Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds found in nature. Known for their incredibly fast wing beats and ability to hover in midair, hummingbirds captivate people across the United States. In the Southwest, Tucson, Arizona is an excellent place to observe these tiny dynamos. With a variety of flowering plants that provide nectar and its location along the migratory path of many species, Tucson attracts hummingbirds year-round. Understanding where and when to find hummingbirds in Tucson can help bird enthusiasts have memorable encounters.
Common Hummingbird Species in Tucson
Tucson is home to a number of hummingbird species throughout the year. Here are some of the most common:
Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbirds are year-round residents in Tucson. Named after a 19th century duchess, these hummingbirds are aggressively territorial. The males have iridescent rose-pink throats and crowns that appear dark in low light.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Black-chinned hummingbirds can be found in Tucson spring through fall as they migrate through. The males have dark, black chins and throats with purple-streaked feathers. These hummingbirds have a distinctive metallic ringing song.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Broad-tailed hummingbirds breed in Arizona and are common summer residents in Tucson. They have bright green backs and white breast feathers. The males produce a high-pitched trill during courtship displays.
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous hummingbirds are common migrants in Tucson, especially during spring and fall months. The males are brightly colored with orange-red throats and flanks. They are one of the longest distance migrating birds in the world.
Costa’s Hummingbird
Costa’s hummingbirds take up residence in Tucson mostly during winter months and migrate north for summer. The males have vivid purplish-blue throats and long forked tail feathers.
When to See Hummingbirds in Tucson
The timing and abundance of hummingbirds in Tucson changes throughout the seasons:
Spring (March – May)
Spring brings northbound migrating hummingbirds like rufous and black-chinned through Tucson. Flowers like penstemons, aloes, and ocotillos bloom providing nectar. Nest building and courtship displays can be observed.
Summer (June – August)
Summer breeding species like broad-tailed and black-chinned hummingbirds are active. Feeders and flowering plants are critical food sources in the hot weather. Look for buzzing territorial males.
Fall (September – November)
Southbound migration takes place in fall, with rufous and black-chinned hummingbirds passing through with peaks in September. Flowers may bloom again providing fuel.
Winter (December – February)
Some migration continues early in winter. Costa’s join Anna’s as year-round resident species that can be readily observed at feeders on warm winter days.
Where to Find Hummingbirds in Tucson
There are many spots around Tucson to observe hummingbirds in their different seasons:
Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve
This lush stream-side preserve attracts rare hummingbirds like blue-throated, broad-billed, and magnificent. Hybrids also appear along with more common species.
Ramsey Canyon Preserve
Located in the Huachuca Mountains, Ramsey Canyon offers hummingbird watching from March through September. Fourteen species have been recorded.
Madera Canyon
Santa Rita Mountains hotspot with trails, feeds, and gardens that attract up to a dozen hummingbird species in summer including rarities like berylline and violet-crowned.
Catalina State Park
A convenient state park in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Numerous feeders attract hummingbirds around picnic areas.
Sabino Canyon
A scenic desert canyon in Coronado National Forest with riparian vegetation. Black-chinned and broad-billed hummingbirds can be spotted along trails.
Mount Lemmon
The high elevations of the Santa Catalina Mountains host breeding black-chinned and broad-tailed hummingbirds up to 9000 feet.
Tucson Botanical Gardens
Diverse plantings and hummingbird feeders at this urban oasis attract many species like Anna’s and rufous. Free-flying birds provide close viewing.
Your Own Backyard!
With nectar feeders, pollinator plants, and water features, yards in Tucson can attract hummingbird visitors, especially during migration periods.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds in Tucson
Use these strategies to bring hummingbirds up close in your Tucson yard:
- Get a nectar feeder – Select a feeder style they can easily access like a saucer or vertical tubes.
- Use proper nectar – Use a 4:1 ratio of water to white granulated sugar only. No dyes, oils, or honey.
- Plant native flowers – Agastache, penstemon, lupine, aloe, and ocotillo are great hummingbird flowers.
- Provide a water source – A mister, dripper, or shallow bird bath gives them fresh water.
- Avoid pesticides – Chemicals can be lethal to hummingbirds. Use organic methods.
- Be patient – It can take a week or two for hummingbirds to discover new feeders and flowers.
With a little effort, you can transform your yard into a hummingbird haven!
Key Hummingbird Flowers Blooming by Season in Tucson
This table summarizes top hummingbird flowers by bloom season:
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penstemon | Red hot poker | Firecracker penstemon | Aloe |
| Desert willow | Beebalm | Autumn sage | Coral plant |
| Ocotillo | Turk’s cap | Baja Fairy Duster | Fuchsia |
Conclusion
With multiple resident and migrating hummingbird species that utilize a sequence of blooming flowers, Tucson is one of the best regions for diversified hummingbird watching. By understanding species patterns, seasonal timing, and key locations, observers can witness a range of these energetic pollinators. A little planning and habitat enhancement in your yard or visits to hot spots can yield exciting encounters with these tiniest of birds. The ruby-throated flash and buzzing wings of hummingbirds will brighten any day.
