Cordylanthus rigidus is a species of flowering plant in the family Orobanchaceae known by the common name stiffbranch bird's beak.

This is a hairy annual herb growing to maximum heights anywhere from 30 centimeters to 1.5 meters.

The stem and foliage vary in color from greenish to yellows and reds; like other members of its family this species is a parasite on other plants so it does not rely entirely on green chlorophyll to produce its own nutrients.

Each hair-covered flower is shaped like a conical bird's beak with leaflike, pointed outer and inner bracts.

A subspecies, seaside bird's beak—Cordylanthus rigidus littoralis—is listed by the State of California as endangered.