Sweetwater Wetlands
Arizona · Southwest
Moderate
October-May
Free
Open daily, sunrise to sunset
About This Location
Sweetwater Wetlands is a productive birding destination in Arizona, with 330 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mourning Dove, Gila Woodpecker, and Ladder-backed Woodpecker 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
Common Poorwill
Phalaenoptilus nuttallii
Lewis's Woodpecker
Melanerpes lewis
Acorn Woodpecker
Melanerpes formicivorus
Snow Goose
Anser caerulescens
Sage Thrasher
Oreoscoptes montanus
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay
Aphelocoma woodhouseii
Northern Yellow Warbler
Setophaga aestiva
Steller's Jay
Cyanocitta stelleri
Northern Parula
Setophaga americana
Bendire's Thrasher
Toxostoma bendirei
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Cinnamon Teal
Northern Shoveler
American Wigeon
Mallard
Green-winged Teal
Ring-necked Duck
Ruddy Duck
Gambel's Quail
Mourning Dove
Common Gallinule
American Coot
Gila Woodpecker
Vermilion Flycatcher
Common Raven
Verdin
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
White-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow
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.
- 4
Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
- Tucson Mountain Park
- Saguaro National Park West
More in Arizona
Arizona Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Arizona →