Hummingbirds are found throughout most of the United States during the warmer months. The range of hummingbirds depends on the species, with some limited to specific regions while others can be found across much of the country. Generally, hummingbirds live in the southern and western states in summer, and many species migrate south in winter. However, some hummingbirds are year-round residents in certain warmer parts of the USA.
The main factor determining where hummingbirds live is the availability of food, specifically nectar-producing flowers. Hummingbirds are found wherever there are sufficient flowers to provide nectar throughout the year. They also require habitats that provide nesting sites and insect food sources. The diversity of hummingbird species peaks in the southwest United States where there are more localized varieties adapted to specific habitat types.
Southwest
The southwest United States, including California, Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas, has the greatest diversity of hummingbird species. There are 28 species regularly occurring in the southwest, more than any other region. This includes Anna’s, Allen’s, Costa’s, Black-chinned, Broad-tailed, Rufous, Calliope, Broad-billed, Violet-crowned, White-eared, Berylline, Lucifer, Blue-throated, Magnificent, Plain-capped Starthroat, and more.
The mild climate of lowland deserts and mountains of the southwest allows hummingbirds to reside year-round. The diverse landscapes also provide the mix of food sources and nesting habitats preferred by different hummingbird species. Flowering plants like ocotillo, palo verde, agave, and eucalyptus, as well as feeders provided by people, supply the nectar resources. Many hummingbirds migrating from farther north spend winters in the rich landscapes of the southwest.
Southeast
The southeastern states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida, host 16 regular hummingbird species. The abundant warmth, sunshine, rainfall, and long flowering seasons allow year-round residence by some species and wintering grounds for migrants.
Common southeastern hummingbirds include Ruby-throated, Black-chinned, Rufous, and Buff-bellied. Nectar sources like trumpet creeper, coral honeysuckle, bee balm, turtlehead, and native azaleas provide food. Broad-tailed and Rufous hummingbirds nest in the higher elevation Appalachian Mountains. Others nest in lower elevation forests, yards, and parks.
Midwest
The midwestern states typically have fewer hummingbird species than the coastal regions. But some species do regularly breed in parts of the Midwest’s mixed forests, prairies, and agricultural areas during summer. Ruby-throated is the most widespread and common, found across the region. Rufous, Calliope, Broad-tailed, and Black-chinned also occur in the Midwest.
Abundant summer flowers like bee balm, cardinal flower, columbine, trumpet creeper, and native lilies provide nectar in prairies and woodland edges. Hummingbirds migrate out for the winter as cold and snow set in. But some may linger into fall wherever food can still be found.
West
The western United States, including the Rocky Mountains, southwest, Pacific Coast, and northwest regions, host around 25 regularly occurring hummingbird species. The diverse landscape includes mountains, deserts, coastline, dry shrubland, coniferous forest, and more. This variety of habitats supports many different hummingbirds.
Common western species include Anna’s, Rufous, Allen’s, Costa’s, Calliope, Broad-tailed, Black-chinned, Rufous, and Calypte. The warmer lowland areas provide year-round residency and wintering grounds. At higher elevations, hummingbirds occupy summer breeding areas then migrate seasonally. Spring wildflowers, summer blooming shrubs and trees, and fall flowers provide essential nectar.
East
In the eastern United States, ruby-throated is the breeding hummingbird species found widely across the region in summer. Most common in the southern states, ruby-throated hummingbirds can range as far north as Maine and into Canada for the summer breeding season as flower nectar becomes abundant.
Other species like Rufous and Black-chinned also occur in parts of the east but are less common and widespread. Eastern meadows, forests, gardens, and yards with flowers like bee balm, trumpet vine, petunias, impatiens, and columbine provide nectar sources from spring through fall. Hummingbirds retreat to southern wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America as cold weather ends the flowering seasons further north.
What Types of Habitats do Hummingbirds Live in Across the USA?
Hummingbirds occupy diverse habitat types across North America matched to their specific needs for food, nesting, and shelter. The habitats each species occupies depends on their behavioral adaptations. Here are some of the common habitat types used by hummingbirds in the United States:
Deserts and Canyons
Hummingbirds are attracted to the flowering plants and shrubs that bloom after rains in southwestern deserts. Some desert and canyon specialists include Costa’s, Black-chinned, Anna’s, Broad-billed, and Rufous. Nectar plants include ocotillo, palo verde, agave, Apache plume, desert willow, and century plants. Nesting happens in trees and large shrubs.
Coniferous Forests
Hummingbirds feed on the nectar of flowers growing in forest clearings and edges and use pine or fir trees for nesting. Common forest species include Rufous, Calliope, Broad-tailed, Ruby-throated, and Black-chinned. Trees tapped for sap provide another food source.
Riparian Habitats
Riparian areas along streams and rivers offer water, insects, shelter, and flowers. Anna’s, Costa’s, Black-chinned, and Rufous hummingbirds often nest and feed in sycamores, cottonwoods, willows and other riparian plants.
