In “32 Common Backyard Birds in Arizona,” readers will discover a comprehensive list of bird species found in the backyards of Arizona. With stunning pictures and detailed information, this article offers insights on how to attract these beautiful creatures to your own backyard. As you dive into this birding adventure, you’ll learn about each bird’s unique characteristics, providing you with the knowledge needed for identification. Discover which bird takes the top spot as the most common in Arizona and explore the official State Bird of the region. Not only does this article present valuable information on bird watching, but it also highlights birding hotspots and bird watching clubs in the state. Whether you’re a beginner bird watcher or a seasoned enthusiast, this article is filled with useful tips and resources to enhance your experience. Don’t forget to check out recommendations for bird watching binoculars and explore other fascinating articles related to the avian world of Arizona.
Common Backyard Birds in Arizona
Arizona is home to a wide variety of beautiful bird species that can be found right in your own backyard. Whether you’re an avid bird watcher or simply enjoy the company of these fascinating creatures, knowing the common birds in your area can enhance your outdoor experience. In this article, we will explore some of the most commonly seen backyard birds in Arizona, including their descriptions, attracting them to your backyard, and identification characteristics.
1. Mourning Dove
1.1. Description
The Mourning Dove is the most common bird species in Arizona, being reported on about 46% of bird watching lists. This slender bird features a light grey-brown body, a small head, and long, pointed wings. The male has a faint bluish crown, while the female has a more muted coloring. Their gentle “cooing” calls are a familiar sound in Arizona’s neighborhoods and serve as a comforting background melody.
1.2. Attracting to your Backyard
Attracting Mourning Doves to your backyard is relatively simple. Offering a feeding station with a variety of seeds, grains, and cracked corn will entice these birds to visit regularly. They often prefer feeding on the ground, so a platform feeder or scattering seeds on the ground can provide them easy access to their favorite food. Providing a source of freshwater, such as a birdbath or shallow dish, will also be appreciated by these birds.
1.3. Identification Characteristics
The Mourning Dove can be easily identified by its slender silhouette, pointed wings, and long, tapering tail. Its coloring may vary slightly depending on age and gender, but the light grey-brown plumage with a bluish crown in males is a helpful characteristic. This bird’s graceful flight and distinct “cooing” call are also significant identifying features.
2. Cactus Wren
2.1. Description
The Cactus Wren holds the distinction of being the official State Bird of Arizona. It is a medium-sized bird with a unique appearance and distinctive behaviors. This wren has a brownish body with bold, white stripes on its wings and tail. Its long, curved bill is perfectly adapted for probing cactus flowers and insects hidden within. Cactus Wrens are also known for their vibrant songs, which can be heard echoing through desert landscapes.
2.2. Attracting to your Backyard
Attracting Cactus Wrens to your backyard can be a rewarding experience. These birds are primarily found in desert areas with an abundance of cacti, so incorporating native cacti and other desert plants into your landscape can provide them with a familiar habitat. Offering birdhouses specifically designed for wrens, placed in a protected area amidst cacti or shrubs, can also provide them with nesting opportunities.
2.3. Identification Characteristics
The Cactus Wren’s brownish body, bold white stripes on its wings and tail, and long, curved bill are distinctive identification characteristics. Its larger size compared to other wrens and its unique habitat preference in arid regions further help in identification. Additionally, the Cactus Wren’s melodic songs, filled with trills and rattles, contribute to its overall charm and identification.
3. Curve-billed Thrasher
3.1. Description
The Curve-billed Thrasher is another prominent backyard bird species in Arizona. This bird has a medium-sized, slender body with a long, curved bill that gives it its name. It showcases a beautiful blend of reddish-brown and gray feathers, giving it a unique appearance. The Curve-billed Thrasher is known for its vocalization skills, producing a wide range of songs and calls.
3.2. Attracting to your Backyard
To attract Curve-billed Thrashers to your backyard, create a welcoming environment with native plants such as desert shrubs and cacti. These birds are insectivorous and enjoy foraging for insects in the ground or foliage, so leaving leaf litter and providing a water source can easily entice them. Offering suet or other high-protein food can also supplement their diet during colder months.
3.3. Identification Characteristics
The Curve-billed Thrasher’s reddish-brown and gray plumage, combined with its slim body and long, downward-curving bill, are key identification characteristics. This thrasher’s distinct vocalizations, including melodious songs and repeated phrases, add to its identification. Observing its foraging behavior, scurrying on the ground and probing for insects, further helps in the proper identification of this species.
4. Anna’s Hummingbird
4.1. Description
Anna’s Hummingbird is a charismatic species of hummingbird commonly found in Arizona. These birds are a delight to watch with their iridescent plumage and agile flight. Male Anna’s Hummingbirds feature vibrant iridescent pinkish-red throats, known as gorgets, which catch the light and flash brightly. Females have more subtle coloring with a grey-green belly and a red splatter on their throats.
4.2. Attracting to your Backyard
To attract Anna’s Hummingbirds to your backyard, provide a year-round source of nectar. An assortment of nectar-rich flowers, such as salvias, penstemons, and desert honeysuckles, can create an enticing feeding ground for these tiny birds. Offering a hummingbird feeder filled with a homemade or store-bought sugar-water solution can also supplement their nectar needs.
