Arizona is home to an incredible diversity of hummingbird species. With its deserts, canyons, forests, and urban areas, the state provides a wide range of habitats that hummingbirds thrive in. But when it comes to finding the most hummingbirds in Arizona, there are a few key areas that stand out.
Southeast Arizona
Southeast Arizona is considered one of the premier destinations in the United States for viewing hummingbirds. Several factors contribute to the high concentrations found here:
- Proximity to Mexico – Southeast Arizona is the northern range limit for many tropical hummingbird species that are year-round residents in Mexico.
- Mountain islands – Isolated “sky island” mountain ranges like the Chiricahua, Santa Rita, and Huachuca Mountains provide cooler, wetter habitat that hummingbirds prefer.
- Riparian corridors – Rivers and streams like the San Pedro and Santa Cruz support ribbons of vegetation like cottonwoods and willows where hummingbirds congregate.
- Feeders – An abundance of feeders at private residences, nature reserves, and birding lodges provide supplemented nectar sources.
Some of the top southeast Arizona hotspots for hummingbird diversity and abundance include:
- Ramsey Canyon Preserve – Over 14 species regularly breed here, with Magnificent and Blue-throated Hummingbirds often stealing the show.
- Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve – A remarkable 17 species have been recorded along the lush creekside trails.
- Portal, Cave Creek Canyon – A small town situated at the base of the Chiricahua Mountains, Portal is a mecca for hummingbird enthusiasts.
- San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area – Cottonwood-lined San Pedro River attracts rare hummingbirds like Violet-crowned and Broad-billed.
- Ash Canyon B&B – With over 20 feeders at this cozy bed and breakfast, viewing hummer activity is first-rate.
The optimal time to see southeast Arizona hummingbirds is between July and September, though birds can be found year round. It’s not uncommon to see a dozen or more species in a single day of birding during the summer.
Phoenix and Central Arizona
Though not as famous as southeast Arizona, the Phoenix area and central part of the state still host impressive numbers and diversity of hummingbirds, especially in spring and summer. Human-made oases in this arid region act as magnets for hummingbirds moving north along major river corridors and mountain ranges. Prime areas include:
- Desert Botanical Garden – Over 200 feeders attract swarms of birds like Black-chinned and Anna’s Hummingbirds.
- Boyce Thompson Arboretum – Lush gardens and natural washes provide habitat for 10+ species.
- Usery Mountain Regional Park – A hotspot for nesting Black-chinned, Anna’s, and Costa’s Hummingbirds.
- Catalina State Park – A birder favorite located at the base of the Santa Catalina Mountains.
- Sabino Canyon – A scenic desert canyon in Tucson teeming with hummingbird activity.
Spring (March-May) coincides with the peak of northbound migration, making it an ideal time to spot rare species passing through central Arizona like Violet-crowned, Broad-tailed, and Rufous Hummingbirds. By summer, nesting birds take center stage.
Small Town Gardens
One of the best kept secrets for seeing large numbers of hummingbirds in Arizona are the gardens, feeders, and landscaping of small mountain towns. Higher elevation communities like Pinetop-Lakeside, Greer, Portal, Patagonia, and Sonoita become magnets for hummingbirds in summer as flowers bloom and residents put out feeders. It’s not uncommon for homes to host 5-10+ hummingbird feeders, creating an oasis for visiting hummers. Drive or walk around residential neighborhoods in these towns during summer and you’ll likely be dazzled by the number of hummingbirds buzzing by.
Where to See Specific Hummingbird Species
While hummingbirds can turn up almost anywhere in Arizona at the right time, here are some tips on where to find particular species:
Broad-billed Hummingbird
Look for this range-restricted desert species along riparian corridors in southeast Arizona like the San Pedro River, Ramsey Canyon, and Madera Canyon.
Rufous Hummingbird
A summer visitor, Rufous Hummingbirds pass through in spring and fall throughout the state following wildflower blooms in mountain areas.
Calliope Hummingbird
The smallest breeding bird in North America summers in the White Mountains around Greer, Sunrise Park, and Big Lake.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
A common high elevation species, Broad-tailed Hummingbirds nest in forested sections of mountain ranges across Arizona above 5,000 feet.
Violet-crowned Hummingbird
Watch for this nomadic desert hummingbird along the lower Colorado River, Santa Cruz River, and other riparian corridors in late spring.
Magnificent Hummingbird
This dazzling hummer is a southeast Arizona specialty, frequenting mountain canyons and streamsides.
Anna’s Hummingbird
Once rare in Arizona, this species has expanded across the state, even surviving in winter in urban areas like Phoenix and Tucson.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
The most common and widespread hummer in Arizona, Black-chinned breeds across the state from desert lowlands to mountain forests.
Conclusion
With over a dozen breeding hummingbird species and several more migrants passing through, Arizona provides remarkable opportunities to enjoy these flying gems. Southeast Arizona remains the crown jewel for diversity and abundance, though central urban areas, sky islands, and small mountain towns all have strong showings. By visiting hummingbird hotspots, landscaping with nectar plants, and putting up feeders, you’re sure to be dazzled by hummingbird magic in the Grand Canyon state.
