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Joshua Tree National Park Wildlife

Desert Tortoise in the Shade of a Creosote Bush, Joshua Tree National Park, California | Photo Credit: NPS / Brad Sutton
Desert Tortoise | Photo Credit: NPS / Brad Sutton

Joshua Tree National Park, where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet in Southern California, covers more than 1,200 square miles of oases, sand dunes, valleys and mountains, from 536 feet to 5,814 feet above sea level. Its animals are built for heat and little water. Many small mammals spend the day in cool burrows and come out at night, and kangaroo rats can live their whole lives without drinking water. White-tailed antelope squirrels, kangaroo rats and coyotes are among the most common mammals, while foxes, bobcats, mule deer and desert bighorn sheep are harder to find. An estimated 100 to 200 bighorn live in the park, and the ones visitors see most often live around the Wonderland of Rocks and Queen Mountain. Sixteen species of bats hunt over the desert at night.

More than 250 bird species have been recorded in the park, though only 78 are known to nest here. Common ravens, Gambel’s quail, red-tailed hawks and greater roadrunners live here all year, and golden eagles hunt here regularly. Because the park lies along the Pacific Flyway, warblers, tanagers and orioles stop here on migration, and the water at Barker Dam and the Desert Queen Ranch draws ducks and other waterfowl that would not otherwise be seen in the desert. Lizards are the reptiles seen most often, many of them basking on boulders, and 26 kinds of snakes live here, seven of them rattlesnakes. The Mojave desert tortoise, California’s state reptile, lives throughout most of the park but spends about 95 percent of its time underground, and it has been federally listed as threatened since 1990. The park’s two amphibians, the California tree frog and the red-spotted toad, come to life after winter rains and summer storms. Keep reading to see featured photos of Joshua Tree’s wildlife and to learn more about wildlife photography.

Featured Joshua Tree National Park Wildlife Photographs

Bighorn Sheep Ram and Ewe, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Bighorn Sheep Ram and Ewe | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Chris Curtis
Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Black-tailed Gnatcatcher | Photo Credit: NPS / Jane Gamble
Black-tailed Jackrabbit, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Black-tailed Jackrabbit | Photo Credit: NPS / Jane Gamble
Burrowing Owl, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Burrowing Owl | Photo Credit: NPS / Robb Hannawacker
Cactus Wren, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Cactus Wren | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Oleksandr Baron
Chuckwalla, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Chuckwalla | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Vanucci
Common Raven, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Common Raven | Photo Credit: NPS / Jane Gamble
Costa's Hummingbird, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Costa's Hummingbird | Photo Credit: NPS / Jane Gamble
Coyote, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Coyote | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Alex Krassel
Coyote, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Coyote | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Terje Langeland
Desert Horned Lizard at Pinto Wells, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Desert Horned Lizard | Photo Credit: NPS / Robb Hannawacker
Desert Tortoise in the Shade of a Creosote Bush, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Desert Tortoise | Photo Credit: NPS / Brad Sutton
Gambel's Quail, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Gambel's Quail | Photo Credit: NPS / Jane Gamble
Lizard, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Lizard | Photo Credit: Shutterstock / Brianceau Cyril
Roadrunner, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Roadrunner | Photo Credit: Shutterstock /Milan Sommer
Rosy Boa, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Rosy Boa | Photo Credit: NPS / Robb Hannawacker
Western Banded Gecko, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Western Banded Gecko | Photo Credit: NPS
Young Great Horned Owl, Joshua Tree National Park, California
Great Horned Owl | Photo Credit: NPS / Hannah Schwalbe

Have a National Park Wildlife photograph you’d like featured? Contact us today to learn more!

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Wildlife Photography Tips

Wildlife photography in the US National Parks offers a unique and enriching experience, as these protected areas are havens for diverse species and pristine natural landscapes. Capturing wildlife in such settings requires preparation and respect for both the environment and its inhabitants. Photographers should familiarize themselves with the specific animals and ecosystems of the park they are visiting, as each park hosts different species and behaviors. Early mornings and late afternoons, known as the golden hours, provide the best light and increased wildlife activity. Different seasons also offer different wildlife viewing opportunities. Patience and stillness are key, as the best moments often come to those who wait quietly.

