Desert birding habitat

Picacho Hills

New Mexico · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Picacho Hills is a productive birding destination in New Mexico, with 225 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Ring-necked 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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

Branta canadensis

6/1/2026Picacho Hills4 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/31/2026Picacho Hills1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/30/2026La Llorona Trail Extension1 observed

Willow Flycatcher (Southwestern)

Empidonax traillii

5/30/2026La Llorona Trail Extension5 observed

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

5/25/2026East Levee Rd.--Mesilla Dam to Calle del Norte Bridge8 observed

Zone-tailed Hawk

Buteo albonotatus

5/23/2026Mesilla Valley Bosque SP1 observed

Thick-billed Kingbird

Tyrannus crassirostris

5/23/2026Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, Mesilla US-NM 32.25011, -106.821571 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

46/1/2026

Mexican Duck

36/1/2026

Killdeer

46/1/2026

Snowy Egret

16/1/2026

Gambel's Quail

15/31/2026

White-winged Dove

35/31/2026

Swainson's Hawk

15/31/2026

Verdin

25/31/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

45/31/2026

Barn Swallow

15/31/2026

Curve-billed Thrasher

15/31/2026

House Sparrow

25/31/2026

House Finch

25/31/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/31/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

65/31/2026

Mourning Dove

495/31/2026

Greater Roadrunner

15/31/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

35/31/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

25/31/2026

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 Picacho Hills for birding?
The best months to visit Picacho Hills for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Picacho Hills?
Notable species at Picacho Hills include Canada Goose, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Picacho Hills?
Birding at Picacho Hills is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Picacho Hills?
Picacho Hills offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.