Arizona is a world-class birding destination, with over 550 species and subspecies found in the state. Spring is breeding season for many of them, so your backyard might be getting some winged visitors soon. Here are some of the birds commonly spotted in our neck of the woods:
- Woodpecker
Flickr/Andy Many woodpecker species live in Arizona and can be found all across the state. Spring is breeding season for these birds, so you’re most likely to hear their signature ‘drumming’ sound between March and June. This time period is when they mark their territories, create nest cavities, and look for mates. Woodpeckers are attracted to areas with ample insects, berries, seeds, water sources, and shelter – a hummingbird feeder will do just fine for drawing them to your backyard.
- Mockingbird
Flickr/Renee Grayson Northern Mockingbirds are widespread in Arizona due to their status as permanent residents. They’re impressive little creatures, imitating countless other animals (not just birds)! The species has evolved to coexist with humans, so you’ll see them in parks, neighborhoods, and even lawns. Just take care not to get close to a nest, as mockingbirds valiantly defend their territory.
- Owl
Flickr/Greg Goebel A whopping 13 species of owl live here in Arizona, from the majestic Great Horned Owl shown here to the tiny, adorable Elf Owl. Great Horned Owls, in particular, are year-round residents of the Grand Canyon State, using their strong hunting abilities to pursue prey of equal size. Families love building nests in Saguaros; a scene that never fails to thoroughly warm our hearts.
- Trogon
Flickr/Alejandro Bayer Tamayo Many different Trogon species live in tropical forests around the world, but only one - the Elegant Trogon - resides in the U.S. Their rarity makes them a favorite among birdwatchers, who spend spring mornings hiking through oak and sycamore groves to hear the bird’s repetitive identifying call. Trogons build their nests in holes created by woodpeckers, so you might be able to cross two birds off your list at once!
- Warbler
Flickr/Shenandoah National Park The name ‘Warbler’ is extremely vague and encompasses many different species, not all closely related but sharing similar characteristics such as their small size, big voices, and appetite for insects. There are 51 warblers found in the lower 48 states, and some of the hotspots here in Arizona include the Mazatzal Mountains, Mount Ord, Pinal Mountains, Mount Lemmon, and a few other points of high-elevation.
- Hummingbird
Flickr/C Watts Over a dozen species of these tiny-but-mighty birds can be found in Arizona, primarily in the southeastern region. A few make their year-round homes in the warmest parts of the state, but the greatest diversity occurs between April and October. The best way to attract hummingbirds to your yard is with nectar, either from tubular or trumpet-shaped red, orange, or deep pink flowers, or a feeder.
- Flycatcher
Flickr/hedera.baltica Tyrant flycatchers are the largest bird family in the world, containing over 400 species. The Ash-throated Flycatcher is the most common and widespread variety, found everywhere from the Lower Sonoran Desert landscape to dense riparian forests. Flycatchers feed on a variety of foods, including insects, fruits, and lizards.
How many of these birds have you spotted in Arizona? Did we leave off your favorite family or species? Let us know, and check out our previous article to learn more about the spring hummingbird migration: Keep Your Eyes Peeled, Thousands Of Hummingbirds Are Headed Right For Arizona During Their Migration This Spring.
Flickr/Andy
Many woodpecker species live in Arizona and can be found all across the state. Spring is breeding season for these birds, so you’re most likely to hear their signature ‘drumming’ sound between March and June. This time period is when they mark their territories, create nest cavities, and look for mates. Woodpeckers are attracted to areas with ample insects, berries, seeds, water sources, and shelter – a hummingbird feeder will do just fine for drawing them to your backyard.
Flickr/Renee Grayson
Northern Mockingbirds are widespread in Arizona due to their status as permanent residents. They’re impressive little creatures, imitating countless other animals (not just birds)! The species has evolved to coexist with humans, so you’ll see them in parks, neighborhoods, and even lawns. Just take care not to get close to a nest, as mockingbirds valiantly defend their territory.
Flickr/Greg Goebel
A whopping 13 species of owl live here in Arizona, from the majestic Great Horned Owl shown here to the tiny, adorable Elf Owl. Great Horned Owls, in particular, are year-round residents of the Grand Canyon State, using their strong hunting abilities to pursue prey of equal size. Families love building nests in Saguaros; a scene that never fails to thoroughly warm our hearts.
Flickr/Alejandro Bayer Tamayo
Many different Trogon species live in tropical forests around the world, but only one - the Elegant Trogon - resides in the U.S. Their rarity makes them a favorite among birdwatchers, who spend spring mornings hiking through oak and sycamore groves to hear the bird’s repetitive identifying call. Trogons build their nests in holes created by woodpeckers, so you might be able to cross two birds off your list at once!
Flickr/Shenandoah National Park
The name ‘Warbler’ is extremely vague and encompasses many different species, not all closely related but sharing similar characteristics such as their small size, big voices, and appetite for insects. There are 51 warblers found in the lower 48 states, and some of the hotspots here in Arizona include the Mazatzal Mountains, Mount Ord, Pinal Mountains, Mount Lemmon, and a few other points of high-elevation.
Flickr/C Watts
Over a dozen species of these tiny-but-mighty birds can be found in Arizona, primarily in the southeastern region. A few make their year-round homes in the warmest parts of the state, but the greatest diversity occurs between April and October. The best way to attract hummingbirds to your yard is with nectar, either from tubular or trumpet-shaped red, orange, or deep pink flowers, or a feeder.
Flickr/hedera.baltica
Tyrant flycatchers are the largest bird family in the world, containing over 400 species. The Ash-throated Flycatcher is the most common and widespread variety, found everywhere from the Lower Sonoran Desert landscape to dense riparian forests. Flycatchers feed on a variety of foods, including insects, fruits, and lizards.
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