List of birds of Yuma County, Arizona
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birds Birds are a group of warm-blooded vertebrates constituting the class Aves (), characterised by feathers, toothless beaked jaws, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a strong yet lightweigh ...
of Yuma County, Arizona, United States. The following markings are used: *(A) Accidental - occurrence based on fewer than 10 records and unlikely to occur regularly *(E)
Extinct Extinction is the termination of a kind of organism or of a group of kinds (taxon), usually a species. The moment of extinction is generally considered to be the death of the last individual of the species, although the capacity to breed and ...
- a recent species that no longer exists *(Ex) Extirpated - a species that no longer occurs in Yuma County, Arizona, but other populations exist elsewhere *(I) Introduced - a population established solely as the result of direct or indirect human intervention; synonymous with non-native and non-indigenous *(H) Hypothetical - birds that have had a credible sighting reported, but have not been documented with a specimen or suitable photograph *(C) Casual - occasional visitor *(SW) = found in the southwest of Arizona, Yuma County. *''sw–06'' = observed in 2006. *(* SW)—SW breeding species.Appendix, ''Birds of the Lower Colorado River Valley'' *(–''L''–)–16 species are found ''local'', in a specific ''locality.'' *LCRV–
Lower Colorado River Valley The Lower Colorado River Valley (LCRV) is the river region of the lower Colorado River of the southwestern United States in North America that rises in the Rocky Mountains and has its outlet at the Colorado River Delta in the northern Gulf of C ...


Ducks, geese and swans

Order:
Anseriformes Anseriformes is an order of birds also known as waterfowl that comprises about 180 living species of birds in three families: Anhimidae (three species of screamers), Anseranatidae (the magpie goose), and Anatidae, the largest family, which in ...
Family: Anatidae The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, bills which are flattened to a greater or lesser extent, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to ''special oils.'' There are 131 species worldwide and 61 North American species. * Fulvous whistling duck, ''Dendrocygna bicolor'' * Greater white-fronted goose, ''Anser albifrons'' * Ross's goose, ''Chen rossii'' *(–''L''–) Snow goose, ''Chen caerulescens'' (winters) *
Canada goose The Canada goose (''Branta canadensis''), or Canadian goose, is a large wild goose with a black head and neck, white cheeks, white under its chin, and a brown body. It is native to the arctic and temperate regions of North America, and it is o ...
, ''Branta canadensis'' (winters) * Brant, ''Branta bernicla'', ( brent goose), * Tundra swan, ''Cygnus columbianus'' * Wood duck, ''Aix sponsa'' (?Mountains, etc.) *(* SW)
Gadwall The gadwall (''Mareca strepera'') is a common and widespread dabbling duck in the family Anatidae. Taxonomy The gadwall was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his landmark 1758 10th edition of ''Systema Naturae''. DNA studies have shown that ...
, ''Anas strepera'' (winters) * ( Eurasian wigeon, ''Anas penelope'') Calif visitor? * American wigeon, ''Anas americana'' (winters) *
Mallard The mallard () or wild duck (''Anas platyrhynchos'') is a dabbling duck that breeds throughout the temperate and subtropical Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa, and has been introduced to New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Arge ...
, ''Anas platyrhynchos'' Perm ? * Blue-winged teal, ''Anas discors'' (winters) *(* SW) ''sw–06''(Feb 23) Cinnamon teal, ''Anas cyanoptera'' Perm ? * Northern shoveler, ''Anas clypeata'' (winters) * Northern pintail, ''Anas acuta'' ?(winters) Calif & Mex. * Green-winged teal, ''Anas crecca'' (winters) * Canvasback, ''Aythya valisineria'' (winters) *(* SW) Redhead, ''Aythya americana'' (winters) *''sw–06'' Ring-necked duck, ''Aythya collaris'' (winters) * Greater scaup, ''Aythya marila'' (winters) * Lesser scaup, ''Aythya affinis'' (winters) * Surf scoter, ''Melanitta perspicillata'' * White-winged scoter, ''Melanitta fusca'' * Black scoter, ''Melanitta nigra'' *
Bufflehead The bufflehead (''Bucephala albeola'') is a small sea duck of the genus ''Bucephala'', the goldeneyes. This species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his landmark 1758 10th edition of ''Systema Naturae'' as ''Anas albeola''. The genus na ...
, ''Bucephala albeola'' (winters) * Common goldeneye, ''Bucephala clangula'' (winters) * Barrow's goldeneye, ''Bucephala islandica'' * Hooded merganser, ''Lophodytes cucullatus'' (winters) * Common merganser, ''Mergus merganser'' (winters) * Red-breasted merganser, ''Mergus serrator'' *(* SW) Ruddy duck, ''Oxyura jamaicensis'' Perm ?


Partridges, grouse, turkeys and Old World quail

Order: GalliformesFamily:
Phasianidae The Phasianidae are a family (biology), family of heavy, ground-living birds, which includes pheasants, partridges, junglefowl, chickens, Turkey bird, turkeys, Old World quail, and peafowl. The family includes many of the most popular Game (hunti ...
Phasianidae consists of the pheasants and their allies. These are terrestrial species, variable in size but generally plump with broad relatively short wings. Many species are gamebirds or have been domesticated as a food source for humans. There are 180 species worldwide and 16 North American species. *(–''L''–) (* SW) Ring-necked pheasant, ''Phasianus colchicus'', ''Colorado River–(Riparian) Env.'' (I)


New World quail

Order: GalliformesFamily: Odontophoridae The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits. There are 32 species, worldwide, all found only in the Americas, and 6 North American species. *(* SW) Gambel's quail, ''Callipepla gambelii'', Perm,-Non-migrating * Montezuma quail, ''Cyrtonix montezumae'' (Far eastern and southeastern Arizona)


Loons

Order:
Gaviiformes Gaviiformes is an order of aquatic birds containing the loons or divers and their closest extinct relatives. Modern gaviiformes are found in many parts of North America and northern Eurasia (Europe, Asia and debatably Africa), though prehistori ...
Family: Gaviidae Loons are aquatic birds the size of a large duck, to which they are unrelated. Their plumage is largely gray or black, and they have spear-shaped bills. Loons swim well and fly adequately, but are almost hopeless on land, because their legs are placed towards the rear of the body. There are 5 species worldwide and 5 North American species. *(SW) Red-throated loon, ''Gavia stellata'', (winter range)– Gulf of California *(SW)
Pacific loon The Pacific loon or Pacific diver (''Gavia pacifica''), is a medium-sized member of the loon, or diver, family. Taxonomy and etymology The Pacific loon, previously considered conspecific with the similar black-throated loon, was classified as ...
, ''Gavia pacifica'', (winter range)– Gulf of California *(SW) Common loon, ''Gavia immer'', (occasional wintering)


Grebes

Order: PodicipediformesFamily: Podicipedidae Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. There are 20 species worldwide and 7 North American species. Of the listed species, the horned, eared and western grebe are less commonly observed in summer. *(* SW) Least grebe, ''Tachybaptus dominicus'' (S. Mexico) *(* SW) Pied-billed grebe, ''Podilymbus podiceps'' Permanent and (winter range) *(SW) Horned grebe, ''Podiceps auritus'' winters across coastal S US, S New Mex *
Red-necked grebe The red-necked grebe (''Podiceps grisegena'') is a migratory aquatic bird found in the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. Its wintering habitat is largely restricted to calm waters just beyond the waves around ocean coasts, although ...
, ''Podiceps grisegena'' (A) Jan; Mar (from W Canada, Alaska Coast) *(SW)
Eared grebe The black-necked grebe or eared grebe (''Podiceps nigricollis'') is a member of the grebe family of water birds. It was described in 1831 by Christian Ludwig Brehm. There are currently three accepted subspecies, including the nominate subspeci ...
, ''Podiceps nigricollis'' (black-necked grebe), winters permanent at: 1-S. Nev, 2-
Sierra Nevada mountains The Sierra Nevada () is a mountain range in the Western United States, between the Central Valley (California), Central Valley of California and the Great Basin. The vast majority of the range lies in the state of California, although the Cars ...
(Calif) and 3-NE Colo. *(–''L''–) (* SW) Western grebe, ''Aechmophorus occidentalis'' Permanent (+ winters west on Calif Coast) *(–''L''–) (* SW)
Clark's grebe Clark's grebe (''Aechmophorus clarkii'') is a North American waterbird species in the grebe family. Until the 1980s, it was thought to be a pale Polymorphism (biology), morph of the western grebe, which it resembles in size, range, and behavior. ...
, ''Aechmophorus clarkii'' Permanent and (winter range)


Albatross

Order: ProcellariiformesFamily: Diomedeidae *
Laysan albatross The Laysan albatross (''Phoebastria immutabilis'') is a large seabird that ranges across the North Pacific. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are home to 99.7% of the population. This small (for its family) gull-like albatross is the second-most ...
, ''Phoebastria immutabilis'' (C)


Storm petrels

Order: ProcellariiformesFamily: Hydrobatidae *
Leach's storm petrel Leach's storm petrel or Leach's petrel (''Hydrobates leucorhous'') is a small seabird of the tubenose order. It is named after the British zoologist William Elford Leach. The scientific name is derived from Ancient Greek. ''Hydrobates'' is from ...
, ''Oceanodroma leucorhoa'', (A) Permanent and summer range of Pacific Ocean at Baja California, (1977)–Other pelagic species were also observed. *
Black storm petrel The black storm petrel (''Hydrobates melania'') is a small seabird of the storm petrel family Hydrobatidae. It is 23 cm in length, with a wingspan of 46–51 cm. The species breeds colonially on islands off the southern California co ...
, ''Oceanodroma melania'', (C) Ranges: Gulf of Calif. and Pacific Ocean of Baja California *(SW)
Least storm petrel The least storm petrel (''Hydrobates microsoma'') is a small seabird of the storm petrel family Hydrobatidae. It is 13–15 cm in length, with a wingspan of 32 cm. It is the smallest member of the order Procellariiformes. It was forme ...
, ''Oceanodroma microsoma'', (A) Ranges: Gulf of Calif. and Pacific Ocean of Baja California. In 1976 Tropical Storm Kathleen transported pelagic birds throughout the Southwest; 200 sightings of the storm-petrels were made at the Salton Sea.


