Joshua Tree National Park is located in the Mojave and Colorado deserts of southern California. This unique habitat is home to a diverse array of resident and migratory birds. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded in the park. The varying elevations, vegetation types, and availability of water create niches for many different types of birds to thrive. In this article, we will discuss some of the common birds found around Joshua Tree and what makes this park such an attractive place for avian wildlife.
Year-Round Residents
A number of bird species live in Joshua Tree year-round, having adapted to survive the extremes of the desert climate. Some of the more commonly seen residents include:
Greater Roadrunner
The Greater Roadrunner is a large, terrestrial bird in the cuckoo family. It stands about 2 feet tall and has a very long tail and neck. Roadrunners can run up to 20 miles per hour to chase prey like lizards, snakes, insects, and small mammals. They build nests in low trees and shrubs, laying 2-6 eggs at a time. Roadrunners are able to thrive in the Mojave desert due to their ability to conserve water and tolerate high temperatures. Their loud, repetitive vocalizations of “beep, beep” are a common sound in Joshua Tree.
Gambel’s Quail
Gambel’s Quail are plump, ground-dwelling birds that travel in coveys of 10-20 birds. The males have a bold black face outlined in white, a teardrop-shaped topknot, and a scaled appearance on their belly and flanks. These birds forage on the ground for seeds and leaves but will also take insects. They get most of their water from the food they eat. Gambel’s Quail nest on the ground in a shallow scrape lined with grass and leaves. They are year-round residents of the desert scrub habitat in Joshua Tree.
Ladder-Backed Woodpecker
As its name suggests, the Ladder-Backed Woodpecker has a black and white barred pattern on its back that resembles a ladder. The males have red crowns. These woodpeckers excavate nest cavities in dead trees and saguaros. Their diet consists mainly of insects like beetle larvae, but they will also eat fruit and visit feeders. The Ladder-Backed Woodpecker’s ability to draw water out of its food allows it to make its year-round home in the desert. Its loud rattling call echoes through the Joshua Tree woodlands.
Black-Throated Sparrow
The male Black-Throated Sparrow has distinctive black and white stripes on its face along with a bright yellow spot above its eye. They scrape the ground to get seeds and insects, coming into the open only to sing their distinct buzzing song. Black-Throated Sparrows get water from the plants they eat and can survive without drinking. They nest low in cholla and other desert shrubs. These year-round residents are common in the dry desert brush of Joshua Tree.
Winter Visitors
Many species fly to Joshua Tree to spend the winter in the mild desert climate before migrating back north in the spring. Some notable winter visitors include:
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
Ruby-Crowned Kinglets are tiny, active songbirds that flit quickly through trees in search of insects and spiders. The males have a red crown patch that is usually concealed. These birds breed in Canada and the Rocky Mountains before migrating to Joshua Tree for the winter. They can be seen in the park between October and March foraging in deciduous trees and shrubs.
Yellow-Rumped Warbler
The Yellow-Rumped Warbler has yellow patches on its crown, rump, and sides. These insect-eating birds breed throughout Canada and the northern United States. They migrate south to areas like Joshua Tree where they frequent trees like junipers and pinyon pines. The Yellow-Rumped is able to digest waxes found on bayberries and wax myrtles, an important winter food source.
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
Ruby-Crowned Kinglets are tiny, active songbirds that flit quickly through trees in search of insects and spiders. The males have a red crown patch that is usually concealed. These birds breed in Canada and the Rocky Mountains before migrating to Joshua Tree for the winter. They can be seen in the park between October and March foraging in deciduous trees and shrubs.
American Pipit
American Pipits are sparrow-like birds that walk rapidly along the ground looking for insects to eat. They bob their tails up and down as they move. Their dull brown plumage provides good camouflage. Pipits breed in the far north before migrating down to Joshua Tree in winter. They can be seen near water sources and open grassy or rocky areas.
Spring & Summer Visitors
Warmer weather brings a new set of migratory birds to Joshua Tree looking to breed and take advantage of seasonal food sources. Some common spring and summer visitors are:
Phainopepla
The male Phainopepla has a dark crest and body with a red eye and wing patches. The female is gray with a crest. These slender perching birds use their thin, curved bills to pluck insects and berries from desert shrubs. Phainopeplas breed in Joshua Tree between February and May before migrating a short distance south. Their liquid bubbling song is one of the hallmarks of spring in the Mojave Desert.
Summer Tanager
Male Summer Tanagers have bright red bodies that make them stand out against green foliage. The females are yellow. Tanagers breed in open oak woodlands from April to July before heading back to Mexico and Central America. They catch bees, wasps, and other flying insects while perching on branches. Their upward slurred whistling calls ring through the canyons during summer.
Bullock’s Oriole
Bullock’s Orioles are striking black and orange birds that drink nectar and feed on insects. The males have a black head and back with a bright orange throat and underparts. Females are more muted with an olive back. Orioles arrive in Joshua Tree in April and stay until September, weaving gourd-shaped nests at the tips of palm and Joshua Trees. Their cheery, bubbling song livens up the summer months.
