Yes, hummingbirds are present and abundant in Arizona, making the state one of the best locations in the United States for viewing these birds. Arizona hosts a diverse population, with at least 17 documented species, ranging from year-round residents to seasonal migrants. Hummingbirds are petite, with some species weighing as little as 2 grams. They are recognized for their remarkable wing speed, which can exceed 80 beats per second. This rapid wing movement allows them to hover in mid-air and creates the characteristic buzzing sound often heard as they dart between flowers and feeders.
Arizona’s Status as a Hummingbird Hotspot
Arizona’s unique geography supports a high diversity and density of hummingbirds. The state lies at the crossroads of five major biogeographic regions, connecting ecosystems from the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Madre of Mexico, and three deserts. This convergence creates a mosaic of distinct habitats, providing specific resources for different species.
A defining feature is the presence of “Sky Islands,” isolated mountain ranges rising sharply from the desert floor. These mountains create cooler, wetter microclimates, offering montane forests and oak woodlands that contrast with the surrounding hot deserts. The Sky Islands serve as refuges and specialized breeding habitats, particularly in southeastern Arizona, a global biodiversity hotspot.
Lower-elevation riparian areas, lush streamside forests along rivers and washes, also draw in many species. These corridors offer consistent sources of nectar and insects, which are necessary components of a hummingbird’s diet. The combination of desert scrub, high-elevation forests, and riparian oases ensures a nearly continuous bloom of nectar-producing plants throughout the year.
Identifying Arizona’s Most Common Species
Several species are commonly sighted across Arizona, each possessing distinct characteristics that aid in identification. The Anna’s Hummingbird is one of the most widespread species, often seen year-round in central and southern Arizona. The male is easily recognized by its iridescent magenta or rosy-pink crown and throat, a field mark discernible even in flight.
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is a summer resident, typically present from April through September. The male has a black throat that shimmers with a narrow purple border, though in poor light, the entire head and throat can appear completely black. These birds are adaptable, found in habitats ranging from mountain meadows to urban areas.
The Broad-billed Hummingbird is a stunning emerald-green species. Males feature a bright blue throat and a striking red bill with a black tip. This species is a common spring and summer resident in the canyons and riparian woodlands of southeastern Arizona.
The Rufous Hummingbird is a small, aggressive migrant known for dominating feeders and flowers. Males are predominantly rust-colored, or coppery-orange, with an iridescent reddish-orange throat. Although they do not nest in Arizona, they are most frequently observed during their southbound migration from July to October.
Seasonal Migration and Year-Round Residents
Hummingbird presence in Arizona is governed by a cycle of migration, with only a few species maintaining a year-round presence. The Anna’s Hummingbird, and sometimes the Costa’s Hummingbird, are the primary year-round residents, particularly in the warmer, lower-elevation parts of central and southern Arizona. These populations survive the mild winters by taking advantage of feeders and early-blooming plants.
Most other species are seasonal visitors, arriving in staggered waves beginning in late winter and early spring. The Black-chinned and Broad-tailed hummingbirds arrive in March or April to breed, staying through the summer months. Their arrival follows the northward progression of blooming flowers, a phenomenon often referred to as the “nectar trail.”
Arizona serves as a crucial stopover point for species migrating further north to breeding grounds, such as the Rufous Hummingbird. Migratory birds depart the state by late September or early October, traveling south to their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. The greatest diversity of species is often observed during the late summer monsoon season, when local nesters overlap with southbound migrants.
Practical Tips for Observation and Attraction
Attracting hummingbirds involves providing reliable sources of food, water, and shelter. Feeders are an effective supplementary food source and should be filled with a simple solution of one part white granulated sugar to four parts water. It is unnecessary and potentially harmful to use red dye, honey, or artificial sweeteners in the mixture.
To prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, the sugar solution must be changed frequently, every two to three days during hot summer weather. The feeder itself should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a week using only hot water, avoiding soap residue. Placing feeders near trees or shrubs provides the birds with safe perches to rest and scan for rivals.
Planting native, nectar-rich flowers is the most beneficial method for providing natural sustenance. Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to tubular flowers, often in shades of red, orange, and dark pink. Excellent Arizona native examples include penstemon, chuparosa, and various species of agave. A shallow water source or a mister can also encourage bathing, as hummingbirds need to clean sticky nectar from their feathers.