Cave Creek Canyon
Arizona · Southwest
Moderate
April-September
$5 day-use fee per vehicle
Dawn to dusk daily
About This Location
Cave Creek Canyon in the Chiricahua Mountains is the premier spot in the US for Mexican mountain species, including the Elegant Trogon and rare vagrants. The dramatic canyon with its towering rhyolite cliffs hosts an incredible diversity of breeding birds from April through September.
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
American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis
Berylline Hummingbird
Saucerottia beryllina
White-eared Hummingbird
Basilinna leucotis
Thick-billed Kingbird
Tyrannus crassirostris
Lucifer Hummingbird
Calothorax lucifer
Curve-billed Thrasher (curvirostre Group)
Toxostoma curvirostre
Rufous-winged Sparrow
Peucaea carpalis
White-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia leucophrys
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
White-winged Dove
Rivoli's Hummingbird
Blue-throated Mountain-gem
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Broad-billed Hummingbird
White-eared Hummingbird
Berylline Hummingbird
Turkey Vulture
Acorn Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Western Wood-Pewee
Western Flycatcher
Black Phoebe
Plumbeous Vireo
Common Raven
Bridled Titmouse
Northern House Wren
House Finch
Lesser Goldfinch
Northern Yellow Warbler
Birding Tips
- 1
Stay at the research station for immersive birding
- 2
South Fork is the most reliable area for Elegant Trogon
- 3
Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity
- 4
Arrive at dawn for peak bird activity, especially during migration seasons
- 5
Listen for woodpecker drumming and warbler songs before scanning the canopy
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Chiricahua National Monument
More in Arizona
Madera Canyon
Santa Rita Mountains canyon famous for Elegant Trogons and diverse hummingbirds.
Ramsey Canyon Preserve
The Hummingbird Capital of the US with up to 15 species in the Huachuca Mountains.
Saguaro National Park
Iconic Sonoran Desert park with saguaro-nesting specialists and desert bird diversity.
Arizona Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Arizona →