List of Arizona-SW birds (Yuma County, Arizona)

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The Greater Roadrunner, a bird symbolic to much of Arizona, common in all low desert environments.
The Greater Roadrunner, a bird symbolic to much of Arizona, common in all low desert environments.

This is a List of birds of South-West Arizona, and needs moderate verification by local bird enthusiasts. The list is being made in conjunction with: List of birds, Yuma, Arizona (low deserts, river, elevations). The following markings are used:

  • (A) = Accidental occurrence based on fewer than 10 records, and unlikely to occur regularly.
  • (E) = Extinct; a recent member of the avifauna that no longer exists.
  • (Ex) = Extirpated; no longer occurs in area of interest, but other populations still exist elsewhere.
  • (I) = Introduced population established solely as the result of direct or indirect human intervention; synonymous with non-native and non-indigenous. See Introduced species.
  • (H) - Hypothetical: Birds that have had a credible sighting reported, but have not been documented with a specimen or with a suitable photograph.
    • ( SW ) = found in the South West of Arizona, Yuma County, Arizona.
    • sw–06 = observed in 2006.
    • ( * SW )—SW breeding species.
    • Bolded species: (ex: Gambel's Quail ), hot, lower desert species. (There are exceptions.)
    • ( –L– )–16 species are found local, in a specific locality.
    • LCRV– Lower Colo. R. Valley
    • (C) Casual, or Occasional visit

Contents

[edit] Arizona zone definitions

The three basic zones in Arizona can be thought of as follows:

  • View No. 2
  • Ariz. NE triangle:
  • Central:
    • NW–to–SE–Transition–Zone
    • Divides the NE high plateau
    • from Low Desert SW, and South
  • SW Low desert triangle
    • Nearly half the state
    • Hottest at lower altitudes
  • SE Ariz Biome:
NW-SE trending Mtn ranges, (former: Basin and Range Geol. province), now: the Madrean sky islands Biome of SE Az(New Mex) and Northern Mexico, Sierra Madre Occidental(West) Mtn. Range. ( Tucson,AZ is in NW, south of Catalina Mtns., (word Rincon)).
NW-SE trending Mtn ranges, (former: Basin and Range Geol. province), now: the Madrean sky islands Biome of SE Az(New Mex) and Northern Mexico, Sierra Madre Occidental(West) Mtn. Range. ( Tucson,AZ is in NW, south of Catalina Mtns., (word Rincon)).

[edit] Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swan. These are birds that are modified for an aquatic existence with webbed feet, bills which are flattened to a greater or lesser extent, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to special oils. There are 131 species world wide, and 61 North American species.

Female Ring-necked Duck
Aythya collaris

Male Ring-necked Duck
Aythya collaris

Ring-necked Pheasant
Variant

[edit] Partridges, Grouse, Turkeys, and Old World Quail

Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
The Phasianidae is a family of birds which consists of the pheasants and their allies. These are terrestrial species, variable in size but generally plump, with broad relatively short wings. Many species are gamebirds, or have been domesticated as a food source for humans. There are 180 species world wide, and 16 North American species.

  • ( –L– ) ( * SW ) Ring-necked Pheasant, Phasianus colchicus, Colorado River–(Riparian) Env. (I)
  • ( SW ) Wild Turkey, Meleagris gallopavo (Not in the low desert)(Higher Mtn. Elevations)

[edit] New World Quail

Order: Galliformes Family: Odontophoridae
The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits. There are 32 species, world-wide, all found only in the Americas, and 6 North American species.

[edit] Loons

Order: Gaviiformes Family: Gaviidae /See Loon–(called Diver(UK))
Loons are aquatic birds the size of a large duck, to which they are unrelated. Their plumage is largely grey or black, and they have spear-shaped bills. Loons swim well, and fly adequately, but, because their legs are placed towards the rear of the body, are almost hopeless on land. There are 5 species world-wide, and 5 North American species.