Tropicbirds

Order: PhaethontiformesFamily: Phaethontidae * Red-billed tropicbird, ''Phaethon aethereus'' (C)


Boobies

Order: SuliformesFamily: Sulidae *
Blue-footed booby The blue-footed booby (''Sula nebouxii'') is a marine bird native to subtropical and tropical regions of the eastern Pacific Ocean. It is one of six species of the genus '' Sula'' – known as boobies. It is easily recognizable by its distinct ...
, ''Sula nebousii'' *
Brown booby The brown booby (''Sula leucogaster'') is a large seabird of the booby family Sulidae, of which it is perhaps the most common and widespread species. It has a pantropical range, which overlaps with that of other booby species. The gregarious brow ...
, ''Sula leucogaster''


Cormorants

Order: SuliformesFamily: Phalacrocoracidae Cormorants are medium-to-large aquatic birds, usually with mainly dark plumage and areas of colored skin on the face. The bill is long, thin and sharply hooked. Their feet are four-toed and webbed, a distinguishing feature among the order Pelecaniformes. There are 36 species worldwide and 6 North American species. *
Brandt's cormorant Brandt's cormorant (''Urile penicillatus'') is a strictly marine bird of the cormorant family of seabirds that inhabits the Pacific coast of North America. It ranges, in the summer, from Alaska to the Gulf of California, but the population nort ...
, ''Phalacrocorax penicillatus'' Permanent in Gulf of California * Neotropic cormorant, ''Phalacrocorax brasilianus'' (C)? from Coastal and Central Mexico *(* SW) Double-crested cormorant, ''Phalacrocorax auritus'' Permanent *(SW)
Olivaceous cormorant The neotropic cormorant or olivaceous cormorant (''Nannopterum brasilianum'') is a medium-sized cormorant found throughout the American tropics and subtropics, from the middle Rio Grande and the Gulf and Californian coasts of the United States ...
( Mexican cormorant), ''Phalacrocorax olivaceous'' (C) (Any month) More common in Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean–(more recently observed at Salton Sea and Lake Mead) * Pelagic cormorant, ''Phalacrocorax pelagicus'' (from Calif. coast)


Darters

Order: SuliformesFamily: Anhingidae Darters are cormorant-like water birds with very long necks and long, straight beaks. They are fish eaters which often swim with only their neck above the water. There are 4 species worldwide and 1 North American species. * Anhinga, ''Anhinga anhinga'', (old sight records, 1900, 1913-etc.)


Frigatebirds

Order: SuliformesFamily: Fregatidae Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black, or black-and-white, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have colored inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week. There are 5 species worldwide and 3 North American species. *(SW) Magnificent frigatebird, ''Fregata magnificens'' (C) Occasional, often seen yearly, possibly on flyway to Salton Sea–sightings may also be of
great frigatebird The great frigatebird (''Fregata minor'') is a large seabird in the frigatebird family. There are major nesting populations in the tropical Pacific (including the Galapagos Islands) and Indian Oceans, as well as a tiny population in the South At ...
(in-flight)


Pelicans

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Pelecanidae Pelicans are very large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. Like other birds in the order Pelecaniformes, they have four webbed toes. There are 8 species worldwide and 2 North American species. *(SW)
American white pelican The American white pelican (''Pelecanus erythrorhynchos'') is a large aquatic soaring bird from the order Pelecaniformes. It breeds in interior North America, moving south and to the coasts, as far as Central America and South America, in winte ...
, ''Pelecanus erythrorhynchos'', (summer range); observed in flocks. *(SW) Brown pelican, ''Pelecanus occidentalis'' (Common seasonal vagrant in SW Arizona), Permanent in Gulf of California and Pacific Ocean of Baja; (Common post-breeding.)


Pelecaniformes: bitterns, herons and egrets

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Ardeidae The family Ardeidae contains the herons, egrets and bitterns. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more secretive. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills. There are 61 species worldwide and 17 North American species. *(* SW) American bittern, ''Botaurus lentiginosus'' (winters?) *(* SW) Least bittern, ''Ixobrychus exilis'' *(* SW)
Great blue heron The great blue heron (''Ardea herodias'') is a large wading bird in the heron family Ardeidae, common near the shores of open water and in wetlands over most of North America and Central America, as well as the Caribbean and the Galápagos ...
, ''Ardea herodias'' *(* SW) Great egret, ''Ardea alba'' *(* SW)
Snowy egret The snowy egret (''Egretta thula'') is a small white heron. The genus name comes from Provençal French for the little egret, , which is a diminutive of , 'heron'. The species name ''thula'' is the Araucano term for the black-necked swan, app ...
, ''Egretta thula'' (?) *(SW)
Cattle egret The cattle egret (''Bubulcus ibis'') is a cosmopolitan species of heron (family Ardeidae) found in the tropics, subtropics, and warm-temperate zones. It is the only member of the monotypic genus ''Bubulcus'', although some authorities regard it ...
, ''Bubulcus ibis'' *(* SW)
Green heron The green heron (''Butorides virescens'') is a small heron of North and Central America. ''Butorides'' is from Middle English ''butor'' "bittern" and Ancient Greek ''-oides'', "resembling", and ''virescens'' is Latin for "greenish". It was long c ...
, ''Butorides virescens'', (green-backed heron) *(* SW)
Black-crowned night heron The black-crowned night heron (''Nycticorax nycticorax''), or black-capped night heron, commonly shortened to just night heron in Eurasia, is a medium-sized heron found throughout a large part of the world, including parts of Europe, Asia, and N ...
, ''Nycticorax nycticorax''


Pelecaniformes: ibises and spoonbills

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Threskiornithidae The family Threskiornithidae includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings. Their bodies tend to be elongated, the neck more so, with rather long legs. The bill is also long, decurved in the case of the ibises, and straight and distinctively flattened in the spoonbills. There are 36 species worldwide and 5 North American species. *
American white ibis The American white ibis (''Eudocimus albus'') is a species of bird in the ibis family, Threskiornithidae. It is found from Virginia via the Gulf Coast of the United States south through most of the coastal New World tropics. This particular ibis ...
, ''Eudocimus albus'' (?) (winters in northern Gulf of California) *
White-faced ibis The white-faced ibis (''Plegadis chihi'') is a wading bird in the ibis family, Threskiornithidae. This species breeds colonially in marshes, usually nesting in bushes or low trees. Its breeding range extends from the western United States south ...
, ''Plegadis chihi'' (?) (winters in northern Gulf of California) * Roseate spoonbill, ''Ajaia ajaja''


Ciconiiformes: storks

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Ciconiidae Storks are large, heavy, long-legged, long-necked wading birds with long stout bills and wide wingspans. They lack the ''powder down'' that other wading birds such as herons, spoonbills and ibises use to clean off fish slime. Storks lack a pharynx and are mute. There are 19 species worldwide and 2 North American species. * Wood stork, ''Mycteria americana'' (only population in S. FL)


Cathartiformes: New World vultures

Order: CathartiformesFamily:
Cathartidae The New World vulture or condor family, Cathartidae, contains seven extant species in five genera. It includes five extant vultures and two extant condors found in warm and temperate areas of the Americas. The "New World" vultures were widespread ...
The New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but resemble them because of convergent evolution and the forces of function, ("form follows function"). Like the Old World vultures, they are scavengers, ''and their major trait besides the bare/feather-less neck, would be their trait of, "searching by soaring".'' However, unlike Old World vultures, which find carcasses by sight, New World vultures have a good sense of smell with which they also locate carcasses. There are 7 species worldwide, all found only in the Americas, and 3 North American species. * Black vulture, ''Coragyps atratus'' (far E. Arizona?/–S. Central Arizona, south on western continental coast of Mex., E. Gulf of California) *(* SW) Turkey vulture, ''Cathartes aura'', Note: gathers and migrates in updrafts, up to hundreds of individuals, up to 4000 ft(?) heights * California condor, ''Gymnogyps californianus'': emplaced in far northern Arizona (NW Arizona/
Grand Canyon The Grand Canyon (, yuf-x-yav, Wi:kaʼi:la, , Southern Paiute language: Paxa’uipi, ) is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River in Arizona, United States. The Grand Canyon is long, up to wide and attains a depth of over a m ...
Lake Mead region).


Osprey

Order: AccipitriformesFamily:
Pandionidae ''Pandion'' is a genus of birds of prey, known as ospreys, the only genus of family Pandionidae. Most taxonomic treatments have regarded this genus as describing a single extant species, separated to subspecies or races, while some treatments rec ...
*(SW) Osprey, ''Pandion haliaetus''. all Riverine environments: Colo. R., Gila, Lakes, etc.


Hawks, kites and eagles

Order: AccipitriformesFamily: Accipitridae Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and
Old World vulture Old World vultures are vultures that are found in the Old World, i.e. the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa, and which belong to the family Accipitridae, which also includes eagles, buzzards, kites, and hawks. Old World vultures are not clos ...
s. These birds have very large powerful hooked beaks for tearing the flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight. *
Bald eagle The bald eagle (''Haliaeetus leucocephalus'') is a bird of prey found in North America. A sea eagle, it has two known subspecies and forms a species pair with the white-tailed eagle (''Haliaeetus albicilla''), which occupies the same niche as ...
, ''Haliaeetus leucocephalus'' (winter range) *(SW)
Northern harrier The northern harrier (''Circus hudsonius''), or ring-tailed hawk, is a bird of prey. It breeds throughout the northern parts of the northern hemisphere in Canada and the northernmost USA. The northern harrier migrates to more southerly areas ...
, ''Circus cyaneus'' (winter range) *(SW) Sharp-shinned hawk, ''Accipiter striatus'' (winter range) *(* SW) Cooper's hawk, ''Accipiter cooperii'' ?? permanent and winters *(* SW) Harris's hawk, ''Parabuteo unicinctus'' (S. Arizona & Mex)?? *(* SW) Red-shouldered hawk, ''Buteo lineatus'' from Calif. ? *(SW) Swainson's hawk, ''Buteo swainsoni'' (Mountains: eastern and northern Arizona) ? *(–''L''–)
Zone-tailed hawk The zone-tailed hawk (''Buteo albonotatus'') is a medium-sized buzzard, hawk of warm, dry parts of the Americas. It is somewhat similar in plumage and flight style to a common scavenger, the turkey vulture, and may benefit from being able to blen ...
, ''Buteo albonotatus'' *(* SW) Red-tailed hawk, ''Buteo jamaicensis'' *(SW) Ferruginous hawk, ''Buteo regalis'' (winter range) * Golden eagle, ''Aquila chrysaetos'' (winter range) and Perm ?


