Madera Canyon
Arizona · Southwest
Moderate
April-August
$5 day-use fee per vehicle
Dawn to dusk daily
About This Location
Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains south of Tucson is one of Arizona's most beloved birding destinations. The canyon's riparian corridor attracts a stunning variety of Mexican species at their northern range limits, including Elegant Trogon and numerous hummingbird species.
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
Five-striped Sparrow
Amphispizopsis quinquestriata
Black Vulture
Coragyps atratus
Grace's Warbler
Setophaga graciae
Thick-billed Kingbird
Tyrannus crassirostris
Indigo Bunting
Passerina cyanea
Lawrence's Goldfinch
Spinus lawrencei
Abert's Towhee
Melozone aberti
Broad-winged Hawk
Buteo platypterus
Gray Vireo
Vireo vicinior
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Bell's Vireo
Lesser Nighthawk
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Northern Mockingbird
Black-throated Sparrow
Lucy's Warbler
Northern Cardinal
Turkey Vulture
Loggerhead Shrike
Scott's Oriole
White-winged Dove
Swainson's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Common Raven
Verdin
Rufous-winged Sparrow
Gila Woodpecker
Canyon Towhee
Mourning Dove
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Birding Tips
- 1
Visit the Santa Rita Lodge feeders for hummingbirds
- 2
Hike the Super Trail for Elegant Trogon and Painted Redstart
- 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
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
More in Arizona
Cave Creek Canyon
Chiricahua Mountains canyon and top US site for rare Mexican mountain species.
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 →