[edit] Grebes

Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae /See Grebe
Grebes are small to medium-large sized freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes, and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. There are 20 species world-wide, and 7 North American species. Of the listed species, the Horned, Eared, and Western Grebe are less commonly observed in summer.

  • ( * SW ) Least Grebe, Tachybaptus dominicus (S. Mexico)
  • ( * SW ) Pied-billed Grebe, Podilymbus podiceps Permanent and (–Winter Range–)
  • ( SW ) Horned Grebe, Podiceps auritus Winters across coastal S US, S New Mex
  • Red-necked Grebe, Podiceps grisegena (A) Jan; Mar (from W Canada, Alaska Coast)
  • ( SW ) Eared Grebe, Podiceps nigricollis (Black-necked Grebe),–Winters–Permanent at: 1-S. Nev, 2-Sierra Nevada Mtns(Calif), and 3-NE Colo.
  • ( –L– ) ( * SW ) Western Grebe, Aechmophorus occidentalis Permanent (+ winters west on Calif Coast)
  • ( –L– ) ( * SW ) Clark's Grebe, Aechmophorus clarkii Permanent and (–Winter Range–)

[edit] Albatross

Order: Procellariiformes Family: Diomedeidae

[edit] Storm-petrels

Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae /See Storm-petrel

[edit] Tropicbirds

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Phaethontidae

[edit] Boobies

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Sulidae /See Booby

[edit] Pelicans

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae /See Pelican
Pelicans are very large water birds with a distinctive pouch under the beak. Like other birds in the order Pelecaniformes, they have four webbed toes. There are 8 species world wide, and 2 North American species.

  • ( SW ) American White Pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, (–Summer Range–); observed in flocks.
  • ( SW ) Brown Pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis (Common seasonal vagrant in SW Arizona), Permanent in Gulf of California, and Pac. Ocean of Baja; (Common post-breeding.)

[edit] Cormorants

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae /See Cormorant
Cormorants are medium-to-large aquatic birds, usually with mainly dark plumage and areas of coloured skin on the face. The bill is long, thin, and sharply hooked. Their feet are four-toed and webbed, a distinguishing feature among the Pelecaniformes order. There are 36 species world-wide, and 6 North American species.

[edit] Darters

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Anhingidae /See Darter
Darters are cormorant-like water birds with very long necks and long, straight beaks. They often swim with only the neck above water, and are fish-eaters. There are 4 species world-wide, and 1 North American species.

  • Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga, (old sight records, 1900, 1913-etc.)

[edit] Frigatebirds

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Fregatidae /See Frigatebird
Frigatebirds are large sea-birds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black, or black–and–white, with long wings and deeply-forked tails. The males have inflatable coloured throat pouches. They do not swim or walk, and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan to body weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week. There are 5 species world-wide, and 3 North American species.

[edit] Ciconiiformes: Bitterns, Herons, and Egrets

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the herons, egrets, and bitterns. Herons and Egrets are medium to large sized wadng birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more secrative. Unlike other long necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills, members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted . There are 61 species world wide, and 17 North American species.

[edit] Ciconiiformes: Ibises and Spoonbills

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Threskiornithidae
The family Threskiornithidae includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings. Their bodies tend to be elongated, the neck more so, with rather long legs. The bill is also long, decurved in the case of the ibises, and straight and distinctively flattened in the spoonbills. There are 36 species world wide, and 5 North American species.

[edit] Ciconiiformes: Storks

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, heavy, long-legged, long-necked wading birds with long stout bills and wide wingspans. They lack the powder down that other wading birds such as herons, spoonbills and ibises use to clean off fish slime. Storks lack a pharynx and are mute. There are 19 species world wide, and 2 North American species.