Caracaras and falcons

Order: FalconiformesFamily:
Falconidae The falcons and caracaras are around 60 species of diurnal birds of prey that make up the family Falconidae (representing all extant species in the order Falconiformes). The family is divided into three subfamilies, Herpetotherinae, which inclu ...
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey, notably the falcons and caracaras. They differ from hawks, eagles and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons. There are 62 species worldwide and 10 North American species. * Crested caracara, ''Polyborus plancus'' (C) in Dec, Jan *(* SW) American kestrel, ''Falco sparverius'' Permanent **(SW) formerly
Eurasian sparrowhawk The Eurasian sparrowhawk (''Accipiter nisus''), also known as the northern sparrowhawk or simply the sparrowhawk, is a small bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. Adult male Eurasian sparrowhawks have bluish grey upperparts and orange-barred ...
, ''Accipiter nisus'' *
Merlin Merlin ( cy, Myrddin, kw, Marzhin, br, Merzhin) is a mythical figure prominently featured in the legend of King Arthur and best known as a mage, with several other main roles. His usual depiction, based on an amalgamation of historic and le ...
, ''Falco columbarius'' (winter range) *(* SW)
Peregrine falcon The peregrine falcon (''Falco peregrinus''), also known as the peregrine, and historically as the duck hawk in North America, is a Cosmopolitan distribution, cosmopolitan bird of prey (Bird of prey, raptor) in the family (biology), family Falco ...
, ''Falco peregrinus'' Permanent *(* SW) Prairie falcon, ''Falco mexicanus'' Permanent and (winter range) Less common in summer: Apr-Aug


Crakes, gallinules and coots

Order:
Gruiformes The Gruiformes are an order (biology), order containing a considerable number of living and extinct bird family (biology), families, with a widespread geographical diversity. Gruiform means "crane-like". Traditionally, a number of wading and t ...
Family: Rallidae Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. The most typical family members occupy dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and tend to be weak fliers. There are 143 species worldwide and 13 North American species. Of the 6 listed birds, the black rail is rare and ''local''; only the clapper rail is more common in summer. All are breeding species except the Sora, which departs from May-Jul(Aug) and which has an extensive summer range across North America. *(–''L''–) (* SW) Black rail, ''Laterallus jamaicensis'' found in restricted oceanic coastal areas, Permanent in ''Lower'' Colorado River Valley–LCRV *(* SW)
Ridgway's rail Ridgway's rail (''Rallus obsoletus'') is a near-threatened species of bird. It is found principally in California's San Francisco Bay to southern Baja California. A member of the rail family, Rallidae, it is a chicken-sized bird that rarely flie ...
, ''Rallus obsoletus'' same note, more common in summer: (Mar)Apr-Aug(Sep) *(* SW)
Virginia rail The Virginia rail (''Rallus limicola'') is a small waterbird, of the family Rallidae. These birds remain fairly common despite continuing loss of habitat, but are secretive by nature and more often heard than seen. They are also considered a ga ...
, ''Rallus limicola'' Permanent *(SW) Sora, ''Porzana carolina'' (winter range), least common in summer: May-(Aug) *(* SW) Common moorhen, ''Gallinula chloropus'' Permanent (East: Atlantic coast bird) *(* SW) American coot, ''Fulica americana'' Permanent


Cranes

Order:
Gruiformes The Gruiformes are an order (biology), order containing a considerable number of living and extinct bird family (biology), families, with a widespread geographical diversity. Gruiform means "crane-like". Traditionally, a number of wading and t ...
Family: Gruidae Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking, but unrelated herons– cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". There are 15 species worldwide and 3 North American species. *(–''L''–) (SW) Sandhill crane, ''Grus canadensis'' (winter range)–southern Arizona


Lapwings and plovers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Charadriidae The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water. There are 66 species worldwide and 17 North American species. Of the 6 listed species, most are winter ranging. The killdeer is permanent, but less common in late May through early August. *(SW) Black-bellied plover, ( gray plover), ''Pluvialis squatarola'' (winter range), Gulf of California and Pacific coast * Lesser golden-plover, (
American golden plover The American golden plover (''Pluvialis dominica''), is a medium-sized plover. The genus name is Latin and means relating to rain, from ''pluvia'', "rain". It was believed that golden plovers flocked when rain was imminent. The species name ''d ...
), ''Pluvialis dominica'' (C) (Arctic ranging: summer) *(SW) Snowy plover, ''Charadrius alexandrinus'' (''Charadrius nivosus'') (winter range), Gulf of California coast, permanent on Pacific coast–also fairly common at Salton Sea *(SW) Semipalmated plover, ''Charadrius semipalmatus'' (winter range), Baja California and western Mexico coast *(* SW) Killdeer, ''Charadrius vociferus'' Permanent–less common in summer: June and July *(SW) Mountain plover, ''Charadrius montanus'' (winter range), southern Arizona border and southeast Arizona biome


Stilts and avocets

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Recurvirostridae Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are 9 species worldwide and 3 North American species.


Sandpipers, curlews, stints, godwits, snipes and phalaropes

Order: CharadriiformesFamily:
Scolopacidae Sandpipers are a large family, Scolopacidae, of waders. They include many species called sandpipers, as well as those called by names such as curlew and snipe. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. ...
Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Different lengths of legs and bills enable multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 86 species worldwide and 65 North American species. *(SW)
Long-billed curlew The long-billed curlew (''Numenius americanus'') is a large North American shorebird of the family Scolopacidae. This species was also called "sicklebird" and the "candlestick bird". The species breeds in central and western North America, migrat ...
, ''Numenius americanus'' (winter migrator, upon grassy expanses, etc.)


Skuas, gulls, terns and skimmers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Laridae Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds and includes jaegers, skuas, gulls, terns, kittiwakes and skimmers. They are typically gray or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. There are 108 species worldwide and 54 North American species. *(?) California gull, ''Larus californicus''


Pigeons and doves

Order: ColumbiformesFamily: Columbidae Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. There are 308 species worldwide and 18 North American species. *(* SW) Rock pigeon, ''Columba livia'' (I) *
Band-tailed pigeon The band-tailed pigeon (''Patagioenas fasciata'') is a medium-sized bird of the Americas. Its closest relatives are the Chilean pigeon and the ring-tailed pigeon, which form a clade of ''Patagioenas'' with a terminal tail band and iridescent pl ...
, ''Columba fasciata'' *
Spotted dove The spotted dove (''Spilopelia chinensis'') is a small and somewhat long-tailed pigeon that is a common resident breeding bird across its native range on the Indian subcontinent and in Southeast Asia. The species has been introduced to many parts ...
, ''Streptopelia chinensis'' *(* SW) White-winged dove, ''Zenaida asiatica'' *(* SW) Mourning dove, ''Zenaida macroura'' * Passenger pigeon, ''Ectopistes migratorius'' (E) *(–''L''–) (* SW) Inca dove, ''Columbina inca'' *(* SW) Common ground-dove, ''Columbina passerina'' * Ruddy ground dove, ''Columbina talpacoti''


Lories, parakeets, macaws and parrots

Order: PsittaciformesFamily: Psittacidae Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and they have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two to the back. There are 335 species worldwide and 8 North American species. * Thick-billed parrot Extirpated from SE Arizona biome, only in Mexico, (Ex) *Pet trade: released or escaped individuals, etc. are commonly observed.


Cuckoos, roadrunners and anis

Order: CuculiformesFamily: Cuculidae The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. There are 138 species worldwide and 8 North American species. *(* SW) Yellow-billed cuckoo, ''Coccyus americanus'' *(SW) Greater roadrunner, ''Geococcyx californianus''


Barn owls

Order: StrigiformesFamily: Tytonidae Barn owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There are 16 species worldwide and 1 North American species. *(* SW)
Barn owl The barn owl (''Tyto alba'') is the most widely distributed species of owl in the world and one of the most widespread of all species of birds, being found almost everywhere except for the polar and desert regions, Asia north of the Himalaya ...
, ''Tyto alba''


Typical owls

Order: StrigiformesFamily: Strigidae Typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a nearly 360-plus degree swivel-neck, a hawk-like beak and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a ''facial disk'' (?for low night-light focus-reflection). There are 195 species worldwide and 21 North American species. *
Flammulated owl The flammulated owl (''Psiloscops flammeolus'') is a small migratory North American owl in the family Strigidae. It is the only species placed in the genus ''Psiloscops''. Taxonomy The flammulated owl was formally described in 1852 by the Germ ...
, ''Otus flammeolus'' (C) (non-desert owl: mountains of Arizona, SE Arizona biome) *(* SW)
Western screech owl The western screech owl (''Megascops kennicottii'') is a small owl native to North and Central America, closely related to the eastern screech owl. The scientific name commemorates the American naturalist Robert Kennicott. Description Length a ...
, ''Megascops kennicottii'' *(* SW) Great horned owl, ''Bubo virginianus'' *(–''L''–) (* SW) Elf owl, ''Micrathene whitneyi'' *(* SW) Burrowing owl, ''Athene cunicularia'', Conspicuous in Urban setting, ''also'' observed in daytime, early morning or evening. *(SW) Ferruginous pygmy owl, ''Glaucidium brasilianum'' SE Arizona biome, mountains of Mex: S. Madre Occid. *(* SW) Long-eared owl, ''Asio otus'' *(SW)
Short-eared owl The short-eared owl (''Asio flammeus'') is a widespread grassland species in the family Strigidae. Owls belonging to genus ''Asio'' are known as the eared owls, as they have tufts of feathers resembling mammalian ears. These "ear" tufts may or ...
, ''Asio flammeus'', (winter range) * Northern saw-whet owl, ''Aegolius acadicus'' (C) Permanent in
Four Corners The Four Corners is a region of the Southwestern United States consisting of the southwestern corner of Colorado, southeastern corner of Utah, northeastern corner of Arizona, and northwestern corner of New Mexico. The Four Corners area ...
, SE Arizona biome, winters in E Arizona


Goatsuckers and nighthawks

Order: CaprimulgiformesFamily: Caprimulgidae Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is cryptically colored to resemble bark or leaves. There are 86 species worldwide and 9 North American species. (It is noted under the nightjar article, that specific species can perch ''non-perpendicular'' or ''transverse'', on a branch, as a higher point of camouflage.) *(* SW) Lesser nighthawk, ''Chordeiles acutipennis'' * Common nighthawk, ''Chordeiles minor'', (C) *(* SW) Common poorwill, ''Phalaenoptilus nuttallii'' * Buff-collared nightjar, ''Caprimulgus ridgwayi'' * Whip-poor-will, ''Caprimulgus vociferus''


Swifts

Order: ApodiformesFamily: Apodidae The swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have very long swept–back wings that resemble a crescent or boomerang. There are 98 species worldwide and 9 North American species. *
White-throated swift The white-throated swift (''Aeronautes saxatalis'') is a Swift (bird), swift of the family Apodidae native to western North America, south to cordilleran western Honduras.Ryan TP, Collins CT. 2000. White-throated Swift (''Aeronautes saxatalis''). ...
, ''Aeronautes saxatalis'', (winter range) and (~)Permanent


