NPS/Mimi Gorman Diverse Habitats, Diverse SpeciesMesa Verde National Park is home to many different ecosystems and microclimates, providing habitat for over 200 species of birds. This makes the park an excellent area to find birds native to both the Rocky Mountains as well as the Colorado Plateau. Below are also some of the best places to observe birds and start checking off your species list.For more information on the bird species and habitats of the park, as well as their importance to the cultures of Mesa Verde, check out the dedicated Birds page. Migration, Migration, MigrationThe best time of year for birding at the park is during migration. This is when non-breeding birds and species which do not winter at Mesa Verde will be passing through.Spring migration is usually the best time of year to bird. In spring birds grow their colorful breeding plumage, which makes them easier to spot. Mid-to-late May is typically when this migration peaks. Fall migration brings many different species through the park. This is when they are more challenging to identify, because they no longer have their colorful feathers. Fall migration times will also vary more from species to species, with some passing through as early as late August and others as late as October. 
NPS/Jack Davidson WeatherPlanning for bad weather makes for good birding!Temperatures can vary greatly during the year, and even on a single day. Mesa Verde has received snow as early as October and as late as April. From July to October, monsoon storms can quickly dump rain and expose the mesas to lightening and thunder. Avoid the storm, but know that birds will be eager to take advantage of the precious water in the aftermath. Bring drinking water as well as appropriate clothing and footwear. For the weather conditions which you are like to experience during your visit, check out the Weather page. 
NPS/Samantha Bomkamp Spots for Spotting!Here are a few places in Mesa Verde where birding is at it's best: Knife Edge TrailLocated in Morefield Campground, the Knife Edge is an easy 2-mile trail with 60 feet of elevation gain. What makes it best for birds is that along those two miles are three different habitats! Open meadow, oak chaparral, and Douglas fir forest all exist along this short hike, with cliffside springs attracting birds in large numbers, making it the best place for seeing as many species as possible.Notable species: Orange-crowned warbler, Western tanager, Lazuli bunting, and many more! North Rim OverlooksAlong the drive into the park are the Mancos Valley, Montezuma Valley, Park Point, and Geologic Overlooks. While not hiking opportunities, these overlooks are often the best places to view birds-of-prey, which often prefer nesting in the cliffsides and hunting in the oak chaparral.Notable species: Golden eagle, Rough-legged hawk, Peregrine and Prairie falcon. Far View SitesHome to a large series of Ancestral Pueblo mesa-top farming villages, along some of the most intact piñon-juniper woodland in the park, the Far View Sites provide an excellent area for multitasking! Woodland birds are common in the area, and the .75 miles of dirt trails with few steps makes for an easy walk.Notable species: Juniper titmouse, Mountain chickadee, Black-throated grey warbler, Plumbeous vireo. Cedar Tree TowerCedar Tree Tower is a small kiva-tower site that also happens to sit within a wildfire burn, as well as on the edge of a canyon. The short (.5 mile, 150 ft elevation gain) Farming Terrace Trail provides a look into canyon habitat, while (carefully!) walking along the park road gives access to open habitat and a nearby park water facility that attracts more species than you might think.Notable species: Rock wren, Western bluebird, Northern Flicker (red-shafted), American kestrel. Use the tool below for a complete list of birds found in the park! Select a Park:Select a Species Category (optional):
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Last updated: April 2, 2025