Hummingbirds are a common sight in San Diego, zipping from flower to flower with their fast-flapping wings. But while hummingbirds are present year-round in San Diego, the specific species and numbers change from season to season as birds migrate through the region.
Winter
In the winter, the most common hummingbird species found in San Diego is the Anna’s Hummingbird. This medium-sized hummingbird has green feathers on its back and head, with gray underparts and a rose-pink throat and crown. The male has an iridescent reddish-pink throat patch or “gorget.”
Anna’s Hummingbirds are year-round residents in most of California and do not migrate. They are able to endure cold winters and breed very early in the year, with nesting season as early as December to take advantage of winter-blooming plants. An estimated 95% of San Diego’s wintering hummingbird population is made up of Anna’s Hummingbirds.
Other winter hummingbirds
While Anna’s are the majority, other species may be found in smaller numbers in San Diego in winter, either as year-round residents or overwintering migrants including:
- Allen’s Hummingbird
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird
These species may start arriving in fall and stay through winter and early spring. They are generally only present in small numbers compared to the abundant Anna’s Hummingbirds.
Spring
As spring arrives in San Diego, there is an increase in hummingbird diversity between February and May as birds arrive from Mexico and Central America to breed. Spring migrants passing through or breeding in the region may include species such as:
- Allen’s Hummingbird
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Broad-billed Hummingbird
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
- Costa’s Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird
The most common spring migrant is the Rufous Hummingbird. The males are unmistakable with their vivid reddish-orange plumage. They migrate north to Pacific Northwest and Alaska to breed, stopping in San Diego and other southwestern spots to refuel on their long journey.
Even as new species arrive, Anna’s Hummingbirds still make up a high percentage of the total hummingbird population in springtime San Diego. It’s also not unusual to see hybrid hummingbirds, the offspring of crosses between Anna’s and Rufous Hummingbirds.
Summer
Summer hummingbird diversity in San Diego peaks between June and August. Hot weather and blooming plants make for ideal breeding conditions for species that nested in San Diego, as well as migrants still passing through the region. Some of the species present in summer include:
- Allen’s Hummingbird
- Anna’s Hummingbird
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird
- Costa’s Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird
The most common summer species besides Anna’s Hummingbird is the Black-chinned Hummingbird. Males have a dark, iridescent purple throat patch and whitish collar behind it. Black-chinned Hummingbirds breed in the mountain areas and canyons around San Diego before migrating south in fall.
Changes in breeding plumage
The breeding season also brings changes in appearance, as males molt from their non-breeding into bright breeding plumage in spring. In summer, you can observe Allen’s with their flaming orange throat patches, Rufous with red-orange plumage, Black-chinned with purple throats, and more.
Fall
From September through November, most of the migratory species that bred farther north start heading south again through San Diego. These southbound migrants join overwintering Anna’s and other year-round species. Some of the fall hummingbird species include:
- Allen’s Hummingbird
- Anna’s Hummingbird
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Costa’s Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbirds are especially abundant during fall migration as they pass through on their way to wintering grounds in Mexico. The birds may start leaving as early as June but migration peaks in August and September.
Key points
- Anna’s Hummingbirds are present year-round and make up the majority of winter hummers.
- Spring and fall see an increase in species diversity as northern migrants pass through.
- Summer brings nesting birds and bright breeding plumage.
- Migration peaks shape seasonal abundance of species like Rufous Hummingbirds.
Ways to attract hummingbirds
Here are some tips for attracting hummingbirds to your San Diego yard throughout the year:
Provide nectar feeders
Nectar feeders are an excellent source of food for hummingbirds. Use a nectar mix of 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. Avoid honey, artificial sweeteners, food coloring, etc. Clean feeders regularly to prevent mold.
Plant native plants
Landscape with native flowering plants that provide nectar such as:
- Penstemon
- Salvia
- Marigold
- California fuchsia
- Sages
- Columbine
- Lupine
Provide water
A mister, dripping fountain, or bird bath provides water for drinking and bathing. Move water to prevent mosquito breeding.
Avoid pesticides
Pesticides reduce insect populations that hummingbirds rely on for food, especially during migration and nesting periods with high energy needs.
Conclusion
While Anna’s Hummingbirds can be found year-round, San Diego hosts a diversity of seasonal hummingbirds. Their abundance and diversity changes throughout the year as northern breeding birds migrate through in spring and fall. Providing food, water, shelter and native plants will attract hummingbirds to your yard to observe their fascinating behaviors and changing plumage through the seasons.