Hummingbirds

Order: TrochiliformesFamily: Trochilidae Hummingbirds are small birds capable of hovering in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backwards. There are 337 species worldwide and 23 North American species. Hummingbirds in Arizona, range from the mountains to the desert, as well as have wintering– and summering–ranges–(from S Mexico to the North American Northwest). *(SW)
Broad-billed hummingbird The broad-billed hummingbird (''Cynanthus latirostris'') is a small-sized hummingbird that resides in Mexico and the southwestern United States. The bird displays sexual dimorphism, and the juveniles resemble the female adult more than the male a ...
, ''Cynanthis latirostris'' (Occasional, extended stays)-from SE Arizona biome/ Mexico (west) *(* SW) ''sw–06''(?) Black-chinned hummingbird, ''Archilochus alexandri'' *(* SW)
Anna's hummingbird Anna's hummingbird (''Calypte anna'') is a medium-sized bird species of the family Trochilidae. It was named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli. It is native to western coastal regions of North America. In the early 20th century, Anna's hu ...
, ''Calypte anna'' *(* SW)
Costa's hummingbird Costa's hummingbird (''Calypte costae'') is a bird species in the hummingbird family Trochilidae. It breeds in the arid region of the southwest United States and northwest Mexico; it winters in western Mexico. Taxonomy Costa's hummingbird was f ...
, ''Calypte costae'' *
Rufous hummingbird The rufous hummingbird (''Selasphorus rufus'') is a small hummingbird, about long with a long, straight and slender bill. These birds are known for their extraordinary flight skills, flying during their migratory transits. It is one of nine sp ...
, ''Selasphorus rufus'' *The following are (C) or (A) **
Broad-billed hummingbird The broad-billed hummingbird (''Cynanthus latirostris'') is a small-sized hummingbird that resides in Mexico and the southwestern United States. The bird displays sexual dimorphism, and the juveniles resemble the female adult more than the male a ...
, ''Cynanthis latirostris'' **
Calliope hummingbird The calliope hummingbird ( ; ''Selasphorus calliope'') is the smallest bird native to the United States and Canada. It has a western breeding range mainly from California to British Columbia, and migrates to the Southwestern United States, Mexic ...
, ''Stellula calliope'' (C) summers in California mountains, winters in southern Mexico-(Apr, +Sep) ** Broad-tailed hummingbird, ''Selasphorus platycercus'' (C)–breeds in mountains of Arizona **Allen's hummingbird, ''Selasphorus sasin'' (C) (Feb and Jul-Sep)–from Pacific California coast *Seen or breeding in Arizona and sightings possible: ** White-eared hummingbird, ''Hylocharis leucotis'' **''sw–06''(?) Xantus's hummingbird, ''Hylocharis xantusii'' (can summer S Calif deserts) ** Violet-crowned hummingbird, ''Amazilia violiceps'' ** Blue-throated hummingbird, ''Lampornis clemenciae'' ** Magnificent hummingbird, ''Eugenes fulgens'' ** Plain-capped starthroat, ''Heliomaster constantii'' ** Lucifer hummingbird, ''Calothorax lucifer''


Trogons (quetzals)

Order: TrogoniformesFamily:
Trogonidae The trogons and quetzals are birds in the order Trogoniformes which contains only one family, the Trogonidae. The family Trogonidae contains 46 species in seven genera. The fossil record of the trogons dates back 49 million years to the Early E ...
*
Elegant trogon The elegant trogon (''Trogon elegans''), also known as the coppery-tailed trogon, is a near passerine bird in the trogon family. Taxonomy ''T. elegans'' has five recognized subspecies, including the nominate subspecies: *''T. e. elegans'' Gould ...
, ''Trogon elegans'' SE Arizona biome: ''Permanent, (and summer range)'' * Eared quetzal. ''Euptilotis neoxenus'', Permanent: SE Arizona biome


Kingfishers

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Alcedinidae Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails. There are 94 species worldwide and 3 North American species. *(SW)
Belted kingfisher The belted kingfisher (''Megaceryle alcyon'') is a large, conspicuous water kingfisher, native to North America. All kingfishers were formerly placed in one family, Alcedinidae, but recent research suggests that this should be divided into three ...
, ''Ceryle alcyon''—(Fairly common except in May-Jul) * Green kingfisher, ''Chloroceryle americana'' (C) —Casual along the S Arizona/Mexico border–(1988 sightings in the LCRV at same time as first-time breeding in ''SE Arizona biome'')


Woodpeckers, sapsuckers and flickers

Order: PiciformesFamily:
Picidae Woodpeckers are part of the bird family Picidae, which also includes the piculets, wrynecks, and sapsuckers. Members of this family are found worldwide, except for Australia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Madagascar, and the extreme polar regions. M ...
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks, (or state a pronounced, declared territorial call, while searching in their feeding range: it is obvious that they have arrived or are passing by in their territory. There are 218 species worldwide and 26 North American species. The 3 permanent breeding species are the Gila and ladder-backed woodpeckers and the gilded flicker. * Lewis's woodpecker, ''Melanerpes lewis'', (winter range) * Acorn woodpecker, ''Melanerpes formicivorus'' (C) (Jun and Oct, Nov – also observed in Calif deserts/ Salton Sea) *(* SW) Gila woodpecker, ''Melanerpes uropygialis'', Permanent *
Williamson's sapsucker Williamson's sapsucker (''Sphyrapicus thyroideus'') is a medium-sized woodpecker belonging to the genus '' Sphyrapicus'' (sapsuckers). Habitat and range Breeding habitat is open forested areas with conifers, mainly ponderosa pine, douglas-fir, a ...
, ''Sphyrapicus thyroideus'', (C) from higher elevations(winter)-Dec and Mar *
Yellow-bellied sapsucker The yellow-bellied sapsucker (''Sphyrapicus varius'') is a medium-sized woodpecker that breeds in Canada and the northeastern United States. Taxonomy The yellow-bellied sapsucker was described and illustrated using a hand-coloured plate by the E ...
, ''Sphyrapicus varius'', (winter range) *
Red-naped sapsucker The red-naped sapsucker (''Sphyrapicus nuchalis'') is a medium-sized North American woodpecker. Long thought to be a subspecies of the yellow-bellied sapsucker, it is now known to be a distinct species. Systematics The red-naped sapsucker is on ...
, ''Sphyrapicus nuchalis'', (winter range) *
Red-breasted sapsucker The red-breasted sapsucker (''Sphyrapicus ruber'') is a medium-sized woodpecker of the forests of the west coast of North America. Description Adults have a red head and upper chest; they have a white lower belly and rump. They are black on the ...
, ''Sphyrapicus ruber'', (winter range) *(* SW) Ladder-backed woodpecker, ''Picoides scalaris'', Permanent *Yellow-shafted flicker,
northern flicker The northern flicker or common flicker (''Colaptes auratus'') is a medium-sized bird of the woodpecker family. It is native to most of North America, parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands, and is one of the few woodpecker spec ...
, (winter range) *Red-shafted flicker,
northern flicker The northern flicker or common flicker (''Colaptes auratus'') is a medium-sized bird of the woodpecker family. It is native to most of North America, parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands, and is one of the few woodpecker spec ...
, (winter range) *(–''L''–) (* SW)
Gilded flicker The gilded flicker (''Colaptes chrysoides'') is a large-sized woodpecker (mean length of ) of the Sonoran, Yuma, and eastern Colorado Desert regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, including all of Baja California, ex ...
, (
northern flicker The northern flicker or common flicker (''Colaptes auratus'') is a medium-sized bird of the woodpecker family. It is native to most of North America, parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands, and is one of the few woodpecker spec ...
), ''Colaptes chrysoides'', Permanent


Tyrant flycatchers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Tyrannidae Tyrant flycatchers are Passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust and have stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, are rather plain. As the name implies, most are insectivorous. There are 429 species worldwide, all found only in the Americas and 45 North American species. *(* SW)
Willow flycatcher The willow flycatcher (''Empidonax traillii'') is a small insect-eating, neotropical migrant bird of the tyrant flycatcher family. There are four subspecies of the willow flycatcher currently recognized, all of which breed in North America (inc ...
, ''Empidonax traillii'' * Gray flycatcher, ''Empidonax wrightii'' * Dusky flycatcher, ''Empidonax oberholseri'' *
Cordilleran flycatcher The Cordilleran flycatcher (''Empidonax occidentalis'') is a small insect-eating bird. It is a small ''Empidonax'' flycatcher, with typical length ranging from 13 to 17 cm. Adults have olive-gray upperparts, darker on the wings and tail, wi ...
, ''Empidonax occidentalis'' *(* SW) ''
Black phoebe The black phoebe (''Sayornis nigricans'') is a passerine bird in the tyrant-flycatcher family. It breeds from southwest Oregon and California south through Central and South America. It occurs year-round throughout most of its range and migrates ...
'', ''Sayornis nigricans'' *(* SW) ''
Say's phoebe Say's phoebe (''Sayornis saya'') is a passerine bird in the tyrant flycatcher family. A common bird across western North America, it prefers dry, desolate areas. This bird was named for Thomas Say, the American naturalist. Taxonomy Say's phoebe ...
'', ''Sayornis saya'' *(–''L''–) (* SW) Vermilion flycatcher, ''Pyrocephalus rubinus'' * Dusky-capped flycatcher *(* SW) Ash-throated flycatcher, ''Myiarchus cinerascens'' *
Nutting's flycatcher Nutting's flycatcher (''Myiarchus nuttingi'') is a passerine bird in the tyrant flycatcher family. It breeds in semi-arid desert scrub and tropical deciduous forest from western Mexico to northwest Costa Rica. It is normally a year-round reside ...
*(* SW) Brown-crested flycatcher, ''Myiarchus tyrannulus'' *(* SW)
Cassin's kingbird Cassin's kingbird (''Tyrannus vociferans'') is a large tyrant flycatcher native to western North America. The name of this bird commemorates the American ornithologist John Cassin. Taxonomy Cassin's kingbird was formally described in 1826 by En ...
, ''Tyrannus vociferans'' *(* SW) Western kingbird, ''Tyrannus verticalis''


Shrikes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Laniidae Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and ''impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns'', (creating a larder to attract a female). A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey. There are 31 species worldwide and 3 North American species. The loggerhead shrike is extremely abundant in the ''low desert''/
chaparral Chaparral ( ) is a shrubland plant community and geographical feature found primarily in the U.S. state of California, in southern Oregon, and in the northern portion of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. It is shaped by a Mediterranean c ...
environment. *(* SW) Loggerhead shrike, ''Lanius ludovicianus'', Permanent * Northern shrike,
great gray shrike The great grey shrike (''Lanius excubitor'') is a large and predatory songbird species in the shrike family (Laniidae). It forms a superspecies with its parapatric southern relatives, the Iberian grey shrike (''L. meridionalis''), the Chinese ...
''Lanius excubitor'', (C) (winter range: to S Nev, S Utah, S Colo–Nov, Dec, Jan dults and immatures


