1. Gambel’s Quail – Callipepla gambelii
Very common in dry rarified prickly thickets, gardens, dry wash woods and in waste grounds of Tucson and metropolis. Usually in groups from 6 to 12 individuals. In parks come to people, willingly eat dropped for them dry food. Recorded in Old Tucson Studio (10/19/2009) – 12 individuals in a group, Sabina Canyon (10/22/2009) – 12 individuals in a group, Buenos Aires (11/02/2009) – 10 individuals in a group.
2. Wild Turkey – Meleagris gallopavo
Mexican subspecies recorded in Ramsey and Ash Canyons (10/31-11/01/2009). Come to human to 3-4 m eliciting for food. Lonely birds as well as groups till 15 individuals of young this year birds are recorded on the Ash Canyon feeding ground.
3. Great Blue Heron – Ardea herodias
Single birds were seen twice: flying above a creek in pine Kaibab National Forest on the way from Williams to Tusayan, 10/24/2009 and in grass wetland in Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge: 11/02/2009.
4. Turkey Volture – Cathartes aura
One record of soaring bird was done near by Tumacacori 1102/2009.
5. Northern Harrier – Circus cyaneus
One bird has been seen in low flight above grass wetland in Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge: 11/02/2009.
6. Cooper’s Hawk – Accipiter cooperii
Apparently, common in dry rarefied prickly thickets in Tucson and surround. Sit on poles, fly above prairies. Was trustworthy identified in dry to the South of Tucson. Pena Blanka Lake Area 11/02/2009. Catch Scott’s Oriole on the way to Patagonia 11/02/2009.
7. Red-tailed Hawk – Buteo jamaicensis
Quite common bird in open country. Usually sit on poles and trees along highway in the morning and in the evening. Soap in a day time. Recorded in East Saquaro National Park 10/27/2009 and everywhere to the South of Tucson.
8. American Kestrel – Falco sparverius
Couple recorded in East Saquaro National Park 10/27/2009. Quite common species to the South and Southeast of Tucson: was met in Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve 11/01/2009 and in Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge: 11/02/2009.
9. Rock Pigeon – Columba livia
Common species in towns and settlements. Can be seen in small groups from 2 to 6 birds and in flocks till 80 individuals as well (11.01.2009).
10. Eurasian Collared Dove – Streptopelia decaocto
Couples were mentioned in Tucson metropolis sitting on parallels and poles. Pair in Patagonia.
11. White-winged Dove – Zenaida asiatica
Common species in settlements and recreation areas. Recorded in Bisbee and dry Pena Blanka Lake vicinity. Less in number in compare with Mouring Dove.
12. Mouring Dove – Zenaida macroura
The most common dove of towns and recreation areas. More often have been seen in groups from 2 to 6 individuals, but 80 birds were recorded in one flock in dry Pena Blanka Lake bank in fallen trees.
13. Inka Dove – Columbina inca
Not numerous. Single individuals were recorded in Tumacarori (10/18/2009), in San Pedro River (10/22/2009), in KOA campground (10/24/2009), in Pena Blanka Lake. The bird’s size is smaller then two previous species.
14. Greater Roadrunner – Goecoccus californianus
Common species as in Tucson metropolis as in bushes and rarefied forests of recreation areas.
15. Anna’s Hummingbird – Calypte anna
Common in Tucson everywhere, noted in Bisbee (10/21/2009), in San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (10/22/2009) and in Ash Canyon (10/31 and 11/01/2009).
16. Acorn Woodpeacker – Melanerpes formicivorus
Apparently, common in low part of Ramsey canyon (10/31/2009).
17. Gila Woodpecker – Melanerpes uropigialis
The most common woodpecker, was seen everywhere in Tucson, in San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (10/22/2009), Catalina State Park (10/30/2009), in Patagonia – Sonoita Creek Reserve (11/01/2009).
18. Red-napped Sapsucker – Sphirapicus nuchalis
Was seen in Bisbee (10/22/2009), Ramsey Canyon (10/31/2009), Ash canyon (11/01/2009), Peno Blanca Lake (11/02/2009).
