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Home Animals Desert Map Photography What's New?

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Birds, Smaller Birds

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Cactus Wren

(Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus)

The Cactus Wren searches in the desert under leaves and other ground litter looking for a meal. This is the Arizona State Bird. Often seen on top of Saguaro cactus.
Length = 7 to 8 1/4 inches

Gila Woodpecker

(Melanerpes uropygialis)

The Gila Woodpecker. We found these two at a remote watering catch basin in the desert Southeast of Quartzite, Arizona. They nest in holes in giant Saguaro Cacti.
Length = 8 to 10 inches

House Finch

(Carpodacus mexicanus)

The House Finch is found in the Chaparral, desert, and orchards.They eat weed and grass seeds.
Length = 6 inches

Hummingbird

(Each species has it's own scientific name)

This female Humming bird was nested and sitting on two eggs. They are common in the desert Southwest. There are at least 16 species of Humming Bird.
Length = 3 1/2 to 4 inches

Lesser Nighthawk

(Chordeiles acutipennis)

The Lesser Nighthawk fly's low looking for insects at dusk. This one was found in a wash and was very well camouflaged. Not usually seen during the day.
Length = 8 to 9 inches

Gambels Quail

(Callipepla gambelii)

The Gambels Quail usually travel in family groups. They also usually have 10 young which follow them around. They are attracted to water and gather in large numbers.
Length = 10 to 11 1/2 inches

Black Phoebe

(Sayornis nigricans)

The Black Phoebe seen here looking for insects in the river. Sits upright and wags it's tail frequently.
Length = 7 inches

Say's Phoebe

(Sayornis saya)

The Says Phoebe is found in the desert in many locations and is an insect eater. They are in the flycatcher family. They will eat other foods like berries when insects are not available.
Length = 7 to 8 inches

Northern Shrike

(Lanius excubitor)

This is the Northern Shrike - and it's a bad bird! It eats other small infant birds, insects, and mice. It kills more than it can eat.
Length = 9 to 10 1/2 inches

Yellow-eyed Junco

(Junco phaeonotus)

The Yellow-eyed Junco is a resident of the mountains of Southeastern Arizona and Southwestern New Mexico. This one was nesting in a Yucca plant.
Length = 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 inches

Belted Kingfisher

Megaceryle alcyon)

The Belted Kingfisher is found near rivers, lakes and salt water estuaries. Eats fish, salamanders, lizards, mice and insects.
Length = 13 inches

Killdeer

(Charadrius vociferus)

The Killdeer is professional at faking being hurt; often limping on one foot with his one wing spread to make it look broken. They live and eat in open country and plowed fields.
Length = 9 to 11 inches

Northern Mockingbird

(Mimus polyglottos)

The Northern Mockingbird is a real character. He can imitate numerous other birds and when looking for a mate can continue with his calls day and night. When flying he can be indentified by the white patches under his wings and tail.
Length = 9 to 11 inches

American Goldfinch

(Carduelis tristis)

The American Goldfinch (Wild Canary) travel in flocks and their main food source is weed seeds. They migrate in compact flocks.
Length = 4 1/2 to 5 inches

This Saguaro has a rather large birds nest. If you pay attention while in the desert you'll see nests in all types of cactus. Like the one in Cholla below, and it makes you wonder how the
birds can build a nest in such places.
Don't forget the binoculars and always keep you camera handy.

A baby Mockingbird on his maiden flight. He landed 7 ft. from me and realized he was in the presence of something much bigger than him, and started to yell. What a neat experience.

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