How long are hummingbirds in New Mexico?

New Mexico is home to several species of hummingbirds that migrate through or nest in the state each year. Hummingbirds are a popular and iconic sight in New Mexico, captivating people with their speedy flight and hovering ability. Understanding the annual cycle of hummingbirds in New Mexico can help people know when to expect to see these tiny birds.

The length of time hummingbirds spend in New Mexico depends on the species as well as the purpose of their visit. Some hummingbirds live in New Mexico year-round, while others pass through on their migration routes in spring and fall. The timing and duration of hummingbird presence also varies by specific location within the state.

Hummingbird Species in New Mexico

New Mexico is home to at least eight species of hummingbirds throughout the year:

• Anna’s Hummingbird – Year-round resident
• Black-chinned Hummingbird – Summer resident
• Broad-tailed Hummingbird – Summer resident
• Calliope Hummingbird – Migrant in spring and fall
• Rufous Hummingbird – Migrant in spring and fall
• Allen’s Hummingbird – Rare migrant in spring and fall
• Ruby-throated Hummingbird – Rare migrant in spring and fall
• Blue-throated Hummingbird – Rare summer resident

The most common and widespread species found in the state are Anna’s, Black-chinned, Broad-tailed, Rufous, and Calliope Hummingbirds. The timing and duration of each species’ presence varies.

Year-Round Residents

Anna’s Hummingbird is the only species that lives in New Mexico year-round. They can be found across the state but are more common in the southern and western regions.

Anna’s Hummingbirds are non-migratory in most of their range. Individuals that nest in New Mexico will remain in the state continuously throughout the year. However, some Anna’s Hummingbirds that breed farther north may migrate south to spend the winter in New Mexico before returning north in early spring.

Summer Nesting Birds

Three species nest in New Mexico during the summer months and depart by early fall:

• Black-chinned Hummingbird: Arrives in April, nests May to August, most depart by October
• Broad-tailed Hummingbird: Arrives in May, nests June to August, most depart by September
• Blue-throated Hummingbird: Rare summer resident from May to August in limited areas of the state

These hummingbirds arrive in spring to claim nesting territories, breed, and raise their young through the summer. Most individuals leave by fall to migrate south to their wintering grounds in Mexico or Central America. However, a few may linger into October or November in some parts of New Mexico before migrating.

Migrating Hummingbirds

Two species pass through New Mexico in migration:

• Rufous Hummingbird: Spring migration from March to May, fall migration August to October
• Calliope Hummingbird: Spring migration from April to June, fall migration from July to September

These hummingbirds nest farther north and pass through New Mexico twice a year as they migrate along the Rocky Mountains to and from their breeding grounds. They stop to rest and feed in the state for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks on each migration.

A couple of other species may rarely be spotted during migration:

• Allen’s Hummingbird: Rare spring migrant, occasional fall migrant
• Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Rare fall migrant

Arrival and Departure Times by Species and Location

The exact timing of hummingbird migration and presence varies across New Mexico depending on the species, specific location, and weather conditions each year. Here are the approximate periods when hummingbirds arrive and depart different regions:

Northwestern New Mexico

• Anna’s Hummingbird: Year-round resident
• Calliope Hummingbird: Late April to mid-June in spring, late July to late September in fall
• Broad-tailed Hummingbird: Mid-May through August
• Rufous Hummingbird: Early May through mid-June in spring, mid-July through early October in fall
• Black-chinned Hummingbird: Mid-May through late September

North-Central New Mexico

• Anna’s Hummingbird: Year-round resident
• Calliope Hummingbird: Early April to early June in spring, early August to early October in fall
• Broad-tailed Hummingbird: Late May through late August
• Rufous Hummingbird: Mid-April through late May in spring, late July through late September in fall
• Black-chinned Hummingbird: Early May through mid-September

Northeastern New Mexico

• Anna’s Hummingbird: Possible year-round resident in limited areas
• Calliope Hummingbird: Late April to late May in spring, mid-August to late September in fall
• Broad-tailed Hummingbird: Early June to mid-August
• Rufous Hummingbird: Early May to late May in spring, early August to late September in fall
• Black-chinned Hummingbird: Early May through late August