  • Wood Stork, Mycteria americana (only population in S. FL)

[edit] Ciconiiformes: New World vultures

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Cathartidae
The New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but dramatically resemble them because of convergent evolution, and the forces of function,("form follows function"). Like the Old World vultures, they are scavengers, and their major trait besides the bare/feather-less neck, would be their trait of, "searching by soaring". However, unlike Old World vultures, which find carcasses by sight, New World vultures have a good sense of smell with which they also locate carcasses. There are 7 species world wide, all found only in the Americas, and 3 North American species.

Black Vulture

Turkey Vulture

Osprey

[edit] Flamingos

Order: Phoenicopteriformes Family: Phoenicopteridae
Flamingos (genus Phoenicopterus monotypic in family Phoenicopteridae) are gregarious wading birds, usually 3–5 feet in height, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. They are more numerous in the latter. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly-shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume, and are: uniquely used upside-down. There are 6 species world wide, and 1 North American species.

[edit] Hawks, Kites, and Eagles

Order: Falconiformes Family: Accipitridae
The family Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey and include hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have very large powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. There are 233 species world wide, and 28 North American species.

[edit] Caracaras and Falcons

Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae /See Caracara, Falcon, Kestrel (bird)
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey, notably the falcons and caracaras. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their feet. There are 62 species world wide, and 10 North American species.

[edit] Rails, Gallinules, and Coots

Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae /See Rails(Rallidae), Gallinule, "Crake", Coot
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. The most typical family members occupy dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs, and have long toes which are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and tend to be weak fliers. There are 143 species world wide, and 13 North American species. Of the 6 listed birds, the Black Rail is rare, and local; only the Clapper Rail is more common in Summer. All are breeding species except the Sora, which departs from May-Jul(Aug), and which has an extensive Summer Range across North America.

  • ( –L– ) ( * SW ) Black Rail, Laterallus jamaicensis found in restricted oceanic coastal areas, Permanent in Lower Colo. R. Valley–LCRV
  • ( * SW ) Clapper Rail, Rallus longirostris same Note, (more common in Summer: (Mar)Apr-Aug(Sep)
  • ( * SW ) Virginia Rail, Rallus limicola Permanent
  • ( SW ) Sora, Porzana carolina See Sora (crake), (–Winter Range–), Least common in Summer: May-(Aug)
  • ( * SW ) Common Moorhen, Gallinula chloropus Permanent (East: Atlantic coast bird)
  • ( * SW ) American Coot, Fulica americana Permanent

[edit] Cranes

Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae /See Crane (bird)
Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking, but unrelated herons– cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". There are 15 species worldwide, and 3 North American species.

  • ( –L– ) ( SW ) Sandhill Crane, Grus canadensis (–Winter Range–)–Southern Ariz

[edit] Lapwings and Plovers

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae /See Lapwing, Plover
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water, although there are some exceptions. There are 66 species world-wide, and 17 North American species. Of the 6 listed species, most are Winter Ranging. The Killdeer is permanent, but less common in late May through early Aug.

[edit] Stilts and Avocets

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and the stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are 9 species world wide, and 3 North American species.

[edit] Sandpipers, Curlews, Stints, Godwits, Snipes, and Phalaropes

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
The Scolopacidae are a large diverse family of small to medium sized shorebirds including the Sandpipers, Curlews, Godwits, Shanks, Tattlers, Woodcocks, Snipes, Dowitchers and Phalaropes. The majority of species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Different lengths of legs and bills enable different species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 86 species world wide, and 65 North American species.

  • ( SW ) Long-billed Curlew, Numenius americanus (Winter migrator, upon grassy expanses, etc.)(The distinguished visitors!)

[edit] Skuas, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds and includes jaegers, skuas, gulls, terns, kittiwakes and skimmers. They are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. There are 108 species world wide, and 54 North American species.

Long-billed
Curlew

California
Gull

Mourning Dove

[edit] Pigeons and Doves

Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. There are 308 species world wide, and 18 North American species.

[edit] Lories, Parakeets, Macaws, and Parrots

Order: Psittaciformes Family: |Psittacidae
Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak shape. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and they have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two back. There are 335 species world wide, and 8 North American species.

