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

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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

Gray Hawk

Buteo plagiatus

5/25/2026Gila Bird Area--River Vista1 observed

Downy Woodpecker

Dryobates pubescens

5/24/2026Gila NF--Cherry Creek Campground2 observed

Willow Flycatcher (Southwestern)

Empidonax traillii

5/23/2026Gila River Preserve--Iron Bridge Conservation Area2 observed

Blue-winged Warbler

Vermivora cyanoptera

5/14/2026Gila NF--Confluence of Mogollon Creek and Gila River1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

15/24/2026

Gambel's Quail

85/24/2026

Wild Turkey

15/24/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

25/24/2026

White-winged Dove

45/24/2026

Mourning Dove

155/24/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

25/24/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

15/24/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/24/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/24/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/24/2026

American Barn Owl

15/24/2026

Ladder-backed Woodpecker

15/24/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/24/2026

Northern Flicker

25/24/2026

American Kestrel

25/24/2026

Olive-sided Flycatcher

15/24/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

25/24/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/24/2026

Say's Phoebe

15/24/2026

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.