Super Bird: Best Birdwatching Destinations in Las Vegas

Bird watching in Las Vegas? There are more birds than you might imagine in the dry desert landscape. Explore local trails and go for a walk in nature for birdwatching in Las Vegas.


A Few of the Birds You May See in Las Vegas


Check out the interactive Southern Nevada Birding Location Map hosted by Red Rock Audubon to locate birds. It provides an excellent overview of places you may want to visit.

Local expert Jim Boone mentions many birds you may see around Las Vegas. Boone’s Guide to Birding Around Las Vegas mentions

  • Phainopepla

  • Verdin

  • Lucy’s Warbler

  • Crissal Thrasher

  • Roadrunner

  • Virginia’s Warbler

  • Black-Tailed Gnatcatcher

  • Costa’s Hummingbird

  • Cactus Wren

  • LeConte’s Thrasher

  • Sage Sparrow,

  • Black-throated Sparrow.


Boone offers guided birdwatching trips through Desert Wildlife Consultants. After treks to the desert, parks, and birding preserves, you’ll have a roster of birds to add to your journal. 

Bird Las Vegas offers local tours for full and half-day birdwatching in and around Las Vegas. Group tours and photo tours are available for avid birdwatchers.

Protect Birds and Habitats 


The Red Rock Audubon Society offers guided birding trips every few weeks. Red Rock Audubon is dedicated to environmental stewardship of habitats in the Mojave desert during climate change. 

It offers birding events, habitat restoration projects, education programs, workshops, and more. Some retired members take visitors out during the week for a personalized excursion.

Right In Town: Urban Birdwatching


Looking for a city spot to see birds? If you’re in town briefly, the Henderson Bird Veiewing Preserve may be the simplest and easiest way to get a guided birdwatching experience. 

Personnel are available from the preserve and often enjoy taking visitors around the grounds for birdwatching. 

The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve is approximately 140 acres, filled with many birds. Desert species, wading birds, migrant songbirds, shorebirds, and waterbirds flock to the ponds and dikes. 

The preserve is located on the eastern edge of the Pacific Migratory Flyway. An elevated platform offers a convenient spot to see various migratory birds.


Check Out Waterbirds 


If you just have an hour, go to Sunset Park. This is a large park in the heart of Las Vegas and offers a realm of bird habitats such as trees, thickets, dunes, and water. In the winter, wintering waterfowl such as ducks, Gambel’s Quail, hawks, and Ross’s Goose are abundant.

Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs is in the northwest corner of Las Vegas. This location has ponds, desert areas, and trees for ample birding. Red Rock Audobon website says you might spot the Lewis Woodpecker, Red-naped Sapsucker, Anna’s Hummingbird, Hawks, and Lesser Goldfinch in the park.

Birdwatching Desert Species 


Desert National Wildlife Refuge offers a close spot for birdwatching. According to Boone, Corn Creek is the best site for birding in southern Nevada. 

If you’re looking for a scenic area, check out Red Rocks. The best birding locations are around the springs.

Enjoy Birdwatching In and Around Las Vegas


Whether you’re going on a guided trip or exploring parks and preserves alone, you’re in luck with birdwatching in Las Vegas. Happy birding!