Washington State provides a welcoming environment for hummingbirds, known for their rapid wing beats and shimmering, iridescent feathers. These tiny aviators navigate the skies with astonishing agility, bringing vibrant color to gardens and wild landscapes. Their unique ability to hover in place and dart swiftly makes them a fascinating part of Washington’s natural world. Several distinct hummingbird species further enrich the state’s biodiversity.
Hummingbird Species in Washington
Washington is home to several hummingbird species, each with unique characteristics. The Anna’s Hummingbird ( Calypte anna ) is a common sight and a year-round resident in many parts of western Washington, including the Puget Sound region. Males display a striking rose-pink or iridescent red head and throat that can appear brilliant in sunlight, while their bodies are bronze-green above and gray below. They are adaptable birds, often seen in suburban gardens and urban areas.
The Rufous Hummingbird ( Selasphorus rufus ) is another prevalent species, particularly known for its fiery orange-brown plumage in males, which often includes an iridescent reddish-orange throat patch. Females are green above with rufous flanks and some rufous coloring at the base of their tails. These birds are recognized for their aggressive territorial behavior, often chasing other hummingbirds away from feeders. Rufous Hummingbirds undertake one of the longest migrations proportionally to their size, traveling from Mexico to Alaska annually.
The Calliope Hummingbird ( Selasphorus calliope ) is the smallest bird in North America. Males are identifiable by their green bodies and a striking magenta-striped throat that they can puff out during courtship displays. Females have a more muted green and white appearance. These diminutive birds are also remarkable long-distance migrants.
Finding Hummingbirds in Washington
Hummingbirds can be observed across diverse habitats within Washington State, from coastal areas to mountain forests and even urban gardens. The Anna’s Hummingbird, being a year-round resident, can be found throughout western Washington, including cities like Seattle, even during winter months. Their consistent presence in suburban parks and gardens is due to adaptation to human-modified landscapes.
Migratory species like the Rufous Hummingbird arrive in Washington from late February to early March, coinciding with the blooming of early spring flowers such as red flowering currant and salmonberry. They tend to migrate north along the Pacific Coast and then return south through the Rocky Mountains as early as July or August. Calliope Hummingbirds typically arrive in Washington from late April to mid-May and begin their southward migration in late summer or September. They are often found in higher elevations and eastern Washington in brush-lands and open forests. Black-chinned Hummingbirds are primarily found in the eastern part of the state, arriving between April and August.
Attracting Hummingbirds
To attract hummingbirds to your outdoor spaces, provide a sugar-water feeder. The nectar solution consists of one part white granulated sugar dissolved in four parts water. Avoid using red dye, honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners, as these can be harmful. Prepare the solution by boiling water, dissolving sugar, and allowing it to cool before filling the feeder.
Clean feeders regularly for important hummingbird health. Frequency depends on temperature: daily in hot weather, every two to three days in warm weather, and twice a week in cooler conditions. Clean with hot tap water or a weak vinegar solution, rinsing thoroughly without soap or detergents. Placing feeders in shaded areas helps prevent the sugar solution from spoiling quickly.
Beyond feeders, planting nectar-rich flowers is an effective way to attract hummingbirds; native plants often provide optimal nutrition. Hummingbirds are drawn to red and orange tubular flowers. Suitable plants for Washington gardens include honeysuckle, penstemon, fuchsia, columbine, salvia, red-flowering currant, and salmonberry. Provide water sources like misters and avoid pesticides to ensure a healthy insect population, a supplementary food source for hummingbirds.