If wildlife does present itself, always make sure to maintain a safe distance. Using a telephoto lens allows for close-up shots without intruding on the animals’ space. If you already own or want to own a professional grade mirrored camera like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR, we recommend using a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens zoom lens for wildlife photography. If you have or are interested in a newer mirrorless model like the Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera, we recommend using a Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Black for long distance shots.

Not quite ready to invest in traditional professional-grade camera equipment but want to enhance the quality of your cell phone photographs? Consider using a Moment Tele 58mm Mobile Lens II for improved reach, and use a Moment camera case with a lens mount to attach it to your phone. Since cell phones generally cannot provide the same reach as a dedicated telephoto camera lens, never compensate by moving dangerously close to wildlife. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while photographing wildlife.

Want to take your wildlife photos further? Featured photographer Vella Torvik shares her field-tested advice on gear, camera settings, light, composition and safely approaching wildlife in our Wildlife Photography 101: Insider Tips From the Field masterclass.

Young Great Horned Owl, Joshua Tree National Park, California | Photo Credit: NPS / Hannah Schwalbe
Great Horned Owl | Photo Credit: NPS / Hannah Schwalbe

Joshua Tree Wildlife Education and Resources

Want to learn more about Joshua Tree National Park and the wildlife that inhabits it? Check out these guides & books:

  • Peterson Field Guide To Mammals Of North America: Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
  • Peterson Field Guide To Birds Of Western North America, Fifth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
  • Bird Songs: 250 North American Birds in Song
  • Peterson Field Guide To Western Reptiles & Amphibians, Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
  • Animal Tracks: A Folding Pocket Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Familiar North American Species (Wildlife and Nature Identification)

Please note, by making purchases through our affiliate links, you are supporting our mission to celebrate and showcase our National Parks and the photographers who frequent them. As an Amazon Associate, National Park Photographer earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you. We appreciate your support.

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Joshua Tree National Park Species List

The wildlife at Joshua Tree National Park is beautiful and diverse. There are a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish to view. Check out all the incredible species this park has to offer! Click on the links below to see the different animal species that inhabit Joshua Tree National Park:

Mammals 54Birds 247Reptiles 49Amphibians 2Fish 0

352 species in 5 animal classes.

Species Spotlight

Photo posts of animals you’ll find in Joshua Tree.

BobcatMammal · CommonCoyoteMammal · CommonNelson’s Bighorn SheepMammal · CommonAmerican BadgerMammal · UncommonMountain LionMammal · UncommonMule DeerMammal · UncommonAmerican Black BearMammal · OccasionalAmerican RobinBird · OccasionalCommon LoonBird · OccasionalBald EagleBird · RareSteller’s JayBird · Rare

