Las Cienegas NCA - Cottonwood Tanks

Arizona · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

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

Black-throated Sparrow Scaled Quail White-winged Dove Gila Woodpecker Ladder-backed Woodpecker

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Lucifer Hummingbird

Calothorax lucifer

6/2/2026Private residence, Sonoita US-AZ (31.6793,-110.6557)1 observed

Blue-throated Mountain-gem

Lampornis clemenciae

6/2/2026Madera Canyon--Carrie Nation Trail1 observed

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

6/2/2026Florida Wash--Corral at Jct FR488&62A1 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

6/1/2026Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard)1 observed

Coppery-tailed Trogon

Trogon ambiguus

6/1/2026Madera Canyon--Madera Picnic Area1 observed

Abert's Towhee

Melozone aberti

6/1/2026Florida Canyon--lower1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

6/1/2026Madera Canyon--Carrie Nation Trail1 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

5/31/2026Madera Canyon--Chuparosa Inn1 observed

Berylline Hummingbird

Saucerottia beryllina

5/31/2026Madera Canyon--Chuparosa Inn1 observed

Rose-throated Becard

Pachyramphus aglaiae

5/31/2026Paton Center for Hummingbirds (Patons' Yard)1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

5/31/2026Town of Patagonia1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Dove

5/28/2026

Mourning Dove

5/28/2026

Gila Woodpecker

5/28/2026

American Kestrel

5/28/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

5/28/2026

Bewick's Wren

5/28/2026

Phainopepla

5/28/2026

House Finch

5/28/2026

Yellow-breasted Chat

5/28/2026

Lucy's Warbler

5/28/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

5/28/2026

Summer Tanager

5/28/2026

Birding Tips

1
Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.
2
Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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Arizona Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Arizona →

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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.