Birding in Arizona: A Guide to Tucson & Southern Arizona

Arizona birder Richard Cachor Taylor not only penned Birding in Arizona — a must-have pocket guide for birders of all skill levels — he’s also the world’s leading expert on the Elegant Trogon, a tropical, migratory species. His evolution from childhood curious birdwatcher to a bird expert and professional guide is an interesting one.

Taylor’s book packs a punch with detailed descriptions and photographs of 500 species of birds found in Arizona — large or small, rare or common — and all are given equal prominence, from vultures and eagles to sparrows and warblers.

Here, Taylor shares his birding knowledge about birding in Tucson and Southern Arizona.

Birds Found in This Region

Harris’s Hawk, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Elegant Trogon, Gila Woodpecker, Vermilion Flycatcher, Phainopepla, Northern Cardinal

Most Popular Birding Location

Sweetwater Wetlands Park, Tucson

Hidden Gem Birding Spot

Paton Center for Hummingbirds, Patagonia

Don’t-Miss Birding Events

• Southwest Wings, Sierra Vista
• Tucson Audubon Society’s festivals and events, various locations
• Wings Over Willcox, Willcox