Birding in Cusárare and Batopilas
Because of its unique geographical location on migration flyways, the area of Copper Canyon between the Cusárare high country and subtropical lowland town of Batopilas host an abundance of opportunities for birding. Walk the trail along the Cusárare River, framed in pines and boulders, to the Cusárare Waterfall. The river winds through a valley with high mesquite and pine-covered ridges on either side. One guest at the Sierra Lodge reported seeing a flock of green parrots bathing in the river’s blue pools. Others have recorded American Dipper birds along the river, and a family of Quetzals. During the flowering season, hummingbirds literally swarm; an uncommon sight because hummingbirds are very territorial and don’t like to share their space.
The antique silver town of Batopilas, nestled between river and canyon mountains, is 6,000 feet below and accessed by one narrow, dirt road that spirals downward, almost in vertical descents at times. Here, along the narrow Batopilas River and into the subtropical forest is a birder’s paradise! Plant life is abundant and varied, and offers perfect cover and food for many unusual bird species including the Flame-colored Tanager, Flycatcher and Green Heron.
Copper Canyon Bird List‒in the High Country and Lowland Migration Flyways
- American Dipper
- Quetzal
- Broad-billed Hummingbird
- Flame-colored Tanager
- Northern Flicker
- Flycatcher
- Green Heron
- Western Wood-peewee
- Vermillion Flycatcher
- Steller’s Jay
- Rock wren
- Violet-crowned Hummingbird
- Yellow-eyed Junco
- Canyon Towhee
- Common Bushtit (black-eared)
- White-eared Hummingbird
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
- Spotted Wren
- Gila Woodpecker
- Western Tanager
- Rufous-crowned Sparrow
- Great Blue Heron
- Tufted Flycatcher
This is a partial list based on other birders’ sightings. These and other bird species can be found in the Batopilas area OR in the high country near Cusarare. Some are abundant, others fairly common and still others, rare.