Mountain Meadows
Subalpine mountain meadows with wildflowers attract hummingbirds in summer to higher elevations. Rufous and Calliope’s are common visitors to mountain meadows. Flowers like Indian paintbrush, lupine, columbine, harebell, and fireweed provide nectar.
Tropical and Subtropical Forests
Broad-billed, Buff-bellied, Ruby-throated, and Black-chinned hummingbirds live in tropical forests in south Texas and Florida year-round or seasonally. Trees like maple, oak, cypress, and mahogany provide shelter and nesting sites.
Backyards and Parks
Hummingbirds readily visit yards and urban parks with nectar feeders and flower plantings. Anna’s hummingbirds even nest in backyard trees and structures in some areas. Ruby-throated, Rufous, and Black-chinned also frequent backyard habitats.
Flowering Meadows and Prairies
Grasslands and meadows with wildflowers attract hummingbirds like Ruby-throated, Rufous, Allen’s, Calliope, Broad-tailed, and Black-chinned. Plants like lupine, paintbrush, columbine, bee balm, trumpet vine, and jewelweed provide abundant nectar.
What Parts of the USA Do Different Hummingbird Species Inhabit?
The range maps below created using HTML tables illustrate the breeding and residence ranges of some common hummingbird species found across the United States.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
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Rufous Hummingbird
Breeding Range | Winter Range |
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Anna’s Hummingbird
Year Round Range |
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Allen’s Hummingbird
Breeding Range | Winter Range |
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Black-chinned Hummingbird
Breeding Range | Winter Range |
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How Do Hummingbirds Survive Across Their Habitats and Ranges?
Hummingbirds have adapted in amazing ways to take advantage of flower nectar across diverse North American habitats. Here’s a look at some of their key survival adaptations:
Feeding Adaptations
– Long, slender bills to reach nectar at flower centers
– Specially adapted tongues to lap up nectar
– Ability to double heart rate and metabolism to power rapid wing-beats and hover at flowers
– Wings that can beat up to 70 times per second in specialized hovering flight
– Vision adapted to see the color red of many tubular flowers
– Ability to remember the locations of favorite nectar sources
Breeding Adaptations
– Males perform aerial displays to attract females
– Females build tiny cup-shaped nests using soft plant down and spider silk
– Ability to lay two small eggs in nests about the size of a quarter
Migration Adaptations
– Innate ability to navigate over thousands of miles between seasonal ranges
– Physiology that allows them to enter torpor states to conserve energy on nonstop flights across the Gulf of Mexico
– Ability to double their body weight in fat before migratory journeys
– Excellent memories of flower locations along migration routes
Heat Tolerance Adaptations
– Ability to dissipate excess body heat through panting
– Orienting wings to maximize airflow and cooling
– Seeking shade and reducing activity during hottest times of day
Cold Tolerance Adaptations
– Entering nightly torpor to reduce energy use and body temperature
– Seeking warm microclimates like hot springs and southern exposures
– Raising feather density to retain heat in colder regions
– Consuming Sugary sap and tree drillings to provide energy for thermoregulation
Threats and Conservation
Though hummingbirds are widespread across much of the USA, some key threats put pressure on populations:
Habitat Loss
Development, logging, and agriculture reduce natural foraging and nesting habitats for hummingbirds. Maintaining natural areas and planting gardens and parks in developed areas can help provide habitat.
Pesticides
Chemical pesticides reduce insect populations that hummingbirds rely on for food and can contaminate nectar sources. Using natural pest control methods reduces this threat.
Climate Change
Changing climates and weather patterns may affect the timing of migrations, availability of food sources, and nesting cycles. Providing artificial feeders can help supplement food needs.
Window Collisions
Hummingbirds collide with windows on buildings and homes, resulting in millions of deaths per year. Installing decals on windows helps prevent collisions.
Outdoor Cats
Free-roaming pet cats prey on millions of hummingbirds per year. Keeping cats indoors helps protect hummingbird populations.
Conservation measures like habitat protection, home gardening, sustainable land use, and reducing threats can help maintain hummingbird populations. Ongoing research and monitoring continues to improve our understanding of hummingbirds across their ranges.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are found across much of the United States, inhabiting diverse environments from subarctic to tropical regions. They migrate long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds, exhibiting amazing endurance. While ruby-throated hummingbirds live across eastern parts of the country, the southwest hosts the greatest diversity including specialty species like Costa’s and Broad-billed. Hummingbirds make use of many habitat types from deserts to forests to backyard gardens in their constant search for nectar. Their unique adaptations allow them to survive and thrive in the varied conditions across their range. Maintaining natural habitats and reducing threats will help ensure hummingbirds continue brightening America’s landscapes with their dazzling colors and energetic activity.