Birds

Photography © Paul Martinez

Birds of the Desert

Though often overlooked in arid environments, birds are one of the desert’s most diverse and dynamic inhabitants. From year-round residents to seasonal migrants, these winged creatures bring life to the skies, washes, and rocky outcrops of the desert landscape.

Adapted for Extremes

Desert birds have evolved a wide range of adaptations to thrive in environments where water is scarce and temperatures can swing dramatically. Some reduce water loss through highly efficient kidneys, while others are active only in the cooler hours of dawn and dusk. Many rely on a diet of seeds, insects, or nectar, obtaining most of their water through food.

Birds also make use of the desert's varied terrain—nesting in rock crevices, burrows, cacti, and even human structures.

A Stop Along the Flyway

The region lies within the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory route used by birds traveling between North and South America. During spring and fall, the desert becomes a temporary home for a wide range of species resting and refueling during their long journeys. This makes the area especially rich in avian life during transitional seasons.

Listen, Look, Learn

Birdwatchers can encounter everything from the ground-darting greater roadrunner to the hovering American kestrel, the melodic cactus wren, or the haunting call of a great horned owl at dusk. Some are shy and well-camouflaged; others are bold, noisy, and strikingly colorful.

With patience and a keen eye—or ear—you’ll discover that the desert sky is far from silent.