19. Ladder-backed Woodpecker – Picoides scalaris
Was seen in Catalina State Park (10/30/2009) and in Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, where hollowed reeds (11/02/2009).
20. Northern Flicker – Colaptes auratus
Was seen in oak wood of Ramsey Canyon (10/30/2009) and in Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge (11/02/2009).
21. Hammond’s Flycatcher – Empidonax hammondii
One bird have been seen in low part of Ramsey Canyon (10/31/2009) near the creek in the wood with oak domination.
22. Black Phoebe – Sayornis nigricans
Mentioned twice in similar habitats: in dry wash woodlands - in San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (10/22/2009) and in Arivaca Creek valley of Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge (11/02/2009).
23. Say’s Phoebe – Sayornis saya
Quite common species in gardens and parks of Tucson. Was met in Mesquite trees (Prosopis velutina): Old Tucson Studio (10/19/2009), Buenos Aires wildlife Refuge (11/02/2009).
24. Ash-throated Flycatcher – Myiarchus cinerascens
Single birds were mentioned twice: in Tucson Botanical Gardens (10/22/2009), sitting on dry up going tree’s branch, and in Eastern metropolis (10/29/2009), warming on sunshine in berry’s bush early in the morning.
25. Loggerhead Shrike – Lanius ludovicianus
Single birds were mentioned twice in dry habitats: on Mesquite tree (Prosopis velutina) in Catalina State Park (10/30/2009) and in oak tree near the road to Pena Blanca Lake (11/02/2009).
26. Steller’s Jay – Cyanocitta stellery
Has been common species in dry pine forest – KOA campground (10/24/2009).
27. Western Scrub Jay - Aphelocoma californica
Was seen in Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon: (10/23/2009), Grand Canyon (10/25/2009) and on Catalina foothills/Biospharae-2 (10/29/2009). Visual, common bird.
28. Mexican Jay – Aphelocoma ultramarine
Common species in south counties of Arizona. Habits in dry oak woodlands: Ramsey Canyon (10/31/2009) – birds were picking up acorns from oaks, Ash canyon (11/01/2009) – birds dominated on feeding site.
29. American Crow – Corvus brachyrhynchos
Common, but not numerous species, have been seen everywhere: often along roads, in anthropogenic landscapes, in light dry forests. Keep in isolated couples, the maximum flocks were seing – 4 individuals – in Tusayan town and in Patagonia town.
30. Common Raven – Corvus corax
Common, wide spread species as well as American Crow. Perhaps, even more numerous then American Crow, especially on the Grand Canyon South Rim. Encloses all possible habitats – from mountain oak woods to plain deserts and towns, 8 individuals were met in Patagonia town (11/01/2009).
31. Mountain Chickadee – Poecile gambeli
Single bird was mentioned in dry pine forest in KOA campground (10/24/2009).
32. Bridlet Titmouse – Bacolophus wollweberi
Single birds were met in mountain oak wood of Ash Canyon (11/01/2009), in wash forest of Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Reserve (11/01/2009) and in Buenos Aires Wildlife Refuge (11/02/2009).
33. Verdin – Auriparus flaviceps
One individual was seen in Catalina foothills/Biosphaerae-2 on the tree trunk (10/29/2009) and another one in Catalina State Park on Mesquite tree (10/30/2009).
34. Bushtit – Psaltriparus minimus
A flock from about 15 birds was meet in the fir wood on the South Rim of Grand Canyon (10/24/2009).
35. White-breasted Nutatch – Sitta carolinensis
By one individuals were meet in San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area on a feeder (10/21/2009), in dry pine forest close to Tusayan town (10/25/20090) and in Ash Canyon on a feeder (10/31/2009).
36. Pygny Nutatch – Sitta pygmaea
A flock of 6 birds was seen feeding on cones and branch’s tops of pine trees in KOA campground (10/24/2009). I was surprised by their feeding manner and gregariousness. A single bird was meet in dry pine forest close to Tusayan town (10/25/2009).
