The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub
a river running through a canyon surrounded by mountains

Anza Trail - Tubac

Arizona · Southwest

ModerateOfficial Site View on eBird Directions
Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Anza Trail - Tubac is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 302 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Red-tailed Hawk, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, and Vermilion Flycatcher among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Red-tailed HawkLadder-backed WoodpeckerVermilion FlycatcherCommon RavenWhite-breasted NuthatchGambel's QuailMourning DoveGreater RoadrunnerGila WoodpeckerVerdinCactus WrenCurve-billed Thrasher

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

6/2/2026273 camino Panama1 observed

Blue-throated Mountain-gem

Lampornis clemenciae

6/2/2026Madera Canyon--Carrie Nation Trail1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

6/2/2026Florida Wash--Corral at Jct FR488&62A1 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

6/1/2026Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard)1 observed

Coppery-tailed Trogon

Trogon ambiguus

6/1/2026Madera Canyon--Madera Picnic Area1 observed

Abert's Towhee

Melozone aberti

6/1/2026Florida Canyon--lower1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

6/1/2026Madera Canyon--Carrie Nation Trail1 observed

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck

Dendrocygna autumnalis

5/31/2026374 Gull Ct Rio Rico Az.9 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

5/31/2026Madera Canyon--Chuparosa Inn1 observed

Berylline Hummingbird

Saucerottia beryllina

5/31/2026Madera Canyon--Chuparosa Inn1 observed

Rose-throated Becard

Pachyramphus aglaiae

5/31/2026Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard)1 observed

Five-striped Sparrow

Amphispizopsis quinquestriata

5/31/2026Rock Corral Canyon1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

95/31/2026

Mourning Dove

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Cooper's Hawk

15/31/2026

Gray Hawk

25/31/2026

Great Horned Owl

15/31/2026

Gila Woodpecker

35/31/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

35/31/2026

Black Phoebe

15/31/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Bell's Vireo

45/31/2026

Bridled Titmouse

15/31/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

15/31/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

15/31/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/31/2026

Phainopepla

15/31/2026

House Finch

25/31/2026

Song Sparrow

25/31/2026

Abert's Towhee

45/31/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Amenities

Parking
Trails

Nearby Attractions

  • Tubac Center of the Arts
  • Tumacácori NHP
  • Santa Cruz River

More in Arizona

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Cave Creek Canyon

Chiricahua Mountains canyon and top US site for rare Mexican mountain species.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve

The Hummingbird Capital of the US with up to 15 species in the Huachuca Mountains.

Arizona Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Arizona →

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Anza Trail - Tubac for birding?▼
The best months to visit Anza Trail - Tubac for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Anza Trail - Tubac?▼
Notable species at Anza Trail - Tubac include Red-tailed Hawk, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Common Raven, White-breasted Nuthatch, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Greater Roadrunner, Gila Woodpecker, Verdin, Cactus Wren, Curve-billed Thrasher. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Anza Trail - Tubac?▼
Birding at Anza Trail - Tubac is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Anza Trail - Tubac?▼
There is no entrance fee at Anza Trail - Tubac. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Anza Trail - Tubac?▼
Anza Trail - Tubac offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.