8 Types Of Hummingbirds In California

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Did you know that there are over 16 different types of hummingbirds that can be found in California? While most people think of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird when they think of hummingbirds, many hummingbird species call California home.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the different types of hummingbirds in California, and where to find them!

8 Types Of Hummingbirds In California

California is home to a wide variety of hummingbirds, ranging from the California coasts to its interior valleys.

Out of all the hummingbird species in North America, eight are found in California.

These include Anna’s Hummingbird, Allen’s Hummingbird, Costa’s Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbirds, Calliope Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, and Violet-Headed Sunangel and are easy to spot in your backyard or neighborhood park by their unique size and pattern of feathers.

Although these birds often congregate for nectar at feeders near public parks and gardens, an even better way to catch a sighting of them is by visiting open spaces with tall chaparral or oak woodlands in warmer climates.

Hummingbird Range Map In California

California is home to 18 species of hummingbirds, making it one of the best places to observe these tiny birds.

With a variety of habitat types, including desert, forest, coastal scrub, and grassland, some species can be found in limited areas or may even overlap in their range.

types of hummingbirds in California

Thankfully, there are guides available to help bird watchers identify and locate the different hummingbird species that they might see while out in nature.

A great resource for this is a hummingbird range map found online.

This detailed map includes all 18 species that are native to California and provides information on where the birds occur regularly so visitors can plan accordingly for their bird-watching trips.

Best Food In Hummingbird Feeders For Hummingbirds In California

For any hummingbird enthusiast in California, especially in southern California, looking to create the ideal habitat and feast for their fluttery friends, look no further than a hummingbird feeder to attract hummingbirds.

The sweet nectar they provide is a source of much-needed nourishment during their arduous journey, and choosing the best food options can help them survive even during the chillier months.

And it just so happens that many of the local vegetation that hummingbirds love can thrive in California’s climates – with some of their favorite natural feeders including wildflowers, cacti, shrubs, trees, herbs, and succulents!

Stocking up your hummer’s feeder with a mix of store-bought nectar or making your own from boiled sugar water means that these precious pollinators have direct access to an ample supply of food all year round.

Where To Find Hummingbirds In California?

If you’re looking for a place to spot hummingbirds in California, then you’re looking in the right state!

From sea level to mountain heights, there are many places to find these tiny feathered creatures.

If you’re near the coast, pay attention as you walk in fields or grassy areas – hummingbirds will often be found sipping nectar from colorful flowers.

In addition, many national and regional parks across California provide excellent viewing locations, with specific landowners often creating nectar-rich environments and viewing areas especially constructed for observing hummingbirds.

For birders and other nature enthusiasts hoping to catch glimpses of a Hummingbird’s flurry of wings and vibrant colors, California offers some spectacular opportunities!

What Kinds Of Hummingbird Species Are Found In California?

California boasts a stunning variety of hummingbird species – from the smallest, the Calliope Hummingbird at around 3 inches long, to the bigger Allen’s Hummingbird which can reach 4 and a half inches in length.

These include such colorful feathered friends as Anna’s Hummingbird, known for its bright emerald green back and deep pink throat feathers.

The Black-chinned Hummingbird with its iridescent violet-blue head and sides.

Female rufous hummingbirds are easily detected by their rusty orange–brown body plumage.

What a sight to behold!

If you’re ever lucky enough to have one of these intricate beauties grace your feeder or garden

Calliope Hummingbird

The gorgeous Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest bird species in North America.

It has bright emerald green on its back and brilliant gorget feathers below, which make it stand out among other new world birds.

Its diet consists of tiny insects, tree sap, and nectar found in flowers.

The way they feed is fascinating to watch as they hover above flowers with a unique clicking sound that one could almost call their language!

During summer months the Calliope Hummingbird can be seen across western North America from southern Alaska to northern Mexico and high elevations of California.

Costa’s Hummingbird

The vibrant Costa’s hummingbird is an exquisite species found most frequently at low elevations in hot deserts and chaparral vegetation chiefly located in the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Although they can appear petite and fragile, these charismatic hummingbirds are quite hardy.

types of hummingbirds in California

They’ll defend their territories fiercely while competing to procure the nectar essential to their diet.

Costa’s hummingbirds also boast some incredible abilities – they can beat their wings up to 80 times every second and even fly backward!

Highly captivating with its elongated tail feathers and golden-green back.

Colubris Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

Colubris ruby-throated hummingbirds stand out among other species due to their size and beauty.

These birds are characterized by shining iridescent feathers, delicate wings, and vibrating throats.

