House Finch, Pyrrhuloxia, and Northern Cardinal (left to right). Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Photo: Nate Chappell/Audubon Photography Awards

Birds

At the convergence of a dizzying array of habitat types, the American southwest is a region like no other. Between Arizona and New Mexico, the region boasts the continent’s four major deserts (the Chihuahuan, Sonoran, Mojave, and Great Basin), the southern extent of the Colorado Plateau and the Rocky Mountains, the northern tip of Mexico’s Sierra Madre Occidentalis, the northern reaches of the Colorado River delta, other valuable western rivers like the Gila, Rio Grande, San Pedro, and others, the far eastern edge of the Great Plains, and a diversity in elevation that allows for everything from low, sandy desert to montane forests and subalpine tundra.

With this diversity in habitat comes a diversity of birds – nearly 600 species have been documented between the two states, roughly 200 of which are considered rarities or vagrants. However, it also comes with a diversity of threats. Climate change, aridification, wildfire, human development, introduced species, poor land and resource management, and more are all putting strain on southwestern habitats and the birds (and people) that call them home.

Check out the links below to learn more about the Southwest’s birds: specialty and priority species, tips and resources to help guide your birding adventures, and opportunities to get involved in region-wide conservation efforts.

A Curve-billed Thrasher, a brownish-gray bird with a long tail, long, curved bill, and orange eye perches against a tree trunk.

Curve-billed Thrasher. Photo: Greg Rogers/Audubon Photography Awards.

A packed dirt trail stretches evenly through a lush desert landscape on a clear, sunny day.

Photo: Corey Lycopolus/Audubon

A Lesser Goldfinch, a small, black and yellow bird, perches on a bare branch against a snowy backdrop.

Lesser Goldfinch Photo: Layne Naylor/Audubon Photography Awards.

An adult Sandhill Crane, a large, long-legged and long-necked bird with rusty gray plumage and a red cap, soars over shallow water.

Sandhill Crane. Photo: Ann Kramer/Audubon Photography Awards.

A Spotted Towhee, a Black, white, and rufous-orange bird with a sparrow-like shape, perches with tail fanned.

Spotted Towhee Photo: Evan Barrientos.

How to Help Birds

Community Science
Get Involved

Community Science

Engage in community science by joining a bird count, survey, or other opportunity.

Read more

Plants for Birds
Bird-Friendly Communities

Plants for Birds

Transform your landscape into valuable habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Read more

Audubon Chapters
Get Involved

Audubon Chapters

The Grassroots Strength of the Audubon Network

Read more

Audubon Southwest's Bird Conservation Efforts

Birds in the News

Bird of the Month: Burrowing Owl
News

Bird of the Month: Burrowing Owl

Help Audubon Southwest relocate Burrowing Owls

Student Learning in Phoenix and Santa Fe
News

Student Learning in Phoenix and Santa Fe

Now Booking for Fall

Bird of the Month: Lesser-Prairie Chicken
Careers In Conservation

Bird of the Month: Lesser-Prairie Chicken

The iconic bird of the Western Great Plains

New Mexico Water Management is at a Critical Crossroads
News

New Mexico Water Management is at a Critical Crossroads

The Water Security Planning Act provides opportunity for your input.

Celebrating a Career in Conservation
News

Celebrating a Career in Conservation

Tice Supplee, Audubon Southwest Director of Bird Conservation, retires after a 50-year career in wildlife conservation

Ave del mes: Papamoscas Cardenalito (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
News

Ave del mes: Papamoscas Cardenalito (Pyrocephalus rubinus)

Un destello rojo en el desierto que emociona tanto a los observadores de aves novatos como a los expertos.

Bird of the Month: Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) 
News

Bird of the Month: Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) 

A flash of red in the desert that thrills novice and expert birders alike

Summer Camp Encourages Children to Explore the Outdoors
News

Summer Camp Encourages Children to Explore the Outdoors

Campers enjoyed the local ecosystems out on the trail, crafts, and playing games at the Randall Davey Audubon Center and Sanctuary

2024 Audubon in Action grants
News

2024 Audubon in Action grants

Five Audubon Southwest chapters receive funds to support science, education and outreach.

Bird of the Month: Azure Bluebird (Sialia sialis fulva)
Birds

Bird of the Month: Azure Bluebird (Sialia sialis fulva)

The charismatic bird of the Sonoran sky islands.

How you can help, right now