Hummingbirds are a common sight in Washington state during the spring and summer months. With over 15 species identified in the state, hummingbirds bring beautiful colors and energetic movement to backyards and gardens as they dart from flower to flower sipping nectar. But among the diverse varieties that migrate through and breed in Washington, one particular species stands out as the most widespread and frequently seen hummingbird in the region.
Anna’s Hummingbird
The Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna) is the most common and prevalent hummingbird found across Washington state. Named after a 19th century duchess, Anna’s hummingbirds are year-round residents in much of Washington and do not migrate long distances seasonally like other hummingbird species in the state. This allows them to start breeding earlier in spring and enjoy the flower nectar and backyard feeders longer into fall and winter.
There are estimated to be over 140,000 Anna’s hummingbirds living in Washington state, compared to just 60,000 Rufous hummingbirds which are the next most common species. Unlike the migratory Rufous, nearly all Anna’s hummingbirds take up permanent residency after arriving in Washington to breed. The abundance of this species across urban and suburban neighborhoods as well as parks and protected natural areas makes them the hummingbird most frequently encountered by Washington birdwatchers and gardeners.
Identification
Anna’s hummingbirds are medium-sized with a slender, curved bill and short tail. The male birds have spectacular rose-pink throats and crowns that flare out during breeding displays. Their backs and heads are an iridescent emerald green and they have gray undersides. Females lack the vivid pink plumage and are instead green above and grayish-white below with speckled throats.
These energetic, territorial birds produce loud chippering and squeaking vocalizations as they fiercely guard feeding areas. Male Anna’s are known for their elaborate aerial courtship displays, reaching heights of 100 feet or more before diving straight down at high speeds to impress potential mates.
Habitat and Range
Anna’s hummingbirds thrive in a variety of environments across much of western North America. Their breeding range extends along the Pacific Coast from southern British Columbia to Baja California. Inland, they breed across southern California, Arizona and New Mexico as well as northern Mexico. Most birds in the colder northern parts of the range migrate south in winter, while those farther south remain year-round residents.
In Washington, Anna’s hummingbirds are found year-round west of the Cascade Mountains. They occur year-round in suitable habitat throughout Western Washington from the Pacific Coast to the eastern foothills of the Cascades. Their range also extends north along the Puget Sound into Canada.
These adaptable birds flourish in neighborhoods, parks, backyards and other semi-open areas that provide nectar flowers, nectar feeders, and trees or shrubs for nesting. They are common in urban and suburban areas but also inhabit native oak woodlands, riparian corridors along streams and lakes, and forest openings.
Behavior and Ecology
Anna’s hummingbirds feed on flower nectar, tree sap, and small insects and spiders. They use their specialized long bills and tongues to slurp up nectar as they hover near flowers. Favorite nectar sources include the flowers of shrubs such as fuchsia, coral honeysuckle, and native currants, as well as flowering trees like maples, cherries, and eucalyptus. Anna’s also readily visit hummingbird feeders, particularly those filled with a 1:4 ratio sugar water solution.
These birds aggressively defend feeding territories from other males or competing species. Their high-energy lifestyle requires them to consume over half their body weight in nectar each day. Anna’s hummingbirds are also very territorial around nest sites.
Anna’s hummingbird mating season begins in late December or January when spectacular courtship displays begin. Males climb very high then dive straight down, reaching speeds over 60 mph, and produce loud chirping notes at the bottom before rising quickly back up. If a female is impressed, she may allow the male to mate with her.
Females build a tiny cup-shaped nest out of plant down, spider webs and lichens glued together with saliva. Nest sites include tree branches, residential eaves, or poles, usually 3-20 feet above ground. The female incubates the two pea-sized eggs for 14-19 days, and the chicks fledge about three weeks after hatching.
Range Map of Anna’s Hummingbird in Washington
Anna’s hummingbirds are found across much of Western Washington west of the Cascades, as far north as the Canada border along the Puget Sound and coastal areas. They are year-round residents throughout their Washington range.
| Image source: Cornell Lab of Ornithology |
Other Common Hummingbird Species in Washington
While Anna’s hummingbirds are clearly the most widespread and abundant, several other hummingbird species regularly occur in Washington and visit backyards and flowers. These include:
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus) breed in Washington before migrating south to Mexico for the winter. They are the second most common species statewide, best identified by their bright orange-red throats and green backs on the males. They are feisty and chase other hummingbirds from feeders.
Calliope Hummingbird
Calliope hummingbirds (Selasphorus calliope) are the smallest breeding hummingbird in Washington and the U.S. Males have colorful magenta throats and whitish streaks along their sides. They nest in high mountain meadows before migrating south ahead of winter.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Black-chinned hummingbirds (Archilochus alexandri) are migrants from the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. The males have dark purple throats with a black border below. They occasionally visit gardens and parks during migration and some overwinter in Washington’s southwest.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Broad-tailed hummingbirds (Selasphorus platycercus) pass through on migration between their Rocky Mountain breeding grounds and Mexico wintering areas. Males have bright pink throats and high twittering song. They are uncommon but regular in migration in eastern Washington.
Conclusion
With their vibrant pink plumage and energetic personalities, Anna’s hummingbirds are a favorite among Washington birders and backyard nature enthusiasts. Their wide distribution and year-round residence allows frequent sightings and enjoyment of these smallest of state birds. Creating an inviting habitat with nectar flowers and feeders will likely attract territorial, glittering Anna’s hummingbirds for upscale close. The prominence and appeal of Anna’s hummingbirds cements their status as the definitive hummingbird species of Washington.
