Birds Common to Maricopa County, Arizona
Every spring, the deserts and cities of Maricopa County, Arizona, are inundated with a wide variety of birds. Many are songbirds well-known for their distinctive calls. Some remain in the region year round, while others migrate there. Their habitats range from desert slopes and mountainsides to urban dwellings. Five species in particular are quite ubiquitous and well-known to avid birdwatchers.
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Rock Wren
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The rock wren is one of the most common birds found in the Sonoran Desert in Maricopa County. They are year-round inhabitants found along the desert's rocky slopes. They enjoy a diet of insects and spiders. The bird is brown-gray in color, which mimics its habitat, and features a pale eye-stripe. It's about 15 cm in size. The rock wren's call is a loud trill, which it uses to announce its territory.
House Finch
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The house finch is a common bird not just in myriad habitats around Maricopa County, but throughout North America as well. In the Sonoran desert, they can be found on mountain slopes and along washes. They enjoy a diet of seed and consequently often are seen in Phoenix, where they are attracted to bird feeders. However, they are vulnerable to infectious diseases that can be transmitted through bird feeders and bird baths. Bird lovers should make sure their bird baths and feeders are kept well cleaned.
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Curved-Bill Thrasher
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The curved-bill thrasher is a desert songbird well renowned for its "singing voice." It thrives on a diet of insects, grubs and small lizards, which it catches with its heavy, curved beak. This thrasher also will dine on fruit, including wolfberries and saguaros. It is noted for its distinctive yellow eyes.
Black-throated Sparrow
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The little black-throated sparrow also is noted for its beautiful singing. It is common throughout the southwestern United States. Its characteristics are distinguished by a jet-black throat and two contrasting white facial stripes along with a conical beak that is ideal for seed cracking. They are common visitors to bird feeders. However, once it has a nest full of baby birds to feed, it will begin to gather insects.
Verdin
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These tiny birds are quite common around Maricopa County and can be found in the desert areas throughout the year. They are pale gray in color with a bit of yellow on the face and dark red on the shoulder, and sport a fine-point bill. In cities like Phoenix, they often are seen foraging for insects and have been known to frequent hummingbird feeders. They also will feed on small fruit and flowers.
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References
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