Arizona’s deserts, forests, and wetlands are home to a surprising variety of black birds. From the bold Common Raven soaring over the Grand Canyon to the secretive Phainopepla hiding in desert mistletoe, these birds bring personality and mystery to the landscape. Their dark feathers often make them stand out against Arizona’s bright skies and red rocks, but they’re more than just a shadowy shape in the air.
Each species plays a role in the local ecosystem—some help control pests, others spread seeds, and a few are important signs of seasonal change. Whether you’re a casual hiker or a serious birder, learning to recognize these black birds adds a new layer to exploring the outdoors. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of Arizona’s most interesting black-feathered residents, what they eat, where they live, and how to tell them apart in the field.
1. Black Vulture
- Scientific name: Coragyps atratus
- Life span: 10 years
- Size: 56–74 cm / 22–29 in
- Weight: 1600–2200 g / 56–77 oz
- Wingspan: 132–167 cm / 52–66 in
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Year-round resident, does not leave Arizona.
The Black Vulture is a dark-feathered scavenger found primarily in the southeastern United States, with its range stretching through Central and South America. In Arizona, it is more common in the southern regions but can be spotted elsewhere in warmer months.
It has black plumage, broad wings with white wingtips visible in flight, and a short tail. Its wrinkled gray head and hooked beak give it a distinct appearance. When soaring, it holds its wings flat, making it easy to distinguish from other vultures.
Black Vultures are communal nesters, often forming loose colonies in secluded areas. They prefer dark, sheltered spots like hollow trees, caves, or abandoned buildings for nesting. Unlike many birds, they don’t construct traditional nests; instead, they lay their eggs directly on the ground or on flat surfaces. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 32 to 45 days. After hatching, the chicks are fed regurgitated food and remain in the nest for up to two months before fledging.
As scavengers, Black Vultures play a crucial role in the ecosystem by consuming carrion. They locate food primarily by sight and often follow other scavenger species to carcasses. Their diet consists mainly of dead animals, but they have been known to eat eggs and newborn animals on occasion. By cleaning up carcasses, they help prevent the spread of disease.
Historically, Black Vultures faced threats from habitat loss and poisoning from carcasses tainted with pesticides or lead. Conservation efforts have focused on legal protections and public education about their ecological benefits. In Arizona, they are now commonly observed, indicating a stable population. Ongoing monitoring ensures that they continue to thrive without posing risks to livestock or property.
2. American Crow
- Scientific name: Corvus brachyrhynchos
- Life span: 7–8 years
- Size: 40–53 cm / 16–21 in
- Weight: 300–600 g / 11–21 oz
- Wingspan: 85–99 cm / 33–39 in
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Stays year-round, some migrate from northern regions.
The American Crow is widespread across most of North America, including all of Arizona, where it is seen most often in the northern parts and higher elevations. It has all-black plumage, including its legs and bill, and gives off a glossy sheen when the light hits it right.
Known for its intelligence, the crow is also recognizable by its steady wingbeats and loud cawing. It’s a common sight in open fields, urban areas, and forest edges across the state.
American Crows are highly adaptable and build nests in a variety of locations, including trees, shrubs, and even man-made structures. They prefer nesting in areas with open spaces nearby for foraging. The nests are constructed from twigs and lined with softer materials like grass and moss. Both parents participate in building the nest and raising the young, with incubation lasting about 18 days.
Omnivorous and opportunistic, American Crows have a diverse diet that includes insects, seeds, fruits, small animals, and carrion. They are also known to scavenge human food waste and can be seen foraging in urban areas. Their intelligence allows them to use tools and solve complex problems to access food sources.
American Crows have demonstrated remarkable resilience, thriving in both rural and urban environments. While they have faced threats from diseases like West Nile Virus, their populations have remained stable due to their adaptability. Conservation efforts focus on monitoring disease impacts and managing human-wildlife conflicts, especially in agricultural areas where crows can cause crop damage.
3. Common Raven
- Scientific name: Corvus corvax
- Average lifespan: Up to 21 years
- Size (length): 24–27 inches (61–69 cm)
- Weight: 2.3–4.4 pounds (1.05–2 kg)
- Wingspan: 45.7–51.2 inches (116–130 cm)
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Permanent resident, does not leave the state.
