Desert birding habitat

Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Black-throated Sparrow, Scaled Quail, 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

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

7/21/2026Madera Canyon--Santa Rita Lodge1 observed

Lark Bunting

Calamospiza melanocorys

7/20/2026Las Cienegas NCA--South Entrance (Santa Cruz Co.)1 observed

Black-chinned x Anna's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Archilochus alexandri x Calypte anna

7/20/2026Arizona Birding Guides feeders--Visitors Welcome1 observed

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

7/20/2026Adobe Canyon to Bathtub Tank2 observed

Dusky-capped Flycatcher

Myiarchus tuberculifer

7/20/2026Adobe Canyon to Bathtub Tank1 observed

Chihuahuan Raven

Corvus cryptoleucus

7/20/2026Harshaw Creek Road1 observed

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

7/20/2026Florida Wash--Corral at Jct FR488&62A1 observed

Blue-throated Mountain-gem

Lampornis clemenciae

7/19/2026Madera Canyon--Madera Kubo B&B1 observed

Broad-billed x Berylline Hummingbird (hybrid)

Cynanthus latirostris x Saucerottia beryllina

7/19/2026Madera Canyon--Madera Kubo B&B1 observed

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

7/19/2026Florida Wash at Madera Canyon Rd1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Ground Dove

27/18/2026

White-winged Dove

17/18/2026

Mourning Dove

37/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/18/2026

Swainson's Hawk

17/18/2026

Gila Woodpecker

27/18/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

17/18/2026

American Kestrel

17/18/2026

Black Phoebe

27/18/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

37/18/2026

Western Kingbird

57/18/2026

Verdin

37/18/2026

Northern Mockingbird

17/18/2026

Phainopepla

17/18/2026

House Finch

27/18/2026

Lark Sparrow

77/18/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

17/18/2026

Lucy's Warbler

17/18/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/18/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

17/18/2026

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 Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks for birding?
The best months to visit Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks?
Notable species at Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks include Black-throated Sparrow, Scaled Quail, White-winged Dove, Gila Woodpecker, Ladder-backed Woodpecker. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks?
Birding at Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks?
Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.