a river running through a canyon surrounded by mountains

Anza Trail - Tubac

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

4/18/2026Madera Canyon--Santa Rita Lodge1 observed

Five-striped Sparrow

Amphispizopsis quinquestriata

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

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

4/18/2026Madera Canyon--Madera Picnic Area1 observed

Grace's Warbler

Setophaga graciae

4/18/2026Madera Canyon--Madera Picnic Area1 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

Abert's Towhee

Melozone aberti

4/18/2026Florida Canyon--lower2 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

Gambel's Quail

14/16/2026

White-winged Dove

84/16/2026

Mourning Dove

14/16/2026

Gray Hawk

14/16/2026

Gila Woodpecker

44/16/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Say's Phoebe

14/16/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

34/16/2026

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

34/16/2026

Bell's Vireo

24/16/2026

Common Raven

14/16/2026

Bridled Titmouse

14/16/2026

Verdin

24/16/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/16/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

24/16/2026

Bewick's Wren

54/16/2026

European Starling

14/16/2026

Phainopepla

34/16/2026

House Finch

14/16/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

84/16/2026

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.

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.