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Birding in Arizona

Arizona's sky islands and desert canyons are a birder's paradise, home to more hummingbird species than any other U.S. state.

15
Counties
2,889
Hotspots
3,672
Parks
14,816
Trails
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Resident pop.
Rare / 14dTotal obs
0
Rare / 14d
0
Species / 14d
2,889
Hotspots
3,672
Parks
14,816
Trails
15
Counties

Overview

The sky island mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona bring Mexican specialties north into the United States, making places like Madera Canyon and the Chiricahuas bucket-list destinations for birders worldwide. Elegant Trogons, Elf Owls, and over a dozen hummingbird species draw thousands of visitors each year. Beyond the famous southeast corner, the Sonoran Desert, Colorado Plateau, and riparian corridors of the Verde and San Pedro Rivers add even more diversity. TrailBird is expanding to cover Arizona's birding hotspots with live eBird data, trail maps, and seasonal guides.

Seasonal Birding Guide

Hummingbird diversity builds through spring. Migrant warblers and flycatchers pass through riparian corridors.

Monsoon rains trigger Elegant Trogon nesting in canyon sycamores. Hummingbird feeders in the sky islands overflow with species.

Rare hummingbirds linger into October. Hawk migration is strong over the desert ridges.

Sparrow flocks fill desert grasslands. Mountain chickadees and crossbills enliven the higher elevations.

Quick Facts

State Bird
Cactus Wren
Species Recorded
560
Notable Birding Areas
Madera Canyon, Chiricahua Mountains, Ramsey Canyon, Patagonia-Sonoita Creek
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🚨 Recent Rare Bird Alerts in Arizona

Notable sightings in the last 14 days

Purple Martin
L129050
US-AZ County
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🔥 Top Birding Hotspots in Arizona

Ranked by total species recorded

Patagonia Lake State Park
363 species
Santa Cruz County
Last observed: 2026-04-30 17:33
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Portal
354 species
Cochise County
Last observed: 2026-04-30 17:00
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Willcox--Lake Cochise and Twin Lakes Golf Course
338 species
Cochise County
Last observed: 2026-04-30 14:25
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Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch
332 species
Maricopa County
Last observed: 2026-04-30 19:21
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Sweetwater Wetlands
331 species
Pima County
Last observed: 2026-04-30 16:52
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San Pedro RNCA--generic (historical only, not for current checklists)
327 species
Cochise County
Last observed: 2026-04-30 16:02
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🪶 What's Being Seen in Arizona

Species spotted in the last 14 days

No recent species data available yet.

📍 Most Active Hotspots This Week

Where birders are reporting right now

Madera Canyon--Santa Cruz Co.
248 species
Santa Cruz County
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Madera Canyon--Bog Springs campground
130 species
Santa Cruz County
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Cave Creek Canyon
285 species
Cochise County
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Cave Creek Canyon--Idlewild CG
167 species
Cochise County
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Arivaca Lake
294 species
Pima County
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Ruby Road--Oro Blanco Wash
168 species
Santa Cruz County
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🥾 Trails Near the Action

Hiking trails near recent rare sightings

Tuckup Trail
Coconino, AZ County
Tuckup Trail
Mohave, AZ County
Paria River Trail
Coconino, AZ County
Ranger Trail #41
Coconino, AZ County

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