Hummingbirds are found naturally only in the Americas, from Alaska to Chile. Of the over 300 different species of hummingbirds, the majority are found in the tropical regions of Central and South America. The countries with the highest diversity and number of hummingbird species are Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil. However, some of the largest concentrations of hummingbirds occur where food sources are abundant, with key areas being various mountain ranges and certain desert and tropical regions. Here is an overview of some of the top places to see hummingbirds in the world.
Ecuador
Ecuador is considered one of the best destinations for seeing hummingbirds in the world. This small South American country is home to over 130 species of hummingbirds, the highest diversity for any country. Some key places to spot hummingbirds in Ecuador include:
- The Ecuadorian Amazon – Over 90 species of hummingbirds have been recorded here, with key sites being forest reserves near the Napo River.
- Mindo Cloud Forest – Over 160 species of birds have been recorded in this biodiverse region, including about 30 types of hummingbirds.
- San Jorge Ecolodge – This nature reserve in the Andes foothills is a prime spot to see bootied racket-tails, violet-tailed sylphs, and other mountain hummingbirds.
- Guango Lodge – Over 15 hummingbird species visit the feeders at this lodge next to a waterfall near Papallacta.
Best time to visit
The best months to see hummingbirds in Ecuador are generally September through November when resident species are breeding and migrant hummingbirds are arriving from North America.
Peru
Peru is another South American country with an abundance of hummingbird species and excellent bird watching opportunities. Some top spots include:
- Machu Picchu – Over 300 species of birds inhabit the ancient Inca citadel, including marvelous spatuletails, white-bellied woodstars, and the endemic Inca hummingbird.
- Abra Malaga Pass – Situated in the Andes mountains, this high mountain pass is surrounded by Polylepis woodlands that host hummingbirds like the giant hummingbird and shining sunbeam.
- Waqanki Lodge – A remote lodge in the cloud forest north of Cusco with over 20 hummingbird species visiting the feeders.
- Gocta Lodge – Located near the Gocta waterfall, this lodge gets visits from species like the green-tailed trainbearer and sparkling violetear.
Best time to visit
July through September are ideal months for hummingbird watching in Peru.
Brazil
Brazil has the highest diversity of hummingbirds in the world with over 160 recorded species. Here are some prime spots to find them:
- The Atlantic Forest – Over 140 hummingbird species inhabit this coastal rainforest, including rare gems like the critically endangered Black Jacobin.
- Serra da Canastra National Park – This park protects high elevation grasslands with hummingbirds like the violet-capped and frilled coquettes.
- Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park – Over 190 species of birds have been recorded here, including a dozen hummingbird species in the wooded canyons.
- Intervales State Park – A hotspot along the Atlantic coast that hosts magnificent hummingbirds like the ruby-topaz.
Best time to visit
Late spring and early summer (August to December) are the best months for hummingbird watching in Brazil.
Colombia
With over 130 species, Colombia is one of the world’s most diverse countries for hummingbirds. Top spots include:
- Chingaza National Park – Located in the Andes east of Bogota, this park offers great habitat for hummingbirds like the sword-billed hummingbird, Tourmaline sunangel, and the endemic Chingaza metaltail.
- Otun Quimbaya Reserve – In the Central Andes west of Bogota, this reserve protects rare emerald hummingbirds as well as the endemic brown violetear.
- Ensenada de Utria Nature Reserve – Mangrove forests on the Pacific coast harbor horned sungems, rufous-tailed hummingbirds, and other coastal species.
- Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – A perfect destination for seeing endemic hummingbirds found nowhere else like Santa Marta woodstar, Santa Marta sabrewing, and Santa Marta blossomcrown.
Best time to visit
The dry months of December to February are best for finding hummingbirds at many Colombia destinations.
Mexico
Mexico has the most species of any country outside of South America with over 50 species. Important locations include:
- El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve – A cloud forest reserve with species like slaty-tailed hummingbirds, green-breasted mountaingems, and berylline hummingbirds.
- Chichen Itza – The ancient Mayan ruins host species like the buff-bellied hummingbird and white-bellied emerald.
- El Cielo Biosphere Reserve – One of the best birding spots in northern Mexico with species like the plain-capped starthroat.
- Baja California – A wintering and breeding destination for species like Anna’s hummingbird, Costas hummingbird, and Xantus’s hummingbird.
Best time to visit
Fall and winter are the best seasons for finding hummingbird diversity in Mexico which is when migrants arrive from the north.
Costa Rica
This Central American country hosts over 50 species of hummingbirds, making it a prime destination for finding these birds. Key spots are:
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – A stunning mountain forest with a huge diversity of hummingbirds including the resplendent quetzal.
- Corcovado National Park – Scarlet macaws and hummingbirds like the white-necked jacobin inhabit this Pacific lowland rainforest.
- La Selva Biological Station – A premier rainforest research station near the Caribbean coast with great trails for finding hummingbirds.
- Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge – Wetlands and woodlands hosting species like the northern jacana and rufous-tailed hummingbird.
Best time to visit
December to April is usually the peak hummingbird watching season in Costa Rica.