Blue Grosbeak
The Blue Grosbeak is a large finch with a thick silvery bill and long tail. Adult males are deep blue with reddish wing bars, while females are mostly brown. These seed-eating birds stop in Joshua Tree on their way to breeding grounds further north. Their warbled song sounds like a quick robin trill. Blue Grosbeaks forage along woodland edges from May to September.
Habitats that Attract Birds
Several key habitats in and around Joshua Tree provide the food, water, and shelter needed to support many bird species.
Oasis Sites
Natural oases with water attract birds year-round. Some of the best spots include Lost Palms Oasis with its California Fan Palm grove and Cottonwood Spring where migratory birds stop for a drink. Even small pools and sprinklers around the visitor centers draw in birds like Verdins, Hummingbirds, and Orioles looking for water.
Desert Scrub
The expansive desert scrub habitat comprised of creosote bush, bur sage, ocotillo, and other arid plants supports resident species adapted to dry conditions like Roadrunners, Black-Throated Sparrows, Cactus Wrens, and many more. Birds forage on seeds and insects and nest low in shrubs.
Pinyon-Juniper Woodlands
This habitat at higher elevations contains Singleleaf Pinyon Pines and Juniper trees. Birds like the Steller’s Jay and Bushtit breed here. The trees provide perches, places to nest, and seeds for wintering birds like Townsend’s Solitaire and Cassin’s Finch.
Riparian Zones
Riparian habitats along seasonal creeks have taller deciduous trees like Cottonwoods and Willows. Warblers, flycatchers, and other migratory songbirds feed and nest in these oases during spring and fall migration. Yellow-Breasted Chats and Summer Tanagers nest here in summer.
Desert Oases
Fan Palm oases offer a unique island habitat that attracts birds. Sonoran and Ladder-Backed Woodpeckers nest in the palms. Verdins and Lucy’s Warblers forage in the shade. Rufous Hummingbirds feed on palm flowers. These desert oases provide important habitat diversity.
Habitat | Description | Example Species |
---|---|---|
Oasis Sites | Isolated wetlands in the desert provide water for drinking and bathing. | Anna’s Hummingbird, Verdin, Gambel’s Quail |
Desert Scrub | Arid landscape dominated by creosote bush, ocotillo, yucca, and other desert-adapted plants. | Cactus Wren, Black-throated Sparrow, Greater Roadrunner |
Pinyon-Juniper Woodlands | Higher elevation habitat with pinyon pines and juniper trees. | Bushtit, Townsend’s Solitaire, Steller’s Jay |
Riparian Zones | Corridors of taller deciduous trees like cottonwoods and willows along seasonal creeks. | Yellow Warbler, Yellow-breasted Chat, Bell’s Vireo |
Desert Fan Palm Oases | Isolated groves of tall fan palms provide island-like habitat. | Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Verdin, Lucy’s Warbler |
When to See Birds in Joshua Tree
The best time to observe birds in Joshua Tree depends on what species you hope to see. Here are some guidelines:
Spring Migration
April and May are peak times for spring migration. Summer Tanagers, Warbling Vireos, Western Kingbirds, and other neotropical migrants arrive to breed. Residents like Scott’s Orioles and Costa’s Hummingbirds are active at nests. Migration typically slows down by early June when temperatures climb.
Wintering Birds
During the colder months from November through February, Joshua Tree hosts birds migrating from the north. Scan for Cedar Waxwings, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, White-crowned Sparrows, and Yellow-rumped Warblers in areas with water and trees.
Resident Birds
Year-round residents like Roadrunners, Black-throated Sparrows, Verdins, and Gambel’s Quail can be observed in suitable habitat any time of year. However, the hottest summer months from June through August are less active. Visiting in fall offers cooler weather while still viewing residents.
Irruptive Species
Some years, certain northern species like Evening Grosbeaks and Lewis’s Woodpeckers will “irrupt” south in unpredictable numbers if food sources fail up north. These irruptions are hard to predict but make any season exciting for birders!
Timeframe | Highlights |
---|---|
Spring Migration | Warblers, tanagers, grosbeaks on the move. Residents nesting. |
Winter | Ruby-crowned kinglets, yellow-rumped warblers, sparrows. |
Summer | Nesting residents. Slower migration. |
Fall | Warbler migration picks up again. Cooler weather. |
Irruptive Years | Rare northern species in unusual numbers. |
Conclusion
This desert park contains an impressive diversity of habitats supporting over 250 species of birds throughout the year. The natural oases, broad desert scrub, woodlands, riparian corridors, and fan palm groves each provide essential benefits for resident and migratory birds. From tiny hummingbirds buzzing over blooming cacti to roadrunners racing across the arid landscape, a visit to Joshua Tree offers phenomenal birdwatching and the chance to observe species adapted to thrive in the extremes of the Mojave Desert. With a pair of binoculars and good timing, a birder is sure to find plenty of avian life in this unique desert ecosystem.