  • Thick-billed Parrot Extirpated from SE Ariz Biome, only in Mexico, (Ex)
  • Pet trade: released or escaped individuals, etc are commonly observed.

[edit] Cuckoos, Roadrunners, and Anis

Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. Unlike the cuckoo species of the Old World, North American cuckoos are not brood parasites (see Common Grackle). There are 138 species world wide, and 8 North American species.

[edit] Barn Owls

Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae /See Barn owls(Tytonidae)
Barn owls are medium to large sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There are 16 species world wide, and 1 North American species.

Greater
Roadrunner

Barn Owl

Burrowing Owl

[edit] Typical owls

Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae /See Owl, Typical owl(Strigidae)
Typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a nearly 360-plus degree swivel-neck, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk (?for low night-light focus-reflection). There are 195 species world wide, and 21 North American species.

[edit] Goatsuckers, Nighthawks

Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds with long wings, short legs and very short bills that usually nest on the ground. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is cryptically coloured to resemble bark or leaves. There are 86 species world wide, and 9 North American species. (It is noted under the Nightjar article, that specific species can perch non-perpendicular, or transverse, on a branch, as a higher point of camouflage! See "Evolution" article.)

[edit] Swifts

Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae
The swifts are small aerial birds, spending the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have very long swept–back wings that resemble a crescent or a boomerang. There are 98 species world wide, and 9 North American species.

[edit] Hummingbirds

Order: Trochiliformes Family: Trochilidae /See Hummingbird
Hummingbirds are small birds capable of hovering in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backwards. There are 337 species world wide, and 23 North American species. Hummingbirds in Arizona, range from the mountains to the desert, as well as have wintering–, and summering–ranges–(from S Mexico to the North American Northwest).

  • The following are (C) or (A)

[edit] Trogons, (Quetzals)

Order: Trogoniformes Family: Trogonidae

[edit] Kingfishers

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae /See Kingfisher, Water Kingfisher
Kingfishers are medium sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. There are 94 species world wide, and 3 North American species.

  • ( SW ) Belted Kingfisher, Ceryle alcyon—(Fairly common except in May-Jul)
  • Green Kingfisher, Chloroceryle americana (C) —Casual along the S Arizona/Mexico border–(1988 sightings in the LCRV at same time as first-time breeding in SE Ariz Biome)

[edit] Woodpeckers, Sapsuckers, and Flickers

Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae /See Woodpecker, Sapsucker, and "Flicker", the Northern Flicker
Woodpeckers are small to medium sized birds with chisel like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward, and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks, (or state a pronounced, declared territorial call, while searching in their feeding range: it is obvious that they have arrived, or are passing by in their territory. There are 218 species world wide, and 26 North American species. The 3 permanent breeding species are the Gila, and Ladder-backed Woodpeckers, and the Gilded Flicker.

[edit] Tyrant flycatchers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Tyrannidae
Tyrant flycatchers are Passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust with stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, are rather plain. As the name implies, most are insectivorous. There are 429 species world wide, all found only in the Americas, and 45 North American species.

[edit] Shrikes

Order: Passeriformes Family: Laniidae /See Shrike(Laniidae); Chapparal
Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns, (creating a Larder to attract a female). A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey. There are 31 species world wide, and 3 North American species. . The Loggerhead Shrike is extremely abundant in the low desert/ chapparal environment.

[edit] Vireos

Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
The vireos are a group of small to medium sized passerine birds restricted to the New World. They are typically greenish in colour and resemble wood warblers apart from their heavier bills. There are 52 species world wide, and 16 North American species.

[edit] Jays, Crows, Magpies, and Ravens

Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The Corvidae family includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size for the bird order Passeriformes. Some of the larger species show levels of learned behavior of a high degree. There are 120 species world wide, and 21 North American species.

[edit] Larks

Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights, zigzagging flocks ! ? 14-40 individuals). Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. There are 91 species world wide, and 2 North American species.