The United States and Canada
While North America has fewer hummingbird species than the neotropics, several places host large seasonal concentrations of hummingbirds or prime habitat for breeding species. Top spots are:
- Southeastern Arizona – A diversity hotspot along streams like Ramsey Canyon and the Huachuca mountains with species like magnificent and blue-throated hummingbirds.
- Southwestern New Mexico – The Gila Wilderness and surrounding sky islands host nesting elegant trogons and species like broad-billed hummingbirds.
- Texas Hill Country – Rivers and canyons around Austin and San Antonio attract huge numbers of migrating ruby-throated and rufous hummingbirds.
- Florida Everglades – A winter haven for migrating hummingbirds along with year-round residents like mangrove hummingbird.
- California Coast – Anna’s hummingbirds are abundant, and winter migrations bring rufous and Allen’s hummingbirds.
- Alberta and British Colombia – Breeding calliope hummingbirds are common in summer, and rufous hummingbirds migrate through in huge numbers.
Trinidad and Tobago
This Caribbean island nation off Venezuela hosts over 16 species of hummingbirds, an extremely high number given its small size. Some hotspots are:
- Asa Wright Nature Centre – A renowned lodge with viewing verandas frequented by tufted coquettes, white-necked jacobins and other species.
- Blanchisseuse Road – This coastal road near the rainforest hosts purple honeycreepers and copper-rumped hummingbirds.
- Arena Forest Reserve – Hummingbirds like the white-chested emerald and rufous-breasted hermit can be found in this protected rainforest.
Best time to visit
February through June are the ideal months for finding migratory and resident hummingbirds in Trinidad and Tobago.
Panama
Located between North and South America, Panama hosts nearly 50 species of hummingbirds, especially across its varied mountain and rainforest habitats. Prime birding destinations are:
- La Amistad International Park – Shared with Costa Rica, this park protects rich cloud forests with hummingbirds like green thorntails and violet sabrewings.
- Pipeline Road – Trails around this road near Gamboa provide easy access to lowland rainforest hosting species like sapphire-spangled emerald.
- Metropolitan Natural Park – A protected area near Panama City frequented by snowy-bellied hummingbirds, brown violetears, and white-vented plumeleteers.
- Boquete – Town surrounded by coffee plantations in the Chiriqui Highlands, home to volcano hummingbirds, snowcaps, and fiery-throated hummingbirds.
Best time to visit
The dry season between mid-December and mid-April is usually the optimal time for finding hummingbirds in Panama.
Conclusion
While hummingbirds reach their greatest diversity in the Andean countries of Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia, excellent destinations exist throughout the Americas to appreciate these energetic, iridescent birds. Their tiny size and magic-like flight abilities never cease to impress. With a pair of binoculars and some patience, observers can be rewarded with close views of hummingbirds feeding on nectar, chasing each other, and even gathering nesting materials from some of their favored habitats highlighted here.
Key tips for successful hummingbird watching include going to locations at the right time of year, seeking out hotspots known for activity, and utilizing feeders or flowering plants to attract them. While seeing one of these birds can make any day brighter, glimpsing a dazzle of hummingbirds buzzing around a lush tropical garden or Andean cloud forest is a truly mesmerizing experience and a delight for nature lovers, birders, and ecotourists.
Country | Number of Species | Notable Species and Endemics | Key Locations | Best Time to Visit |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ecuador | Over 130 species | Sword-billed hummingbird, purple-bibbed whitetip, Ecuadorian piedtail | Ecuadorian Amazon, Mindo Cloud Forest, San Jorge Ecolodge | Sept – Nov |
Peru | Over 120 species | Marvelous spatuletail, oasis hummingbird, Koepcke’s hermit | Machu Picchu, Abra Malaga Pass, Waqanki Lodge | Jul – Sept |
Brazil | Over 160 species | Swallow-tailed hummingbird, black jacobin, Brazilian ruby | Atlantic Forest, Serra da Canastra, Chapada dos Veadeiros | Aug – Dec |
Colombia | Over 130 species | Colorful puffleg, Santa Marta woodstar, gorgeted woodstar | Chingaza NP, Otun Quimbaya, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta | Dec – Feb |
Mexico | Over 50 species | Bumblebee hummingbird, white-eared hummingbird, dusky hummingbird | El Triunfo, Chichen Itza, Baja California | Fall and Winter |
Costa Rica | Over 50 species | Fiery-throated hummingbird, black-crested coquette, purple-crowned fairy | Monteverde, Corcovado NP, Caño Negro | Dec – April |
USA and Canada | Over 15 species | Anna’s hummingbird, broad-tailed hummingbird, black-chinned hummingbird | SE Arizona, SW New Mexico, Alberta, Texas | Varies by location |
Trinidad and Tobago | Over 16 species | Ruby-topaz hummingbird, tufted coquette, white-tailed sabrewing | Asa Wright Centre, Arena Forest Reserve | Feb – June |
Panama | Nearly 50 species | Snowy-bellied hummingbird, sapphire-throated hummingbird, green-crowned brilliant | Pipeline Road, Metropolitan Park, La Amistad NP | Mid-Dec to Mid-April |