Hey there, bird lovers! Winter in Arizona isn’t just about the warm sun—it’s a season where some amazing birds flock to enjoy the mild weather.
In this blog post, discover the top 10 birds that spend their winter in Arizona, and some stay throughout the winter months! Explore their unique characteristics, habitats, and interesting facts
Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s Hummingbirds are beautiful birds that spend their winter in Arizona during the winter. These birds are known for their bright colors and interesting behaviors.
Anna’s Hummingbirds are the world’s most beautiful humming species that will definitely blow your mind when you spot them in winter months in Arizona. They come from the western part of North America, traveling from Alaska down to Baja California in Mexico.
When it gets cold, many of Anna’s Hummingbirds fly to Arizona seeking warmer weather. You can spot them in gardens, parks, and places with lots of flowers and feeders.
Male Anna’s Hummingbirds have shiny pink throats that look bright in the light. They are mostly green and very fast flyers. Generally, most hummingbirds leave Arizona in late September to early October.
Females are also green but don’t have the shiny pink throat. Both males and females can fly quickly and make buzzing sounds with their wings.
If you want to attract Anna’s Hummingbirds to your yard during winter, you can set up feeders with sugar water (mix four parts water with one part sugar) and plant flowers like salvia or fuchsia that produce nectar. Creating a comfy place with food and shelter can help these pretty birds come to your area during the winter months.
House Sparrow
House Sparrows are common birds that spend their winter in Arizona, and they usually stick around all year, including during winter. You can find them in cities, towns, and even in neighborhoods where people live.
These winter birds in Michigan like to eat seeds, grains, and sometimes bugs. They’re not birds that usually travel long distances during winter.
Instead, they’re pretty used to Arizona’s weather, so they don’t go somewhere else when it gets cold.
If you want to see House Sparrows in your yard, you can put out bird feeders with seeds like sunflower seeds or cracked corn. They like being around other sparrows, so having some trees or bushes around can make your yard more attractive to them.
Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinals are amazing birds that spend their winter in Arizona. It’s easy to spot because of its color and pointy crest on its head.
These Cardinals live in Arizona all year, hanging out in forests, parks, and even gardens. They like places with trees and bushes where they can find food and hide.
During winter, they don’t travel far. Instead, they stay in Arizona because the weather suits them. Northern cardinals are the most amazing and beautiful birds that spend their winter in Alabama.
To invite Northern Cardinals to your yard, you can put out bird feeders with sunflower seeds or cracked corn. They also like having bushes or trees for hiding and nesting. Making a cozy space with food and some plants can make these pretty birds want to visit your yard, especially in winter.
Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed Hawks are huge types of birds that spend their winter in Arizona. They have broad wings and a red tail that stands out.
These hawks live in Arizona all year round. You might find them in open fields, deserts, and even in cities, flying high in the sky. They’re good at hunting small animals like rodents and rabbits.
Some Red-tailed Hawks might move to Arizona during winter for warmer weather, but many stay here because they’re okay with Arizona’s weather.
You can spot them by looking up in the sky or on tall things like poles and trees. They help keep the balance in nature by controlling the number of rodents around.
Seeing a Red-tailed Hawk flying around is pretty amazing and shows how diverse the wildlife is here in Arizona.
Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon are super fast and skilled birds that spend their winter in Arizona. While they don’t usually stay in Arizona for winter, some might stop by for a bit.
These falcons move around looking for places with food and nice spots to nest. They like open places, cliffs, and areas near water where they can catch birds like pigeons and doves.
They’re famous for being the fastest animals on Earth, diving at speeds over 200 miles per hour when they hunt.
Seeing a Peregrine Falcon in Arizona during winter is special because of its amazing speed and hunting ability. Keep an eye out in open areas, cliffs, or near water – you might get lucky and spot one passing through or taking a short break in the state during their travels.
Waxwing Birds
Waxwing birds, like Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings, might visit Arizona during winter.
They’re known for their sleek look and special markings. Bohemian Waxwings are more gray with rust-colored feathers underneath, while Cedar Waxwings have brownish bodies with a black mask and bright yellow tail tips.
In Arizona, these birds might come in groups during winter to find berries and small fruits they like. You can spot them in parks, orchards, or wooded areas where these foods are available.
Waxwings are special birds that spend their winter in Arizona to find food, so they might not stay in Arizona for the whole winter. They could just pass through or stay for a short while, depending on where they find food and how the weather is.
If you want to see waxwings in Arizona during winter, look for places with lots of berries or fruits. Keep an eye on trees or bushes where they might gather to eat.
Sandhill Crane
During winter, you can see Sandhill Cranes in Arizona. These birds are pretty tall, with gray feathers and red crowns on their heads.
They come from northern areas seeking warmer weather. In Arizona, you might find them in places like Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area, Willcox Playa, and the Sulphur Springs Valley, where they can find food and a place to stay.
Sandhill Cranes like to be together in big groups. They make cool sounds and look graceful when they fly.
If you want to see them in Arizona during winter, visit wetlands and farm areas, especially around sunrise or sunset. That’s when you’re more likely to see these beautiful birds feeding and resting.
Northern Flicker
The Northern Flickers are amazing woodpecker birds that spend their winter in Arizona.
These birds have a unique look with a beige or gray face, brown back with bars, and a black crescent on their chest. They fly distinctly, moving up and down.
In winter, they usually stay in the same places they live all year. You can find them in forests, parks, and places with trees.
Northern Flickers eat insects like ants and beetles, usually found in the soil or on trees. Sometimes, they’ll also visit feeders for seeds or suet, especially when there are fewer insects around in winter.
It’s pretty common to spot a Northern Flicker in Arizona during winter. Look for them on the ground hunting for insects or on trees pecking for food.
If you want them in your yard, try putting out feeders with suet or a mix of seeds. This might attract them to visit your area.
Dark-eyed Junco
Dark-eyed Juncos are small birds that spend their winter in Arizona. They are very easy to spot with their gray or dark heads and white bellies. They come to Arizona from northern places during fall and stay until early spring.
You can find them in different spots like forests, neighborhoods, and yards with bird feeders. They mostly eat seeds and sometimes bugs, hopping around on the ground or perching on low branches.
Seeing Dark-eyed Juncos in Arizona during winter is common, especially where there’s plenty of food. They’re fun to watch for bird lovers.
To attract them to your yard, try using bird feeders with seeds like millet, cracked corn, or sunflower seeds. This might make them want to visit your area and have a snack.
Bufflehead
Buffleheads are cool-looking birds that spend their winter in Arizona. They are small birds with black and white colors. The guys have a shiny black head with a big white spot, while the girls have a smaller white spot on their dark heads.
In winter, you might find them in some lakes, ponds, or reservoirs in the southern part of Arizona. They like freshwater places and might hang out in small groups.
Buffleheads dive underwater to eat bugs, small fish, and other water creatures. They’re really fast and agile swimmers.
Seeing Buffleheads in Arizona during winter is pretty neat, especially if you go to quiet water spots. They’re small and dive a lot, so sometimes they’re not easy to spot.
If you want to see them, try visiting lakes or ponds in the southern parts of Arizona. Keep an eye out for these beautiful ducks swimming and diving in search of food.
Conclusion
Arizona’s winter isn’t just a haven for snowbirds seeking warmer weather—it’s also a temporary home to a diverse range of bird species. From vibrant hummingbirds to majestic raptors, these winged visitors bring life and color to Arizona’s landscapes during the colder months. As you explore this beautiful state, keep an eye out for these incredible birds and appreciate the beauty they add to Arizona’s winter wonderland. Happy birdwatching!
