Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is an internationally recognized birding site.  Several rare or unusual species are known to nest here, and many other species are abundant during the spring and fall migration seasons.

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve has been designated as one of the United States' Important Bird Areas by the American Bird Conservancy, the American Birding Association, and Watchable Wildlife National Program, and is featured in the National Geographic Guide to Birdwatching Sites.