West · Pacific Flyway

Birds in Arizona

Arizona's sky islands and Sonoran Desert make it a premier destination for specialty birds found nowhere else in the U.S.

550+Bird species
4Habitat types
3Birding hotspots
5+Cities

Popular cities in Arizona

Common Birds in Arizona

The most frequently reported bird species across Arizona. Click any bird for full profiles, photos, calls, and attraction tips.

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Backyard Birds in Arizona

Birds that regularly visit feeders and gardens in Arizona. These are the species you're most likely to attract with the right food, plants, and habitat setup.

Find the right feeder →Bird-friendly plants →

Birds by Habitat in Arizona

Arizona spans 4 major habitat types. Explore birds adapted to each environment.

🏜️Desert BirdsDesert specialists—from thrashers to quail adapted to arid conditions.
🌲Forest BirdsWoodland and canopy birds including woodpeckers, warblers, and owls.
🌊Wetland BirdsMarsh, lake, and river species—waterfowl, herons, and shorebirds.
🏙️Urban BirdsCity-adapted birds thriving in parks, gardens, and neighborhoods.

Top Bird Watching Spots in Arizona

The best places to go bird watching in Arizona, from national wildlife refuges to local sanctuaries.

1

Madera Canyon

Southeast Arizona specialty birds like Elegant Trogon and Painted Redstart.

2

Ramsey Canyon Preserve

Hummingbird haven in the Huachuca Mountains.

3

San Pedro River

Riparian corridor drawing tropical species at their northern range limit.

Bird Calendar — Arizona

What to expect each month: migration arrivals, departures, and seasonal highlights.

February
Steady winter residents
March
Steady winter residents
June
Steady winter residents
July
Steady winter residents
August
Steady winter residents
November
Steady winter residents
December
Steady winter residents

Explore neighboring states

About birding in Arizona

Arizona is located in the West region of the United States and falls along the Pacific Flyway, one of four major North American migration routes. The state is home to more than 550 bird species across 4 habitat types: desert, forest, wetland, urban.

Whether you're a backyard birder in Phoenix or planning a trip to Madera Canyon, this guide covers the most commonly seen species, seasonal patterns, and practical tips for attracting and identifying birds in Arizona.