See all wildlife across the parks

Joshua Tree National Park Mammals

54 species
  • American Badger Photo post(Taxidea taxus)Abundance: Uncommon
  • American Black Bear Photo post(Ursus americanus)Abundance: Occasional
  • Big Brown Bat(Eptesicus fuscus)Abundance: Unknown
  • Black Rat(Rattus rattus)Abundance: UnknownNon-native
  • Black-tailed Jackrabbit(Lepus californicus)Abundance: Abundant
  • Bobcat Photo post(Lynx rufus)Abundance: Common
  • Botta’s Pocket Gopher(Thomomys bottae)Abundance: Common
  • Brush Deermouse(Peromyscus boylii)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Cactus Deermouse(Peromyscus eremicus)Abundance: Common
  • California Chipmunk(Tamias obscurus)Abundance: Common
  • California Deermouse(Peromyscus californicus)Abundance: Rare
  • California Ground Squirrel(Spermophilus beecheyi)Abundance: Common
  • California Leaf-nosed Bat(Macrotus californicus)Abundance: Unknown
  • California Pocket Mouse(Chaetodipus californicus)Abundance: Common
  • Californian Myotis(Myotis californicus)Abundance: Common
  • Canyon Deermouse(Peromyscus crinitus)Abundance: Common
  • Chisel-toothed Kangaroo Rat(Dipodomys microps)Abundance: Rare
  • Coyote Photo post(Canis latrans)Abundance: Common
  • Crawford’s Gray Shrew(Notiosorex crawfordi)Abundance: Rare
  • Desert Cottontail(Sylvilagus audubonii)Abundance: Common
  • Desert Kangaroo Rat(Dipodomys deserti)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Desert Pocket Mouse(Chaetodipus penicillatus)Abundance: Abundant
  • Desert Woodrat(Neotoma lepida)Abundance: Abundant
  • Dusky-footed Woodrat(Neotoma fuscipes)Abundance: Unknown
  • Fringed Myotis(Myotis thysanodes)Abundance: Common
  • Gray Fox(Urocyon cinereoargenteus)Abundance: Common
  • Hoary Bat(Lasiurus cinereus)Abundance: Unknown
  • House Mouse(Mus musculus)Abundance: OccasionalNon-native
  • Kit Fox(Vulpes macrotis)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Little Pocket Mouse(Perognathus longimembris)Abundance: Abundant
  • Long-legged Myotis(Myotis volans)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Long-tailed Pocket Mouse(Chaetodipus formosus)Abundance: Common
  • Long-tailed Weasel(Mustela frenata)Abundance: Rare
  • Merriam’s Kangaroo Rat(Dipodomys merriami)Abundance: Common
  • Mountain Lion Photo post(Puma concolor)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Mule Deer Photo post(Odocoileus hemionus)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Nelson’s Bighorn Sheep Photo post(Ovis canadensis nelsoni)Abundance: Common
  • North American Deermouse(Peromyscus maniculatus)Abundance: Common
  • Pallid Bat(Antrozous pallidus)Abundance: Unknown
  • Piñon Deermouse(Peromyscus truei)Abundance: Common
  • Ringtail(Bassariscus astutus)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Round-tailed Ground Squirrel(Spermophilus tereticaudus)Abundance: Common
  • San Diego Pocket Mouse(Chaetodipus fallax)Abundance: Abundant
  • Southern Grasshopper Mouse(Onychomys torridus)Abundance: Common
  • Spiny Pocket Mouse(Chaetodipus spinatus)Abundance: Common
  • Spotted Bat(Euderma maculatum)Abundance: Unknown
  • Townsend’s Big-eared Bat(Corynorhinus townsendii)Abundance: Unknown
  • Western Harvest Mouse(Reithrodontomys megalotis)Abundance: Unknown
  • Western Mastiff-bat(Eumops perotis)Abundance: Unknown
  • Western Pipistrelle(Pipistrellus hesperus)Abundance: Abundant
  • Western Spotted Skunk(Spilogale gracilis)Abundance: Rare
  • Western Yellow Bat(Lasiurus xanthinus)Abundance: Uncommon
  • White-tailed Antelope Squirrel(Ammospermophilus leucurus)Abundance: Abundant
  • White-throated Woodrat(Neotoma albigula)Abundance: Common

No mammals match.

