Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds found in nature. Their rapid wing beats, iridescent feathers, and hover-and-dart flight patterns make them a delight to watch. But where exactly can you find hummingbirds in the United States?
Quick Answer
Hummingbirds can be found throughout much of the continental United States during the warmer months. The main areas to spot hummingbirds are the Southwest, West Coast, Southeast, and some parts of the Midwest and Northeast. Certain hummingbird species have more limited ranges within these broader regions.
Hummingbird Hot Spots by Region
Southwest
The Southwest United States provides ideal habitat for hummingbirds with its combination of mountains, canyons, deserts, and riparian corridors. This region is home to Anna’s, black-chinned, broad-billed, broad-tailed, calliope, Costa’s, lucifer, magnificent, ruby-throated, rufous, and violet-crowned hummingbirds.
Some top places to spot hummingbirds in the Southwest include:
- Arizona – Ramsey Canyon, Madera Canyon, Patagonia
- New Mexico – Gila National Forest
- Texas – Davis Mountains, Chisos Mountains, High Island
- Utah – Zion National Park
West Coast
The West Coast is a hummingbird hotspot, especially California. The diverse habitats along the Pacific Coast attract Anna’s, Allen’s, black-chinned, calliope, rufous, Costa’s, and broad-tailed hummingbirds. Coastal mountains, valleys, forests, deserts, and urban gardens provide excellent habitat.
Top West Coast hummingbird spots:
- California – Santa Monica Mountains, Joshua Tree National Park, UC Santa Cruz Arboretum
- Oregon – Rogue Valley, Siskiyou Mountains, Wallowa Mountains
- Washington – San Juan Islands, Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier
Southeast
The Southeastern states host the largest variety of regularly occurring hummingbird species in the US, including ruby-throated, black-chinned, rufous, Allen’s, and buff-bellied. Gardens, woodlands, swamps, and barrier islands draw in hummingbirds.
Key sites to find hummingbirds in the Southeast:
- Florida – St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Apalachicola National Forest, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
- Louisiana – Avery Island, Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge
- Georgia – Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Sapelo Island
Midwest
While less hummingbird diversity exists in the Midwest, ruby-throated hummingbirds can be found throughout the region in summer. Backyards with feeders and gardens, parks, prairies, and woodlands provide habitat.
Some top Midwest hummingbird sites:
- Minnesota – Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, Superior National Forest
- Wisconsin – Madison, Green Bay, Wyalusing State Park
- Michigan – Tahquamenon Falls, Mackinac Island, Porcupine Mountains
Northeast
In the Northeast, ruby-throated hummingbirds are the main species, though rufous may occasionally be spotted. These hummingbirds flock to backyard feeders, gardens, meadows, and woodlands, especially along coastlines.
Prime Northeast hummingbird locations:
- New York – Montauk Point, Sterling Forest State Park, Shawangunk Ridge
- Pennsylvania – Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Pymatuning State Park
- Maine – Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park
When Hummingbirds Arrive by Region
Hummingbirds generally start appearing in February and March in the southernmost states and don’t reach the northernmost states until May or even early June. Here are the typical arrival times:
| Region | Arrival Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Southwest | Mid-February to Mid-March |
| West Coast | Mid-February to Mid-April |
| Southeast | Early March to Mid-April |
| Midwest | Mid-April to Early May |
| Northeast | Early May to Early June |
Best Times and Seasons to See Hummingbirds
Spring and summer are the best seasons to observe hummingbirds in most parts of the country. Some ideal viewing times include:
- February-April – Southwest spring migration and breeding
- March-May – Southeast spring migration and breeding
- April-June – Height of spring migration along West Coast
- May-August – Ruby-throats most abundant in Midwest and Northeast
- July-September – Rufous migration through Northwest to Southwest
Fall migration also brings opportunities to see hummingbirds moving south, especially rufous and ruby-throated hummingbirds in August-October.
Plan any trips to top hummingbird spots during peak migration and breeding times to maximize sightings. Having feeders, flowers, and habitat will also help draw them in throughout their stay.
Common Hummingbird Species by Region
Southwest
- Anna’s Hummingbird
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Broad-billed Hummingbird
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
- Costa’s Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird
West Coast
- Allen’s Hummingbird
- Anna’s Hummingbird
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
- Costa’s Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird
Southeast
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird
- Allen’s Hummingbird
- Buff-bellied Hummingbird
Midwest
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird (rare)
Northeast
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird (rare)
Best Hummingbird Flowers by Region
Planting native flowering plants that hummingbirds are adapted to feed from will help attract them. Here are top flower picks for each region:
| Region | Top Flowers |
|---|---|
| Southwest | Desert honeysuckle, penstemon, sage, aloe, ocotillo, coral bean |
| West Coast | Fuchsia, Indian paintbrush, columbine, monkey flower, California fuchsia |
| Southeast | Coral honeysuckle, trumpet vine, cardinal flower, bee balm, pineapple sage |
| Midwest | Bee balm, trumpet vine, cardinal flower, columbine, petunias |
| Northeast | Bee balm, phlox, honeysuckle, morning glory, lobelia |
Conclusion
In summer, hummingbirds can be found across most of the continental United States if you know where and when to look. The Southwest, West Coast, and Southeast host the greatest diversity, while the ruby-throated hummingbird predominates in the Midwest and Northeast. Gardens, parks, preserves, mountains, and backyards with feeders provide top viewing spots. Planting native flowers and maintaining hummingbird feeders will help draw them to your area during their seasonal migrations and breeding times.
