Cave Creek Canyon

Arizona · Southwest

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CanyonRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Cave Creek Canyon is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This canyon and river/riparian habitat attracts Red-naped Sapsucker, Acorn Woodpecker, and Northern Flicker 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

Elf Owl

Micrathene whitneyi

3/6/2026Portal, AZ private yard (not open to the public)1 observed

Scott's Oriole

Icterus parisorum

3/6/2026Portal--Jasper/Moisan feeders (opened 2015)1 observed

Fox Sparrow (Red)

Passerella iliaca

3/6/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon1 observed

Curve-billed Thrasher (curvirostre Group)

Toxostoma curvirostre

3/6/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/6/2026Chiricahua Mtns.--Whitetail Canyon2 observed

Spotted Towhee (arcticus)

Pipilo maculatus

3/5/2026East Whitetail Canyon1 observed

Cassin's Finch

Haemorhous cassinii

3/4/2026Rusty's RV Ranch (Please do not list exotic waterfowl)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

13/4/2026

White-throated Swift

43/4/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

13/4/2026

Northern Flicker

13/4/2026

Hutton's Vireo

13/4/2026

Bushtit

13/4/2026

Brown Creeper

13/4/2026

Rock Wren

13/4/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/4/2026

House Finch

13/4/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

13/4/2026

Red-naped Sapsucker

13/4/2026

Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay

63/4/2026

Common Raven

13/4/2026

Bridled Titmouse

23/4/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

73/4/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

33/4/2026

Townsend's Solitaire

23/4/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

13/4/2026

Painted Redstart

53/4/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.

  2. 2

    Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cave Creek Canyon for birding?
The best months to visit Cave Creek Canyon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Cave Creek Canyon?
Notable species at Cave Creek Canyon include Red-naped Sapsucker, Acorn Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay, Common Raven. The area supports canyon, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cave Creek Canyon?
Birding at Cave Creek Canyon is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Cave Creek Canyon?
Cave Creek Canyon offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.