37. Brown Creeper – Certhia Americana
One record of one bird in Ramsey Canyon in oak forest (10/31/2009).
38. Cactus Wren – Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
Common, well visual bird in Tucson metropolis and desert light thickets with Saquaro cactus domination, doesn’t escape anthropogenic landscape. 10/22/2009 in Sabina Canyon I watched the nest building process. Prickly Pear’s barbs from the floor were used as a nest material. The nest cap was creating in a junction of Cholla cactus branches on about 1,1 m hight.
39. Rock Wren – Salpinctes obsoletus
One individual was met in Eastern Saquaro Park 10/27/2009.
40. Canyon Wren – Catherpes mexicanus
Was met in Ramsey Canyon in oak wood in the middle part of the main trail 10/31/2009.
41. Sinaloa Wren – Thyothorus sinaloa
2 individuals 11/01/2009 – in Patagonia in reed thickets along Sonoita Creek. By the oral message of Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve volunteer this species appeared in the area just in spring 2009, a few males arrived only, they singed and build the nests, but no one female came. Additionally I saw 2 individuals of Sinaloa Wren in analogical habitat – reed and fallen dry trees - in Buenos Aires Natural Wildlife Refuge 11/02/2009.
42. House Wren – Troglodytes aedon
By one individuals were seen in Bisbee – 10/21/2009, in Sedona – 10/23/2009 and in Peno Blanka Lake vicinity – 11/02/2009. Always in boulders.
43. Marsh Wren – Cistothorus palustris
Single bird was mentioned in wet reed grassland in Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge 11/02/2009.
44.Ruby-crowed kinglet – Regulus calendula
One singing bird was registed and identified by noise in coniferous wood in Bisbee in the morning 10/21/2009.
45.Western Bluebird – Sialia Mexicana
A couple was met in Sedona National Park 10/23/2009 and 4 birds flying in Ash Canyon 11/01/2009.
46.Mountain Bluebird – Sialia currocoides
A couple was met in Sedona National Park 10/23/2009 and 6 birds flying in Grand Canyon 10/24/2009.
47.Hermit Thrush – Catharus guttatus
One individual feeding on the floor in dry Mesquite trees thickets in Catalina State Park 10/30/2009 and one individual feeding on the floor as well in dark mountain oak forest in Ramsey Canyon 10/31/2009 . Shy, cryptic, barely visible bird.
48. American Robin – Turdus migratotius
Single bird was seen on an oak in mountain forest in Ramsey canyon 10/31/2009.
49. Northern Mockingbird – Mirmus poliglottos
Single birds were seen everywhere in gardens and parks of Tucson. Keeps shadow habitats near by water sources.
50. Curve-billed Thrasher – Toxostoma aurvirostre
Commom in Tucson metropolis, Old Tucson Studio (10/19/2009), Ash Canyon (10/31/2009).
51. European Starling – Sturnus vulgaris
Common bird in Tucson, Tusayan towns. Well visible early in the morning sitting on parallels and antennas in small flocks till 6 birds. 10/25/2009 – in Tusayan for example.
52. Phainopepla – Phainopepla nitens
Typical bird in arid light Mesquite and cactuses woods. Not numerous, single. 10/18/2009 – Tumacacori, 10/19/2009 – Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
53.Yellow-rumped Warbler – Dendrioca coronate
Small flocks were regular mentioned: 10/15/2009 and 10/17/2009 in Tucson, 10/31/2009 – in Ash canyon, 11/02/2009 – in Coronado National Forest and Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge.
54. Canyon Towhee – Pipilo fusus
Was seen in Catalina State Park 10/30/2009 and in Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Reserve 11/01/2009 by single birds.
55. Abert’s Towhee – Pipilo aberti
Common in arid areas. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum – 10/19/2009 one bird.
56. Chipping Sparrow – Spizella passerine
Quite common: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum 10/19/2009, Ash Canyon 11/01/2009, Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge 11/02/2009 – where was very common in dry tall weeds. Usually in groups of 5-6 birds.
