Birds

Although Tonto National Monument was established to preserve the cliff dwellings, it also protects a great diversity of plant and animal life. Over 160 species of birds have been observed or heard within the monument. This diversity can be explained in part by the Monument's location. The vegetation is dominated by jojoba, followed by palo verde and brittlebush. Other plants include various species of cholla, saguaro, sotol, yucca, agave, ocotillo, and native and nonnative grasses. A small riparian area contains sycamore, walnut, hackberry, and dewberry. For more information, check out our virtual tours.

Many birds deal with high temperatures by being most active at dawn or dusk. Feathers help retain body heat, and birds can smooth them to create a thinner insulation layer. A bird's normal body temperature is over 100° F, so they can get rid of body heat longer. Evaporative cooling is an efficient way to get rid of excess heat. Vultures urinate on their legs, cooling the legs and drawing heat from the body. Birds can also flutter their throat, achieving the same results as panting. To learn more about the birds shown, click on their picture. For a birdlist, click on the link. This is a PDF document.

Recommendations from our bookstore:
A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert edited by Steven J. Phillips and Patricia Wentworth Comus
Watchable Birds of the Southwest by Mary Taylor Gray
50 Common Birds of the Southwest by Richard L. Cunningham

Common Raven	Northern Cardinal	Cactus Wren
Hooded Oriole	Spotted Owl	Curve-billed Thrasher