Yes, there are several species of hummingbirds that can be found in Scottsdale, Arizona throughout the year. The most common hummingbird species seen in Scottsdale include the Anna’s Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, and Costa’s Hummingbird.
What types of hummingbirds live in Scottsdale, Arizona?
Here are the main hummingbird species found in Scottsdale, Arizona:
| Hummingbird Species | Description |
|---|---|
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Small hummingbird with green back and head, grey underparts, and rose pink throat and crown. Adult males have vivid magenta throat and crown. |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | Small hummingbird with green back and white underparts. Adult males have iridescent purple throat. |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | Medium-sized hummingbird with green back, white underparts, and red spot at base of long, rounded tail. |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Small hummingbird with bright rusty coloring on sides, green on back, and white or rust colored belly. |
| Costa’s Hummingbird | Small hummingbird with green back, grey underparts, and purple throat flare. Found in desert areas. |
Of these species, the Anna’s and Black-chinned are the most widespread and commonly seen hummingbirds across Scottsdale.
Anna’s Hummingbird
The Anna’s Hummingbird is one of the most common backyard hummingbirds in Scottsdale. It is a small, stocky bird with a straight, thin bill. The male has an iridescent magenta-colored crown and throat. Females lack the iridescent magenta colors and instead have grey crowns and throats with small rose spots.
Anna’s Hummingbirds are year-round residents in Scottsdale. They do not migrate and can be found in backyards, parks, and gardens year-round. They are very territorial and males perform elaborate dive displays during the breeding season to court females and defend territories.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Black-chinned Hummingbirds are another very common species found across Scottsdale. The males have a metallic purple band at the base of their throat, with the rest of the underparts being white. Females and immature males have white throats and pale grey underparts. They have green backs with fine streaks.
In Scottsdale, Black-chinned Hummingbirds are most abundant during spring and summer. Some birds migrate north for the winter, while others may overwinter in the area. The Black-chinned Hummingbird gets its name from the dark, pencil-thin chin strap on adult males.
What is the best time of year to see hummingbirds in Scottsdale, Arizona?
The best time of year to observe hummingbirds in Scottsdale depends on the particular species:
- Anna’s Hummingbirds are year-round residents that can be seen anytime.
- Black-chinned Hummingbirds are most abundant during spring and summer (April-September).
- Rufous Hummingbirds pass through Scottsdale during spring and fall migration.
- Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are summer residents that arrive in spring and leave in early fall.
- Costa’s Hummingbirds increase in winter numbers as seasonal migrants arrive.
In general, the peak hummingbird activity in Scottsdale is during the spring (March-May) and summer (June-August) when food sources like flowers and nectar are most abundant. However, hummingbirds can still be spotted year-round in Scottsdale if you have feeders in your backyard or visit areas with adequate natural food supplies.
Spring Migration (March-May)
Spring is an exciting time to observe migrating hummingbirds returning to Scottsdale and passing through on their way north. Rufous, Broad-tailed, Black-chinned, and Costa’s Hummingbirds all start showing up in increasing numbers in March and April. By May, all the summer residents have usually arrived in Scottsdale.
Summer (June-August)
Summer is when Scottsdale’s Anna’s and Black-chinned Hummingbird populations are at their peak. The long sunny days and abundance of flowers like ocotillo provide plenty of food resources. Females are busy nesting and caring for chicks. Keep your nectar feeders full during summer to support local hummingbirds.
Fall Migration (September-November)
In early fall, migrating Rufous and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds pass back through Scottsdale on their way south. Numbers of Black-chinned Hummingbirds also decline as some migrate. Keep an eye out for southbound migrants stopping by your backyard feeders in September and October.
Winter (December-February)
While fewer hummingbirds are present in Scottsdale in winter, you may spot visiting Anna’s, Black-chinned, Costa’s, and Rufous Hummingbirds at backyard feeders on warmer winter days. It’s important to keep nectar feeders clean and filled during winter to help support overwintering birds.
What plants and flowers attract hummingbirds in Scottsdale?
There are many brightly colored, nectar-rich native plants and flowers that attract hummingbirds in Scottsdale. Here are some of the best ones to plant:
- Ocotillo – tubular red flowers bloom after rainfall
- Indian paintbrush – red tubular flowers
- Penstemon – red and purple tubular flowers
- Salvia – red, pink, orange, yellow flowers depending on species
- Aloe – tubular orange and red flowers
- Desert honeysuckle – orange-red tubular flowers
- Agave – tall flower spikes with tubular blooms
- Chuparosa – tubular red-orange blooms
- Autumn sage – red, pink, or white tubular flowers
- Desert willow – pinkish trumpet-shaped blooms
Planting plenty of flowering trees, shrubs, perennials, and vines that bloom through spring, summer, and fall will create an inviting habitat to attract hummingbirds to your Scottsdale yard.
Native plants
Focus on planting native Southwestern species that hummingbirds have evolved with and rely on for food. Some great native plants are ocotillo, agave, penstemon, salvia, chuparosa, and desert honeysuckle.