Joshua Tree National Park Birds

247 species
  • Abert’s Towhee(Melozone aberti)Abundance: Occasional
  • Acorn Woodpecker(Melanerpes formicivorus)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Allen’s Hummingbird(Selasphorus sasin)Abundance: Occasional
  • American Avocet(Recurvirostra americana)Abundance: Rare
  • American Bittern(Botaurus lentiginosus)Abundance: Rare
  • American Coot(Fulica americana)Abundance: Uncommon
  • American Goldfinch(Spinus tristis)Abundance: Occasional
  • American Kestrel(Falco sparverius)Abundance: Common
  • American Pipit(Anthus rubescens)Abundance: Occasional
  • American Redstart(Setophaga ruticilla)Abundance: Occasional
  • American Robin Photo post(Turdus migratorius)Abundance: Occasional
  • American White Pelican(Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)Abundance: Rare
  • American Wigeon(Anas americana)Abundance: Rare
  • Anna’s Hummingbird(Calypte anna)Abundance: Common
  • Ash-throated Flycatcher(Myiarchus cinerascens)Abundance: Common
  • Bald Eagle Photo post(Haliaeetus leucocephalus)Abundance: Rare
  • Baltimore Oriole(Icterus galbula)Abundance: Occasional
  • Barn Owl(Tyto alba)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Barn Swallow(Hirundo rustica)Abundance: Common
  • Bell’s Vireo(Vireo bellii)Abundance: Occasional
  • Belted Kingfisher(Megaceryle alcyon)Abundance: Occasional
  • Bendire’s Thrasher(Toxostoma bendirei)Abundance: Rare
  • Bewick’s Wren(Thryomanes bewickii)Abundance: Common
  • Black Phoebe(Sayornis nigricans)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Black-and-white Warbler(Mniotilta varia)Abundance: Occasional
  • Black-chinned Hummingbird(Archilochus alexandri)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Black-chinned Sparrow(Spizella atrogularis)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Black-crowned Night-heron(Nycticorax nycticorax)Abundance: Rare
  • Black-headed Grosbeak(Pheucticus melanocephalus)Abundance: Common
  • Black-necked Stilt(Himantopus mexicanus)Abundance: Rare
  • Black-tailed Gnatcatcher(Polioptila melanura)Abundance: Common
  • Black-throated Blue Warbler(Setophaga caerulescens)Abundance: Occasional
  • Black-throated Gray Warbler(Setophaga nigrescens)Abundance: Common
  • Black-throated Sparrow(Amphispiza bilineata)Abundance: Common
  • Blue Grosbeak(Passerina caerulea)Abundance: Rare
  • Blue-gray Gnatcatcher(Polioptila caerulea)Abundance: Common
  • Blue-winged Teal(Anas discors)Abundance: Rare
  • Brewer’s Blackbird(Euphagus cyanocephalus)Abundance: Common
  • Brewer’s Sparrow(Spizella breweri)Abundance: Common
  • Broad-winged Hawk(Buteo platypterus)Abundance: Occasional
  • Brown Thrasher(Toxostoma rufum)Abundance: Occasional
  • Brown-headed Cowbird(Molothrus ater)Abundance: Common
  • Bufflehead(Bucephala albeola)Abundance: Rare
  • Bullock’s Oriole(Icterus bullockii)Abundance: Common
  • Burrowing Owl(Athene cunicularia)Abundance: Rare
  • Bushtit(Psaltriparus minimus)Abundance: Common
  • Cactus Wren(Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus)Abundance: Common
  • California Thrasher(Toxostoma redivivum)Abundance: Uncommon
  • California Towhee(Melozone crissalis)Abundance: CommonNon-native
  • Calliope Hummingbird(Stellula calliope)Abundance: Occasional
  • Canada Goose(Branta canadensis)Abundance: Rare
  • Canada Warbler(Cardellina canadensis)Abundance: Occasional
  • Canvasback(Aythya valisineria)Abundance: Rare
  • Canyon Wren(Catherpes mexicanus)Abundance: Common
  • Cassin’s Finch(Carpodacus cassinii)Abundance: Occasional
  • Cassin’s Kingbird(Tyrannus vociferans)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Cassin’s Vireo(Vireo cassinii)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Cedar Waxwing(Bombycilla cedrorum)Abundance: Occasional
  • Chestnut-sided Warbler(Setophaga pensylvanica)Abundance: Occasional
  • Chipping Sparrow(Spizella passerina)Abundance: Common
  • Chukar(Alectoris chukar)Abundance: OccasionalNon-native