Vireos

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Vireonidae The vireos are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World. They are typically greenish in color and resemble wood warblers apart from their heavier bills. There are 52 species worldwide and 16 North American species. *(–''L''–) (* SW)
Bell's vireo Bell's vireo (''Vireo bellii'') is a songbird that migrates between a breeding range in Western North America and a winter range in Central America. It is dull olive-gray above and whitish below. It has a faint white eye ring and faint wing bars ...
, ''Vireo bellii'' *
Gray vireo The gray vireo (''Vireo vicinior'') is a small North American passerine bird. It breeds from the southwestern United States and northern Baja California to western Texas. It is a migrant, wintering in northwestern Mexico, in western Sonora state ...
, ''Vireo vicinior''


Jays, crows, magpies and ravens

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Corvidae The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence. There are 120 species worldwide and 21 North American species. *(?)
Woodhouse's scrub jay Woodhouse's scrub jay (''Aphelocoma'' ''woodhouseii''), is a species of scrub jay native to western North America, ranging from southeastern Oregon and southern Idaho to central Mexico. Woodhouse's scrub jay was until recently considered the sam ...
, ''Aphelocoma woodhouseii'' *(?) Mexican jay, ''Aphelocoma ultramarina'' (A) *(–''L''–) American crow, ''Corvus brachyrhynchos'' (more northerly range) *(* SW) Common raven, ''Corvus corax''


Larks

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights, ''zigzagging flocks ! ? 14-40 individuals''). Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. There are 91 species worldwide and 2 North American species. *(* SW) Horned lark, ''Eremophila alpestris'' (winter, migrating SE-ward) * Skylark, ''Alauda arvensis''


Swallows and martins

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Hirundinidae The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 75 species worldwide and 14 North American species. *
Tree swallow The tree swallow (''Tachycineta bicolor'') is a migratory bird of the family Hirundinidae. Found in the Americas, the tree swallow was first described in 1807 by French ornithologist Louis Vieillot as ''Hirundo bicolor''. It has since been mov ...
, ''Tachycineta bicolor'' *(* SW)
Violet-green swallow The violet-green swallow (''Tachycineta thalassina'') is a small North American passerine bird in the Hirundinidae, swallow family. These aerial insectivores are distributed along the west coast from Alaska to Mexico, extending as far east as Mon ...
, ''Tachycineta thalassina'' *(* SW)
Northern rough-winged swallow The northern rough-winged swallow (''Stelgidopteryx serripennis'') is a small, migratory swallow. It is very similar to the southern rough-winged swallow, ''Stelgidopteryx ruficollis''. Taxonomy and etymology The genus name, ''Stelgidopteryx'' ...
, ''Stelgidopteryx serripennis'' * Bank swallow, ''Riparia riparia'' *(* SW)
Cliff swallow The cliff swallow or American cliff swallow (''Petrochelidon pyrrhonota'') is a member of the passerine bird family Hirundinidae, the swallows and martins. The generic name ''Petrochelidon'' is derived from Ancient Greek ''petros'' meaning "roc ...
, ''Petrochelidon pyrrhonota'' * Barn swallow, ''Hirundo rustica''


Chickadees and titmice

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Paridae The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects. There are 59 species worldwide and 12 North American species. * Mountain chickadee, ''Poecile gambeli'', Permanent: mountains in N, E and Central Arizona * Mexican chickadee, -''Poecile sclateri'', Permanent: ''SE Arizona biome'' * Bridled titmouse, ''Baeolophus wollweberi'', Permanent: ''SE Arizona biome''–and Central Arizona mountains * Oak titmouse, ----''Baeolophus inornatus'', N Baja Calif., the
Peninsular Ranges The Peninsular Ranges (also called the Lower California province) are a group of mountain ranges that stretch from Southern California to the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula; they are part of the North American Coast Ranges, which ...
mountains * Juniper titmouse, ''Baeolophus ridgwayi'', Permanent: N, E and SE mountains *(* SW) Verdin, ''Auriparus flaviceps'', Only in Low Desert: ''Perm,-Non–migrating''


Bushtits

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Aegithalidae Long-tailed tits are a group of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They make woven bag nests in trees. Most eat a mixed diet which includes insects. There are 9 species worldwide and 1 North American species. * Bushtit, ''Psaltriparus minimus''


Nuthatches

Order: PasseriformesFamily:
Sittidae The nuthatches () constitute a genus, ''Sitta'', of small passerine birds belonging to the family Sittidae. Characterised by large heads, short tails, and powerful bills and feet, nuthatches advertise their territory using loud, simple songs. Mo ...
Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other birds which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails and powerful bills and feet. There are 24 species worldwide and 4 North American species. * Red-breasted nuthatch, --''Sitta canadensis'' *
White-breasted nuthatch The white-breasted nuthatch (''Sitta carolinensis'') is a species of bird in the nuthatch family Sittidae. It is a medium-sized nuthatch, measuring approximately in length. Coloration varies somewhat along the species' range, but the are lig ...
, ''Sitta carolinensis'' *
Pygmy nuthatch The pygmy nuthatch (''Sitta pygmaea'') is a tiny songbird, about long and about 10 grams in weight. Description Measurements: * Length: * Weight: * Wingspan: It ranges from southern British Columbia south through various discontinuo ...
, ''Sitta pygmaea''


Treecreepers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Certhiidae Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees. There are 6 species worldwide and 1 North American species. *(–''L''–) (SW) Brown creeper, ''Certhia americana'', Permanent in 1–NE, E Arizona mountains, 2–''SE Arizona biome'', winter: not seen (Apr)May-Sep


Wrens

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Troglodytidae Wrens are small and inconspicuous birds, except for their (almost) loud songs, (? the size of the bird limits their loudness). They have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. (The cactus wren is a larger bird of the group.) There are 79 species worldwide and 9 North American species. *(* SW) Cactus wren, ''Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus'' *(* SW)
Rock wren The rock wren (''Salpinctes obsoletus'') is a small songbird of the wren family native to western North America, Mexico and Central America. It is the only species in the genus ''Salpinctes''. Description Measurements: * Length: 4.9-5.9 i ...
, ''Salpinctes obsoletus'' (An avid ground searcher, amidst ground tumble(rocks, etc.).) *(–''L''–) (* SW) Canyon wren, ''Catherpes mexicanus'' *(* SW) Bewick's wren, ''Thryomanes bewickii'' *(* SW) Marsh wren, ''Cistothorus palustris''


Dippers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Cinclidae The American dipper ranges from Alaska to Mexico in mountain streams. It is permanent at the Colorado River, in the Grand Canyon and has been observed in the N ''Lower'' Colorado River Valley. * American dipper, ''Cinclus mexicanus'', (called ''water ouzel'')


Kinglets

Order: PasseriformesFamily:
Regulidae A kinglet is a small bird in the family Regulidae. Species in this family were formerly classified with the Old World warblers. "Regulidae" is derived from the Latin word ''regulus'' for "petty king" or prince, and refers to the coloured crowns ...
The kinglets are a small family of birds which resemble the titmice. They are very small insectivorous birds in the genus
Regulus Regulus is the brightest object in the constellation Leo and one of the brightest stars in the night sky. It has the Bayer designation designated α Leonis, which is Latinized to Alpha Leonis, and abbreviated Alpha Leo or α Leo. Re ...
. The adults have colored crowns, giving rise to their name. There are 5 species worldwide and 2 North American species. Both North American species reside permanently in the mountains of E Arizona. * Golden-crowned kinglet, ''Regulus satrapa'', Permanent and (summer range)–mountains of E Arizona, rare, but consistent visits: Oct-Dec(Feb)(Mar) *(SW) Ruby-crowned kinglet, ''Regulus calendula'', Permanent and (summer range)–mountains of E Arizona, (Sep) Oct - Apr (May)


Gnatcatchers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Polioptilidae The family Polioptilidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. *
Blue-gray gnatcatcher The blue-gray gnatcatcher or blue-grey gnatcatcher (''Polioptila caerulea'') is a very small songbird native to North America. Description It is in length, 6.3 in (16 cm) in wingspan, and weighing only . Adult males are blue-gray on the upperp ...
, ''Polioptila caerulea'' *(* SW)
Black-tailed gnatcatcher The black-tailed gnatcatcher (''Polioptila melanura'') is a small, insectivorous bird which ranges throughout the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is nonmigratory and found in arid dese ...
, ''Polioptila melanura''


Thrushes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Turdidae The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly but not exclusively in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. There are 335 species worldwide and 28 North American species. *(SW) Mountain bluebird, ''Sialia currucoides'' (winter) *(* SW)
American robin The American robin (''Turdus migratorius'') is a migratory bird of the true thrush genus and Turdidae, the wider thrush family. It is named after the European robin because of its reddish-orange breast, though the two species are not closel ...
, ''Turdus migratorius'' (migrating)


