Desert birding habitat

Mangas Springs

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Mangas Springs is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 220 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, and Red-tailed Hawk 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

Gray Vireo

Vireo vicinior

4/17/2026Saddlerock Canyon2 observed

Greater Pewee

Contopus pertinax

4/17/2026Gila NF--Little Cherry Creek Road and Trail1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

4/16/2026Yard!1 observed

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Setophaga pensylvanica

4/15/2026Big Ditch Park1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

4/15/2026Gila River Preserve--Iron Bridge Conservation Area1 observed

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

4/15/2026Saddlerock Canyon1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

4/14/2026Gila NF--Cherry Creek Campground1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

4/14/2026Kilimanjaro Ct.1 observed

Red-faced Warbler

Cardellina rubrifrons

4/14/2026Gila NF--Cherry Creek Campground1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gambel's Quail

34/16/2026

White-winged Dove

44/16/2026

Mourning Dove

74/16/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

14/16/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

14/16/2026

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

14/16/2026

American Robin

14/16/2026

House Finch

14/16/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

24/16/2026

Spotted Towhee

24/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

14/16/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

54/16/2026

Summer Tanager

14/16/2026

Northern Cardinal

14/16/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

44/16/2026

Vermilion Flycatcher

24/16/2026

House Sparrow

24/16/2026

Chipping Sparrow

14/16/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

14/16/2026

Common Yellowthroat

14/16/2026

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 Mangas Springs for birding?
The best months to visit Mangas Springs for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Mangas Springs?
Notable species at Mangas Springs include Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Red-tailed Hawk, American Barn Owl, Northern Flicker. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mangas Springs?
Birding at Mangas Springs is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mangas Springs?
Mangas Springs offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.