​Part of what makes Arizona an exceptional birding destination is the diverse landscapes found throughout the state. Southeastern Arizona is a crossroads, where the Sierra Madre of Mexico, the Rocky Mountains and the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts collide. Each habitat supports distinct bird communities, with overlapping zones often providing the greatest diversity. Arizona is home to several year-round specialty birds. These include Olive Warbler, Bridled Titmouse, Crissal and Bendire’s Thrashers, Mexican Jay, Painted Redstart, Gilded Flicker, Arizona and Gila Woodpeckers, Rufous-winged Sparrow, and Yellow-eyed Junco.  

Winter in Arizona particularly presents a wealth of birding opportunities, attracting a diverse array of species to the region. Southeastern Arizona in the winter becomes a hotspot for migrating birds, including waterfowl, raptors, and sparrows. Notable sightings include Sandhill Crane, Ferruginous Hawk, Mountain Plover, and Lark Bunting. Birders may also observe mixed flocks of all three Bluebird species, Townsend’s Solitaire, and Phainopepla. During winter, it is also easier to spot Mexican vagrants like Rufous-backed Robin and Ruddy Ground-Dove. Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Rufous-capped Warbler, and Rose-throated Becard have now become low-density, year-round residents and in most winters, Coppery-tailed Trogon may be found in the lower elevations of canyons.