Desert birding habitat

Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Northern Flicker, and Black Phoebe 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

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

6/2/2026Jordan Historical Park, Sedona US-AZ (34.8784,-111.7615)1 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

5/31/2026Cockscomb Trail, Sedona US-AZ 34.88489, -111.867321 observed

Greater Pewee

Contopus pertinax

5/30/2026Wilson Mountain summit plateau1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

5/27/2026Page Springs Fish Hatchery--Bubbling Ponds Preserve1 observed

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

5/27/2026Verde Valley School1 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

5/26/2026Dead Horse Ranch SP1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

5/26/2026Backyard Birding Sedona (private)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/25/2026Wild Horse Fountain1 observed

Willow Flycatcher (Southwestern)

Empidonax traillii

5/24/2026AZIBA-CV-RTB-PC51 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

5/23/2026Red Rock SP1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/21/2026Sedona Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

15/27/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/27/2026

Bridled Titmouse

15/27/2026

Canyon Wren

15/27/2026

Song Sparrow

15/27/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

55/27/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/27/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

25/27/2026

Mourning Dove

15/26/2026

Virginia Rail

15/26/2026

Common Black Hawk

15/26/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/26/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

25/26/2026

Black Phoebe

15/26/2026

Verdin

15/26/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

65/26/2026

Cliff Swallow

25/26/2026

Rock Wren

15/26/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/26/2026

House Finch

15/26/2026

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 Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well for birding?
The best months to visit Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well?
Notable species at Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well include Mourning Dove, Northern Flicker, Black Phoebe, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Canyon Wren. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well?
Birding at Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well?
Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.