Found across the northern hemisphere, the Common Raven is widespread in Arizona, from the deserts to the high country forests. It has shaggy feathers around its throat, a thick, curved bill, and large wings with fingered tips. Its plumage is completely black with a bluish or purplish gloss in the sun.
In flight, ravens glide more than crows and often soar. Their deep, throaty croak and aerial acrobatics help set them apart in Arizona’s wide open landscapes.
Common Ravens are solitary nesters, often choosing high, inaccessible locations such as cliffs, tall trees, or even utility poles. Their nests are large and constructed from sticks, lined with softer materials like fur or grass. Ravens are known for their strong pair bonds, with both partners sharing in nest building and raising their young. Incubation lasts about 20 to 25 days, and the chicks fledge approximately 5 to 7 weeks after hatching.
Common Ravens have an incredibly varied diet, feeding on carrion, insects, grains, fruits, and small animals. They are also known to scavenge from human sources, including garbage and roadkill. Their problem-solving abilities enable them to access food in innovative ways, such as opening containers or using tools.
Historically, Common Ravens faced persecution due to misconceptions and habitat loss. However, they have made a significant comeback and are now widespread across Arizona. Conservation efforts have included legal protections and habitat preservation. Their adaptability has allowed them to thrive in diverse environments, from remote wilderness areas to urban centers.
4. Chihuahuan Raven
- Scientific name: (Corvus cryptoleucus)
- Average lifespan: Up to 10 years
- Size (length): 18.1–20.9 inches (46–53 cm)
- Weight: 15.6–23.5 ounces (442–667 g)
- Wingspan: 40.9–43.3 inches (104–110 cm)
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Mostly year-round; some shift south in winter.
Native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, the Chihuahuan Raven is found mainly in southern Arizona, especially in desert grasslands and open scrub. It looks very similar to the Common Raven but is slightly smaller and has a more delicate bill.
Its black feathers have a subtle sheen, and its throat is less shaggy than its larger cousin. These birds tend to form groups and can often be seen perching on utility poles or flying low over the desert.
Chihuahuan Ravens prefer open landscapes for nesting, often selecting trees, shrubs, or even man-made structures like abandoned buildings. Their nests are constructed from sticks and lined with softer materials. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 20 to 21 days. After hatching, the chicks are fed by both parents and fledge approximately 5 to 6 weeks later.
These ravens have a varied diet that includes insects, grains, fruits, small animals, and carrion. They are often seen foraging in agricultural fields, taking advantage of available food sources. Their opportunistic feeding habits contribute to their success in diverse environments.
Chihuahuan Ravens have maintained stable populations, benefiting from their adaptability to human-altered landscapes. Conservation efforts focus on monitoring populations and ensuring that changes in land use do not negatively impact their habitat. In Arizona, they are commonly observed in suitable open habitats, indicating a healthy presence.
5. Brewer’s Blackbird
- Scientific name: (Euphagus cyanocephalus)
- Average lifespan: Up to 12 years
- Size (length): 7.9–9.8 inches (20–25 cm)
- Weight: 1.8–3 ounces (50–85 g)
- Wingspan: 14.6 inches (37 cm)
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Leaves higher elevations in winter, moves locally.
Brewer’s Blackbird is common across western and central North America, including much of Arizona. These birds often gather in flocks, especially in open areas near water or agricultural lands. Males are a glossy black with hints of purple and green in the sunlight, while females are dull brown with a more uniform color. Their eyes are bright yellow in males and darker in females. Their upright posture and tendency to strut give them a distinctive, alert appearance.
Brewer’s Blackbirds are social nesters, often forming loose colonies in shrubs, trees, or on the ground in grassy areas. The female constructs the nest using grass, twigs, and other plant materials, lining it with softer substances. She incubates the eggs for about 12 to 14 days, and both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge approximately two weeks after hatching.
These blackbirds have an omnivorous diet, feeding on insects, seeds, grains, and fruits. They often forage on the ground in open areas like fields, lawns, and parking lots, sometimes forming large flocks. Their diet flexibility allows them to thrive in various environments, including urban areas.
Brewer’s Blackbirds have adapted well to human-modified landscapes, and their populations are generally stable. Conservation efforts include monitoring population trends and managing habitats to ensure the availability of nesting and foraging sites. In Arizona, they are a common sight in both rural and urban settings.
