Arizona has rare and unusual bird species which can’t be seen anywhere else in the United States. Many maintain that the Grand Canyon State has more rare birds than anywhere else on the continent.

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Arizona: A Birder’s Paradise

Arizona’s riparian habitats that stretch from north to south make the state a favorite home for many migrant and long-staying bird species. The state is also a top destination for birdwatchers in the country. Birders can be amazed at an array of exotic and rare species, from tiny hummingbirds to peregrine falcons. Arizona offers numerous well-known birding sites across the state.

The Rarest Birds in Arizona

Rare birds are not found in large numbers or very often while some birds are deemed rare for a particular location or time of the year. News of rare bird sightings in Arizona usually spread like wildfire prompting bird watchers from all over the state to flock to the location where the birds are spotted.

Some of the most notable rare birds in Arizona include the following species:

1. Roseate Spoonbill. It is one of the rarest birds to show up in Prescot. It was observed at Watson Lake in 2019. The species normally occurs in the Sea of Cortez, Gulf of Mexico, Rio Grande Valley, and in parts of Florida. The Roseate Spoonbill is a medium-sized waterbird with a football-shaped body and long legs. A long spoon-shaped bill protrudes from their small heads. Often, they rest with their long necks curled into an S as they fly.
2. Five–striped Sparrows. The bird was reported to have reappeared 45 years after last seen by birders. Five-striped Sparrows have five black-and-white throat stripes (including a white central throat), brownish upper parts, and gray breasts with black spots. The species is commonly found in brushy scrubs and thorn forests, especially on rocky slopes. Usually in pairs, they tweet rhythmically and high. They can be very skulking. It mostly stays low in brush or on the ground but sings from atop bushes.

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3. Nutting’s Flycatcher. The bird was seen in 1998 after it last appeared in the US during the presidency of Harry Truman. It is now reported to be fairly regularly seen at Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge.
4. Baikal Teal. This bird from Siberia was a long way from home, discovered at Gilbert Water Ranch in 2012. A small duck from eastern Asia rarely wanders into Alaska. A few other reports have been made in North America, but these birds could have been escapees from captivity. There is evidence that the Baikal Teal has been decreasing in recent decades on its native range, and it may be reaching Alaska less frequently now than in the past.
5. Calliope Hummingbird. An uncommon migrant in late summer in Arizona, the bird is rare and accidental in November.

Other Rare Birds in AZ

Other rarities that are currently being reported include Blue Jay, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Eastern Phoebe, Sinaloa Wren, Black-capped Gnatcatcher, Rufous-capped Warbler, Painted Bunting and Plain-capped Starthroat, Arizona Woodpecker, Mexican Jay, Rose-throated Becard, and Thick-billed Kingbird.

Arizona is endowed with a rich variety of birds, including some of the rarest that could be found elsewhere in the country. It is one of the best places to enjoy bird watching. The activity will surely leave you enamored with the experience and the place.

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