These data were compiled to investigate the distribution and breeding status of yellow-billed cuckoos (Coccyzus americanus) in southeastern Arizona xeroriparian habitat by comparing the results of standardized call-playback surveys to the results of nest searching efforts in the same sites from 2018 to 2020. The primary purpose of the study associated with these data was to determine and document the occurrence and extent of nesting in these poorly studied xeroriparian habitats. These data represent breeding evidence for yellow-billed cuckoos at 54 documented sites from 2018-2020 and the results of yellow-billed cuckoo surveys collected at 163 sites from 2013-2020 in xeroriparian habitats in southeastern Arizona. These data were collected in major mountain ranges and foothills between the San Pedro River and the Baboquivari Mountains (2018 - 2020), and additional historic data collected east of the San Pedro River were compiled and added from survey data collected between 2013 and 2020. These data were collected by the study authors, along with over 100 cooperators and volunteers from public and private organizations, using standardized protocols developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Halterman et al. 2015). These data can be used to evaluate breeding distribution and population trends in western populations of the yellow-billed cuckoo.