What hummingbird lives in Southern California?

There are several species of hummingbirds that can be found in Southern California. The most common and widespread hummingbird in the region is the Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna). Other hummingbirds that reside in or migrate through Southern California include the Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin), the Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae), the Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus), and the Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope).

Anna’s Hummingbird

The Anna’s Hummingbird is a medium-sized hummingbird with green and gray plumage on its back and head, and reddish pink feathers on its throat and forehead. The male has an iridescent crimson-colored crown and throat. This species was named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli. Some key facts about the Anna’s Hummingbird:

• It is a year-round resident in most of Southern California and does not migrate.
• It is the most common hummingbird found in urban and suburban neighborhoods of Southern California.
• Males are extremely territorial and aggressive in defending feeding areas.
• It has the northernmost year-round range of any hummingbird species.
• It eats nectar, tree sap, and small insects.
• Nests are small, cup-shaped, and built with spider webs, lichen, and bud scales.

Allen’s Hummingbird

The Allen’s Hummingbird is a small green-backed hummingbird with rufous sides and coppery-orange feathers on the throat, belly and tail. Some key facts about the Allen’s Hummingbird:

• Breeds along the Pacific Coast and winters in Mexico.
• Males have a reddish-orange throat, a rufous back, green corona and tail.
• Females have a green back, white throat with red spots, rufous sides and tail.
• They have a very fast wingbeat and can hover in place.
• They are aggressive, and males dart after each other in fast flying duels.
• They feed on nectar, spiders, and insects.

Costa’s Hummingbird

The Costa’s Hummingbird is a desert species with purple crown and green back. Some key facts include:

• Breeds in the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, winters in Mexico.
• Males have a violet crown and throat, green back.
• Females have green crown, whitish underside with green flecks.
• They prefer arid, open habitats with flowering plants and succulents.
• They feed on nectar and insects; also hawk insects in flight.
• Nests are lined with feathers and animal hair.

Rufous Hummingbird

The Rufous Hummingbird is the smallest hummingbird species in North America. Some key facts:

• It breeds farthest north of all hummingbirds, up to Alaska.
• Males have a bright orange-red throat, green back.
• Females have green above, white below with rust colored flanks.
• They migrate, wintering in Mexico.
• They are very aggressive and chase other hummingbirds from feeders and flowers.
• They eat nectar, tree sap, spiders and insects.

Calliope Hummingbird

The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest breeding bird in North America. Some key details:

• It breeds in mountain meadows, migrates to Mexico for winter.
• Males have vivid magenta throats, white breasts, green backs.
• Females have white undersides with greenish streaks.
• They feed on nectar, small insects, and spiders.
• They hover at very high wingbeat frequencies while feeding.
• Nests are made of plant down bound with spider webs.

Conclusion

In summary, Southern California is home to a variety of hummingbird species. The Anna’s Hummingbird is the most widespread and can be found year-round. Other species such as the Allen’s, Costa’s, Rufous, and Calliope Hummingbirds migrate through the region or are seasonal residents. Providing nectar feeders and planting native flowers that bloom throughout the seasons will help attract these tiny, energetic birds.