Arizona BirdingArizona is an optimal state for Arizona birding. With over 300 plus days of constant sunshine, you have plenty of opportunities to be singing alongside with the birds! Ducks, roadrunners, hawks, hummingbirds, eagles, owls, quails, and of course, the Arizona state bird, the Cactus Wren, are just several of the hundreds of birds that can be discovered in Arizona. Arizona's state bird, the Cactus Wren, is seven to eight inches long and it likes to build nests in thorny desert plants that help protect its nest. It is common for the Wren to build a nest in the arms of a Saguaro Cactus. I found it interesting to learn that this bird actually will build many nests but it will live only in one. The rest of its nest are simply decoys. The Cactus Wren, also known as Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus was named back in 1931. Arizona later adopted the Cactus Wren as its state bird in 1973. The name actually means curved beak. The Cactus Wren is the largest Wren that exists in North America. I have personally seen The Cactus Wren many times where I live in Arizona as it tends to let those nearby that it is present, including my cat. These Wrens do not disguise their presence, either as they are quite noisy. If they happen to be building a nest, they will surely let you know that they do not appreciate your presence with what some believe sounds like screaming. There is an organization known as the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory (SABO) that provides Arizona birdwatching fans with a guide to some of the Arizona hot spots. This service is offered to the community and is sponsored by SABO's members and donors. If you find this information useful, you will have the opportunity to become a member. If you prefer, you can just make a donation to help this organization continue its services. If you would like to learn where some of these hot spots are located or would like to learn more about this organization, you can find it at the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory. Cactus wrens measure approximately 7-9 inches in length and can be found at elevations below 4,000 in elevation. I can attest to the fact that they are quite common in populated areas as I constantly see them in my backyard among the trees that it seems to love. I really enjoy watching them and look forward to seeing them every day. Not being a native of the desert southwest, I am constantly surprised with the many different birds that reside in this beautiful state. I particularly love seeing the roadrunners and the eagles. I have seen many roadrunners here in Arizona, but I have only seen a few eagles. I was able to see the eagles in the northern part of the state where they are more common. If you would like to learn more about more birds that make AZ their home as well as other animals and fish, along with hunting information including permit information, see the
Arizona Department of Game and Fish.
To Return From Arizona Birding to Home Page
|
