The Phoenix area is home to a variety of hummingbird species. Hummingbirds are attracted to the Sonoran Desert environment around Phoenix with its diverse native plants and flowers that provide nectar. The most common hummingbirds spotted in Phoenix are Anna’s Hummingbird, Costa’s Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, and Violet-crowned Hummingbird. Hummingbirds are a joy to watch and have around the garden. Understanding what species live in Phoenix can help birders know what to look out for and how to best support these special birds by providing the plants, flowers, feeders and habitats they need.
Common hummingbird species in Phoenix
Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s Hummingbird is one of the most common hummingbirds found in the Phoenix area. They are year-round residents of the Sonoran Desert and do not migrate. The male Anna’s Hummingbird has iridescent magenta-colored throat feathers and crowns. The female and juvenile birds lack the iridescent magenta colors and are gray-green with white and red spotting on the throat. Anna’s Hummingbirds make a long buzzing chip sound. They feed on nectar from flowers such as ocotillo, chuparosa, and ornamental flowers, and they also eat insects. Anna’s Hummingbirds are aggressive and territorial, defending feeding areas. They nest in trees and shrubs, laying two eggs at a time from November to May.
Costa’s Hummingbird
Costa’s Hummingbird is another resident hummingbird species commonly found around Phoenix. The male has an iridescent purple crown and throat feathers. Females lack the purple coloration and have lighter whitish undersides. Costa’s Hummingbirds have a distinctive sharp chip sound. Costa’s Hummingbirds feed on desert flower nectar from plants like fairy dusters, ocotillo, and chuparosa. They are competitive around feeders. Costa’s Hummingbirds build nests in trees, shrubs, and vines, and may have two broods per year from January through July.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Black-chinned Hummingbird is a summer breeding visitor to the Phoenix area. They migrate north from Mexico in early spring to breed, nest and raise their young before returning south in late summer or fall. Male Black-chinned Hummingbirds have a dark purple throat patch and white collar. Females lack the iridescent purple and are pale below with green above. Black-chinned Hummingbirds eat nectar, tree sap, and small insects and spiders. They make high-pitched squeaky vocalizations. Their nests are found in trees and shrubs.
Broad-billed Hummingbird
Broad-billed Hummingbird is a less common but regular hummingbird species seen around Phoenix, especially during spring and fall migration. The male is iridescent emerald green above and clean white below with a broad red bill. Females lack the bold colors and are pale below with dull green above and a reddish bill with a black tip. Broad-billed Hummingbirds make a loud buzzy chee-chee sound. They drink nectar from trumpet-shaped flowers and bayonets and may eat small insects. They nest in trees and large shrubs.
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird passes through the Phoenix area during migration in spring and fall. The male is unmistakable with its iridescent reddish-orange overall plumage. Females are green above, rusty colored on the sides, and white below with rusty streaks on the throat. Rufous Hummingbirds make a distinctive tic-tic sound. They feed on nectar and small insects during migration stopovers. Rufous Hummingbirds breed farther north and west.
Calliope Hummingbird
Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest breeding hummingbird in the US and can sometimes be seen in the Phoenix area during migration. Males have iridescent reddish-purple throats and crowns. Females lack iridescence and are washed green above with a dark tail and fine streaks on the throat. Calliopes make high-pitched tsip sounds. They feed on nectar, tree sap, and small insects. Calliope Hummingbirds nest at higher elevations in northern Arizona.
Violet-crowned Hummingbird
Violet-crowned Hummingbird is an occasional visitor to the Phoenix area, mostly during fall migration in August and September. The adult male Violet-crowned Hummingbird has an iridescent violet crown, white underparts and a green back. Females and immatures are dull green above with white undersides marked with dusky streaks. They have a distinctive rough rattling call. Violet-crowned Hummingbirds feed on nectar, sap, and insects. They breed in Mexico and southeast Arizona.
When and where to see hummingbirds in Phoenix
The best times to observe hummingbirds in Phoenix are during spring migration from March to May and fall migration from July through September. Good spots to see hummingbirds around Phoenix include desert botanical gardens, parks, riparian areas along streams and canals, and in yards and gardens with flowering plants. Some top sites include the Desert Botanical Garden, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Usery Mountain Regional Park, Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Gilbert Water Ranch, Cosanti and private yards. Hummingbird feeders with fresh nectar solution also attract migrating and resident hummingbirds stopping to refuel in the area.
