San Simon Cienega (Arizona)

Arizona · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

FallWinterSpring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

San Simon Cienega (Arizona) is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 257 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Cinnamon Teal, Mexican Duck, and Ruddy 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

Cinnamon Teal Mexican Duck Ruddy Duck Mourning Dove Killdeer

Live Bird Data

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

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

3/5/2026Lordsburg Playa1 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

Birding Tips

1
Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.
2
Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in Arizona

Madera Canyon

Santa Rita Mountains canyon famous for Elegant Trogons and diverse hummingbirds.

Cave Creek Canyon

Chiricahua Mountains canyon and top US site for rare Mexican mountain species.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve

The Hummingbird Capital of the US with up to 15 species in the Huachuca Mountains.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit San Simon Cienega (Arizona) for birding?▼

The best months to visit San Simon Cienega (Arizona) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at San Simon Cienega (Arizona)?▼

Notable species at San Simon Cienega (Arizona) include Cinnamon Teal, Mexican Duck, Ruddy Duck, Mourning Dove, Killdeer. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.

How difficult is birding at San Simon Cienega (Arizona)?▼

Birding at San Simon Cienega (Arizona) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at San Simon Cienega (Arizona)?▼

San Simon Cienega (Arizona) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.