Canyon birding habitat

East Whitetail Canyon

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Canyon
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

East Whitetail Canyon is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This canyon habitat attracts White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, and Broad-tailed Hummingbird among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Berylline Hummingbird

Saucerottia beryllina

7/21/2026Cave Creek Canyon--Southwestern Research Station1 observed

White-eared Hummingbird

Basilinna leucotis

7/21/2026Cave Creek Canyon--Southwestern Research Station1 observed

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

7/21/2026Portal--Cathedral Rock Rd at Creek Rd1 observed

Lucifer Hummingbird

Calothorax lucifer

7/21/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon1 observed

Curve-billed Thrasher (curvirostre Group)

Toxostoma curvirostre

7/20/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon5 observed

Rufous-winged Sparrow

Peucaea carpalis

7/20/2026Bob Rodrigues yard (Dave Jasper's old yard)1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

7/20/2026AZ-Cochise-Portal--2494 S. Old Canyon Rd. (private)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Inca Dove

17/18/2026

White-winged Dove

27/18/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

17/18/2026

Broad-billed Hummingbird

27/18/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

37/18/2026

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

17/18/2026

Brown-crested Flycatcher

17/18/2026

Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher

17/18/2026

Thick-billed Kingbird

17/18/2026

Mexican Jay

27/18/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/18/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

17/18/2026

House Finch

37/18/2026

Canyon Towhee

27/18/2026

Spotted Towhee

17/18/2026

Hooded Oriole

17/18/2026

Northern Cardinal

27/18/2026

Blue Grosbeak

17/18/2026

Gambel's Quail

17/15/2026

Montezuma Quail

17/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.

  2. 2

    Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit East Whitetail Canyon for birding?
The best months to visit East Whitetail Canyon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at East Whitetail Canyon?
Notable species at East Whitetail Canyon include White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Red-naped Sapsucker. The area supports canyon habitats.
How difficult is birding at East Whitetail Canyon?
Birding at East Whitetail Canyon is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at East Whitetail Canyon?
East Whitetail Canyon offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.