There are two kinds of desert in southeastern Arizona. At Tucson and to the west is the Sonoran Desert,
characterized by giant Saguaro Cactus and Teddy-bear Cholla. East of Tucson is the Chihuahuan desert, characterized by such plants as creosote bush. These are some typical desert birds: Cactus Wren, Black-throated Sparrow, White-Winged Dove, Costa's Hummingbird, Gila Woodpecker, Greater Roadrunner, Ash-Throated Flycatcher, Chihuahuan Raven, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Ladder-Backed Woodpecker, Black-Tailed Gnatcatcher, Curve-Billed Thrasher.
Black-throated Sparrow
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There are few spots in the Sonoran Desert where Crested Caracara can be seen. |
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This is the place to find Scaled Quail, Horned Lark, and maybe a Grasshopper Sparrow. If you get lucky you might see a Prairie Falcon.
In late summer you may see Lark sparrows, Cassin's Sparrows, and Lark Buntings. Cassin's Sparrows have a distinctive song and can be heard after the rains begin in July.
Scaled Quail can be seen in the Grasslands.
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Any waterway is a good place to find a variety of interesting birds. These include, Bell's Vireo, Crissal Thrasher, Yellow Warbler, Lucy's Warbler, Summer Tanager, Abert's Towhee, Hooded Oriole, Bullock's Oriole, and Song Sparrow. On a lucky day you might find a Gray Hawk or a Violet-Crowned Hummingbird. |
 Western Screech Owl
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 Lazuli Bunting
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This is not the most exciting place to find birds, but some nice species like Scott's Oriole can be seen. Black-Chinned Sparrows, Plain Titmice ,and Scrub Jays like areas of Juniper and Pinion Pine. Rarities that could show up here -- especially near the agaves -- are Lucifer Hummingbird and Plain-Capped Starthroat.
 Lucifer Hummingbird |
 Plain-capped Starthroat |
In the larger ponds ducks and shorebirds can be abundant during migration. Small water tanks in the desert can be interesting because everything comes there for water. Vermilion Flycatchers are sometimes found near small ponds.
American Avocet
Green-winged Teal