57. Black-throated Sparrow – Amphispiza bilineata
Flocks to 5-6 birds mentioned in Tombstone (on the grave yard) 10/20/2009 and East Saguaro Park 10/27/2009.
58. White-crowned Sparrow – Zonotrichia leucoph
In flocks from 10 to 25 individuals: Tumacocori and Tubac 10/18/2009, Patagonia- Sonoita Creek Preserve 11/01/2009.
59. Dark-eyed Junco – Junco hyemalis
In flocks to 10-12 birds. Both subspecies – Oregon and Grey-headed were met in join groups: Sedona 10/23/2009, KOA campground 10/24/2009, Grand Canyon 10/26/2009, Ramsey Canyon 10/31/2009, Miller Canyon 10/31/2009, Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve 11/01/2009.
60. Yellow-eyed Junco – Junco phaeonotus
One individual was seen on the floor in oak forest in Ramsey Canyon on the border with Coronado National Forest.
61. Northern Cardinal – Cardinalis cardinalis
Single birds were seen in Old Tucson Studio in Mesquite tree crown 10/19/2009 and in Catalina State Park 10/30/2009. Couples – in dry bushy brakes in Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve 11/01/2009 and in Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge 11/02/2009.
62. Pyrrhuloxia – Cardinalis sinuatus
One individual was recorded in in Old Tucson Studio in Mesquite tree crown 10/19/2009, by couples – in Sabina Canion 10/22/2009 and in Ash Canyon 11/01/2009.
63. Western Meadowlark – Sturnella neglecta
Flock from about 20 birds was met in the evening in grasslands close to Huachuca Mountains 10/31/2009.
64. Brewer’s Blackbird – Euphagus cyanocephalus
Single bird was recorded 10/15/2009 in wet garden in Tucson metropolis.
65. Common Grackle – Quiscalus quiscula
Common species in Tucson town. Keeps in small groups, creates join groups with Great-tailed Grackle.
66. Great-tailed Grackle – Quiscalus mexicanus
Common species in Tucson town. Keep in small groups, seats on rabish bins and standing cars, trained to feeding by human, joins Common Grackle’s groups.
67. Scott’s Oriole – Icterus parisorum
One male was met 11/02/2009 in Pena Blanka Lake vicinity. One bird was catch by Cooper’s Hawk on the near-road tree on the way from Tumacocori to Buenos Aires 11/02/2009.
68. House Finch – Carpodacus mexicanus
The most common city/s species – recorded in Tucson, Bisbee, Tusayan. Dominated in the bird’s population on feeders – San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area 10/22/2009, Ash Canyon 10/31/2009.
69. Red Crossbill – Loia curvirotra
One bird (yellow color) was seen on the top of pine tree in Tusayan town (Grand Canyon vicinity) 10/25/2009.
70. Lesser Goldfinch – Carduelis psaltria
Perhaps, the most common species in towns and recreation areas – Tucson, Tumacocori (10/18/2009), Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (10/19/2009), Bisbee (10/21/2009), Ash canyon (10/31/2009). Drinks water from fountains.
71. American Goldfinch – Carduelis tristis
Was met once in Tohono Chul Park 10/16/2009 on a feeder 6 birds.
72. House Sparrow – Passer domesticus
Small flocks were mentioned in Tucson and Bisbee. Pure town’s bird.In Old Tucson Studio the join group of about 30 House Sparrows and a few Chipping Sparrows was seen 10/19/2009.
It was my first visit to the United States. Bird watching is as a sport: then more – then better. So I tried to evaluate my Arizona’s achievement in numbers. Look at the conclusion gave me a sad picture. I need to travel and see more… But from other side, only 7 species I saw before in Eurasia – Northern Harrier, Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared Dove, Common Raven, European Starling, Red Crossbill and House sparrow, the rest 65 are completely new for me. Not bad for three weeks journey.
All the comments regarding bird’s species or my English grammar are very welcome. Please, contact with author: baskakova2008@mail.ru or
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