Arizona is a top destination for birders thanks to its diverse habitats that attract hundreds of species throughout the year. But when is the absolute best time to go birding in Arizona to see the most species? Let’s take a look at what each month has to offer for birding in Arizona.
January
January kicks off an exciting time for birding in Arizona as winter visitors from the north settle in for the season. Some great species to spot in January include:
- Bald Eagle
- Ferruginous Hawk
- Golden Eagle
- Lewis’s Woodpecker
- Pyrrhuloxia
The best birding hotspots in January are riparian areas like the Verde River, Salt River, and San Pedro River. These waterways attract raptors, waterfowl, and songbirds. The Sonoran Desert also hosts its winter specialties like Verdin, Curve-billed Thrasher, and Cactus Wren.
February
February is still a prime time for wintering species in Arizona before spring migration gets underway. Some great birds to see include:
- Baird’s Sparrow
- Chestnut-collared Longspur
- Merlin
- Mountain Bluebird
- Virginia’s Warbler
In addition, February is a great month for rarities that sometimes overwinter or turn up early like Rufous Hummingbird, Tropical Kingbird, and Black-throated Sparrow.
March
By March, spring migration is starting to ramp up. Early migrants begin arriving from Mexico and the first neotropical birds appear. Some birds to look for include:
- Lucy’s Warbler
- Bullock’s Oriole
- Phainopepla
- Summer Tanager
- Bronzed Cowbird
Riparian areas continue to be birding hotspots in March. Southeast AZ offers the best opportunities to spot first-of-season migrants.
April
April brings a major surge of neotropical migrants to Arizona. Warblers, vireos, tanagers, grosbeaks, buntings, and more pour through the state. Some highlights include:
- Elf Owl
- Elegant Trogon
- Bell’s Vireo
- Lucy’s Warbler
- Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Southeast AZ remains a migrant hotspot. Rincon Mountains, Madera Canyon, and Santa Rita Mountains are some of the top birding sites.
May
May continues the spring migration with more warblers, tanagers, grosbeaks, buntings, and flycatchers. Late May brings nesting species like:
- Zone-tailed Hawk
- Flammulated Owl
- Buff-collared Nightjar
- Abert’s Towhee
- Lucy’s Warbler
Some of the best birding sites in May are the Chiricahua Mountains, Ramsey Canyon, and Mount Lemmon which offer cooler temperatures and plenty of birds.
June
June is the start of the summer doldrums as spring migration ends and the baking desert heat sets in. But some breeding birds can still be found like:
- Inca Dove
- Gila Woodpecker
- Gilded Flicker
- Bell’s Vireo
- Summer Tanager
The White Mountains, Oak Creek Canyon, and West Clear Creek provide cooler birding spots in June.
July
July is the hottest month in Arizona which limits most birding activity. But riparian areas and higher elevations can still offer decent birding. Target birds include:
- Mexican Duck
- Zone-tailed Hawk
- Lucy’s Warbler
- Yellow-billed Cuckoo
- Varied Bunting
Some of the most comfortable summer birding is found at Ramsey Canyon, Mount Ord, and the Chiricahua Mountains.
August
August is still quite hot for Arizona birding. However, early migrants from the north start to arrive again providing new opportunities. Some birds making an appearance include:
- Western Tanager
- Pacific-slope Flycatcher
- Warbling Vireo
- Wilson’s Warbler
- Lazuli Bunting
Southeast Arizona and riparian areas offer the best chances for early migrants. Shorebirds also begin migrating through in August.
September
September brings a major uptick in migration with neotropical birds heading south and temperate birds heading southwest for the winter. Some highlights include:
- Calliope Hummingbird
- Olive-sided Flycatcher
- Western Wood-Pewee
- Hammond’s Flycatcher
- MacGillivray’s Warbler
Southeast Arizona remains a migration hotspot. Other prime spots are Sabino Canyon, Madera Canyon, and the White Mountains.
October
October continues the busy fall migration period as wintering species start arriving from the north. Some birds to look for include:
- Northern Harrier
- Ferruginous Hawk
- Yellow-rumped Warbler
- White-crowned Sparrow
- Dark-eyed Junco
Riparian habitats attract the most migrants and wintering species. Patagonia Lake State Park and Willcox are popular birding sites.
November
November is a transition month as fall migration winds down and winter settlers arrive. Target birds include:
- Cinnamon Teal
- Bald Eagle
- Say’s Phoebe
- Pine Siskin
- Cassin’s Finch
Wintering ducks, raptors, and sparrows congregate at lakes, grasslands, and open desert. The Colorado River, Lake Havasu, and Whitewater Draw are prime spots.
December
December brings a mix of wintering species, year-round residents, and late fall migrants. Some birds to find include:
- Ross’s Goose
- Ferruginous Hawk
- Mountain Bluebird
- Phainopepla
- Lark Bunting
The colder months are best for ducks, raptors, and grassland species across the state. Don’t miss the Sandhill Cranes at Whitewater Draw.
Conclusion
So what’s the best month for birding in Arizona? It depends on what types of birds you want to see!
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Month | Best Birds |
---|---|
January | Wintering raptors, waterfowl, songbirds |
February | Lingering winter birds, early rarities |
March | Early spring migrants |
April | Peak spring migration |
May | Late migrants, nesting species |
June | Breeding birds |
July | Riparian areas, higher elevations |
August | Early returning migrants |
September | Peak fall migration |
October | Continued fall migration |
November | Winter ducks and raptors |
December | Mixed wintering and lingering species |
As you can see, every month offers great birding opportunities in Arizona. But the peak spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) migration periods are perhaps the best times to find the widest range of species. The most species have been recorded in May during the height of migration.
However, for wintering birds, January provides the best chance to spot rare northern vagrants. And for breeding birds, June is ideal. So it really depends on what you hope to see!
No matter when you go, Arizona delivers excellent birding. Prepare for the weather conditions, explore different habitats like riparian areas, desert, and high elevations, and you’ll be rewarded with great sightings.