Hummingbirds are a beloved bird species found throughout the United States, especially in the southwest regions like Arizona. With over 330 species, hummingbirds are the second largest family of birds behind pigeons and doves. Their small size, colorful plumage, and unique flight patterns make them a joy to watch. Some regions of the US are especially popular with hummingbirds and attract large numbers of these tiny birds each year. So which city has earned the title of the hummingbird capital of Arizona?
Tucson is considered the hummingbird capital of Arizona
The city of Tucson, located in southern Arizona, is renowned for its high diversity and number of hummingbirds. Up to 14 species have been recorded in the Tucson area throughout the year, with some species breeding there and others passing through on migration. The most commonly seen hummingbird species in Tucson include the Anna’s Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, and Costa’s Hummingbird.
Tucson offers the ideal habitat conditions to attract hummingbirds. It has a hot, arid climate with relatively mild winters. This allows tropical and subtropical plants that hummingbirds depend on for nectar to thrive there. The city is situated along major migration routes, so both summer breeding birds and wintering migrant hummingbirds fly through the Tucson area. Natural desert washes and mountain ranges surrounding the city provide excellent shelter and nesting sites.
The high diversity of plants flowering throughout the year also draws hummingbirds to Tucson. Native plants like ocotillo, prickly pear cactus, and agave bloom at different times and provide a consistent nectar source. Hummingbird enthusiasts have also planted non-native flowers with continuous blooms like lantana, salvias, and trumpet vines in their gardens to further attract these winged visitors.
Key factors that make Tucson the hummingbird capital
Several key factors contribute to Tucson earning the distinction of being Arizona’s hummingbird capital:
- Strategic location – Tucson is situated along the intersection of the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Madre, and Sonoran Desert. This location exposes the city to a high diversity of hummingbird species following established migration routes.
- Varied habitat – The Tucson area has a mix of desert, riparian corridors, canyons, and “sky islands” or isolated mountain ranges. This habitat variety supports greater hummingbird diversity.
- Abundant nectar sources – Both native plants and non-native ornamentals provide plentiful nectar to fuel hummingbirds year-round in Tucson.
- Backyard feeders – Local residents commonly put up feeders and cultivate flowering plants to attract hummingbirds to their yards.
- Climate – The hot, arid climate allows tropical flowers to thrive and provide nectar through the winter.
With all these favoring factors, it’s clear why more types of hummingbirds flock to Tucson than anywhere else in Arizona throughout the year. The sheer number of hummingbirds buzzing around the city is unmatched.
When and where to see hummingbirds in Tucson
Hummingbirds can be spotted at various times and locations around Tucson:
- Spring (March to May) – Migrating species like rufous and black-chinned hummingbirds arrive. Resident Anna’s reach peak numbers.
- Summer (June to August) – Nesting season for species like Anna’s, black-chinned, and broad-billed hummingbirds.
- Fall (September to November) – Southbound migrants pass through, overlap with wintering birds.
- Winter (December to February) – Year-round Anna’s hummingbirds are numerous. Rufous, black-chinned, and Costa’s are also present.
Some top spots for hummingbird watching include:
- Desert Museum and Saguaro National Park
- Catalina State Park
- Sabino Canyon
- Tucson Botanical Gardens
- Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve
- Tucson Audubon’s Mason Center
- Residential yards and gardens citywide
Seasonal highlights of Tucson’s hummingbirds
The hummingbird lineup changes throughout the year in Tucson. Here are the seasonal highlights:
Spring
Spring brings nesting activity by Anna’s hummingbirds and the arrival of migrants like rufous and black-chinned hummingbirds. Broad-billed hummingbirds also arrive in spring. Flowers blooming in spring include red trumpet vines, ocotillo, and prickly pear cactus.
Summer
Summer sees resident Anna’s, black-chinned, broad-billed, and Costa’s hummingbirds nesting and feeding on flowers like chuparosa, Turk’s cap, and coral vine. Numbers of broad-billed hummingbirds peak in summer.
Fall
In fall, Anna’s hummingbirds dominate as migratory species move through Tucson heading south. This is a great time to spot rare vagrants like magnificent, blue-throated, calliope, and broad-tailed hummingbirds.
Winter
While many hummingbirds have departed by winter, Anna’s remain year-round along with seasonal visitors like rufous, black-chinned, Costa’s and other overwintering species. Agave and tropical flowers are vital winter nectar sources.
Notable hummingbird species found in Tucson
Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbirds are year-round Tucson residents. The male has an iridescent magenta head and throat with emerald green back feathers. Females are pale grey-green and whitish underneath with small rose throat spots. Anna’s hummingbirds nest from December to June in the Tucson area.
