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

Berylline Hummingbird

Saucerottia beryllina

7/21/2026Cave Creek Canyon--Southwestern Research Station1 observed

White-eared Hummingbird

Basilinna leucotis

7/21/2026Cave Creek Canyon--Southwestern Research Station1 observed

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

7/21/2026Portal--Cathedral Rock Rd at Creek Rd1 observed

Lucifer Hummingbird

Calothorax lucifer

7/21/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon1 observed

Curve-billed Thrasher (curvirostre Group)

Toxostoma curvirostre

7/20/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon5 observed

Rufous-winged Sparrow

Peucaea carpalis

7/20/2026Bob Rodrigues yard (Dave Jasper's old yard)1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

7/20/2026AZ-Cochise-Portal--2494 S. Old Canyon Rd. (private)1 observed

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.