Chiricahua National Monument

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Chiricahua National Monument is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Common Poorwill, Northern Pygmy-Owl, and Mexican Jay 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

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

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

3/3/2026Chiricahua National Monument2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Pygmy-Owl

13/3/2026

Mexican Jay

63/3/2026

Common Raven

13/3/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/3/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

23/3/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

23/3/2026

Painted Redstart

13/3/2026

White-throated Swift

42/28/2026

Sandhill Crane

752/28/2026

Bewick's Wren

12/28/2026

Black-throated Sparrow

22/28/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

22/28/2026

Spotted Towhee

12/28/2026

Say's Phoebe

12/28/2026

American Barn Owl

12/24/2026

Red-naped Sapsucker

12/24/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

22/24/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

12/24/2026

Northern Flicker

32/24/2026

Bridled Titmouse

32/24/2026

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 Chiricahua National Monument for birding?
The best months to visit Chiricahua National Monument for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Chiricahua National Monument?
Notable species at Chiricahua National Monument include Common Poorwill, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Mexican Jay, Common Raven, Ruby-crowned Kinglet. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Chiricahua National Monument?
Birding at Chiricahua National Monument is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Chiricahua National Monument?
Chiricahua National Monument offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.