Imperial National Wildlife Refuge

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Imperial National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 213 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, and Mallard 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

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

3/5/2026Imperial NWR (Yuma Co.)1 observed

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Archilochus alexandri

3/4/2026Cottonwood gallery restoration site1 observed

Plumbeous Vireo

Vireo plumbeus

3/4/2026Cottonwood gallery restoration site2 observed

Rock Wren

Salpinctes obsoletus

3/2/2026Senator Wash Reservoir1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

3/2/2026Senator Wash Reservoir2 observed

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

3/2/2026Senator Wash Reservoir1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/2/2026Senator Wash Reservoir5 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

3/2/2026Living Waters parcel1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

3/1/2026White Road, Winterhaven, California, US (32.792, -114.612)2 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

2/28/2026Living Waters parcel1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

13/5/2026

Mallard

63/5/2026

Bufflehead

23/5/2026

Ruddy Duck

53/5/2026

Ridgway's Rail

73/5/2026

Virginia Rail

33/5/2026

American Coot

53/5/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

43/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

43/5/2026

American White Pelican

303/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

403/5/2026

Osprey

33/5/2026

Northern Harrier

43/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Verdin

23/5/2026

Tree Swallow

303/5/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

53/5/2026

Marsh Wren

133/5/2026

Phainopepla

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

63/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Imperial National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Imperial National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Imperial National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Imperial National Wildlife Refuge include Cinnamon Teal, Gadwall, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Imperial National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Imperial National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Imperial National Wildlife Refuge?
Imperial National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.