River/Riparian birding habitat

Malibu Creek State Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Malibu Creek State Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Rock Pigeon, Band-tailed Pigeon, and Mourning Dove among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Lucy's Warbler

Leiothlypis luciae

4/15/2026Hill Canyon1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/14/2026Ballona Freshwater Marsh

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

4/12/2026Leo Carrillo SP--seawatch1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

4/11/2026Ballona Creek Bike Path at McConnell Ave1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

4/11/2026Ballona Freshwater Marsh1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

4/10/2026Topanga SP--Los Liones Trail4 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

4/10/2026Underwood1 observed

Red-crowned Amazon

Amazona viridigenalis

4/10/2026Santa Monica Mnts NRA Rancho Sierra Vista/ Satwiwa, Newbury Park US-CA 34.15307, -118.9655710 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

34/15/2026

American Wigeon

74/15/2026

Mallard

64/15/2026

California Quail

14/15/2026

Mourning Dove

34/15/2026

White-throated Swift

14/15/2026

American Coot

24/15/2026

Snowy Egret

44/15/2026

Great Egret

44/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

54/15/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

24/15/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

144/15/2026

Northern Flicker

14/15/2026

Nanday Parakeet

34/15/2026

Black Phoebe

14/15/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

74/15/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

34/15/2026

California Scrub-Jay

24/15/2026

American Crow

64/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Malibu Creek State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Malibu Creek State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Malibu Creek State Park?
Notable species at Malibu Creek State Park include Rock Pigeon, Band-tailed Pigeon, Mourning Dove, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Malibu Creek State Park?
Birding at Malibu Creek State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Malibu Creek State Park?
Malibu Creek State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.