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
Lucifer Hummingbird
Calothorax lucifer
American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis
Least Grebe
Tachybaptus dominicus
Blue-throated Mountain-gem
Lampornis clemenciae
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Mourning Dove
Ladder-backed Woodpecker
Verdin
Black-throated Sparrow
Blue Grosbeak
White-winged Dove
Canyon Towhee
Varied Bunting
Scaled Quail
Costa's Hummingbird
Turkey Vulture
Ash-throated Flycatcher
Brown-crested Flycatcher
Bell's Vireo
Cactus Wren
Lucy's Warbler
Northern Cardinal
Red-tailed Hawk
Curve-billed Thrasher
Chihuahuan Meadowlark
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 →