Mockingbirds and thrashers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Mimidae The mimids are a family of passerine birds which includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalization, especially their remarkable ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. The species tend towards dull grays, blacks and browns in their appearance. There are 35 species worldwide and 13 North American species and ?4 permanent SW-Arizona resident species. :The northern mockingbird has been extending its range, low desert, mountain foothills, north and east of Yuma, as the cities to the east of Yuma have been developing, (?) since 1995. They sing in the same distinctive manner and have the same arboreal displays, but their plumage is more pronounced, with darker blacks and darker grays (? to contrast with brite white). The arboreal display is energetic (? and territorial) and consists of vertical climbs and ''falls'', above a (choice, selected)tree perch. (In some of 2004, 2005, the huge influx N into the foothills and desert grasslands, are much grayer birds, much like the city birds.) * Gray catbird, ''Dumetella carolinensis'', --(Only local in the northern White Mountains and northeastward.) *(* SW) Northern mockingbird, ''Mimus polyglottos'', --Permanent (now in desert locales) *(SW)
Sage thrasher The sage thrasher (''Oreoscoptes montanus'') is a medium-sized passerine bird from the family Mimidae, which also includes mockingbirds, tremblers, and New World catbirds. It is the only member of the genus ''Oreoscoptes''. This seems less close ...
, ''Oreoscoptes montanus'', winter range/resident *
Bendire's thrasher Bendire's thrasher (''Toxostoma bendirei'') is a medium-sized species of thrasher native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is long, with a long tail and a medium-sized bill. Coloration is grayish-brown on its upperpar ...
, ''Toxostoma bendirei'', -- ermanent: ''SE Arizona biome''(summer ranging north of Yuma County, etc. in Az.) *
Curve-billed thrasher The curve-billed thrasher (''Toxostoma curvirostre'') is a medium-sized mimid native to most of Mexico and to the deserts of southwestern United States. It is a non-migratory species, and throughout most of its range it is the most common deser ...
, ''Toxostoma curvirostre'', --Permanent E. and NE of Yuma County * California thrasher, ''Toxostoma redivivum''—a vagrant from Southern Calif.(?) *(* SW)
Crissal thrasher The crissal thrasher (''Toxostoma crissale'') is a large thrasher found in the Southwestern United States (western Texas, southern New Mexico, southern Arizona, southeastern California, extreme southern Nevada, and extreme southwestern Utah) to c ...
, ''Toxostoma crissale'', ---(Permanent from Colo R./Calif. border, the deserts and S into Mex (W. and Central), from S. New Mexico southward. Permanent like the quail, no seasonal–Ranging.) *(SW) Le Conte's thrasher, ''Toxostoma lecontei'', ---Permanent and local, in ''hot, lower, deserts:'' (very S. Colorado Des.(S. Calif.), Pacific locales in Baja Calif Sur and SW Arizona (and very N. Mexico); ''no seasonal–Ranging.'')(3rd locale: the
Carrizo Plain The Carrizo Plain ( Obispeño: ''tšɨłkukunɨtš'', "Place of the rabbits") is a large enclosed grassland plain, approximately long and up to across, in southeastern San Luis Obispo County, California, about northwest of Los Angeles. It con ...
and valley, N of Los Angeles, in the Coastal Ranges)


Starlings

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Sturnidae Starlings are small to medium-sized passerines with strong feet. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country, (occasionally seen in open desert, semi-grassland) and they eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen. There are 125 species worldwide and 3 North American species. *(* SW) European starling, ''Sturnus vulgaris'' (I) (also: solitary or paired low desert (grassland) travelers)


Wagtails and pipits

Order: PasseriformesFamily:
Motacillidae The wagtails, longclaws, and pipits are a family, Motacillidae, of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. Around 70 species occur in five genera. The longclaws are entirely restricted to the Afrotropics, and the wagtails are predominan ...
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. There are 54 species worldwide and 11 North American species. *(SW)
American pipit The buff-bellied pipit or American pipit (''Anthus rubescens'') is a small songbird found on both sides of the northern Pacific. It was first described by Marmaduke Tunstall in his 1771 ''Ornithologia Britannica''. It was formerly classified as a ...
, ''Anthus rubescens'', (the buff-bellied pipit), winter range/resident– breeds in Arizona; leaves the lower Colorado River Valley from mid-May–(Sep)Oct *
Sprague's pipit Sprague's pipit (''Anthus spragueii'') is a small songbird (passerine) in the family Motacillidae that breeds in the short- and mixed-grass prairies of North America. Migratory, it spends the winters in the southwestern United States and norther ...
, ''Anthus spragueii'', ''SE Arizona biome'' winter range


Waxwings

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Bombycillidae The waxwings are a group of passerine birds with soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and cedar waxwings, these tips look like sealing wax and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forest. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter. There are 3 species worldwide and 2 North American species. * Bohemian waxwing, ''Bombycilla garrulus'' (C) or (A) winter ranges into N Nev, N Utah, N Colo; observed in ''Lower'' Colorado River Valley–Jan, Feb, Mar *(SW) Cedar waxwing, ''Bombycilla cedrorum'' (winter range/resident)


Silky-flycatchers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Ptiliogonatidae The silky-flycatchers are a small family of passerine birds which occur mainly in Central America, although the range of one species extends to Central California( San Joaquin Valley) and much of the SW deserts and mountains. They are related to waxwings and like that group, have soft silky plumage, usually gray or pale-yellow. They have ''small crests.'' There are 4 New World (Americas) species and 3 North American species. *(* SW) Phainopepla, ''Phainopepla nitens'' (found in secluded mountain canyons, etc., (also Colorado River)– riparian environment-(near mistletoe berries--)


Wood-warblers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Parulidae The wood warblers are a group of small often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some are more terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores. There are 119 species worldwide and 57 North American species. Half of the listed warblers are accidental or casual visitors. *
Orange-crowned warbler The orange-crowned warbler (''Leiothlypis celata'') is a small songbird of the New World warbler family. Taxonomy The orange-crowned warbler was formally described in 1822 by the American zoologist Thomas Say under the binomial name ''Sylvia c ...
, ''Vermivora celata'', year-round, except June and July * Nashville warbler, ''Vermivora ruficapilla'' *
Virginia's warbler Virginia's warbler (''Leiothlypis virginiae'') is a species of New World warbler. Despite what its name may suggest, Virginia's warbler is not actually named after the American State of Virginia, which makes sense as the birds' typical range onl ...
, ''Vermivora virginiae'' *(* SW)
Lucy's warbler Lucy's warbler (''Leiothlypis luciae'') is a small New World warbler found in North America. This species ranges includes southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is one of only two warblers to nest in cavities. Description Lucy's ...
, ''Vermivora luciae'' *(* SW) Northern parula, ''Parula americana'' *(* SW)
Yellow warbler The yellow warbler (''Setophaga petechia'') is a New World warbler species. Yellow warblers are the most widespread species in the diverse genus ''Setophaga'', breeding in almost the whole of North America, the Caribbean, and down to northern S ...
, ''Dendroica petechia'' *
Yellow-rumped warbler The yellow-rumped warbler (''Setophaga coronata'') is a regular North American bird species that can be commonly observed all across the continent. Its extensive distribution range connects both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the U.S. as well ...
, ''Dendroica coronata'' **
Audubon's warbler Audubon's warbler (''Setophaga auduboni'') is a small bird of the family Parulidae. This passerine bird was long known to be closely related to its eastern counterpart, the myrtle warbler, and at various times the two forms have been classed as ...
, ''Dendroica coronata auduboni'' ** Myrtle warbler, ''Dendroica coronata coronata'' * Black-throated gray warbler, ''Dendroica nigrescens'' *
Townsend's warbler Townsend's warbler (''Setophaga townsendi'') is a small songbird of the New World warbler family. Taxonomy Townsend's warbler was species description, formally described in 1837 by the American naturalist John Kirk Townsend under the binomial nam ...
, ''Dendroica townsendi'' *
Hermit warbler The hermit warbler (''Setophaga occidentalis'') is a small perching bird. It is a species of New World warbler or wood-warbler. They are a migratory bird, the breeding range spanning the majority of the west coast of the United States. Their wint ...
, ''Dendroica occidentalis'' * Black-and-white warbler, ''Mniotilta varia'' * American redstart, ''Setophaga ruticilla'' *
Northern waterthrush The northern waterthrush (''Parkesia noveboracensis'') is a species of ground-feeding migratory New World warbler of the genus ''Parkesia''. It breeds in the northern part of North America in Canada and the northern United States including Alaska ...
, ''Seiurus noveboracensis'' *(SW) MacGillivray's warbler *(* SW)
Common yellowthroat The common yellowthroat (''Geothlypis trichas'') is a New World warbler. In the U.S. Midwest, it is also known as the yellow bandit. It is an abundant breeder in North America, ranging from southern Canada to central Mexico. The genus name ''Geot ...
, ''Geothlypis trichas'', permanent and summer range *
Hooded warbler The hooded warbler (''Setophaga citrina'') is a New World warbler. It breeds in eastern North America and across the eastern United States and into southernmost Canada (Ontario). It is migratory, wintering in Central America and the West Indies. ...
, ''Wilsonia ciltrina'' (A) *(SW)
Wilson's warbler Wilson's warbler (''Cardellina pusilla'') is a small New World warbler. It is greenish above and yellow below, with rounded wings and a long, slim tail. The male has a black crown patch; depending on the subspecies, that mark is reduced or absent ...
, ''Wilsonia pusilla'' (A) from the eastern US (summer range) *
Painted redstart The painted redstart or painted whitestart (''Myioborus pictus'') is a species of New World warbler found in mountainous areas across inland Central America. They are among the largest warblers, reaching the length of , tail included. Adult birds ...
, ''Myioborus pictus'', intermittent yearlong visitor *(* SW) Yellow-breasted chat, ''Icteria virens'', summer, (April) May–September Three species are mainly summer residents: Lucy's warbler, the common yellowtail and yellow-breasted chat. *(A) or (C) visiting warblers, etc.: **
Blue-winged warbler The blue-winged warbler (''Vermivora cyanoptera'') is a fairly common New World warbler, long and weighing . It breeds in eastern North America in southern Ontario and the eastern United States. Its range is extending northwards, where it is rep ...
, ''Vermivora pinus'' (A) ** Golden-winged warbler, ''Vermivora chrysoptera'' (A) **
Tennessee warbler The Tennessee warbler (''Leiothlypis peregrina'') is a New World warbler that breeds in eastern North America and winters in southern Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. The specific name ''peregrina'' is from Latin '' pe ...
, ''Vermivora peregrina'' (A) ** Chestnut-sided warbler, ''Dendroica pensylvanica'' **
Magnolia warbler The magnolia warbler (''Setophaga magnolia'') is a member of the wood warbler family Parulidae. Etymology The genus name ''Setophaga'' is from Ancient Greek ''ses'', "moth", and ', "eating", and the specific ''magnolia'' refers to the type lo ...
, ''Dendroica magnolia'', not observed in summer **
Cape May warbler The Cape May warbler (''Setophaga tigrina'') is a species of New World warbler. It breeds in northern North America. Its breeding range spans all but the westernmost parts of southern Canada, the Great Lakes region, and New England. It is migrat ...
, ''Dendroica tigrina'' (A) **
Black-throated blue warbler The black-throated blue warbler (''Setophaga caerulescens'') is a small passerine bird of the New World warbler family. Its breeding ranges are located in the interior of deciduous and mixed coniferous forests in eastern North America. Over the ...
, ''Dendroica caerulescens'' ** Black-throated green warbler, ''Dendroica virens'', observed in October (November) ** Yellow-throated warbler, ''Dendroica dominica'' **
Grace's warbler Grace's warbler (''Setophaga graciae'') is a small New World warbler that specializes in pine woods. Taxonomy Grace's warbler was discovered by Elliott Coues in the Rocky Mountains in 1864. He requested that the new species be named after his 18 ...
, ''Dendroica graciae'', breeds in Arizona **
Prairie warbler The prairie warbler (''Setophaga discolor'') is a small songbird of the New World warbler family. Description These birds have yellow underparts with dark streaks on the flanks, and olive overparts with rusty streaks on the back; they have a ye ...
, ''Dendroica discolor'' (A) **
Palm warbler The palm warbler (''Setophaga palmarum'') is a small songbird of the New World warbler family. Description Measurements: * Length: * Weight: * Wingspan: Taxonomy The species comprises two distinct subspecies that may merit specific stat ...
, ''Dendroica palmarum'' ** Bay-breasted warbler, ''Dendroica castanea'' ** Blackpoll warbler, ''Dendroica striata'' ** Prothonotary warbler, ''Prothonotaria citrea'' (C) **
Worm-eating warbler The worm-eating warbler (''Helmitheros vermivorum'') is a small New World warbler that breeds in the Eastern United States and migrates to southern Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America for the winter. Taxonomy The worm-eating warbler is ...
, ''Helmitheros vermivorus'' ** Ovenbird, ''Seiurus aurocapillus'' (C) **
Northern waterthrush The northern waterthrush (''Parkesia noveboracensis'') is a species of ground-feeding migratory New World warbler of the genus ''Parkesia''. It breeds in the northern part of North America in Canada and the northern United States including Alaska ...
, ''Seiurus noveboracensis'' **
Louisiana waterthrush The Louisiana waterthrush (''Parkesia motacilla'') is a New World warbler, that breeds in eastern North America and winters in the West Indies and Central America. Plain brown above, it is white below, with black streaks and with buff flanks and u ...
, ''Seiurus motacilla'' ** Kentucky warbler, ''Oporornis formosus'' **
Hooded warbler The hooded warbler (''Setophaga citrina'') is a New World warbler. It breeds in eastern North America and across the eastern United States and into southernmost Canada (Ontario). It is migratory, wintering in Central America and the West Indies. ...
, ''Wilsonia citrina'' **
Painted redstart The painted redstart or painted whitestart (''Myioborus pictus'') is a species of New World warbler found in mountainous areas across inland Central America. They are among the largest warblers, reaching the length of , tail included. Adult birds ...
, ''Myioborus pictus'', breeds in east and southeast Arizona


