Birds

A Steller's Jay with its black crest and blue wings perches on a pine tree.

Rick Reuss

The Birds of Walnut Canyon

The diverse habitats of Walnut Canyon National Monument serve as a refuge for a number of resident and migratory bird species. The steep limestone and sandstone canyon walls create ideal nesting habitats for many breeding birds. Along the rim, and throughout the canyon, the sunny south facing sides of the canyon and rim are home to a pinion juniper forest. The shady north facing sides of the canyon are home to towering ponderosa pines and Douglas fir trees. These varied habitats are optimal for different bird species to nest, feed, and find shelter.

 

Spring

Following winters in Central and South American, many migrating species head to Northern Arizona for the breeding season. Migrants to Walnut Canyon are attracted to this location by ideal nesting sites, and abundant food sources. Many species reproduce and thrive within the steep canyon walls and within the abundent pine forest.

 

White-throated Swift – a harbinger of spring, these swifts are one of the first migrants to arrive at Walnut Canyon. Conspicuous as they swoop throughout the canyon, they can be heard calling as they feed on insects.

 

A Turkey Vulture, with its featherless read head, perches on a log.

Rick Ruess

Turkey Vulture – rocking back and forth as they sore throughout the canyon, Turkey Vultures can be identified by their dark feathers and small featherless red heads.

 

Broad-Tailed Hummingbird – males will display by flying high up in the air, and then descending quickly. They open their tails creating a trilling sound that helps them defend their territories and attract a mate.

 

Ash-throated Flycatcher – listen for their distinctive high-pitched whistle like call in the spring and early summer. These large flycatchers are often seen perched on the top of a tree or at the end of a branch waiting for an insect to fly by.

 

A brilliantly colored Western Tanager is perched on a branch. Their flame orange feathers on their head contrast with a yellow body, black wings, and a white wing-bar.

Rick Ruess

Western Tanager – brilliantly colored males stand out with their distinctive orange, black and yellow feathers. These bright colored tanagers can often be found along the Rim Trail during the summer.

 

A Woodhouse's Scrub Jay perches on a two-needle pinyon pine tree.

Andy Bridges

Summer

In addition to spring migrants, many resident birds use Walnut Canyon during the breeding season. From the the immense golden eagle, which nests within the cliffs of the canyon, to the diminutive canyon wren which utilizes small crevices to nest in the canyon walls.

 

A canyon wren is leaving its nest in a rock crevice.

NPS Photo - Pelley

Canyon wren - commonly heard vocalizing throughout the spring and into the summer, they are often heard before they are seen. Listen for the descending trills as they call to attract a mate or defend their territory.

 

A Steller's Jay, with its black crest and blue feathers foragest on the forest floor.

Andy Bridges

Steller’s Jay – often one of the first birds seen at Walnut Canyon, these conspicuous jays with a large crest are vocal and undeterred by many human behaviors. Unfortunately, they have been given the nickname of camp robber because of their habit of trying to obtain human food. Please keep these birds healthy and wild by not feeding them.

 

A shiny black Raven with its large bill perches on a rock.

Andy Bridges

Common Raven – commonly observed soaring on the thermals throughout the canyon, or playfully swooping throughout the canyon, this common member of the Corvid family is observed year-round at Walnut Canyon.

 

An Acorn Woodpecker clings to the trunk of a ponderosa pine tree.

Andy Bridges

Acorn Woodpecker – they get their name from their behavior of collecting and storing acorns in large caches in dead trees or even telephone poles. Acorn Woodpeckers at Walnut Canyon feast and store the acorns from the Gamble Oak.

 

Fall

Fall migrants often times use Walnut Canyon as a quick respite on their journey south. Restoring fat supplies for their journey, in many cases their time in Northern Arizona is brief. Other winter residents arrive and begin to rebuild their fat stores to prepare for the frigid winter temperatures. Some fall migrants and winter residents that can be observed at Walnut Canyon include:

 

A White-crowned Sparrow, with its distinctive black and white striped head, perches on a branch.

Andy Bridges

White-crowned Sparrow – these winter residents are abundant during the fall. The adults are easy to recognize with white and black stripes on their head.

 

A Townsend's Solitaire can be identified by its white eye-ring, grey feathers, and white outer tail feathers.

Andy Bridges

Townsend’s Solitaire – during the fall and winter it’s common to hear the Townsend’s Solitaire vocalize its one note call. This Robin sized bird can be identified by the white eye-ring and the white external feathers on its tail.

 

Merlin – this small falcon is a rare sighting during the late fall and winter at Walnut Canyon. Look for them hunting flocks of small song birds.

 

Winter

There are many year-round residents of Walnut Canyon, and a few other species that spend their winters in Northern Arizona. These hardy birds rely on abundant sources of food throughout the winter, and their own adaptations to survive in sub-freezing temperatures. Some winter species that are commonly observed at Walnut Canyon include:

 

A Dark-eyed Junco with its black mask, and red markings on its back stands on a rock.

Andy Bridges

Dark-eyed Junco – large groups of Dark-eyed Juncos overwinter in Walnut Canyon. These primarily ground-feeders can be commonly seen around the parking lot and in the vegetation along the Rim Trail.

 

Juniper Titmouse – with its distinctive crest, and year-round vocalizations, Juniper Titmouse can be commonly found in the Pinion/Juniper forest along the Rim Trail.

 

A mountain chickadee perches in a two-needle pinon pine.

Rick Ruess

Mountain Chickadee – their call mimics their common name, Chick-a-de. This year-round resident is often found in mixed flocks of nuthatches, juncos and woodpeckers.

 

Northern Flicker – one of the larger woodpecker species in Walnut Canyon, Northern Flickers are common year-round throughout the park. Flashes of red from their distinctive wings can help IDing this bird as it flies through the forest.

 

Pygmy Nuthatch – often found feeding on the trunk or branches of a tree, the nuthatch has the uncanny ability to pick and glean insects. Vocal year round, they are often heard before they are seen.

 

Brown Creeper – often silent, and heavily camouflaged against the bark of a tree, these insectivores can be found moving up and down trees looking for food. Their nests are very challenging the find, as they use cracks and crevices in bark to lay their eggs.

 

A Mexican spotted owl perches on a juniper branch.

NPS Photo - Carpenter

Threatened Species of Walnut Canyon

Walnut Canyon National Monument is home to the Mexican Spotted Owl, a threatened bird species in North America. By following park rules like staying on designated trails, being mindful of not making loud noises, and not approaching wildlife, we can help be sure that these animals can survive and thrive for generations to come.

 

Learn More about the Birds of Walnut Canyon

Recent sightings - to see what visitors have been viewing lately, check out recent sightings at Walnut Canyon NM, Coconino County, AZ, US - eBird Hotspot.

Bird List - for a complete list of Walnut Canyon’s bird species click on the link: Natural Resources at Walnut Canyon National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)