By Avian Feathers Team
Published June 2025
Arizona’s wild landscapes are full of surprises. Alongside the common backyard visitors, some truly rare and special birds pass through the desert, forests and mountain ranges. Spotting one of these is a treat for any bird lover. Some are seasonal migrants. Others are just occasional wanderers. Either way, keep your eyes peeled, you never know what might fly by.
1. Elegant Trogon
The Elegant Trogon is one of the most sought-after birds in Arizona. With its brilliant green back, red belly and white chest band, it’s a tropical-looking bird that stands out in Arizona’s pine-oak canyons. It’s most often seen in southeastern Arizona during the warmer months.
Size
Length: 11–12 in (28–30 cm)
Wingspan: 16–18 in (40–46 cm)
Weight: 2.3–3 oz (65–85 g)
Scientific Name: Trogon elegans
2. Montezuma Quail
This shy ground-dweller is a master of camouflage. It has a bold, scaly pattern with a dramatic black-and-white face. Montezuma Quail hide in grassy woodlands and rarely fly. You’ll be lucky to catch a glimpse of one before it disappears into the brush.
Size
Length: 9–11 in (23–28 cm)
Wingspan: 13–14 in (33–36 cm)
Weight: 6–8 oz (170–225 g)
Scientific Name: Cyrtonyx montezumae
3. Red-faced Warbler
This bright little warbler sports a vivid red face and chest, with gray and white body feathers. It’s one of the more unique-looking warblers in the U.S. You’ll find it in high-elevation forests during summer, usually flitting through pine branches.
Size
Length: 5.1 in (13 cm)
Wingspan: 7.5–8.5 in (19–22 cm)
Weight: 0.3–0.4 oz (8–11 g)
Scientific Name: Cardellina rubrifrons
4. Mexican Chickadee
Unlike other chickadees found in the U.S., the Mexican Chickadee is extremely limited in range. It’s found only in remote mountain areas in southeastern Arizona. It looks similar to the Black-capped Chickadee but has a longer song and slightly grayer tone.
Size
Length: 4.5–5.5 in (11.5–14 cm)
Wingspan: 7.5–8.5 in (19–22 cm)
Weight: 0.3–0.4 oz (9–12 g)
Scientific Name: Poecile sclateri
5. Lucifer Hummingbird
With its curved bill and flashy gorget, the male Lucifer Hummingbird is a rare gem. It visits desert canyons and blooms in southern Arizona, mostly during spring and summer. Spotting one feels like catching a spark of magic in midair.
Size
Length: 3.5–4 in (9–10 cm)
Wingspan: 4.5–5 in (11.5–13 cm)
Weight: 0.1–0.2 oz (2.5–5 g)
Scientific Name: Calothorax lucifer
6. Five-striped Sparrow
This elusive sparrow is another Arizona specialty. Found mainly in rugged, brushy canyons near the Mexican border, it sports five dark stripes on a gray face and a rich brown back. Its secretive nature makes sightings extra rewarding.
Size
Length: 5.9–6.3 in (15–16 cm)
Wingspan: 7.5–8.5 in (19–22 cm)
Weight: 0.7–1 oz (20–28 g)
Scientific Name: Amphispiza quinquestriata
7. Berylline Hummingbird
This tropical visitor has a glowing green body with coppery wings. It’s rarely seen north of Mexico, but a few lucky birders spot it in southeastern Arizona in the summer. If you catch one zipping by a flower patch, count yourself fortunate.
Size
Length: 3.9–4.3 in (10–11 cm)
Wingspan: 5–5.5 in (13–14 cm)
Weight: 0.1–0.2 oz (2.8–5.2 g)
Scientific Name: Amazilia beryllina
8. Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet
This tiny flycatcher is more common in Central America, but it sneaks into Arizona’s southern borderlands. It’s a plain grayish bird with a sharp “pip!” call and active foraging style. It blends in well with dry brush and thorn scrub.
Size
Length: 4.5–5 in (11–13 cm)
Wingspan: 7–8 in (18–20 cm)
Weight: 0.2–0.3 oz (6–9 g)
Scientific Name: Camptostoma imberbe
Where to Spot Common Birds in Arizona
Arizona’s wild landscapes are full of surprises. Spotting one of these rare birds is a treat for any bird lover, requiring patience and knowing their specific habitats.
Here’s where these special birds like to hang out:
- Elegant Trogon: Look in pine-oak canyons in southeastern Arizona during the warmer months.
- Montezuma Quail: These shy ground-dwellers hide in grassy woodlands. You’ll be lucky to catch a glimpse before they disappear.
- Red-faced Warbler: Found in high-elevation forests during summer, usually flitting through pine branches.
- Mexican Chickadee: Extremely limited in range, found only in remote mountain areas in southeastern Arizona.
- Lucifer Hummingbird: Visits desert canyons and blooms in southern Arizona, mostly during spring and summer.
- Five-striped Sparrow: Mainly found in rugged, brushy canyons near the Mexican border.
- Berylline Hummingbird: A rare tropical visitor, occasionally spotted in southeastern Arizona in the summer, often near flower patches.
- Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet: Found in Arizona’s southern borderlands, blending in with dry brush and thorn scrub.
Arizona’s rare birds make birding here extra exciting.
Ever spotted one of these special guests? Tell us which one you’d love to see.