Bananaquit

Order: PasseriformesFamily:
Coerebidae The bananaquit (''Coereba flaveola'') is a species of passerine bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. Before the development of molecular genetics in the 21st century, its relationship to other species was uncertain and it was either placed with ...
The bananaquit is a small passerine bird. It has a slender, curved bill, adapted to taking nectar from flowers. It is the only member of the genus Coereba (Vieillot, 1809) and the family Coerebidae. The bananaquit is found in southern Mexico and is only occasional in the USA. *
Bananaquit The bananaquit (''Coereba flaveola'') is a species of passerine bird in the tanager family Thraupidae. Before the development of molecular genetics in the 21st century, its relationship to other species was uncertain and it was either placed with ...
, ''Coereba flaveola'' (C)


Tanagers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Thraupidae The tanagers are a large group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World, mainly in the tropics. Many species are brightly colored. They are seed eaters, but their preference tends towards ''fruit and nectar.'' Most have short, rounded wings. There are 256 species worldwide and 6 North American species. *
Hepatic tanager The hepatic tanager (''Piranga flava'') is a medium-sized American songbird. Formerly placed in the tanager family (Thraupidae), it and other members of the genus Piranga are now classified in the cardinal family (Cardinalidae). The species's pl ...
, ''Piranga flava'', (summer range and permanent), E of Yuma County *(* SW)
Summer tanager The summer tanager (''Piranga rubra'') is a medium-sized American songbird. Formerly placed in the tanager family (Thraupidae), it and other members of its genus are now classified in the cardinal family (Cardinalidae). The species's plumage and ...
, -''Piranga rubra'', summer range * Scarlet tanager, ''Piranga olivacea'' (C) (observed in Oct) *
Western tanager The western tanager (''Piranga ludoviciana''), is a medium-sized American songbird. Formerly placed in the tanager family (Thraupidae), other members of its genus and it are classified in the cardinal family (Cardinalidae). The species's plumag ...
, ''Piranga ludoviciana'', summer range. N and E Az


New World sparrows

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Passerellidae Until 2017, these species were considered part of the family Emberizidae. Most of the species are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many of these have distinctive head patterns. Note: 29 species are listed for SW Arizona; about a third range into the southwest, about 1/3 are common to the southeast Arizona biome and the other third are mountainous, or Mexican–ranging, or range north, or west to California, but all have southwest Arizona in or adjacent in the range maps. *
Green-tailed towhee The green-tailed towhee (''Pipilo chlorurus'') is the smallest towhee, but is still one of the larger members of the American sparrow family Passerellidae. Its breeding range covers most of the interior Western United States, with a winter range ...
, ''Pipilo chlorurus'' ---(winter range) * Spotted towhee, ''Pipilo maculatus'' ---(winter range) *(SW) –
Canyon towhee The canyon towhee (''Melozone fusca'') is a bird of the family Passerellidae. Taxonomy The taxonomy of the group of towhees to which this species belongs is debated. At the higher level, some authors place the towhees in the family Fringillidae ...
, ''Pipilo fuscus'', ---Central Arizona to SE Arizona biome) *(* SW) – Abert's towhee, ''Pipilo aberti'' ---(Arizona's SW&S-Lower Desert-''"exclusive"'') *
Rufous-winged sparrow The rufous-winged sparrow (''Peucaea carpalis'') is a medium-small, long-tailed New World sparrow with a gray face and rusty crown and supercilium; the rufous lesser coverts of the wing for which it is named are often concealed. Description The ...
, ''Aimophila carpalis'', ---(SE Arizona biome) * Cassin's sparrow, ''Peucaea cassinii'', (C) *
Botteri's sparrow Botteri's sparrow (''Peucaea botterii'') is a medium-sized sparrow. This passerine bird is primarily found in Mexico, with a breeding range that extends into the southeastern tip of the U.S. state of Arizona, and a small non-migratory populatio ...
, ''Aimophila botterii'', ---''SE Arizona biome'' and ''–Summer Range–'' (''locales'') *(SW) –
Rufous-crowned sparrow The rufous-crowned sparrow (''Aimophila ruficeps'') is a small American sparrow. This passerine is primarily found across the Southwestern United States and much of the interior of Mexico, south to the transverse mountain range, and to the Pa ...
, ''Aimophila ruficeps'', ---''Permanent:'' towards Central Arizona *
Five-striped sparrow The five-striped sparrow (''Amphispizopsis quinquestriata'') is a medium-sized sparrow. It is the only member of the genus ''Amphispizopsis''. It was formerly classified in the genus '' Amphispiza'' with the black-throated sparrow (''Amphispiza ...
, ''Aimophila quinquestriata'', ---''SE Arizona biome'' and ''–Summer Range–'' (''locales'') *
Chipping sparrow The chipping sparrow (''Spizella passerina'') is a species of New World sparrow, a passerine bird in the family Passerellidae. It is widespread, fairly tame, and common across most of its North American range. There are two subspecies, the east ...
, ''Spizella passerina'', ---(winter range) *
Brewer's sparrow Brewer's sparrow (''Spizella breweri'') is a small, slim species of American sparrow in the family Passerellidae. This bird was named after the ornithologist Thomas Mayo Brewer. Description and systematics Adults have grey-brown backs and speck ...
, ''Spizella breweri'', ---(winter range) *(SW) Black-chinned sparrow, ''Spizella atrogularis'' (C) * Vesper sparrow, ''Pooecetes gramineus'', ---(winter range) *(* SW) Lark sparrow, ''Chondestes grammacus'', -- 1-(winter range) and 2-permanent *(* SW)
Black-throated sparrow The black-throated sparrow (''Amphispiza bilineata'') is a small New World sparrow primarily found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It is the only member of the genus ''Amphispiza''; the five-striped sparrow, formerly also classifie ...
, ''Amphispiza bilineata'' ---(summer: an intense ground searcher, in small highly energized groups–also seeking water.) **Only Abert's towhee, lark sparrow, song sparrow and the black-throated sparrow are summer residents. *
Sage sparrow Sage sparrow was the name of a species of sparrow that has since been reclassified as two species: * Sagebrush sparrow, ''Artemisiospiza nevadensis'' * Bell's sparrow, ''Artemisiospiza belli'' {{Animal common name Birds by common name ...
, ''Amphispiza belli'', ---(winter range) * Lark bunting, ''Calamospiza melanocorys'', ---''SE Arizona biome'', (winter range) *
Savannah sparrow The Savannah sparrow (''Passerculus sandwichensis'') is a small New World sparrow. It was the only member of the genus '' Passerculus'' and is typically the only widely accepted member. Comparison of mtDNA NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 and 3 sequ ...
, ''Passerculus sandwichensis'', ---(winter range) *(SW)
Grasshopper sparrow The grasshopper sparrow (''Ammodramus savannarum'') is a small New World sparrow. It belongs to the genus ''Ammodramus,'' which contains three species that inhabit grasslands and prairies. Although sometimes found in crop fields and they will rea ...
, ''Ammodramus savannarum'', ---(winter range): Arizona-Mex Border, N Mexico and Baja Calif. Norte *
Baird's sparrow Baird's sparrow (''Centronyx bairdii'') is a species of North American birds in the family Passerellidae of order Passeriformes. It is a migratory bird native to the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Description The Baird's sparrow can be ident ...
, ''Ammodramus bairdii'', ---''SE Arizona biome'', (winter range) (extreme: localized) *
Fox sparrow The fox sparrow (''Passerella iliaca'') is a large New World sparrow. It is the only member of the genus ''Passerella'', although some authors split the species into four (see below). Taxonomy More specific information regarding plumage is avai ...
, ''Passerella iliaca'', ---(winter range) *(* SW) Song sparrow, ''Melospiza melodia'', ---Permanent, and: (winter range) *
Lincoln's sparrow Lincoln's sparrow (''Melospiza lincolnii'') is a small American sparrow, sparrow native to North America. It is a less common passerine bird that often stays hidden under thick ground cover, but can be distinguished by its sweet, wrenlike song. Li ...
, ''Melospiza lincolnii'', ---(winter range) *
Swamp sparrow The swamp sparrow (''Melospiza georgiana'') is a medium-sized New World sparrow related to the song sparrow. Description Measurements: * Length: 4.7-5.9 in (12-15 cm) * Weight: 0.5-0.8 oz (15-23 g) * Wingspan: 7.1-7.5 in (18-19 cm) ...
, ''Melospiza georgiana'', ---(extreme SE Arizona biome) * White-throated sparrow, ''Zonotrichia albicollis'', ---''SE Arizona biome'', (winter range) *''sw–06'' White-crowned sparrow, ''Zonotrichia leucophrys'', ---(winter range) * Dark-eyed junco, ''Junco hyemalis'', ---(winter range) *(SW)
Yellow-eyed junco The yellow-eyed junco (''Junco phaeonotus'') is a species of junco, a group of small New World sparrows. Its range is primarily in Mexico, extending into some of the mountains of the southern tips of the U.S. states of Arizona and New Mexico. It ...
, ''Junco phaeonotus'', ---Permanent: ''SE Arizona biome''