  • Cinnamon Teal(Anas cyanoptera)Abundance: Rare
  • Clark’s Nutcracker(Nucifraga columbiana)Abundance: Occasional
  • Cliff Swallow(Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)Abundance: Common
  • Common Gallinule(Gallinula galeata)Abundance: Occasional
  • Common Ground-dove(Columbina passerina)Abundance: Occasional
  • Common Loon Photo post(Gavia immer)Abundance: Occasional
  • Common Nighthawk(Chordeiles minor)Abundance: Occasional
  • Common Poorwill(Phalaenoptilus nuttallii)Abundance: Common
  • Common Raven(Corvus corax)Abundance: Common
  • Common Snipe(Gallinago gallinago)Abundance: Rare
  • Common Yellowthroat(Geothlypis trichas)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Cooper’s Hawk(Accipiter cooperii)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Costa’s Hummingbird(Calypte costae)Abundance: Common
  • Crissal Thrasher(Toxostoma crissale)Abundance: Occasional
  • Dark-eyed Junco(Junco hyemalis)Abundance: Common
  • Dusky Flycatcher(Empidonax oberholseri)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Eared Grebe(Podiceps nigricollis)Abundance: Rare
  • European Starling(Sturnus vulgaris)Abundance: UncommonNon-native
  • Evening Grosbeak(Coccothraustes vespertinus)Abundance: Occasional
  • Ferruginous Hawk(Buteo regalis)Abundance: Rare
  • Fox Sparrow(Passerella iliaca)Abundance: Rare
  • Gadwall(Anas strepera)Abundance: Occasional
  • Gambel’s Quail(Callipepla gambelii)Abundance: Common
  • Gila Woodpecker(Melanerpes uropygialis)Abundance: Occasional
  • Gilded Flicker(Colaptes chrysoides)Abundance: Occasional
  • Glossy Ibis(Plegadis falcinellus)Abundance: Occasional
  • Golden Eagle(Aquila chrysaetos)Abundance: Rare
  • Golden-crowned Kinglet(Regulus satrapa)Abundance: Occasional
  • Golden-crowned Sparrow(Zonotrichia atricapilla)Abundance: Rare
  • Grasshopper Sparrow(Ammodramus savannarum)Abundance: Occasional
  • Gray Flycatcher(Empidonax wrightii)Abundance: Occasional
  • Gray Vireo(Vireo vicinior)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Great Blue Heron(Ardea herodias)Abundance: Rare
  • Great Egret(Ardea alba)Abundance: Rare
  • Great Horned Owl(Bubo virginianus)Abundance: Common
  • Great-tailed Grackle(Quiscalus mexicanus)Abundance: Occasional
  • Greater Roadrunner(Geococcyx californianus)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Greater Yellowlegs(Tringa melanoleuca)Abundance: Rare
  • Green Heron(Butorides virescens)Abundance: Rare
  • Green-tailed Towhee(Pipilo chlorurus)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Green-winged Teal(Anas crecca)Abundance: Occasional
  • Hairy Woodpecker(Picoides villosus)Abundance: Occasional
  • Hammond’s Flycatcher(Empidonax hammondii)Abundance: Common
  • Harris’s Sparrow(Zonotrichia querula)Abundance: Occasional
  • Hermit Thrush(Catharus guttatus)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Hermit Warbler(Setophaga occidentalis)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Hooded Merganser(Lophodytes cucullatus)Abundance: Occasional
  • Hooded Oriole(Icterus cucullatus)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Hooded Warbler(Setophaga citrina)Abundance: Occasional
  • Horned Lark(Eremophila alpestris)Abundance: Common
  • House Finch(Carpodacus mexicanus)Abundance: Common
  • House Sparrow(Passer domesticus)Abundance: UncommonNon-native
  • House Wren(Troglodytes aedon)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Hutton’s Vireo(Vireo huttoni)Abundance: Occasional
  • Indigo Bunting(Passerina cyanea)Abundance: Occasional
  • Killdeer(Charadrius vociferus)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Ladder-backed Woodpecker(Picoides scalaris)Abundance: Common
  • Lark Bunting(Calamospiza melanocorys)Abundance: Occasional
  • Lark Sparrow(Chondestes grammacus)Abundance: Occasional
  • Lawrence’s Goldfinch(Spinus lawrencei)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Lazuli Bunting(Passerina amoena)Abundance: Common