Flowers to attract hummingbirds
To attract hummingbirds to your Phoenix garden, incorporate plants with tubular, nectar-rich flowers in red, orange and pink colors. Here are some top flowering plants to attract hummingbirds in Phoenix:
| Flowers | Bloom Time |
|---|---|
| Ocotillo | Spring |
| Chuparosa | Spring to summer |
| Penstemon | Spring |
| Salvia | Spring to fall |
| Coral Honeysuckle | Spring to summer |
| Ornamental vines | Spring to summer |
| Lantana | Spring to fall |
| Sage | Spring to fall |
| Firecracker plant | Summer |
| Aloe | Winter to spring |
| Agave | Spring to summer |
Provide other habitat features like small trees and shrubs for perching, nesting and shelter. Avoid pesticides which can harm hummingbirds. A water mister placed near nectar plants is also appreciated by hummingbirds bathing and drinking.
Types of feeders and nectar for hummingbirds
Nectar feeders provide an excellent source of food for hummingbirds in Phoenix. Here are some tips for successful hummingbird feeders:
– Use a feeder designed specifically for hummingbirds, with red coloring and feeding ports that accommodate their long bills and tongues.
– Select a feeder that is easy to clean and fill, to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
– Use a nectar solution of 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. Do not use honey, artificial sweeteners or food coloring.
– Boil the water first and let it cool before mixing. Store unused nectar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
– Change nectar every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather. Rinse and clean feeders thoroughly.
– Place feeders in the shade in visible, protected spots to attract birds. Avoid putting near bright flowers or food that may distract them.
– Have multiple feeders spread around to reduce territorial fights.
– Consider types like dish, glass, window, suction cup and hanging feeders. Find one that fits your space and needs.
With good nectar, clean feeders and the right flowers, you can enjoy hummingbirds all year round in the Phoenix area!
How to identify hummingbirds in Phoenix
Hummingbirds can be identified by observing their unique plumage colors, patterns, behaviors and calls:
– Anna’s males have iridescent magenta throats, females are gray-green with spots. Residents with loud buzzing calls.
– Costa’s males have purple crowns, females have white undersides. Distinctive chip calls.
– Black-chinned males have purple throat patches, females are pale green. Squeaky sounds.
– Broad-billed males are emerald above, females speckled below. Loud buzzy chee-chee calls.
– Rufous are reddish-orange males, rusty females. Tic-tic sounds. Migrants.
– Calliope are tiny with red-purple throat males, streaked females. Tsip calls. Migrants.
– Violet-crowned males have violet crowns, females are streaked. Rattling calls. Rare visitors.
View them in good light and use binoculars to distinguish subtle colors and markings. Listen for different vocalizations. Note behaviors – are they aggressive, feeding on flowers or insects, territorial? Compare size – Calliope are tiniest while Broad-billed are largest. Use a field guide and consult experts to gain experience identifying hummingbird species.
Interesting hummingbird facts
Here are some fascinating facts about hummingbirds:
– Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world. The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest in North America at just 2-3 inches long.
– They have incredibly fast wing beats and can hover in midair and even fly backwards. Wing beats up to 80 times per second!
– Their feet are only used for perching, not walking or hopping. They build nests with sticky spider webs and lichens.
– Their long slender bills and extensible tongues are specially adapted to reach inside flowers for nectar.
– To conserve energy, they go into torpor at night and can lower their body temperature and heart rate.
– Hummingbirds are territorial and aggressive. They will chase away other birds from feeders and flowers.
– They have excellent memory and can remember the locations of reliable nectar sources.
– Hummingbirds see ultraviolet light invisible to humans, helping them find nectar guides on flowers.
– Besides nectar for energy, they eat small insects and spiders for protein, antioxidants, and minerals.
– Hummingbirds play an important role in pollination of wildflowers in the Southwest. Their wings even hum at the right frequency to release pollen!
The miniature size, dazzling colors, and remarkable speed make hummingbirds one of the most captivating birds to observe. Phoenix provides excellent habitats for several species in gardens and desert parks.
Conclusion
The Phoenix metropolitan area provides a diverse range of habitats that support up to seven species of hummingbirds throughout the year. The most common hummingbirds seen in Phoenix include Anna’s, Costa’s, Black-chinned, Broad-billed, Rufous, Calliope, and Violet-crowned. The best times to view hummingbirds are during the spring and fall migration periods. Homeowners can attract hummingbirds by planting flowers and trees that provide nectar such as chuparosa, ocotillo, aloe and ornamental vines. Specialized feeders with fresh nectar solution also bring in hummingbirds to yards around Phoenix. Watching these energetic, glittering birds as they buzz around flowers and feeders seeking food provides an entertaining connection to nature right in the urban backyard. With a basic understanding of the different hummingbird species, when and where to find them, and a bit of habitat support, Phoenicians of all ages can enjoy observing these special birds.
