Hummingbirds are a familiar sight in backyards and gardens across western Washington in the summer months. With their iridescent feathers and incredible hovering flight, these tiny birds bring color and energy wherever they go. But do hummingbirds actually live in western Washington year-round, or do they migrate? Let’s take a closer look at the hummingbird species found in the region and their migration patterns.
Hummingbird Species in Western Washington
There are three main species of hummingbirds that breed in western Washington:
- Anna’s Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
Of these, Anna’s Hummingbirds are the only species found year-round. Rufous and Calliope hummingbirds migrate and are only present during the summer breeding season.
Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s Hummingbirds (Calypte anna) are year-round residents in western Washington. These hummingbirds have green backs and grey undersides. The males have iridescent red throats and crowns that appear dark in low light. Females lack the red and have light spotting on their throats.
Anna’s Hummingbirds are aggressive and territorial. They defend feeding areas from intruders and often return to the same winter territories each year. This loyalty to breeding and wintering grounds allows them to remain in western Washington year-round despite the cold temperatures and rain.
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus) are vibrant, feisty hummingbirds that breed in forests and mountain meadows in western Washington. Males are brightly colored with orange-red throats and crowns. Females lack the red and are green on top with white undersides.
Rufous Hummingbirds migrate huge distances. They breed farthest north of any hummingbird species, with many spending summers in Alaska and western Canada. In winter, they migrate to Mexico and Central America. Their migration is a challenging feat requiring immense energy reserves for such a tiny bird.
Calliope Hummingbird
Calliope Hummingbirds (Selasphorus calliope) are the smallest breeding hummingbird in the United States. Males have colorful throats that range from magenta to purple-red. Females lack throat coloring and are more subtly patterned in green, white, and brown.
Like Rufous Hummingbirds, Calliopes migrate all the way to Mexico for the winter. They breed at high elevations in mountain meadows and forest openings. Their tiny size helps them survive cold temperatures at night after hot summer days.
Hummingbird Migration Patterns
The hummingbirds found in western Washington have different migration strategies:
- Anna’s Hummingbirds are year-round residents.
- Rufous Hummingbirds migrate south in winter to Mexico and Central America.
- Calliope Hummingbirds also migrate south in winter.
What drives this variation in migration patterns between species?
Migration allows hummingbirds to take advantage of seasonal food resources. The long days of summer in the north provide abundant flowers and insects. Hummingbirds time their migration to arrive in spring when flowers first bloom. As flower availability declines in late summer and temperatures drop, they migrate south again.
Anna’s Hummingbirds are unique in their ability to tolerate cooler winters. They have adaptations like fluctuating body temperatures and excellent fat storage that allow them to enter torpor. This minimized energy use helps them survive cold weather and remain year-round rather than migrate.
Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds have higher metabolic rates that require more food. They cannot tolerate cold winters, snow, and limited food. Their small bodies lose heat rapidly, forcing them to migrate south each winter.
When to See Hummingbirds in Western Washington
The best times to see hummingbirds in western Washington depend on the species:
- Anna’s Hummingbirds are present year-round.
- Rufous Hummingbirds arrive in early spring and remain until late summer.
- Calliope Hummingbirds arrive in mid-spring and leave in late summer.
Here is a table summarizing the annual cycle for each species in western Washington:
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anna’s | Present | Present | Present | Present | Present | Present | Present | Present | Present | Present | Present | Present |
| Rufous | Absent | Absent | Arriving | Present | Present | Present | Present | Present | Departing | Absent | Absent | Absent |
| Calliope | Absent | Absent | Absent | Arriving | Present | Present | Present | Departing | Absent | Absent | Absent | Absent |
As the table shows, Anna’s Hummingbirds can be seen year-round in western Washington. Rufous Hummingbirds pass through in spring and remain until fall. Calliope Hummingbirds have the shortest summer residency, arriving in mid-spring and departing by early September.
Attracting Hummingbirds
To attract hummingbirds to your yard, focus on providing nectar sources and native plants:
- Set up nectar feeders with a 4:1 ratio of water to white sugar. Avoid red dye, which is unhealthy for hummingbirds.
- Plant native flowers with tubular red blossoms like fuchsias, penstemons, and columbines.
- Choose trees, shrubs, and vines that hummingbirds are naturally drawn to like red-flowering currant, honeysuckle, and willow.
- Avoid pesticides as hummingbirds are sensitive to chemicals.
- Place feeders and plants where hummingbirds can access shelter and perches between feeding.
With a welcoming habitat, you are likely to have hummingbird visitors throughout the warmer months and beyond. Anna’s Hummingbirds may stick around straight through the winter if you continue to provide food and shelter.
Conclusion
While most hummingbirds migrate south for the winter, Anna’s Hummingbirds live in western Washington year-round. Their adaptions allow them to survive cooler temperatures and variable food resources. Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds stop to breed during summer but must migrate south when winter arrives.
By landscaping with native plants, providing nectar feeders, and eliminating pesticides, you can create a haven for hummingbirds in your yard. With a little encouragement, these energetic little birds will buzz in for repeated visits throughout the seasons.
