Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well

Arizona · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 218 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Northern Flicker, and Black Phoebe 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

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

3/5/2026Page Springs Fish Hatchery--Bubbling Ponds Preserve1 observed

Anna's x Costa's Hummingbird (hybrid)

Calypte anna x costae

3/4/2026Oak Creek Canyon--Grasshopper Point1 observed

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

3/4/202620 Concho Way, Village of Oak Creek US-AZ 34.78546, -111.752781 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/4/2026West Clear Creek--Bull Pen Rd26 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

3/1/2026Fay Canyon Trail3 observed

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

2/28/2026Backyard Birding Sedona (private)1 observed

Black-chinned Sparrow

Spizella atrogularis

2/28/2026Schnebly Hill Road1 observed

Verdin

Auriparus flaviceps

2/28/2026Oak Creek--Chavez Crossing1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

2/27/2026Quail Springs Ranch Rd -- Cottonwood (approximate- private residence)1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

2/27/2026Sedona Wetlands Preserve1 observed

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

2/27/2026Sedona Wetlands Preserve, Sedona US-AZ 34.83105, -111.897771 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/5/2026

American Wigeon

53/5/2026

Virginia Rail

13/5/2026

Sora

13/5/2026

Rock Wren

23/5/2026

Marsh Wren

33/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

63/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/5/2026

Black Phoebe

13/5/2026

Canyon Wren

13/5/2026

Mourning Dove

13/2/2026

Northern Flicker

13/2/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

23/2/2026

Bewick's Wren

43/2/2026

Pine Siskin

13/2/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

33/2/2026

Black-throated Sparrow

33/2/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

13/2/2026

Common Raven

13/2/2026

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 Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well for birding?
The best months to visit Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well?
Notable species at Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well include Mourning Dove, Northern Flicker, Black Phoebe, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Canyon Wren. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well?
Birding at Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well?
Montezuma Castle National Monument - Montezuma Well offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.