Arizona is a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers, especially those fascinated by the dazzling, fast-flapping hummingbirds that frequent its diverse landscapes. This list covers ten notable hummingbird species you can find in Arizona, detailing their unique features and habitats. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a casual observer, this guide will help you identify and appreciate these remarkable tiny birds.
1. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) is one of the most common and easily spotted hummingbirds in Arizona. Known for its iridescent emerald green body and brilliant rose-pink throat (gorget), it can be seen year-round, especially in urban gardens and desert scrub areas. Its adaptability to human environments and aggressive feeding habits make it a favorite among backyard bird enthusiasts.
2. Black-chinned Hummingbird
The Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is a summer visitor to Arizona, often found at elevations between 1,000 and 7,500 feet. Males have a distinctive black throat with a purple base, while females and juveniles have a more subdued grayish-white underbody. They favor riparian woodlands and desert washes where they feed on nectar from native flowers like ocotillo and desert willow.
3. Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds (Selasphorus platycercus) are notable for their loud, metallic wing trills during flight displays. Males have a vivid rose-red throat patch and a broad, flat tail with green feathers, which gives the species its name. These birds breed in higher elevation forests and meadows in Arizona and migrate south during winter, making them a seasonal delight.
4. Rufous Hummingbird
Famous for its fiery orange coloring and feisty temperament, the Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a migratory species that passes through Arizona primarily in spring and fall. Males display a bright orange back and a reddish-orange throat, while females are more muted with green backs and spotted throats. They are attracted to tubular flowers and feeders, often defending feeding territories aggressively.
5. Broad-billed Hummingbird
The Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) is a striking species with a vivid blue throat and a broad, red bill tipped with black. It inhabits southeastern Arizona’s desert canyons and is known for its fast, direct flight. This species is less common but highly prized by birders visiting areas like the Huachuca Mountains and the Santa Rita Mountains.
6. Calliope Hummingbird
Calliope Hummingbirds (Selasphorus calliope) are the smallest breeding birds in the United States, including Arizona. Males have a distinctive magenta throat patch that extends into thin streaks, resembling a fireworks display. They prefer higher elevation coniferous forests and are usually seen during migration periods in the spring and fall.
7. Violet-crowned Hummingbird
Violet-crowned Hummingbirds (Amazilia violiceps) are elegant birds with a striking violet crown and a white chest. They are primarily found in the desert foothills and canyons of southeastern Arizona, especially in riparian areas with dense vegetation. Their shy nature makes sightings special, and they favor feeders with sugar water as well as native flowering plants.
8. Blue-throated Hummingbird
The Blue-throated Hummingbird (Lampornis clemenciae) is Arizona’s largest hummingbird species, measuring up to 5 inches long. Males have a vibrant blue throat, contrasting with a green back and white underparts. They inhabit oak and pine woodlands, mostly in southeastern Arizona, and their size and color make them unmistakable.
9. Lucifer Hummingbird
Lucifer Hummingbirds (Calothorax lucifer) are known for their dramatic long, curved bills and spiky tail feathers. They are adapted to arid desert environments in southern Arizona and are often spotted near agave plants and ocotillo flowers. Their aggressive feeding and territorial behavior make them a fascinating species to observe.
10. Costa’s Hummingbird
Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae) is a small desert species with a striking purple crown and throat that flares out in males like a cape. They are commonly found in the Sonoran Desert and other lowland desert habitats of Arizona. Their unique iridescence and swift, darting flight patterns make them a favorite among desert bird watchers.
How to Choose
Choosing which hummingbird species to focus on depends largely on your location and the time of year you plan to observe. Elevation is a key factor: species like the Broad-tailed and Calliope prefer higher elevations, while Costa’s and Lucifer favor low desert areas. Seasonal migration also affects availability; for example, Rufous Hummingbirds are primarily seen during migration periods. Habitat preferences—riparian zones, deserts, or woodlands—will guide your expectations. Additionally, consider whether you want to attract hummingbirds to feeders, in which case species like Anna’s and Black-chinned are more likely to visit urban and suburban gardens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to see hummingbirds in Arizona?
Most hummingbirds are active from early spring through fall, with peak activity during migration seasons in March-April and August-September. Some, like Anna’s Hummingbird, can be seen year-round.
Q: What flowers attract hummingbirds in Arizona?
Native plants like ocotillo, desert willow, penstemon, and agave are excellent for attracting hummingbirds, as they provide abundant nectar suited to various species.
Q: Can I feed hummingbirds in my backyard?
Yes, using sugar water feeders (four parts water to one part white granulated sugar) is common and safe if cleaned regularly. Avoid red dye and honey, which can harm the birds.
Q: How fast do hummingbirds flap their wings?
Hummingbirds typically flap their wings about 50-80 times per second, allowing them to hover and maneuver with incredible agility.
Q: Are all hummingbirds in Arizona migratory?
No, some species like Anna’s Hummingbird are residents year-round, while others like the Rufous and Calliope are migratory visitors.
Q: What is the smallest hummingbird found in Arizona?
The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest breeding bird in the U.S. and one of the tiniest species found in Arizona.
Final Thoughts
Arizona’s diverse habitats provide a rich environment for a variety of hummingbird species, each with unique colors, behaviors, and habitats. Whether you’re drawn to the iridescent Anna’s Hummingbird or the elusive Violet-crowned, the state offers countless opportunities for bird watchers and nature lovers alike. Understanding their seasonal patterns, preferred environments, and feeding habits will enrich your experience and appreciation of these remarkable birds.
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