6. Great-tailed Grackle
- Scientific name: (Quiscalus mexicanus)
- Average lifespan: Up to 8 years
- Size (length): 15–18 inches (38–46 cm)
- Weight: 3.7–6.7 ounces (105–190 g)
- Wingspan: 18.9–22.8 inches (48–58 cm)
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Stays year-round, common in urban areas.
The Great-tailed Grackle has expanded its range rapidly and is now widespread across the southwestern United States, including throughout Arizona. It’s a striking bird, with males displaying iridescent black feathers and long, V-shaped tails that they often fan out.
Females are more slender and brown, with less gloss. These birds are common in urban areas, wetlands, and agricultural fields, where their loud calls and confident behavior make them hard to miss. They often gather in large, noisy flocks.
Great-tailed Grackles are colonial nesters, with males establishing territories that encompass multiple female nesting sites. Females build the nests, which are cup-shaped and constructed from grass, twigs, and other plant materials, often placed in trees or shrubs near water. The female incubates the eggs for about 13 to 14 days, and the young fledge approximately 12 to 17 days after hatching.
These grackles are omnivorous and highly opportunistic, feeding on insects, grains, fruits, small vertebrates, and human food waste. They forage in various habitats, including agricultural fields, wetlands, and urban areas, often forming large, noisy flocks. Their adaptability in diet contributes to their success in diverse environments.
Great-tailed Grackles have expanded their range significantly over the past century, especially into the southwestern U.S., including Arizona. Their expansion has been aided by urban development and irrigation, which provide water and food year-round. Conservation-wise, they are considered secure, with no major threats currently. Some efforts are focused on monitoring their impact on native species and crops, as they can be aggressive competitors. Despite occasional conflicts, their presence remains stable and widespread across both cities and natural areas in Arizona.
7. Bronzed Cowbird
- Scientific name: (Molothrus aeneus)
- Average lifespan: Up to 7 years
- Size (length): 7.5–8.7 inches (19–22 cm)
- Weight: 2.3–2.6 ounces (65–75 g)
- Wingspan: 13.4–14.2 inches (34–36 cm)
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Migrates south in late summer or early fall.
Bronzed Cowbirds are found in the southern parts of the U.S., Central America, and northern South America. In Arizona, they are most often seen in the southern regions during the breeding season. Males are a deep, shiny black with a bluish-bronze sheen, especially on the back and neck. Their eyes are bright red, which stands out sharply against their dark plumage. Females are plainer, with a more muted brown coloration. These birds are often spotted near farms and grassy fields.
Bronzed Cowbirds are brood parasites, meaning they don’t build their own nests. Instead, the female lays her eggs in the nests of other bird species, often targeting smaller songbirds. After laying, she leaves incubation and chick-rearing to the unsuspecting host parents. The cowbird chick typically hatches earlier and grows faster, often outcompeting the host’s own young. In Arizona, this behavior has been observed in agricultural and suburban areas, especially during the warmer months.
Bronzed Cowbirds forage mainly on the ground, searching for seeds and insects. Their diet includes grass seeds, grains, beetles, and other small invertebrates. In Arizona, they are often seen near livestock, feeding on insects stirred up by the animals. Their feeding habits make them well suited for open fields and ranchland. They also visit bird feeders, especially in rural and suburban areas. Their ability to exploit different food sources helps them thrive across various habitats.
Historically limited to parts of Central America and Mexico, Bronzed Cowbirds have expanded northward, including southern Arizona. Their brood parasitism has raised concerns about effects on native birds, especially small songbirds with fewer defenses. Conservation efforts include monitoring breeding populations and researching their impact. Though they are not currently threatened, understanding their ecological role is important. In Arizona, they are regularly seen in lower elevations, especially in the southern part of the state.
8. Red-winged Blackbird
- Scientific name: (Agelaius phoeniceus)
- Average lifespan: Up to 15 years
- Size (length): 6.7–9.1 inches (17–23 cm)
- Weight: 1.1–2.7 ounces (32–77 g)
- Wingspan: 12.2–15.8 inches (31–40 cm)
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Some migrate in winter, others remain locally.
