Phoenix Zoo

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Phoenix Zoo is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, and Mallard 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

Pyrrhuloxia

Cardinalis sinuatus

3/5/2026Papago Park1 observed

Steller's Jay (Southwest Interior)

Cyanocitta stelleri

3/5/2026Tres Rios Overbank Wetlands (permit required)2 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/5/2026Tres Rios Overbank Wetlands (permit required)2 observed

Lewis's Woodpecker

Melanerpes lewis

3/5/2026Encanto Park1 observed

Eurasian x African Collared-Dove (hybrid)

Streptopelia decaocto x roseogrisea

3/4/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

3/4/2026Riparian Preserve at Gilbert Water Ranch1 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

3/3/2026McCormick Ranch--Camelback Lake (Chart House)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cinnamon Teal

13/5/2026

Gila Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Verdin

13/5/2026

Black-tailed Gnatcatcher

13/5/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

13/5/2026

Black-chinned Sparrow

13/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

43/3/2026

Gadwall

23/3/2026

Mallard

63/3/2026

Redhead

13/3/2026

Ring-necked Duck

13/3/2026

Lesser Scaup

33/3/2026

American Coot

43/3/2026

Neotropic Cormorant

103/3/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/3/2026

Gambel's Quail

43/3/2026

Greater Roadrunner

13/3/2026

Northern Mockingbird

13/3/2026

Canada Goose

13/3/2026

Ruddy Duck

13/3/2026

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 Phoenix Zoo for birding?
The best months to visit Phoenix Zoo for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Phoenix Zoo?
Notable species at Phoenix Zoo include Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Redhead, Ring-necked Duck. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Phoenix Zoo?
Birding at Phoenix Zoo is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Phoenix Zoo?
Phoenix Zoo offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.