Native to much of the eastern United States and parts of Central America, they can be found in urban habitats such as backyards or parks as well as forests and fields.

These hummers feed mainly on flower nectar from flowers as well as small insects such as fruit flies and aphids.

They travel thousands of miles during migration season, so keep an eye out for them each spring!

Broad-billed Hummingbird

The Broad-billed Hummingbird is a species of bird in the hummingbird family, Trochilidae.

It has a wide range throughout much of Mexico and the southwestern United States.

This brightly colored bird is easily identified by its unique forked tail, the upper section of which is black with white tips and the lower tail feathers are red.

Its plumage consists mostly of green and gray, with its vibrant red throat setting off its bright blue crown.

Though it prefers to feed on nectar and insects, the Broad-billed Hummingbird will also occasionally dine on small lizards or fruits.

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

The Violet-crowned Hummingbird–a small and incredibly beautiful species of bird–is native to the higher elevations of North America.

Those who are lucky enough to spot a Violet-crowned Hummingbird will observe its brilliant emerald feathers around the sides and back, a striking contrast against its white chin and pale yellow belly.

What is particularly unique about this species is the vibrant violet crown that sets it apart from other hummingbirds.

The bright violet color makes these birds quite memorable and unmistakably recognizable!

Rufous Hummingbird

The Rufous Hummingbird is a somewhat enigmatic species of hummingbird.

Its scientific name, Selasphorus Rufus, aptly describes these birds.

Their feathers are a bright fiery red-orange that scintillates as they flit from flower to flower in a mission for more nectar.

As migratory birds, the Rufous hummingbird can be found throughout North America during the warmer spring and summer months, though chiefly on the west side of the continent where they breed.

During wintertime, however, many of these birds migrate down to Central and South America again for breeding and warmer temperatures.

Green-violetears Hummingbird

Our feathery friend, the Green-violetears Hummingbird, is truly a wonder of nature.

Its unique name comes from a jewelry-like patch at the throat, with green and violet feathers that shimmer in the sunlight.

These tiny birds measure about five centimeters in length and have tails up to eight centimeters long!

This species of hummingbird can typically be found darting from flower to flower in Central American rainforests, feasting on nectar.

Blue-throated Hummingbird

The blue-throated hummingbird is a small bird native to Central America with beautiful bright colors.

Across its body, from the crown of its head to the tip of its tail, it boasts deep olive greens, streaks of iridescent violet, and the eponymous sapphire blue throat.

A remarkable hunter and a beloved beast of burden in parts of Central America, they are a common sight in places like Honduras where they can be seen buzzing between house gardens and flower fields.

If you’re fortunate to get near one up close, you may notice an interesting adaptation—its strong bill structure enables it to drink nectar through regular sips as well as by hovering at flowers with its tips slightly open.

Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna’s Hummingbird is a small yet mesmerizing creature that brings beauty and enchantment to many locations.

This tiny avian species is native to the western parts of North America, from southern British Columbia down through Mexico, including the Baja California Peninsula area.

It may measure only 3 to 3.5 inches in length with an average wingspan of 4 9/16 to 5 7/16 inches — small enough to fit in the palm of your hand — but it can be fiercely territorial over its habitat.

Male Anna’s Hummingbirds have glossy green or bronze-green backs with rose-red throats and crowns, while their female counterparts showcase a grayish-green back and they both feature a white ring around the eyes accompanied by other iridescent colors like blue and violet.

Black-chinned Hummingbird

The Black-chinned Hummingbirds are an incredibly interesting feathered friend!

It brings beauty to many western states within the US, as far east as Utah, and throughout Mexico.

The black-chinned hummingbirds boast a sleek black chin, and red throat patch extending to its otherwise gray chest feathers.

Despite their small size and fast flight speed, these tiny birds were once hunted for their spectacularly colored feathers.

Sadly, this led to a dramatic population decline during the late 1800s.

Thankfully though, we have since made strides in conservation efforts that help protect this species from further decline.

That said, they remain threatened by the development and destruction of certain habitats necessary for their successful reproduction cycles.

Dawn Caffrey

Dawn Caffrey

Hummingbirds just make me happy - in fact, I read somewhere that they represent happiness in Native American totems.
Let me tell you what I found about feeders from treating the hummingbirds in my back yard.

About Me

Hummingbirds just make me happy – in fact, I read somewhere that they represent happiness in Native American totems.
Let me tell you what I found about feeders from treating the hummingbirds in my back yard.

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