Sweetwater Wetlands
Arizona · Southwest
Moderate
October-May
Free
Open daily, sunrise to sunset
About This Location
Sweetwater Wetlands is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 330 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, and Ladder-backed Woodpecker 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
Northern Yellow Warbler
Setophaga aestiva
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay
Aphelocoma woodhouseii
Lewis's Woodpecker
Melanerpes lewis
Steller's Jay
Cyanocitta stelleri
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia atricapilla
Northern Parula
Setophaga americana
Bendire's Thrasher
Toxostoma bendirei
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Western Kingbird
Tyrannus verticalis
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Cinnamon Teal
Northern Shoveler
Gadwall
American Wigeon
Mallard
Ring-necked Duck
Ruddy Duck
Gambel's Quail
American Coot
Pied-billed Grebe
Vermilion Flycatcher
Lesser Goldfinch
Song Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Black-throated Gray Warbler
Mourning Dove
Anna's Hummingbird
Common Gallinule
Gila Woodpecker
Ladder-backed Woodpecker
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.
- 4
Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Tucson Mountain Park
- Saguaro National Park West
More in Arizona
Arizona Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Arizona →