Riparian habitat vs. desert xeroriparian habitat — different habitat types of the western yellow-billed cuckoo in Arizona

Threatened western yellow-billed cuckoos have long been known to occupy and nest in riparian habitat along rivers and streams in Arizona. A study has found that they also use desert xeroriparian habitat near certain 'Sky Island' regions in southern Arizona. These images show a comparison of the habitats. Photo on left: Riparian vegetation along West Clear Creek, AZ. Photo by Chris Calvo, NPS, public domain and used with permission. Photo on right: Arrieta Wash, AZ. Photo by Charles Drost, SBSC, USGS. Public domain.