The rugged fault-block range that makes up the Chiricahua Mountains in southeast Arizona is home to a wide variety of birds, partially because of the many different habitats that the mountains encompass. From deep canyons to grasslands to the high-elevation sky-islands, Chiricahua has a variety of places for birds to make their homes. And there are numerous species that just stop by on their way to somewhere else.

The region is especially famous for the variety of hummingbirds that can be found here. Look for the Blue-throated Hummingbird, the Magnificent Hummingbird, and the Black-chinned Hummingbird when you visit. More hummingbird species are found in southeastern Arizona mountain canyons than in any other place in the United States.

Some people believe that nighttime is the best time to go birding in this area, because of the owls and nightjars that can be found. More than a dozen species of owls, including the Western Screech-Owl, the Whiskered Screech-Owl, the Great Horned Owl, the Flammulated Owl and the Elf Owl, have been spotted at Chiricahua. Birders may also spot the rare Buff-collared Nightjar and the Common Poorwill.

Bird Habitats

Riparian Deciduous: This limited area in Siphon Canyon and Apache Spring enjoys the decoration of Arizona walnut, netleaf hackberry, velvet ash, mesquite, and desert willow. Although merely a trickle at times, Apache Spring is a reliable water source. Some breeding birds are White-winged Dove, Elf Owl, Crissal Thrasher, Phainopepla, Lucy's Warbler, Northern Cardinal, Pyrrhuloxia, and Hooded Oriole.

Riparian Forest: Within Chiricahua National Monument are intermittent streams, such as Bonita and Rhyolite, lined with a mixed canopy of Arizona walnut, Fremont cottonwood, velvet ash, Arizona cypress, and several oaks including Emory, silverleaf and netleaf. A few perennial springs are found within the boundary. Typical breeding birds in this area consist of Cooper's Hawk, Western Screech-Owl, Whip-poor-will, Blue-throated Hummingbird, Magnificent Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Western Wood-Pewee, Dusky-capped and Sulphur-bellied Flycatchers, Cassin's Kingbird, Gray-breasted Jay, Bridled Titmouse, Bushtit, White-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, Solitary Vireo, Black-throated Warbler, Painted Redstart, Hepatic Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bronzed and Brown-headed Cowbirds, and Northern Oriole.

Desert Grassland: A mix of grasslands and small shrubs occur in the surrounding areas of Fort Bowie and lower Bonita Canyon in the Chiricahua National Monument. Breeding birds include Red-tailed Hawk, Scaled Quail, Common Poorwill, Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Say's Phoebe, Western Kingbird, Northern Mockingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Lark and Black-throated Sparrows, Eastern Meadowlark, and Scott's Oriole.

Oak Woodland (Encinal): These grassy, low-elevation areas in Fort Bowie merge with pinyon, junipers, and several oaks to form an ecotone similar to a savanna. Typical breeding birds are Montezuma Quail, Strickland's Woodpecker, Gray-breasted Jay, Bridled Titmouse, Hutton's Vireo, Black-throated Gray Warbler, and Rufous-crowned Sparrow.

Chaparral: The steep slopes of innumerable exposed cliff faces of Chiricahua National Monument are clothed with one-seed juniper, mountain mahogany, and pointleaf manzanita. Birds of the chaparral include Scrub Jay, Rock Wren, Rufous-sided Towhee, and Black-chinned Sparrow.

Madrean Woodland: Mid-elevation woodlands of Chiricahua National Monument are dominated by Mexican pinyon, Arizona oak, netleaf oak, silverleaf oak, Chihuahua and Apache pines, Arizona madrone, and alligator juniper. Breeding birds include Whiskered Screech-Owl, Acorn Woodpecker, Gray-breasted Jay, Bridled Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Bewick's Wren, Vlrginia's and Black-throated Gray Warblers.

Coniferous Forest: The dominant trees in the upper elevations of Chiricahua National Monument include Arizona pine, southwestern white pine, Douglas fir, and Gambel oak. Typical breeding birds are Band-tailed Pigeon, Northern Flicker, Steller's Jay, Mexican Chickadee, Pygmy Nuthatch, Solitary Vlreo, Grace's Warbler, Redfaced Warbler, Olive Warbler, and Yellow-eyed Junco.

Wildlife Viewing

The prime-time for viewing animals in Chiricahua National Monument is when the sun begins to go down. Out of 70 animals commonly seen in the monument, 50 of them are active only at night or dusk. To see the bats, rodents, foxes, and bears that live here, you should walk quietly and sit often, becoming a part of your surroundings. If you're lucky, you might also spot a big cat, like a Bobcat or Mountain Lion.

The desert shrew is one of the more difficult animals to spot. It is very small, appearing something like a mouse with a long, pointed nose.

Numerous species of bat are common throughout the monument. They may be found flying at dusk and at night and are very common at the springs. Bats can easily be distinguished from birds by their quick erratic flight, but it is difficult to identify the different species. During the day, you may spot them haning from twigs, in hollow trees, or in cracks in rocks or caves.

Hares and rabbits may be seen during the day when flushed out from under a bush. The Blacktail Jackrabbit, the Desert Cottontail, and the Eastern Cottontail can be found here.

The cliff chipmunk and rock squirrel are very common in the campground. The Chricahua Fox Squirrel is often found in canyon bottoms in a pine or cypress tree. Two ground squirrels, the Spotted Ground Squirrel and Harris' Antelope Squirrel, can be found in low country west of the monument.

Pocket Mice and Kangaroo Rats may be found at low elevations in mesquite and grass areas in the northwest and southwest corners of the monument and west of it. Kangaroo rats are quite distinctive. Look for their burrows and tracks under the mesquite.

Scenic Driving

Climbing gradually through oak-juniper and pine forests, Bonita Canyon Drive winds 8 miles to the mountains' crest and Massai Point. The overlook gives commanding views of the park, desert valleys beyond, and the landmark peaks of Sugarloaf Mountain and Cochise Head. As you drive back, stop at the roadside pullouts to see rock formations, other geologic features, and exhibits.