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous hummingbirds breed farther north and migrate through Tucson. Males are bright rufous-orange on the back and belly with an iridescent orange-red throat. Females are greenish-brown with rust colored tail feathers. Rufous hummingbirds visit Tucson in late winter and early spring.
Costa’s Hummingbird
Costa’s hummingbirds breed in Mexico and the desert southwest. Males have an iridescent violet-purple crown and throat with whitish outer tail feathers. Females are smaller with greenish upperparts. Costa’s hummingbirds overwinter in Tucson from fall to spring.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Black-chinned hummingbirds breed in Arizona in summer and migrate south for winter. Males have a dark, shimmering purple throat stripe and white collar behind the head. Females are pale grey-green with fine dark streaks. Black-chinned hummingbirds pass through Tucson spring and fall.
Unique hummingbird species in Tucson
In addition to regular species, Tucson attracts vagrant and rare hummingbirds blown off course. Here are some special hummingbirds occasionally reported in the Tucson area during migration:
Magnificent Hummingbird
A large hummingbird with an iridescent magenta-rose throat surrounded by white. Breeds in mountains of Mexico and is a rare fall and winter visitor to southern Arizona.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
A high elevation breeder of Colorado and New Mexico. The male has a metallic rose throat and prickly staccato chattering call. Rare in Tucson in spring and fall.
Blue-throated Hummingbird
A Mexican montane hummingbird with a brilliant blue throat patch on the male and grey-white outer tail feathers. A very rare fall vagrant in southeast Arizona.
Calliope Hummingbird
The smallest breeding hummingbird in the US. Males have vivid magenta throats and streaked flanks. An extremely rare fall migrant in southern Arizona.
Where and when to see rare hummingbirds in Tucson
Here are some tips for spotting rare hummingbird visitors:
- Check residential feeding stations in fall for early arriving vagrants like magnificent and broad-tailed hummingbirds.
- Inspect agaves flowering in winter for species like magnificent, blue-throated, and calliope hummingbirds.
- Look through mixed feeding flocks of migrating warblers in spring canyon areas.
- Follow rare bird alerts and ask local birders for recent sightings.
- Photograph hummingbirds to help identify rare species.
Prominent hummingbird species throughout the year in Tucson
While the cast of hummingbird species shifts, some birds maintain a strong presence in Tucson year-round. Here are prominent species by season:
| Season | Common Species |
|---|---|
| Spring | Anna’s, rufous, black-chinned, broad-billed |
| Summer | Anna’s, black-chinned, broad-billed, Costa’s |
| Fall | Anna’s, rufous, black-chinned |
| Winter | Anna’s, rufous, black-chinned, Costa’s |
Anna’s hummingbirds are the dominant year-round resident while rufous and black-chinned hummingbirds maintain a strong migratory presence through spring and fall in Tucson.
Best plants to attract hummingbirds in Tucson
Providing nectar plants is key to attracting hummingbirds to any yard or garden. Here are some top plants for Tucson:
Trees
- Eucalyptus
- Mesquite
- Palo verde
Shrubs
- Chuparosa
- Bottlebrush
- Sage
- Pineapple guava
Vines
- Trumpet vine
- Coral vine
- Scarlet runner bean
Cacti & Succulents
- Aloe
- Agave
- Ocotillo
- Prickly pear
Use a mix of native and exotic plants that flower at different times to provide year-round nectar sources. Plant red tubular flowers which attract hummingbirds best.
Tips for attracting hummingbirds in Tucson
It’s easy to turn your Tucson yard or garden into prime hummingbird habitat. Here are some top tips:
- Plant a variety of nectar sources that bloom spring through fall.
- Include both native and non-native hummingbird favorites.
- Place feeders where they can be easily monitored and maintained.
- Use a nectar mix of 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water.
- Don’t use red dye or honey in nectar mixes.
- Clean feeders weekly with a water-vinegar solution.
- Provide fresh water for hummingbird bathing and drinking.
- Avoid using pesticides which can harm hummingbirds.
- Set up a motion camera to capture amazing photos and videos!
Conclusion
With its ideal location on hummingbird migration routes, varied habitat, and wealth of nectar sources, Tucson has earned its reputation as the hummingbird capital of Arizona. Up to 14 species have been recorded here throughout the year, from vibrant nesting residents to wandering winter visitors. By landscaping with the needs of hummingbirds in mind, Tucson residents can expect year-round visits from these energetic, iridescent jewels of the bird world.