  • Le Conte’s Thrasher(Toxostoma lecontei)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Least Sandpiper(Calidris minutilla)Abundance: Rare
  • Lesser Goldfinch(Spinus psaltria)Abundance: Common
  • Lesser Nighthawk(Chordeiles acutipennis)Abundance: Common
  • Lesser Scaup(Aythya affinis)Abundance: Rare
  • Lewis’s Woodpecker(Melanerpes lewis)Abundance: Occasional
  • Lincoln’s Sparrow(Melospiza lincolnii)Abundance: Common
  • Loggerhead Shrike(Lanius ludovicianus)Abundance: Common
  • Long-billed Dowitcher(Limnodromus scolopaceus)Abundance: Rare
  • Long-eared Owl(Asio otus)Abundance: Occasional
  • Louisiana Waterthrush(Parkesia motacilla)Abundance: Occasional
  • Lucy’s Warbler(Oreothlypis luciae)Abundance: Rare
  • MacGillivray’s Warbler(Geothlypis tolmiei)Abundance: Rare
  • Mallard(Anas platyrhynchos)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Marsh Wren(Cistothorus palustris)Abundance: Rare
  • Merlin(Falco columbarius)Abundance: Rare
  • Mountain Bluebird(Sialia currucoides)Abundance: Occasional
  • Mountain Chickadee(Poecile gambeli)Abundance: Occasional
  • Mountain Quail(Oreortyx pictus)Abundance: Rare
  • Mourning Dove(Zenaida macroura)Abundance: Common
  • Nashville Warbler(Oreothlypis ruficapilla)Abundance: Common
  • Northern Flicker(Colaptes auratus)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Northern Harrier(Circus cyaneus)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Northern Mockingbird(Mimus polyglottos)Abundance: Common
  • Northern Pintail(Anas acuta)Abundance: Rare
  • Northern Rough-winged Swallow(Stelgidopteryx serripennis)Abundance: Common
  • Northern Saw-whet Owl(Aegolius acadicus)Abundance: Occasional
  • Northern Shoveler(Anas clypeata)Abundance: Rare
  • Nuttall’s Woodpecker(Picoides nuttallii)Abundance: Occasional
  • Oak Titmouse(Baeolophus inornatus)Abundance: Common
  • Olive-sided Flycatcher(Contopus cooperi)Abundance: Rare
  • Orange-crowned Warbler(Oreothlypis celata)Abundance: Common
  • Osprey(Pandion haliaetus)Abundance: Rare
  • Ovenbird(Seiurus aurocapilla)Abundance: Occasional
  • Pacific Wren Formally Winter Wren(Troglodytes hiemalis)Abundance: Occasional
  • Pacific-slope Flycatcher(Empidonax difficilis)Abundance: Common
  • Painted Redstart(Myioborus pictus)Abundance: Occasional
  • Palm Warbler(Setophaga palmarum)Abundance: Occasional
  • Phainopepla(Phainopepla nitens)Abundance: Common
  • Pied-billed Grebe(Podilymbus podiceps)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Pine Siskin(Spinus pinus)Abundance: Rare
  • Pinyon Jay(Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus)Abundance: Common
  • Prairie Falcon(Falco mexicanus)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Purple Finch(Carpodacus purpureus)Abundance: Rare
  • Purple Martin(Progne subis)Abundance: Occasional
  • Pygmy Nuthatch(Sitta pygmaea)Abundance: Occasional
  • Pyrrhuloxia(Cardinalis sinuatus)Abundance: Occasional
  • Red Crossbill(Loxia curvirostra)Abundance: Occasional
  • Red-breasted Merganser(Mergus serrator)Abundance: Occasional
  • Red-breasted Nuthatch(Sitta canadensis)Abundance: Occasional
  • Red-breasted Sapsucker(Sphyrapicus ruber)Abundance: Occasional
  • Red-faced Warbler(Cardellina rubrifrons)Abundance: Occasional
  • Red-naped Sapsucker(Sphyrapicus nuchalis)Abundance: Rare
  • Red-necked Phalarope(Phalaropus lobatus)Abundance: Rare
  • Red-tailed Hawk(Buteo jamaicensis)Abundance: Common
  • Red-winged Blackbird(Agelaius phoeniceus)Abundance: Occasional
  • Redhead(Aythya americana)Abundance: Occasional
  • Ring-necked Duck(Aythya collaris)Abundance: Rare
  • Rock Pigeon(Columba livia)Abundance: UncommonNon-native
  • Rock Wren(Salpinctes obsoletus)Abundance: Common
  • Rose-breasted Grosbeak(Pheucticus ludovicianus)Abundance: Common
  • Rough-legged Hawk(Buteo lagopus)Abundance: Occasional
  • Ruby-crowned Kinglet(Regulus calendula)Abundance: Common
