Arizona’s Amazing Aves – Birding the Sky Islands

The birdlife of Southeast Arizona is legendary. Many seasoned birders believe Southeast Arizona to be one of the best birding locations in the nation since it is one of the regions with the greatest biological diversity in the United States. Habitats include the Sonoran Desert with spectacular saguaro cactus, grasslands and desert scrub; lush riparian oases; and oak woodlands and pine forests of the dramatic “sky islands.” These 6,000- to 8,000-foot-high mountain ranges rise suddenly from the desert floor and provide respite from the heat of the desert below, and habitat for an astounding variety of birdlife.

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  Black Vulture
  by Jim Gain
  October 20, 2023
  SE Arizona – Wings over Sky Islands Blog Post #4 With perhaps the greatest biological diversity in the entire US, many seasoned birders believe Southeast Arizona to be the top birding destination. Habitats range from the Desert Scrub at lower… Read more: Black Vulture
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  Lucifer Hummingbird
  by Jim Gain
  October 17, 2023
  SE ARIZONA – WINGS OVER SKY ISLANDS The Lucifer Hummingbird is a medium-sized (3–4 g) hummingbird with a relatively long, decurved bill.
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  Arizona Woodpecker
  by Jim Gain
  October 15, 2023
  SE ARIZONA – WINGS OVER SKY ISLANDS The Arizona Woodpecker is a medium-sized montane woodpecker, and the only North American Dryobates that is brown and white rather than black and white.
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  Elegant Trogon
  by Jim Gain
  May 31, 2023
  SE Arizona – Wings over Sky Islands Blog Post #1 With perhaps the greatest biological diversity in the entire US, many seasoned birders believe Southeast Arizona to be the top birding destination. Habitats range from the Desert Scrub at lower… Read more: Elegant Trogon

The birdlife of Southeast Arizona is legendary. Habitats include the Sonoran Desert with spectacular saguaro cactus, grasslands and desert scrub; lush riparian oases; and oak woodlands and pine forests of the dramatic “sky islands.” These 6,000- to 8,000-foot-high mountain ranges rise suddenly from the desert floor and provide respite from the heat of the desert below, and habitat for an astounding variety of birdlife.

The fact that Arizona offers year-round, top-notch birding is one of its charms. The greatest time of all is undoubtedly when the “second spring” arrives, which begins in July and August with the arrival of the monsoon rains. All the famous species are still here, and a gorgeous ensemble of hummingbirds serves as their supporting cast. This is THE season to see the widest variety of hummingbird species in North America, not just in the state.

Birding Destinations