Longspurs and snow buntings

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Calcariidae The Calcariidae are a group of passerine birds that had been traditionally grouped with the New World sparrows, but differ in a number of respects and are usually found in open grassy areas. *
Thick-billed longspur The thick-billed longspur, formerly known as McCown's longspur (''Rhynchophanes mccownii''), is a small ground-feeding bird in the family Calcariidae, which also contains the other longspurs and snow buntings. It is found in North America and is ...
, ''Rhynchophanes mccownii'', (C) ''SE Arizona biome'' * Lapland longspur, ''Calcarius lapponicus'', (Occasional-winter) * Chestnut-collared longspur, ''Calcarius ornatus'', ---(winter range)


Cardinals, saltators and grosbeaks

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Cardinalidae The cardinals are a family of robust, seed-eating birds with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages. There are 43 species worldwide and 13 North American species. *(–''L''–) (* SW)
Northern cardinal The northern cardinal (''Cardinalis cardinalis'') is a bird in the genus ''Cardinalis''; it is also known colloquially as the redbird, common cardinal, red cardinal, or just cardinal (which was its name prior to 1985). It can be found in southea ...
, ''Cardinalis cardinalis'', ermanent in SE Arizona biome*
Pyrrhuloxia The pyrrhuloxia or desert cardinal (''Cardinalis sinuatus'') is a medium-sized North American song bird found in the American southwest and northern Mexico. This distinctive species with a short, stout bill and red crest and wings, and closely ...
, ''Cardinalis sinuatus'', ermanent in SE Arizona biome*
Yellow grosbeak The yellow grosbeak (''Pheucticus chrysopeplus''), also known as the Mexican yellow grosbeak, is a medium-sized seed-eating bird in the same family as the northern cardinal, "tropical" or "New World" buntings, and "cardinal-grosbeaks" or New Wo ...
, ''Pheucticus chrysopeplus'', (–''L''–)''Occasional in locales'', (from SE Arizona biome) * Black-headed grosbeak, ''Pheucticus melanocephalus'', summers: N Az, E Az and SE Az biome *(* SW)
Blue grosbeak The blue grosbeak (''Passerina caerulea''), is a medium-sized North American passerine bird in the cardinal family Cardinalidae. It is mainly migratory, wintering in Central America and breeding in northern Mexico and the southern United States. ...
, ''Passerina caerulea'', (summer range) *
Lazuli bunting The lazuli bunting (''Passerina amoena'') is a North American songbird named for the gemstone lapis lazuli. Description Measurements: * Length: 5.1-5.9 in (13-15 cm) * Weight: 0.5-0.6 oz (13-18 g) * Wingspan: 8.7 in (22 cm) The male i ...
, ''Passerina amoena'', (''–Summer Range–'' in N Mex, E coast of Gulf of Cal and west range in SE Arizona biome) *(* SW) Indigo bunting, ''Passerina cyanea'', (summer range) *
Varied bunting The varied bunting (''Passerina versicolor'') is a species of songbird in the cardinal family, Cardinalidae. The range of the varied bunting stretches from the southern parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas in the United States south throughou ...
, ''Passerina versicolor'', ''SE Arizona biome'', (summer range)


Icterids

Order: PasseriformesFamily:
Icteridae Icterids () or New World blackbirds make up a family, the Icteridae (), of small to medium-sized, often colorful, New World passerine birds. Most species have black as a predominant plumage color, often enlivened by yellow, orange, or red. The ...
The icterids are a group of small to medium-sized, often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World and include: the grackles, New World blackbirds and New World orioles. Most species have black as a predominant plumage color, often enlivened by yellow, orange or red. There are 98 species worldwide and 25 North American species. The 11 listed ''Icterids'', are mostly common and breeding species in the Lower Colorado River Valley (LCRV). *(* SW) Red-winged blackbird, ''Agelaius phoeniceus'' * Eastern meadowlark, ''Sturnella magna''; two westward range–extensions, the northerly into the SE Arizona biome. *(* SW) Western meadowlark, ''Sturnella neglecta'' *(* SW) Yellow-headed blackbird, ''Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus'' *(SW)
Rusty blackbird The rusty blackbird (''Euphagus carolinus'') is a medium-sized New World blackbird, closely related to grackles ("rusty grackle" is an older name for the species). It is a bird that prefers wet forested areas, breeding in the boreal forest and mu ...
, ''Euphagus carolinus'' *(SW)
Brewer's blackbird Brewer's blackbird (''Euphagus cyanocephalus'') is a medium-sized New World blackbird. It is named after the ornithologist Thomas Mayo Brewer. Description Adult males have black Feather, plumage with an iridescent purple head and neck and glo ...
, ''Euphagus cyanocephalus'' *(* SW) Great-tailed grackle, ''Quiscalus mexicanus'', Perm,-Non-migrating * Common grackle, ''Quiscalus quiscula'', (C) (minor vagrant from SE US) *(* SW) Bronzed cowbird, ''Molothrus aeneus'' *(* SW) Brown-headed cowbird, ''Molothrus ater''


Fringilline finches, cardueline finches and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Fringillidae Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. There are 137 species worldwide and ?20 North American species. The 9 listed ''Finches and allies'', are mostly winter residents or permanent. *(SW)
Purple finch The purple finch (''Haemorhous purpureus'') is a bird in the finch family, Fringillidae. Taxonomy This species and the other "American rosefinches" were formerly included with the rosefinches of Eurasia in the genus ''Carpodacus''; however, the ...
, ''Haemorhous purpureus'', (winters), Oct–Jan *
Cassin's finch Cassin's finch (''Haemorhous cassinii'') is a bird in the finch family, Fringillidae. This species and the other "American rosefinches" are placed in the genus ''Haemorhous''. Description Measurements: * Length: 6.3 in (16 cm) * Weight: 0.8-1 ...
, ''Haemorhous cassinii'', (''–Intermittent winter range–''), Nov–Dec *(* SW)
House finch The house finch (''Haemorhous mexicanus'') is a bird in the finch family Fringillidae. It is native to western North America and has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and Hawaii. This species and the other two American rosef ...
, ''Haemorhous mexicanus'', Permanent *
Red crossbill The red crossbill or common crossbill (''Loxia curvirostra'') is a small passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae. Crossbills have distinctive mandibles, crossed at the tips, which enable them to extract seeds from conifer cones and other ...
, ''Loxia curvirostra'', (C) Permanent: mountains: northern and eastern Arizona (Observed in the lower Colorado River Valley from Aug–Dec) *(SW)
Pine siskin The pine siskin (''Spinus pinus'') is a North American bird in the finch family. It is a migratory bird with an extremely sporadic winter range. Taxonomy The pine siskin was formally described in 1810 by the American ornithologist Alexander ...
, ''Spinus pinus'', (winter range) *(* SW) Lesser goldfinch, ''Spinus psaltria'', Permanent *(* SW)
Lawrence's goldfinch Lawrence's goldfinch (''Spinus lawrencei'') is a small songbird of erratic distribution that breeds in California and Baja California and winters in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Description At about long and weighing abou ...
, ''Spinus lawrencei'', (winter range)- (–locales–) *(SW) American goldfinch, ''Spinus tristis'', (winter range) *(SW)
Evening grosbeak The evening grosbeak (''Hesperiphona vespertina'') is a passerine bird in the finch family Fringillidae found in North America. Taxonomy The IOC checklist and the ''Handbook of the Birds of the World'' place the evening grosbeak and the closel ...
, ''Hesperiphona vespertina'', Permanent: mountains: NE (
Four Corners The Four Corners is a region of the Southwestern United States consisting of the southwestern corner of Colorado, southeastern corner of Utah, northeastern corner of Arizona, and northwestern corner of New Mexico. The Four Corners area ...
), E mountains and ''SE Arizona biome'', (Observed in Lower Colorado River Valley from Oct–Nov)


Old World sparrows

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Passeridae Old World sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small plump brownish or grayish birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed-eaters, but they also climb and chase and consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and 2 North American species. The
house sparrow The house sparrow (''Passer domesticus'') is a bird of the sparrow family Passeridae, found in most parts of the world. It is a small bird that has a typical length of and a mass of . Females and young birds are coloured pale brown and grey, a ...
is overly common in SW Arizona. *(* SW)
House sparrow The house sparrow (''Passer domesticus'') is a bird of the sparrow family Passeridae, found in most parts of the world. It is a small bird that has a typical length of and a mass of . Females and young birds are coloured pale brown and grey, a ...
, ''Passer domesticus''– (I) *
Tree sparrow The Eurasian tree sparrow (''Passer montanus'') is a passerine bird in the sparrow family with a rich chestnut crown and nape, and a black patch on each pure white cheek. The sexes are similarly plumaged, and young birds are a duller version o ...
, ''Passer montanus'', ("Eurasian tree sparrow"), (Illinois and Missouri)– (I)


See also

* List of birds of Arizona *
List of birds of the Sonoran Desert This list of birds of the Sonoran Desert includes all bird species endemic to the Sonoran Desert, and related areas; (a few species listed are only "native" and have a larger continental range). They are retrieved from the List of birds of Yuma C ...
*
Tucson Bird Count The Tucson Bird Count (TBC) is a community-based program that monitors bird populations in and around the Tucson, Arizona, United States metropolitan area. With nearly 1000 sites monitored annually, the Tucson Bird Count is among the largest urban ...


References

*'' The Sibley Guide to Birds'' *Rosenberg, Ohmart, Hunter, Anderson, ''Birds of the Lower Colorado River Valley'', Kenneth V. Rosenber, Robert D. Ohmart, William C. Hunter, Bertin W. Anderson, c. 1991 University of Arizona Press, 416 pp. ''Appendix'' contains species account by month and by commonality. Notes breeding populations.


External links


Birding the Lower Colorado River
{{DEFAULTSORT:List Of Arizona-Sw Birds (Yuma County, Arizona) Arizona, Yuma . *birds
Birds Birds are a group of warm-blooded vertebrates constituting the class Aves (), characterised by feathers, toothless beaked jaws, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a strong yet lightweigh ...
Birds Birds are a group of warm-blooded vertebrates constituting the class Aves (), characterised by feathers, toothless beaked jaws, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a strong yet lightweigh ...