  • ( * SW ) Horned Lark, Eremophila alpestris (winter, migrating SE-ward)
  • Skylark, Alauda arvensis

Horned Lark

Violet-green
Swallow

[edit] Swallows and Martins

Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The Hirundinidae family is a group of passerines characterised by their adaptation to aerial feeding. Their adaptations include a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and short bills with wide gape. The feet are designed for perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 75 species world wide, and 14 North American species.

[edit] Chickadees and Titmice

Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae /See Chickadee(Titmouse)
The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects. There are 59 species world wide, and 12 North American species.

[edit] Bushtits

Order: Passeriformes Family: Aegithalidae
Long-tailed tits are a group of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They make woven bag nests in trees. Most eat a mixed diet that includes insects. There are 9 species world wide, and 1 North American species.

[edit] Nuthatches

Order: Passeriformes Family: Sittidae
Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head–first, unlike other birds which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails and powerful bills and feet. There are 24 species world wide, and 4 North American species.

[edit] Treecreepers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Certhiidae /See Treecreeper
Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees. There are 6 species world wide, and 1 North American species.

  • ( –L– ) ( SW ) Brown Creeper, Certhia americana, Permanent in 1–NE, E Ariz Mtns, 2–SE Ariz Biome, Winter: not seen (Apr)May-Sep

[edit] Wrens

Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae /See Wren(Troglodytidae)
Wrens are small and inconspicuous birds, except for their (almost)loud songs, (? the size of the bird limits their loudness). They have short wings and a thin down-turned bill. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. (The Cactus Wren is a larger bird of the group.) There are 79 species world wide, and 9 North American species.

  • ( * SW ) Cactus Wren, Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
  • ( * SW ) Rock Wren, Salpinctes obsoletus (An avid ground searcher, amidst ground tumble(rocks, etc).)
  • ( –L– ) ( * SW ) Canyon Wren, Catherpes mexicanus
  • ( * SW ) Bewick's Wren, Thryomanes bewickii
  • ( * SW ) Marsh Wren, Cistothorus palustris

[edit] Dippers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Cinclidae /See Dipper
The American Dipper ranges from Alaska to Mexico in mountain streams. It is permanent at the Colorado River, in the Grand Canyon and has been observed in the N Lower Colorado River Valley.

[edit] Kinglets

Order: Passeriformes Family: Regulidae /See Kinglet
The kinglets are a small family of birds which resemble the titmice. They are very small insectivorous birds in the genus Regulus. The adults have coloured crowns, giving rise to their name. There are 5 species world wide, and 2 North American species. Both North American species reside permanently in the mountains of E Arizona.

  • Golden-crowned Kinglet, Regulus satrapa, Permanent and (–Summer Range–)–Mtns of E Ariz, Rare, but consistent visits: Oct-Dec(Feb)(Mar)
  • ( SW ) Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Regulus calendula, Permanent and (–Summer Range–)–Mtns of E Ariz, (Sep)Oct-Apr(May)

Rock Wren
Salpinctes obsoletus

Golden-crowned Kinglet
Regulus satrapa

Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Regulus calendula

[edit] Old World warblers and Gnatcatchers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Sylviidae
The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. The Sylviidae mainly occur as a singing species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs. There are about 300 species world wide, and 12 North American Species.

[edit] Thrushes

Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The Thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly but not exclusively in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. There are 335 species world wide, and 28 North American species.

Cactus Wren

Mountain
Bluebird

Northern
Mockingbird

[edit] Mockingbirds and Thrashers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Mimidae
The Mimids are a family of passerine birds that includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers, and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalization, especially their remarkable ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. The species tend towards dull grays, blacks, and browns in their appearance. There are 35 species world wide, and 13 North American species, and ?4 permanent SW-Arizona resident species.

