
- Winter: Waterfowl and bald eagles migrate to lakes, bluebirds bask in grassland.
There’s always something going on every season, so birding never ceases.
Arizona Birds and Their Habitats
| Bird | Habitat | Fun Fact |
| Cactus Wren | Sonoran Desert | Nest in cactus |
| Gambel’s Quail | Desert washes | Run faster than they can fly |
| Harris’s Hawk | Suburbs & deserts | Hunts in family groups |
| Northern Cardinal | Riparian habitats | Sound celebrity whistle |
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Cities & gardens | Year-round home |
| Elegant Trogon | Sky Island canyons | Less frequent tropical caller |
| Golden Eagle | Mountains & cliffs | Hunts jackrabbits |
| Elf Owl | Saguaro cactus | World’s smallest owl |
Arizona Birdwatching Hotspots
Southeastern Arizona
Madera Canyon, Ramsey Canyon, and Patagonia are renowned globally. Birders travel from across the globe to witness trogons, hummingbirds, and irruptive migrants.
Grand Canyon
Aside from breathtaking scenery, the canyon is visited by peregrine falcons and California condors that have been reintroduced after being almost driven to extinction.
San Pedro River
A riparian sanctuary that is refreshed on migrations to and from by warblers, hawks, and flycatchers. Spring skies are filled with songbirds.
Sonoran Desert
Tucson and Phoenix region cactus wrens, quail, and elf owls bear witness to the desolation of the desert.
Lakes and Wetlands
Roosevelt Lake and Wilcox Playa are wintering grounds for crane’s, duck’s, and bald eagle’s.
Cultural Role of Birds in Arizona
There is symbolic Arizona culture laden with birds.
- Native American cultures hold eagles in esteem as a sign of power.
- Owls are most traditionally associated with warning or mystery.
- Quails represent shelter and family.
Arizona now honors birds through photo contests, tours, and fairs. Birds bring desert existence to society, myth, and history.
A Few Fun Facts About Birds in Arizona
- There are more species of hummingbirds that migrate to Arizona than any other state in the country.
- The California condor, whose 9-foot wings fell silent because of extinction, once more soars the Grand Canyon skies.
- The vermilion flycatcher burns like red-hot coal as it flies across desert landscapes.
- Quail chicks search for food and follow parents soon after emerging from eggs.
- Vancant woodpecker cavities are left empty to be used by some owls in saguaros, and cacti prove to be successful nurseries.
Conservation Challenges
Arizona birds are faced with the following:
- Loss of habitat due to urban development.
- Lack of water due to drought and global warming.
- Alien birds filling the niches of other competitors.
- Collisions with buildings and vehicles.
Success Stories
- The ban on DDT ensured the preservation of bald eagles from extinction.
- California condors have been successfully released in northern Arizona.
- Audubon Arizona conservation clubs conserve riparian zones and deserts.
A Day in the Life of Birding Arizona (Storytelling Scene)
Early morning, Madera Canyon. Cold air, sky lightening to blue. Cardinal’s song in mesquite. Hummingbirds pirouette in air above feeders, green fire flashing across wings.
Mid-morning, Harris’s hawk swoops across desert rim, prowling with kin. Quail coveys flash beneath cholla cactus, tiny feet kicking clouds of dust.
As the sun heats, vultures ride thermals above bluffs. The trogon trills softly in canyon tree shaded places, a croak. You glimpse its red belly, if you’re fortunate, as it bursts among trees.
As the sun goes down, the desert grows quiet. An elf owl peers from the hole in a saguaro. It trills high, reedy. Night falls and the Arizona birds’ cycle begins again.
FAQs: Birds of Arizona
What is the state bird of Arizona?
The cactus wren.
Are hummingbirds present in Arizona?
Yes, over a dozen species, especially in southeastern canyons.
Where can one find the best birding in Arizona?
Southeastern Arizona, the San Pedro River, and the Grand Canyon.
What rare birds are found in Arizona?
Elegant trogon, elf owl, Rivoli’s hummingbird, and California condor.
When is the best time to bird Arizona?
Spring and fall migrations are perfect, but each season holds some beauty.
Arizona is among America’s top destinations for birding. Canyons, rivers, deserts, and mountains host more than 560 species. From earthy doves and cardinals to rarely spotted trogons and condors, Arizona birds are breathtaking.
Birds bridge the desert beauty of the dry lands to its inhabitants and to their existence. Preserving them is preserving the heart and soul of the Southwest.
So pack binoculars, cinch up boots, and hit the highway. Wings cut Arizona skies.
