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

Inca Dove

Columbina inca

4/14/2026Madera Canyon--Santa Rita Lodge1 observed

Steller's Jay

Cyanocitta stelleri

4/14/2026Old Baldy Trail, Nogales US-AZ 31.70994, -110.872672 observed

Buff-breasted Flycatcher

Empidonax fulvifrons

4/14/2026Madera Canyon--Old Baldy Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

64/8/2026

White-winged Dove

64/8/2026

Mourning Dove

184/8/2026

Gray Hawk

14/8/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

24/8/2026

Western Screech-Owl

14/8/2026

Gila Woodpecker

14/8/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

14/8/2026

Northern Flicker

14/8/2026

American Kestrel

24/8/2026

Gray Flycatcher

34/8/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

34/8/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

44/8/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

64/8/2026

Bell's Vireo

14/8/2026

Common Raven

34/8/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

14/8/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

14/8/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

14/8/2026

Bewick's Wren

44/8/2026

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.