  • Ruddy Duck(Oxyura jamaicensis)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Rufous Hummingbird(Selasphorus rufus)Abundance: Common
  • Rufous-crowned Sparrow(Aimophila ruficeps)Abundance: Occasional
  • Sage Sparrow(Amphispiza belli)Abundance: Common
  • Sage Thrasher(Oreoscoptes montanus)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Savannah Sparrow(Passerculus sandwichensis)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Say’s Phoebe(Sayornis saya)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Scott’s Oriole(Icterus parisorum)Abundance: Common
  • Sharp-shinned Hawk(Accipiter striatus)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Short-eared Owl(Asio flammeus)Abundance: Occasional
  • Snow Goose(Chen caerulescens)Abundance: Rare
  • Snowy Egret(Egretta thula)Abundance: Rare
  • Solitary Sandpiper(Tringa solitaria)Abundance: Occasional
  • Song Sparrow(Melospiza melodia)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Sora(Porzana carolina)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Spotted Sandpiper(Actitis macularius)Abundance: Rare
  • Spotted Towhee(Pipilo maculatus)Abundance: Common
  • Steller’s Jay Photo post(Cyanocitta stelleri)Abundance: Rare
  • Summer Tanager(Piranga rubra)Abundance: Rare
  • Swainson’s Hawk(Buteo swainsoni)Abundance: Occasional
  • Swainson’s Thrush(Catharus ustulatus)Abundance: Common
  • Townsend’s Solitaire(Myadestes townsendi)Abundance: Occasional
  • Townsend’s Warbler(Setophaga townsendi)Abundance: Common
  • Tree Swallow(Tachycineta bicolor)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Turkey Vulture(Cathartes aura)Abundance: Common
  • Varied Thrush(Ixoreus naevius)Abundance: Occasional
  • Vaux’s Swift(Chaetura vauxi)Abundance: Common
  • Verdin(Auriparus flaviceps)Abundance: Common
  • Vermilion Flycatcher(Pyrocephalus rubinus)Abundance: Occasional
  • Vesper Sparrow(Pooecetes gramineus)Abundance: Rare
  • Violet-green Swallow(Tachycineta thalassina)Abundance: Common
  • Virginia Rail(Rallus limicola)Abundance: Rare
  • Virginia’s Warbler(Oreothlypis virginiae)Abundance: Rare
  • Warbling Vireo(Vireo gilvus)Abundance: Common
  • Western Bluebird(Sialia mexicana)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Western Grebe(Aechmophorus occidentalis)Abundance: Occasional
  • Western Kingbird(Tyrannus verticalis)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Western Meadowlark(Sturnella neglecta)Abundance: Common
  • Western Sandpiper(Calidris mauri)Abundance: Rare
  • Western Screech-owl(Megascops kennicottii)Abundance: Rare
  • Western Scrub-jay(Aphelocoma californica)Abundance: Common
  • Western Tanager(Piranga ludoviciana)Abundance: Common
  • Western Wood-pewee(Contopus sordidulus)Abundance: Common
  • White-breasted Nuthatch(Sitta carolinensis)Abundance: Occasional
  • White-crowned Sparrow(Zonotrichia leucophrys)Abundance: Common
  • White-faced Ibis(Plegadis chihi)Abundance: Rare
  • White-headed Woodpecker(Picoides albolarvatus)Abundance: Occasional
  • White-throated Sparrow(Zonotrichia albicollis)Abundance: Occasional
  • White-throated Swift(Aeronautes saxatalis)Abundance: Common
  • White-winged Dove(Zenaida asiatica)Abundance: Uncommon
  • White-winged Scoter(Melanitta fusca)Abundance: Occasional
  • Williamson’s Sapsucker(Sphyrapicus thyroideus)Abundance: Occasional
  • Willow Flycatcher(Empidonax traillii)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Wilson’s Phalarope(Phalaropus tricolor)Abundance: Rare
  • Wilson’s Warbler(Cardellina pusilla)Abundance: Common
  • Wood Duck(Aix sponsa)Abundance: Occasional
  • Yellow Warbler(Setophaga petechia)Abundance: Common
  • Yellow-bellied Sapsucker(Sphyrapicus varius)Abundance: Occasional
  • Yellow-billed Cuckoo(Coccyzus americanus)Abundance: Occasional
  • Yellow-breasted Chat(Icteria virens)Abundance: Rare
  • Yellow-headed Blackbird(Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus)Abundance: Rare
  • Yellow-rumped Warbler(Setophaga coronata)Abundance: Common

