What state has a lot of hummingbirds?

Hummingbirds are some of the most spectacular birds found in nature. Their tiny size, vibrant plumage, and remarkable hovering flight capabilities make them a joy to observe. But which U.S. state has the highest diversity and populations of hummingbird species?

Arizona Has the Most Hummingbird Species

Of all the 50 states, Arizona takes the prize for having the most hummingbird species regularly found within its borders. A total of 12 different hummingbirds have been recorded in Arizona, several of which are abundant year-round residents while others pass through on migrations or appear occasionally as vagrants.

The 12 hummingbird species found in Arizona are:

• Anna’s Hummingbird
• Black-chinned Hummingbird
• Broad-billed Hummingbird
• Broad-tailed Hummingbird
• Calliope Hummingbird
• Costa’s Hummingbird
• Lucifer Hummingbird
• Magnificent Hummingbird
• Rivoli’s Hummingbird
• Ruby-throated Hummingbird
• Rufous Hummingbird
• Violet-crowned Hummingbird

Several of these species, including the Anna’s, Black-chinned, Broad-billed, Broad-tailed, Costa’s, and Rufous hummingbirds can be found year-round in Arizona. Others like the Calliope, Lucifer, Magnificent, Ruby-throated, and Violet-crowned hummingbirds pass through on migrations or are rare vagrants.

Year-Round Residents

Of all the hummingbirds found in Arizona, the following are year-round breeding residents that live in the state during all seasons:

• Anna’s Hummingbird
• Black-chinned Hummingbird
• Broad-billed Hummingbird
• Broad-tailed Hummingbird
• Costa’s Hummingbird
• Rufous Hummingbird

These hummingbirds are abundant during the summertime breeding season and many remain through the winter rather than migrating south. The Anna’s and Costa’s hummingbirds are especially cold-hardy and can survive freezing overnight temperatures in Arizona provided they have access to adequate food.

Migrants and Vagrants

The following hummingbirds pass through Arizona on migrations or appear rarely as vagrants:

• Calliope Hummingbird
• Lucifer Hummingbird
• Magnificent Hummingbird
• Ruby-throated Hummingbird
• Violet-crowned Hummingbird

Calliope and Rufous hummingbirds migrate through Arizona in spring and fall. Lucifer, Magnificent, Ruby-throated, and Violet-crowned hummingbirds are considered rare vagrants that sometimes get blown off course and stray into the state.

Why Does Arizona Have So Many Hummingbirds?

There are several reasons why Arizona has more hummingbird species than any other state:

• Arizona is located along the migration route of many species that breed farther north and winter to the south.
• The state has a variety of biogeographic regions including mountains, deserts, riparian corridors, and canyons that provide diverse hummingbird habitat.
• Blooming plants that provide nectar for hummingbirds are available year-round in warmer areas.
• People put up numerous feeders, further supplementing natural food supplies.

With so much natural hummingbird habitat and thousands of feeders providing supplemental nectar sources, it’s no wonder that Arizona hosts these tiny gems throughout the year. The permanent resident species are able to find enough flowers and insects to survive the winter, while migrants pass through on their way to and from their breeding grounds.

Migration Route

Arizona is situated along the migration route of several hummingbird species that travel along the western United States between their breeding grounds to the north and wintering grounds in Mexico. In spring these northbound migrants stop to rest and refuel in Arizona, while in fall they fuel up again on their southbound journey. Some common migrants include Rufous and Calliope hummingbirds.

Diverse Habitats

The state also features many types of habitat preferred by hummingbirds including:

• Mountain meadows and pine forests
• Deciduous woodlands
• Riparian corridors along streams and canyons
• Sonoran and Chihuahuan desert scrub

From high mountains to saguaro cactus deserts, this variety of habitats allows different hummingbird species to carve out niches where their needs are met.

Year-Round Blooms

Arizona’s southern latitude and relatively mild winters allow flowering plants favored by hummingbirds to bloom through much of the year. Even in winter, desert blooms and flowering trees like citrus provide nectar. And supplementing these natural nectar sources are thousands of hummingbird feeders maintained by homeowners that further sustain wintering birds.