Southwestern New Mexico

• Anna’s Hummingbird: Year-round resident
• Costa’s Hummingbird: Possible year-round resident in limited areas
• Calliope Hummingbird: Mid-March to late May in spring, mid-July to late October in fall
• Broad-tailed Hummingbird: Late April through mid-September
• Rufous Hummingbird: Late March to early May in spring, mid-July to late October in fall
• Black-chinned Hummingbird: Mid-April through early October

South-Central New Mexico

• Anna’s Hummingbird: Year-round resident
• Calliope Hummingbird: Mid-March to early June in spring, late July to late October in fall
• Broad-tailed Hummingbird: Early May through late September
• Rufous Hummingbird: Early April to mid-May in spring, early August to late October in fall
• Black-chinned Hummingbird: Late April through late September

Southeastern New Mexico

• Anna’s Hummingbird: Possible year-round resident in limited areas
• Calliope Hummingbird: Early April to early June in spring, mid-August to late October in fall
• Broad-tailed Hummingbird: Late May through late August
• Rufous Hummingbird: Mid-April to late May in spring, early August to early October in fall
• Black-chinned Hummingbird: Late April through early September

How Climate Change Affects Hummingbird Migration Timing

Climate change is causing hummingbirds to alter their migration timing and patterns over time. Rising spring temperatures are resulting in earlier nesting and arrival of migratory hummingbirds in many areas.

One study found Calliope Hummingbirds are arriving in New Mexico and Colorado about two weeks earlier now compared to the early 1970s. Their fall migration is also delayed, with some individuals lingering into October and November more frequently.

Hotter summers may pressure some hummingbirds to nest earlier or depart early if flowers and food sources dry up sooner. However, warmer falls and winters allow more species to overwinter in New Mexico as adequate food resources last longer.

Climate change will likely continue shifting hummingbird movements, resulting in earlier spring arrivals, later fall departures, and more species spending winters in the state. Careful observations submitted to citizen science databases can help track these long-term changes.

Best Times and Locations to See Hummingbirds in New Mexico

The diversity of hummingbird species passing through New Mexico provides excellent opportunities to see these tiny birds from spring through fall across much of the state. Here are some of the best times and places:

Early Spring

In early spring from March to May, southeastern and southwestern New Mexico are the best locations to spot early Calliope and Rufous Hummingbirds arriving from Mexico. Good sites include Gila National Forest, City of Rocks State Park, and Animas Creek.

Late Spring

From mid-May through June, the mountains of northern New Mexico are a hot spot as Broad-tailed and Black-chinned Hummingbirds arrive along with the tail end of Rufous migration. Popular hummingbird watching sites are Sandia Mountains, Santa Fe, Jemez Mountains, Bandelier National Monument, and Cimarron.

Summer

All of New Mexico’s breeding hummingbirds can be found at various summer sites from June through August. Look for Black-chinned and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds in forested mountain areas. Anna’s Hummingbirds are widespread across the state. Recommended spots are the Gila Wilderness, White Sands National Park, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, and feeders in rural areas.

Early Fall

In September and early October as hummingbirds start migrating south, the densities build up again in southwest New Mexico. Rufous, Calliope, Anna’s and Black-chinned Hummingbirds gather at places with adequate flowers or feeders before crossing the deserts and mountains of Mexico. Don’t miss Fort Bayard, City of Rocks State Park, Silver City, Mimbres River, and Gila Cliff Dwellings.

Late Fall

From mid-October into November, Anna’s and a few Calliope and Rufous Hummingbirds can still be found across southern New Mexico where blooming plants are available. Check sparsely frosted areas with sufficient food resources.

Conclusion

New Mexico provides abundant opportunities to enjoy hummingbirds across the state from spring through fall. By understanding the different species and when they migrate through or nest in the state, bird enthusiasts can plan trips to coincide with peak hummingbird activity. Species diversity and timing varies by location, but hummingbird migration in New Mexico is a phenomenon worth witnessing and supporting. Providing nectar feeders and nesting habitat can help sustain these colorful tiny migrants on their incredible journeys.