Flower shape
Hummingbirds are specially adapted to feed on tubular or trumpet-shaped flowers where they can access the nectar with their long, slender beaks. Flowers with this shape are perfect for attracting them.
Flower colors
Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to flowers in shades of red, orange, pink, and purple. These vibrant, warm colors advertise to the birds that the flowers contain prime nutrition in the form of sugary nectar.
Season-long blooms
Choose a variety of plants that collectively bloom spring through fall to provide a consistent nectar source for hummingbirds throughout the seasons.
Where are the best places to see hummingbirds in Scottsdale?
Some top spots to observe hummingbirds and their habitats in Scottsdale include:
- Desert Botanical Garden – huge variety of hummingbird-friendly native plants and flowers, outdoor exhibits make it easy to watch them feed
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve – over 30,000 acres of native Sonoran desert habitat with ocotillo, palo verde trees, agave, and other natural food sources
- Usery Mountain Regional Park – hiking trails pass through desert areas filled with hummingbird-attracting plants
- Scottsdale backyard gardens – residential gardens landscaped with native plants draw in hummingbirds year-round
- Butterfly Wonderland – indoor rainforest exhibit with hundreds of exotic plants is frequented by captive Rufous Hummingbirds
- Boyce Thompson Arboretum – expansive botanical gardens with a diversity of hummingbird-friendly floral displays
Public gardens and parks
Scottsdale’s many public gardens like the Desert Botanical Garden provide expansive exhibits of native plants that attract wild, free-flying hummingbirds. Parks like McDowell Sonoran Preserve contain extensive natural areas to observe hummingbirds feeding on wildflowers.
Residential gardens
Well-landscaped backyards and gardens planted with species like ocotillo, salvia, honeysuckle, and agave can draw in hummingbirds, especially if nectar feeders are also present.
Indoor exhibits
For year-round guaranteed hummingbird watching, head to Butterfly Wonderland’s indoor rainforest exhibit where hundreds of Rufous Hummingbirds live among lush tropical plants and flowers.
How can I attract hummingbirds to my yard in Scottsdale?
Here are some tips to make your yard attractive and inviting for hummingbirds in Scottsdale:
- Plant plenty of nectar-rich, tubular flowers in red, orange, pink, and purple hues
- Choose native desert species adapted to Scottsdale’s climate like ocotillo, salvia, penstemon, aloe, and honeysuckle
- Ensure a continuous bloom of flowers spring through fall to provide constant food
- Install nectar feeders with a liquid hummer or nectar recipe – change weekly
- Provide insects for protein like butterfly feeders or bee gardens
- Add a small water feature, mister, or dripsystem to supply drinking water
- Avoid pesticides which can poison hummingbirds and kill off their food supply
Making these simple habitat enhancements can encourage hummingbirds to take up residence and regularly visit and nest in your backyard.
Nectar plants
Planting nectar-rich flowering plants, shrubs, vines and trees that bloom in hummingbird-attractive colors will create an excellent food source.
Nectar feeders
Supplementing natural nectar sources with clean, well-maintained feeders providing sugar water or commercial nectar is a highly effective strategy to attract hummingbirds.
Water
Including a water feature, mister, fountain or dripsystem provides hummingbirds with the drinking water they need, especially in hot, dry climates like Scottsdale’s.
Pesticide-free
Avoiding the use of chemical pesticides is crucial, as these can poison hummingbirds and also kill pollinating insects that the birds rely on as a food source.
Do hummingbirds live in Scottsdale year-round or migrate?
Some hummingbird species live in Scottsdale year-round, while others pass through during seasonal migrations:
| Hummingbird Species | Scottsdale Presence |
|---|---|
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Year-round resident |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | Summer resident, some overwinter |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | Summer resident only |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Spring and fall migrant |
| Costa’s Hummingbird | Increasing winter numbers |
The Anna’s Hummingbird is the only species that is a permanent, year-round resident in Scottsdale. Rufous and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds pass through during migrations but do not stay to breed or overwinter.
Black-chinned Hummingbirds have a summer breeding population in Scottsdale and some individuals may overwinter. Costa’s Hummingbird numbers increase in winter as seasonal migrants arrive from further south.
Year-round residents
Anna’s Hummingbirds are the main resident species, present year-round in Scottsdale. They can be found at feeders and flowering plants even in winter.
Summer residents
Black-chinned and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds spend the spring and summer nesting in Scottsdale, then migrate south before winter.
Migrants
Rufous Hummingbirds pass through briefly during migrations to and from their breeding grounds further north. Costa’s Hummingbird numbers swell in winter as migrants arrive from Mexico.
Conclusion
Scottsdale provides excellent year-round habitat for hummingbirds. The city’s desert climate and abundance of flowering native plants like ocotillo attract hummingbirds like Anna’s and Black-chinned to breed and nest during spring and summer. Rufous and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds stop by during migrations, while Costa’s Hummingbirds overwinter. By landscaping with nectar-rich blooms and providing feeders, Scottsdale residents can easily enjoy observing these special birds in their yards and gardens.
