San Simon Cienega (Arizona)

Arizona · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Simon Cienega (Arizona) is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 257 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Mexican Duck, and Ruddy Duck among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Cinnamon Teal Mexican Duck Ruddy Duck Mourning Dove Killdeer

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/14/2026Portal1 observed

Curve-billed Thrasher (curvirostre Group)

Toxostoma curvirostre

4/14/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

4/14/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon3 observed

Broad-billed x Berylline Hummingbird (hybrid)

Cynanthus latirostris x Saucerottia beryllina

4/13/2026Cave Creek Canyon--South Fork1 observed

Lucifer Hummingbird

Calothorax lucifer

4/13/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon1 observed

Bendire's Thrasher

Toxostoma bendirei

4/13/2026Stateline Rd. (Cochise Co.)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

24/13/2026

Gambel's Quail

44/13/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

74/13/2026

White-winged Dove

54/13/2026

Mourning Dove

24/13/2026

Killdeer

24/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/13/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

24/13/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

14/13/2026

Western Kingbird

24/13/2026

Barn Swallow

14/13/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

14/13/2026

House Sparrow

134/13/2026

House Finch

104/13/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

64/13/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

14/13/2026

Cinnamon Teal

14/12/2026

Vesper Sparrow

14/12/2026

White-throated Swift

104/11/2026

Swainson's Hawk

14/11/2026

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

More in Arizona

Madera Canyon

Santa Rita Mountains canyon famous for Elegant Trogons and diverse hummingbirds.

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.

Arizona Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Arizona →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit San Simon Cienega (Arizona) for birding?▼

The best months to visit San Simon Cienega (Arizona) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at San Simon Cienega (Arizona)?▼

Notable species at San Simon Cienega (Arizona) include Cinnamon Teal, Mexican Duck, Ruddy Duck, Mourning Dove, Killdeer. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.

How difficult is birding at San Simon Cienega (Arizona)?▼

Birding at San Simon Cienega (Arizona) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at San Simon Cienega (Arizona)?▼

San Simon Cienega (Arizona) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.