No birds match.

Joshua Tree National Park Reptiles

49 species
  • Blainville’s Horned Lizard(Phrynosoma blainvillii)Abundance: Common
  • California Kingsnake(Lampropeltis californiae)Abundance: Common
  • California Legless Lizard(Anniella pulchra)Abundance: Rare
  • California Lyresnake(Trimorphodon lyropanes)Abundance: Common
  • California Striped Racer(Coluber lateralis lateralis)Abundance: Common
  • Colorado Desert Sidewinder(Crotalus cerastes laterorepens)Abundance: Common
  • Common Chuckwalla(Sauromalus ater)Abundance: Common
  • Common Side-blotched Lizard(Uta stansburiana)Abundance: Abundant
  • Desert Glossy Snake(Arizona elegans eburnata)Abundance: Common
  • Desert Horned Lizard(Phrynosoma platyrhinos)Abundance: Common
  • Desert Iguana(Dipsosaurus dorsalis)Abundance: Common
  • Desert Night Lizard(Xantusia vigilis)Abundance: Common
  • Desert Patch-nosed Snake(Salvadora hexalepis hexalepis)Abundance: Rare
  • Desert Threadsnake(Rena humilis cahuilae)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Desert Tortoise(Gopherus agassizii)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Glossy Snake(Arizona elegans)Abundance: Common
  • Gopher Snake(Pituophis catenifer)Abundance: Common
  • Great Basin Collared Lizard(Crotaphytus bicinctores)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Great Basin Fence Lizard(Sceloporus occidentalis longipes)Abundance: Abundant
  • Great Basin Gopher Snake(Pituophis catenifer deserticola)Abundance: Common
  • Great Basin Whiptail(Aspidoscelis tigris tigris)Abundance: Common
  • Long-nosed Leopard Lizard(Gambelia wislizenii)Abundance: Common
  • Long-nosed Snake(Rhinocheilus lecontei)Abundance: Common
  • Mohave Desert Sidewinder(Crotalus cerastes cerastes)Abundance: Common
  • Mohave Fringe-toad Lizard(Uma scoparia)Abundance: Rare
  • Mohave Rattlesnake(Crotalus scutulatus)Abundance: Common
  • Mojave Glossy Snake(Arizona elegans candida)Abundance: Common
  • Mojave Patch-nosed Snake(Salvadora hexalepis mojavensis)Abundance: Common
  • Northern Desert Nightsnake(Hypsiglena chlorophaea deserticola)Abundance: Common
  • Red Diamond Rattlesnake(Crotalus ruber)Abundance: Rare
  • Red Racer(Coluber flagellum piceus)Abundance: Common
  • Rosy Boa(Lichanura trivirgata)Abundance: Common
  • San Diego Alligator Lizard(Elgaria multicarinata webbii)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Sidewinder(Crotalus cerastes)Abundance: Common
  • Smith’s Black-headed Snake(Tantilla hobartsmithi)Abundance: Rare
  • Sonoran Gopher Snake(Pituophis catenifer affinis)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Southern Pacific Rattlesnake(Crotalus oreganus helleri)Abundance: Common
  • Southwestern Threadsnake(Rena humilis humilis)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Speckled Rattlesnake(Crotalus mitchellii)Abundance: Common
  • Spotted Leaf-nosed Snake(Phyllorhynchus decurtatus)Abundance: Common
  • Western Banded Gecko(Coleonyx variegatus)Abundance: Common
  • Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake(Crotalus atrox)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Western Long-tailed Brush Lizard(Urosaurus graciosus)Abundance: Unknown
  • Western Patch-nosed Snake(Salvadora hexalepis)Abundance: Common
  • Western Red-tailed Skink(Plestiodon gilberti rubricaudatus)Abundance: Common
  • Western Shovel-nosed Snake(Chionactis occipitalis)Abundance: Common
  • Western Threadsnake(Rena humilis)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Yellow-backed Spiny Lizard(Sceloporus uniformis)Abundance: Common
  • Zebra-tailed Lizard(Callisaurus draconoides)Abundance: Common

No reptiles match.

Joshua Tree National Park Amphibians

2 species
  • California Treefrog(Pseudacris cadaverina)Abundance: Uncommon
  • Red-spotted Toad(Anaxyrus punctatus)Abundance: Common

No amphibians match.

Joshua Tree National Park Fish

0 species

NPSpecies currently lists no fish as present in this park.

Note:  The wildlife species included in the lists above have been confirmed with the National Park Service to be present in Joshua Tree National Park. Other species may exist in the park that are currently under review or not yet known.

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References:

  • National Park Species List
  • NPS: Animals, Joshua Tree
  • NPS: Mammals, Joshua Tree
  • NPS: Birds, Joshua Tree
  • NPS: Reptiles, Joshua Tree
  • NPS: Amphibians, Joshua Tree
  • NPS: Desert Bighorn Sheep, Joshua Tree
  • NPS: Desert Tortoise, Joshua Tree
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Dickey Ridge Overlook, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia | Photo Credit: NPS / Richard Hayden

Signal Knob Overlook, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia | Photo Credit: NPS / Richard Hayden