One of the most recognizable birds in North America, the Red-winged Blackbird is found throughout Arizona, especially in wetlands, marshes, and along irrigation canals. Males are black with bright red shoulder patches bordered by yellow, which they show off when singing. Females are streaky brown and resemble large sparrows.
These birds are often seen perched on reeds or wires, calling out with their distinctive, gurgling song. Though they breed in Arizona, their numbers often shift with the seasons.
Red-winged Blackbirds typically nest in marshes, wet meadows, or dense vegetation near water. The female builds the nest low in reeds or shrubs, weaving grasses and plant stems into a cup and lining it with mud and fine materials. She incubates the eggs for about 11 to 13 days. Males fiercely defend nesting territories, often displaying their red epaulettes and calling loudly. Young fledge around two weeks after hatching. Multiple females may nest within a male’s territory.
Their diet changes with the season. During the breeding season, they eat mostly insects like beetles, caterpillars, and dragonflies, which are rich in protein for their growing young. In other times of the year, they switch to seeds and grains. In Arizona, they feed in marshes and agricultural fields, and can form large foraging flocks in winter. Their presence near farms often leads to occasional conflict due to their appetite for grain crops.
Red-winged Blackbirds are widespread and abundant throughout North America, including across Arizona. While they face habitat loss from wetland drainage and pesticide use, their large population and adaptability have helped them remain stable. Conservation work focuses on wetland protection and monitoring population trends. In Arizona, they are one of the most commonly seen blackbirds, especially in riparian zones and irrigation canals, where they often nest and forage alongside other marsh-dwelling birds.
9. Yellow-headed Blackbird
- Scientific name: (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)
- Average lifespan: Up to 11 years
- Size (length): 8.3–10.2 inches (21–26 cm)
- Weight: 1.6–3.5 ounces (44–100 g)
- Wingspan: 16.5–17.3 inches (42–44 cm)
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Migrates south in fall, returns in spring.
The Yellow-headed Blackbird is a striking bird found across western North America, including parts of Arizona during the breeding season. It favours marshes and wetlands, especially in the northern half of the state.
Males have a glossy black body contrasted by a bright yellow head and chest, with a white wing patch visible in flight. Females are brown with more muted yellow coloring. Their bold appearance and raspy calls make them easy to spot during spring and summer.
Yellow-headed Blackbirds favor marshes with tall vegetation for nesting. They typically build their nests over water, attaching them to reeds or cattails. The female constructs a well-hidden cup-shaped nest using wet plant material and lines it with finer grasses. She incubates the eggs for about 11 to 13 days, and the chicks fledge within two weeks. Males establish and defend territories within large colonies, sometimes with dozens of nests in close proximity during peak breeding.
Insects dominate the Yellow-headed Blackbird’s diet during the breeding season, especially aquatic insects like dragonfly larvae and beetles. Outside of breeding, they shift to a diet rich in seeds and grains. In Arizona, they forage in agricultural fields and wetlands, often in flocks with other blackbirds. Their strong bills allow them to crack seeds easily, and they will sometimes raid grain storage or feedlots. They are active feeders, constantly moving through marshes and fields.
Yellow-headed Blackbirds depend on healthy wetlands, so their conservation is closely tied to water management. In Arizona, they breed mainly in the northern and central regions where large marshes are available. While their numbers remain stable, habitat loss due to wetland drainage is an ongoing concern. Efforts include protecting breeding areas and maintaining water levels in marshes. Bird surveys across the state track their breeding success and migration patterns to guide long-term conservation planning.
10. Phainopepla
- Scientific name: (Phainopepla nitens)
- Average lifespan: Up to 8 years
- Size (length): 6.3–7.9 inches (16–20 cm)
- Weight: 0.8–1.2 ounces (23–34 g)
- Wingspan: 10.6–11.4 inches (27–29 cm)
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Shifts elevation and region seasonally within Arizona.
The Phainopepla is a unique songbird found in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, especially in desert areas like southern Arizona. Males are glossy black with red eyes and a tall crest, giving them a striking silhouette. Females are soft gray with the same red eyes and crest. Both sexes have white wing patches visible in flight. They are often seen perched high on desert shrubs or trees, sometimes flicking their tails or flying in short, fluttery bursts.