The Northern Mockingbird has been extending its range, low desert, mountain foothills, North, and East of Yuma, as the cities to the East of Yuma have been developing, (?)since 1995. They sing in the same distinctive manner, and have the same arboreal displays, but their plumage is more pronounced, with darker Blacks, and darker Grays (? to contrast with Brite White). The arboreal display is energetic(? and territorial), and consists of vertical climbs and falls, above a (choice, selected)tree perch. (In the last 2 years, some of 2004, 2005, the huge influx N into the foothills, and desert grasslands, are much greyer birds, much like the city birds.)
  • Gray Catbird, Dumetella carolinensis, --(Only local in Northern White Mtns and north-east-ward.)
  • ( * SW ) Northern Mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos, --Permanent (now in desert locales)
  • ( SW ) Sage Thrasher, Oreoscoptes montanus, –Winter Range/Resident–
  • Bendire's Thrasher, Toxostoma bendirei, --[Permanet: SE Ariz Biome] (–Summer Ranging–N. of Yuma County, etc in Az.)
  • Curve-billed Thrasher, Toxostoma curvirostre, --Permanent E. and NE of Yuma County
  • California Thrasher, Toxostoma redivivum, --a vagrant from Southern Calif.(?)
  • ( * SW ) Crissal Thrasher, Toxostoma crissale, ---(Permanent from Colo R./Calif. border, the deserts, and S into Mex (W. and Central), from S. New Mexico(USA) Southward. Permanent like the Quail, no seasonal–Ranging.)
  • ( SW ) Le Conte's Thrasher, Toxostoma lecontei, ---Permanent, and local, in hot, lower, deserts: (very S. Colorado Des.(S. Calif.), Pacific locales in Baja Calif Sur, and SW Ariz (and very N. Mexico); no seasonal–Ranging.)(3rd locale: the Carrizo Plain and valley, N of Los Angeles, in the Coastal Ranges)

[edit] Starlings

Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized passerines with strong feet. Their flight is strong and direct, and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country, (occasionally seen in open desert, semi-grassland), and they eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen. There are 125 species world wide, and 3 North American species.

  • ( * SW ) European Starling, Sturnus vulgaris (I) (also: solitary, or paired low desert(grassland) travellers)

[edit] Wagtails and Pipits

Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
The Motacillidae are a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. There are 54 species world wide, and 11 North American species.

[edit] Waxwings

Order: Passeriformes Family: Bombycillidae /See Waxwing
The waxwings are a group of passerine birds characterised by soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and Cedar Waxwings, these tips look like sealing wax, and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter. There are 3 species world wide, and 2 North American species.

  • Bohemian Waxwing, Bombycilla garrulus (C) or (A) Winter ranges into N Nev, N Utah, N Colo; observed in Lower Colo. R. Valley–Jan,Feb,Mar
  • ( SW ) Cedar Waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum (–Winter Range/Resident–)

[edit] Silky-flycatchers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Ptilogonatidae /See Silky-flycatcher
The silky-flycatchers are a small family of passerine birds which occur mainly in Central America, although the range of one species extends to Central California(San Joaquin Valley), and much of the SW deserts and mountains. They are related to waxwings, and like that group have a soft silky plumage, usually grey or pale yellow in colour. They have small crests. There are 4 New World (Americas) species, and 3 North American species.

[edit] Wood-warblers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Parulidae /See: Warbler, New World warbler(Wood-warblers); also Old World warblers.)
The Wood Warblers are a group of small often colourful passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some like ? are more terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores. There are 119 species world wide, and 57 North American species. Half of the listed warblers are Accidental, or Casual visitants.

[edit] Bananaquit

Order: Passeriformes Family: Coerebidae
The Bananaquit is a small passerine bird. It has a slender, curved bill, adapted to taking nectar from flowers and is the only member of the genus Coereba (Vieillot, 1809) and the family Coerebidae. The Bananaquit can be found in southern Mexico and is only occasional in the USA.

[edit] Tanagers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Thraupidae /See Tanager
The tanagers are a large group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World, mainly in the tropics. Many species are brightly coloured. They are seedeaters, but their preference tends towards fruit and nectar. Most have short, rounded wings. There are 256 species world wide, and 6 North American species.