4.3. Identification Characteristics
The identification of Anna’s Hummingbird is relatively easy due to the male’s vibrant pinkish-red gorget. Additionally, the male’s overall iridescent greenish-bronze plumage and the female’s subtle coloring with a red splatter on her throat help distinguish this species. The fast and agile flight of these hummingbirds, accompanied by their distinctive buzzing sound, further aids in their identification.
5. Gambel’s Quail
5.1. Description
Gambel’s Quail is a charming bird species that makes its home in the desert regions of Arizona. These plump birds have a grayish-brown body with a striking, forward-curving black topknot on their heads. They are known for their social nature, often moving in groups called coveys, and their amusing, quick scurrying on the ground.
5.2. Attracting to your Backyard
Attracting Gambel’s Quail to your backyard can be achieved by providing a suitable habitat. Incorporating desert plants, particularly those with dense foliage and low-growing branches, can create a safe haven for these birds. Offering plenty of ground cover, such as leaf litter or low-lying shrubs, will encourage them to forage and nest in your backyard.
5.3. Identification Characteristics
Gambel’s Quail can be easily identified due to their plump, grayish-brown bodies and the distinctive black topknot on their heads. Their social behavior, often seen moving in small groups, and their amusing scurrying on the ground are additional identification characteristics. The male Gambel’s Quail’s melodious “ka-KOW-ka-KOW” call and the female’s softer “chi-ca-go” call further contribute to their identification.
6. Black-chinned Hummingbird
6.1. Description
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is a striking bird species that visits Arizona during the summer months. The male’s defining feature is its black chin that glistens with a vibrant purple iridescence when hit by sunlight. It has a greenish-black upper body, a white belly, and a long, slender bill. Female Black-chinned Hummingbirds have a more muted appearance with pale gray underparts.
6.2. Attracting to your Backyard
To attract Black-chinned Hummingbirds to your backyard, offer a diverse selection of nectar-rich flowers. They are particularly drawn to red or purple tubular blossoms, such as penstemons and salvias. Hanging multiple hummingbird feeders throughout your yard, filled with a sugar-water solution, can provide additional food sources for these remarkable birds during summer.
6.3. Identification Characteristics
The Black-chinned Hummingbird can be identified by the male’s black chin and vibrant purple iridescence, contrasting with its greenish-black upper body and white belly. The female’s pale gray underparts and subtle iridescence contribute to her identification. Both genders share the characteristic long, slender bill and exhibit the swift, hovering flight typical of hummingbirds.
7. Gila Woodpecker
7.1. Description
The Gila Woodpecker is a fascinating woodpecker species commonly found in the deserts of Arizona. These medium-sized birds have a black and white striped body with a distinctively spotted black and white face. The male Gila Woodpecker has a red crown, which adds a splash of color to its appearance. They are known for their ability to excavate nesting holes in saguaro cacti, which can serve as a captivating sight.
7.2. Attracting to your Backyard
Attracting Gila Woodpeckers to your backyard can be achieved by providing suitable nesting opportunities. Installing a woodpecker nesting box or leaving dead branches or tree trunks can encourage them to settle in your area. These woodpeckers also feed on insects, so offering suet or providing a source of water can entice them to stay and explore your backyard.
7.3. Identification Characteristics
The Gila Woodpecker’s black and white striped body, spotted black and white face, and red crown on the male are significant identification characteristics. Their characteristic behavior of excavating nesting holes in saguaro cacti and their strong, steady drumming sound further aid in their identification.
8. Inca Dove
8.1. Description
The Inca Dove is a charming and delicate bird species that can be observed in Arizona. This small dove has a light gray body with a scaly pattern of uniform dark spots on its wings and upper body. Its slender build, long tail, and dainty appearance make it a unique addition to any backyard birdwatching experience.
8.2. Attracting to your Backyard
Attracting Inca Doves to your backyard is relatively straightforward. They are primarily ground feeders, so scattering seeds and grains on the ground can provide them easy access to food. Offering a shallow source of water, such as a birdbath or shallow dish, will also attract these doves. Creating a calm environment with dense shrubbery can provide them a sense of safety.
8.3. Identification Characteristics
The Inca Dove can be identified by its light gray body with a scaly pattern of dark spots on its wings and upper body. Its small size, slender build, and long, tapered tail add to its identification. Observing its behavior of ground foraging and its soft, hooting-like call can further aid in identifying this species.
Related Articles
To further enhance your birdwatching knowledge and enjoyment, here are some related articles on birds in Arizona:
1. Bird Migration in Arizona
Explore the fascinating world of bird migration in Arizona. Learn about the different bird species that migrate through the state, their migration patterns, and the best times to observe these incredible journeys.
2. Endangered Bird Species in Arizona
Discover the unique bird species that are endangered in Arizona and learn about the efforts being made to protect and conserve their populations. Gain a deeper understanding of the important role these birds play in the ecosystem.
3. Bird Photography Tips
Improve your bird photography skills with expert tips and techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, these tips will help you capture stunning images of Arizona’s beautiful birdlife.
Remember that birdwatching is a rewarding and fulfilling hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Take the time to observe and appreciate the incredible diversity of bird species that Arizona has to offer. Happy birdwatching!