Cactus Wren
The entire Southwest, from California east to Texas is great birding country. Arizona birds follow that tradition with the number of species on the Arizona bird checklist well above the 550 mark. Approximately one half of the species, well above the 270 mark, are listed as breeding birds during the most recent survey.
Arizona’s large population centers naturally draw the most tourists. They also often provide the water areas necessary for water bird populations. Add in a mild winter climate and Arizona provides year round birding opportunities for everyone. Spring and fall migrations are an especially great time to be an Arizona birder. Grande Canyon National Park for example, hosts about 450 species. The Colorado River and it’s tributaries provide habitat for a variety of water birds.
Desert birding in Arizona is great fun, often because birds are not as bothered by high desert temperatures as other animals. Their body temperature, for example, hovers around the 104o range, six degrees higher than most humans. Often all the birds need is a bit of shade and some water.
Cactus Wrens, the Arizona state bird, displays this feature and more. It feels equally at home in the open desert and in residential areas around the state.
Abert’s Towhee
Male Vermilion Flycatcher – mostly South, limited presence up to Phoenix
A variety of raptors glide the thermals throughout the desert
Curve-billed Thrasher – common desert back yard bird, some presence up to Phoenix
Verdin – Desert backyard bird up to Phoenix
Raven
Northern Flicker
Female Red-winged Blackbird
Male Red-winged Blackbird
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Black-capped Chickadee
Bushtit
Cedar Waxwing
Yellow-crowned and White Crowned Sparrows
Junco
Pine Siskin
American Pipit
Brown Creeper side view
Robin
Starling
Female Goldfinch
Male House Finch
Female House Finch
Male Lesser Goldfinch
Female Lesser Goldfinch
Magpie
Red Crossbill
Black Phoebe
Bald Eagle
Osprey
Orange Crowned Warbler
Wilson’s Warbler
Water Birds
Great Blue Heron Face
Green Heron
Black-crowned Night Heron
Double-breasted Cormorant
Long Billed Dowitcher
Marsh Wren
Pied-billed Grebe
Blue Winged Teal
Female Common Merganser
Male Common Merganser
Male Northern Shoveler
Female Northern Shoveler
Readhead Duck
Spotted Sandpiper
Dipper