Arizona is one of the most interesting birdwatching states in the United States because it has deserts, canyons, mountains, riparian areas, grasslands, pine forests, and urban parks. This mix of habitats gives birders a chance to see hummingbirds, quail, raptors, woodpeckers, owls, flycatchers, wrens, tanagers, and many colorful desert birds.
Birds in Arizona can change a lot by elevation and season. The Sonoran Desert has species like Gambel’s Quail, Cactus Wren, and Gila Woodpecker, while mountain areas attract jays, warblers, nuthatches, and other forest birds. Southeastern Arizona is especially famous for hummingbirds and rare border-region species.
This guide covers common and interesting birds in Arizona, with simple identification tips based on color, size, habitat, season, and behavior. You can also explore our main Birds in the United States guide to find bird identification pages for all 50 states.
Quick Look at Birds in Arizona
| Bird | Main ID Clue | Common Habitat |
| Gambel’s Quail | Curved head plume, scaled belly | Deserts, yards, scrub |
| Cactus Wren | Large wren, spotted chest | Desert scrub, cactus areas |
| Gila Woodpecker | Barred back, tan head | Deserts, saguaros, yards |
| Curve-billed Thrasher | Long curved bill, yellow eyes | Desert scrub, neighborhoods |
| Verdin | Tiny gray bird, yellow head | Desert trees, thorny scrub |
| Greater Roadrunner | Long tail, streaked body | Deserts, roadsides, open areas |
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Green back, pink-red throat male | Gardens, parks, desert edges |
| Costa’s Hummingbird | Purple throat and crown male | Desert scrub, gardens |
| Red-tailed Hawk | Broad wings, reddish tail | Deserts, roadsides, fields |
| Great Horned Owl | Large owl, ear tufts | Deserts, forests, cities |