[edit] American sparrows, Towhees, Juncos, and Longspurs

Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae
The Emberizidae are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named as Buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as Sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns. There are 275 species world wide, and 60 North American species. Note: 29 species are listed for SW Arizona; about 1/3 to 1/2 range into the SW, about 1/3 are common to the SE Ariz Biome, and the other 1/3, are mountainous, or Mexican–ranging, or range north, or west to California, but all have SW Arizona in, or adjacent, in the Range Maps.

Abert's Towhee
Pipilo aberti

Chipping Sparrow
Spizella passerina

Vesper Sparrow
Pooecetes gramineus
  • Chipping Sparrow, Spizella passerina, ---(–Winter Range–) (see: Range Maps)
  • Brewer's Sparrow, Spizella breweri, ---(–Winter Range–)
  • ( SW ) Black-chinned Sparrow, Spizella atrogularis (C)
  • Vesper Sparrow, Pooecetes gramineus, ---(–Winter Range–)
  • ( * SW ) Lark Sparrow, Chondestes grammacus, -- 1-(–Winter Range–), and 2-Permanent
  • ( * SW ) Black-throated Sparrow, Amphispiza bilineata ---(Summer: an intense ground searcher, in small highly energized groups–also seeking water.)
    • Only Abert's Towhee, Lark Sparrow, and Song Sparrow, and the Black-throated Sparrow are summer residents.
  • Sage Sparrow, Amphispiza belli, ---(–Winter Range–)
  • Lark Bunting, Calamospiza melanocorys, ---SE Ariz Biome, (–Winter Range–)
  • Savannah Sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis, ---(–Winter Range–)
  • ( SW ) Grasshopper Sparrow, Ammodramus savannarum, ---(–Winter Range–): Ariz-Mex Border, N Mexico and Baja Calif. Norte

Song Sparrow
Melospiza melodia

Dark-eyed Junco
Junco hyemalis

Chestnut-collared
Longspur
Calcarius ornatus

[edit] Cardinals, Saltators, and Grosbeaks

Order: Passeriformes Family: Cardinalidae
The Cardinals are a family of passerine birds that are robust, seed-eating birds, with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages. There are 43 species world wide, and 13 North American species.

[edit] Icterids

Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteridae
The Icterids are a group of small to medium, often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World, and include: the grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. Most species have black as a predominant plumage color, often enlivened by yellow, orange or red. There are 98 species world wide, and 25 North American species. The 11 listed Icterids, are mostly common, and breeding species in the Lower Colo. Riv. Valley(LCRV).

[edit] Fringilline Finches, Cardueline Finches, and Allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae/ See Finch(Fringillidae), Carduelis
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have 12 tail feathers and 9 primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. There are 137 species world wide, and ?20 North American species. The 9 listed Finches and allies, are mostly Winter Residents, or Permanent.

Lesser Goldfinch
Carduelis psaltria

American Goldfinch
Carduelis tristis

House Sparrow
Passer domesticus

[edit] Old World sparrows

Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae Old World sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small plump brownish or greyish birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed-eaters, but they also climb, and chase and consume small insects. There are 35 species world wide, and 2 North American species. The House Sparrow is overly common in SW Arizona.

  • ( * SW ) House Sparrow, Passer domesticus– (I)
  • Tree Sparrow, Passer montanus, ("Eurasian Tree Sparrow"), (Illinois and Missouri)– (I)

[edit] Legend

[edit] Legend/2

[edit] See

[edit] See also

[edit] References


[edit] Baja pic/Colorado outflow

Baja California (highlighted); Clockwise: Salton Sea, Death Valley, the Colo. R. Valley, the NE, Four Corners–plain, and S into the Colorado R: the N: Bill Williams River & canyons, the Kofa Mountains, + Wilderness Reserve, and the S: Gila R. Valley/floodplain.
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