Desert birding habitat

Anza Trail - Rio Rico (Guy Tobin Trailhead)

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Anza Trail - Rio Rico (Guy Tobin Trailhead) is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 221 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Inca Dove, Common Ground Dove, and White-winged Dove among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Five-striped Sparrow

Amphispizopsis quinquestriata

4/18/2026Montosa Canyon--km 1 (culvert area)1 observed

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

4/18/202638–42 Santa Gertrudis Ln, Carmen US-AZ 31.56214, -111.043301 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

4/18/2026Patagonia Roadside Rest Area1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

4/18/2026Rock Corral Canyon1 observed

Broad-winged Hawk

Buteo platypterus

4/18/2026118 Circulo Vespucci, Tubac US-AZ 31.60049, -111.046544 observed

Gray Vireo

Vireo vicinior

4/18/2026Santa Cruz Co: Josephine Cyn @ Camino Josefina1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater Roadrunner

14/18/2026

Black Vulture

24/18/2026

European Starling

14/18/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

44/18/2026

Common Raven

44/18/2026

Phainopepla

24/18/2026

Lark Sparrow

14/18/2026

Canyon Towhee

24/18/2026

Lucy's Warbler

14/18/2026

White-winged Dove

34/18/2026

Gray Hawk

14/18/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

44/18/2026

Verdin

14/18/2026

House Finch

14/18/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

254/18/2026

Costa's Hummingbird

24/18/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

24/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/18/2026

Pyrrhuloxia

24/18/2026

Lazuli Bunting

14/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Anza Trail - Rio Rico (Guy Tobin Trailhead) for birding?
The best months to visit Anza Trail - Rio Rico (Guy Tobin Trailhead) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Anza Trail - Rio Rico (Guy Tobin Trailhead)?
Notable species at Anza Trail - Rio Rico (Guy Tobin Trailhead) include Inca Dove, Common Ground Dove, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Greater Roadrunner. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Anza Trail - Rio Rico (Guy Tobin Trailhead)?
Birding at Anza Trail - Rio Rico (Guy Tobin Trailhead) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Anza Trail - Rio Rico (Guy Tobin Trailhead)?
Anza Trail - Rio Rico (Guy Tobin Trailhead) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.