Prime Hummingbird Habitat in Arizona

Some of the best places to find a diversity of hummingbird species in Arizona include:

• Southeastern Arizona including the Chiricahua, Santa Rita, and Huachuca mountain ranges
• Catalina and Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson
• Ramsey Canyon Preserve near Sierra Vista
• Madera Canyon south of Tucson
• Phoenix and Tucson metro areas
• Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve

These areas provide the mixture of habitat types, blooming plants, and feeders that hummingbirds need. Ramsey Canyon and Madera Canyon host famous hummingbird festivals and banding stations where scientists study migration patterns.

Southeast Arizona Mountains

The sky islands of southeast Arizona including the Chiricahuas, Santa Ritas, and Huachucas have high mountain meadows bursting with summer wildflowers that attract nesting Anna’s, Black-chinned, Broad-tailed, and Rufous hummingbirds up to elevations of nearly 10,000 feet. These ranges host at least 11 species.

Catalina and Santa Catalina Mountains

Rising up north of Tucson, these mountains include Mount Lemmon and Summerhaven where feeders sustain wintering Anna’s and Rufous hummingbirds at elevations up to 9,000 feet amid ponderosa pines. At least 10 species occur here.

Urban Oases

The many flowering gardens, citrus trees, and thousands of feeders in Phoenix, Tucson, and other desert communities provide dependable habitat for year-round Anna’s, Costa’s, and Black-chinned hummingbirds, along with migrants like Rufous passing through.

Other States With Many Hummingbird Species

While Arizona tops the list for diversity of hummingbirds species, several other states also have high species numbers and excellent habitat. These include:

• Texas – 11 regular species
• New Mexico – 10 regular species
• California – 9 regular species
• Florida – 8 regular species

Like Arizona, these states feature a mix of habitats and are positioned along migration routes or have mild climates supporting wintering birds. Texas hosts an incredible number of migrating hummingbirds along the Gulf Coast.

Texas

Texas ties Arizona with 11 regular species, though it lacks some of Arizona’s rare vagrants. Many hummingbirds pour through Texas during spring and fall migrations along the coast and in woodlands and brushlands. Some species like Buff-bellied Hummingbirds winter there.

New Mexico

New Mexico has 10 regular hummingbird species in mountains, riparian areas, and deserts. Migration hotspots occur along the Rio Grande and in the Gila National Forest where hundreds of Rufous Hummingbirds may pass through daily.

California

Though smaller than Arizona, California hosts 9 regular species in habitats ranging from Pacific Coast rainforests to Mojave Desert oases. Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds thrive year-round, especially in urban gardens and parks.

Florida

With 8 regular species, Florida is a top winter destination for hummingbirds that breed farther north. Abundant nectar from tropical flowers and trees coupled with feeders help sustain migrants and wintering birds in this subtropical climate.

Ranking of States by Number of Hummingbird Species

Here is a summary table ranking all 50 states by the number of hummingbird species regularly occurring in each one:

This summary makes it clear that the southwestern desert states along with Texas, Florida, and a few other southeastern states have the highest hummingbird diversity. The combined effects of climate, habitat diversity, and location along migration routes contribute to these rankings.

Conclusion

Of all 50 U.S. states, Arizona has the most recorded hummingbird species at 12. Habitat diversity, plentiful natural food sources, supplemental feeders, and Arizona’s position along migration routes contribute to its top ranking for hummingbird species diversity and year-round populations. While Texas and New Mexico have nearly comparable numbers, no state can match Arizona as the undisputed hummingbird capital of the United States.

So for your best chance to see a remarkable variety of these energetic little birds, head to southeast Arizona and visit hotspots like Ramsey Canyon, the Chiricahuas, and Madera Canyon. Keep an eye out for tiny hummingbirds buzzing through on their epic migrations, or dazzling males on breeding territories flashing their iridescent throat feathers. Once you experience Arizona’s spectacular hummingbird bonanza, you’ll understand why this state tops the list for diversity!