Phainopeplas nest in desert woodlands and arid scrublands, especially in areas with mistletoe, which they rely on for food. Nests are small and built in trees or tall shrubs, often well-hidden among foliage. The female constructs the nest from twigs and plant fibers, sometimes reusing old nests. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about two weeks. These birds can have two broods in a season, sometimes nesting in different habitats as the year progresses.
Phainopeplas are particularly fond of mistletoe berries, which make up a large part of their diet in desert habitats. When berries are scarce, they supplement with insects, often catching them mid-air. Their feeding strategy is somewhat seasonal—they switch between fruit-heavy and insect-rich diets depending on availability. In Arizona, they are most active in winter and spring when mistletoe is fruiting, often seen perched upright in mesquite or palo verde trees watching for movement.
Phainopeplas are not currently considered at risk, but their dependence on specific desert habitats like riparian woodlands and areas rich in mistletoe makes them sensitive to habitat changes. In Arizona, conservation focuses on protecting native desert vegetation, especially in areas under pressure from development or invasive plant species.
Long-term monitoring helps assess how urban growth and drought conditions are affecting their distribution and nesting success. For now, their populations appear stable in suitable habitats.
11. European Starling
- Scientific name: (Sturnus vulgaris)
- Average lifespan: Up to 15 years (typically 2–3 in wild)
- Size (length): 7.5–9 inches (19–23 cm)
- Weight: 2.1–3.4 ounces (60–96 g)
- Wingspan: 12.2–15.8 inches (31–40 cm)
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migration pattern: Year-round resident, does not migrate.
Originally from Europe and Asia, the European Starling was introduced to North America and is now widespread, including throughout Arizona. This bird is often seen in large flocks in urban areas, farmlands, and open fields.
Its plumage appears black from a distance but up close reveals a glossy mix of purples and greens, speckled with tiny white spots during the winter. It has a short tail, long pointed bill, and walks with a strutting gait. Its adaptability makes it very common.
European Starlings are cavity nesters, using holes in trees, buildings, and nest boxes. They often outcompete native birds for nesting sites due to their aggressive behavior. The nest is built from grasses, feathers, and trash, and is usually messy and loosely formed. Both parents help build the nest and care for the young. Starlings can raise multiple broods in a season, especially in warmer climates like Arizona where breeding can start early in spring.
Starlings are generalists with a diet that includes insects, fruits, and grains. They probe the soil with their bills for invertebrates and often forage in lawns and fields. In Arizona, they’re frequently seen in cities and farms, eating discarded food or livestock feed. Their varied diet and social foraging behavior make them very adaptable. They’re often seen in large, noisy flocks that move across landscapes in search of food.
Originally introduced from Europe in the late 1800s, European Starlings quickly spread across North America. In Arizona, they are now widespread and considered invasive. Their success comes at a cost—displacing native cavity-nesting birds like woodpeckers and bluebirds. Conservation efforts don’t focus on protecting starlings but rather on managing their impacts. Research supports limiting nest site access in key habitats to reduce competition with native species while tracking population trends in both urban and rural areas.
Where to find Black Birds in Arizona
If you want to spot black birds in Arizona, the good news is they’re everywhere—you just need to know where to look and what to listen for. These birds show up in deserts, forests, mountains, and even busy city parks. Some are bold and loud, while others like the Phainopepla are quieter and stick to the shade. The best time to go birdwatching is early in the morning when the birds are most active and the light is soft.
A good pair of binoculars and a bird app on your phone can really help, especially with calls and identification. Be patient and move slowly—many birds will come into view if you simply wait and listen.
Four great places to find black birds in Arizona include:
- Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch (Gilbert) – Great for urban birding and spotting grackles, blackbirds, and more.
- Madera Canyon (Santa Rita Mountains) – Excellent for forest species, including ravens and flycatchers.
- Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge – Wide open grasslands where you can find cowbirds and other blackbirds.
- Boyce Thompson Arboretum (near Superior) – A mix of desert and riparian habitats with a rich bird variety.
Conclusion
Black birds in Arizona are more than just dark silhouettes against the sun—they’re an essential part of the state’s vibrant ecosystems. From desert ravens to marsh-dwelling blackbirds, each species brings its own story and role to the landscape.
Whether you’re hiking through canyons or walking through a city park, these birds are all around if you take the time to notice. Understanding their habits and histories adds depth to every outdoor moment in the Arizona wild.
