Arizona is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse species of hummingbirds in North America. From the tiny, vibrant Calliope Hummingbird to the larger Magnificent Hummingbird, there are 8 different types of hummingbirds that can be found in this southwestern state. In this blog post.
We’ll take a look at each type of hummingbird and discuss where they can be found, what their habitats are like, as well as how long they tend to stay in Arizona throughout the year. So let’s get started!
8 Types Of Hummingbirds In Arizona
Resident Species Of Hummingbirds Of Arizona:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Seasonal Species Of Hummingbirds In Arizona:
- Violet crowned hummingbirds
- Black-chinned hummingbirds
- Calliope hummingbirds
- Blue-throated Mountain Gems
- Broad-tailed hummingbirds
- Rufous hummingbirds
- Costa’s hummingbirds
Learn More: 8 Types Of Hummingbirds In Georgia
We’ll take a look at each type of hummingbird and discuss where they can be found, what their habitats are like, and their description.
1. The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a permanent resident of Arizona and can be seen in the state from March through November. They feed primarily on nectar from flowers, but also enjoy hummingbird feeders and spiders’ webs.
The tiny Calliope, or “Stubtail,” Hummingbird is an occasional visitor to Arizona, usually seen in the fall between August and October. It’s one of the smallest species of birds found in North America and prefers wooded areas with plenty of flowers for nectar sources.
2. Violet-Crowned Hummingbirds
Violet crowned hummingbirds are another type of hummingbird found in Arizona during the late summer and early fall months with an average stay of six weeks or longer. They like open woodlands and savannahs that provide plenty of flowers for their food source. The Rufous Hummingbird is a migratory species found in Arizona between mid-April to late October. They feed on both nectar and small insects, often building tiny nests with spider webs to protect their eggs.
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3. Black-Chinned Hummingbirds
Black-chinned hummingbird is another migratory species that visit Arizona for the summer months. They prefer open areas with plenty of nectar sources and access to shallow puddles or streams in order to drink water and bathe.
The Blue-throated Mountain Gem is a smaller hummingbird species found at higher elevations in Arizona during the spring and summer months. They love wooded areas where they build their nests, usually near water sources and flowers.
4. Calliope Hummingbirds
Calliope hummingbirds are the smallest of all North American hummingbird species and are often seen in Arizona during their migration from the Pacific Northwest. They prefer open woodlands and savannahs, but can also be found in residential areas with plenty of flowers for nectar sources.
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is a migratory species that visit Arizona every year between April to October. They feed primarily on nectar, often visiting hummingbird feeders if they’re available.
Learn More: 6 Best Hummingbird Feeders To Keep Bees Away
5. The Blue-Throated Mountain Gem
The Blue-throated Mountain Gem is another hummingbird seen during migration periods throughout the year in Arizona, most commonly around mountain ranges. These hummingbirds are slightly larger than other species, so they prefer larger flowers such as columbines or penstemons for their food sources.
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is an occasional visitor that flies through Arizona during its continuous northbound migration from early April to mid-May. They usually feed on the nectar of flowers in woodland habitats.
6. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds
Broad-tailed hummingbirds are also migratory species, but they migrate south during the winter months. They are most often seen in Arizona from April to October when they pass through on their journey north or south.
The Costa’s Hummingbird is a relatively uncommon species found mostly in southern California and parts of Arizona between February and October. They prefer desert habitats with plenty of flowers for their food source.
7. Rufous Hummingbirds
Rufous hummingbirds are a sight to behold! These tiny birds have beautiful rusty-orange feathers that really make them stand out among other hummingbird species. All hummingbirds share the common trait of being able to fly backward while hovering in one place, giving amazing acrobatic displays in the air!
Rufous hummingbirds in particular have a long annual migration pattern, traveling up to 5000 miles each year between their breeding and wintering habitats. They can be seen flitting around flowers looking for nectar, making these little hummingbirds a great component of any garden ecosystem!
Learn More: What Is The Best Hummingbird Feeder? (To Attract Hummingbirds To Your Backyard)
8. Costa’s Hummingbirds
Costa’s hummingbirds are an incredible sight to see. With their distinctive reddish-pink throat, iridescent green head and hood, and vibrant white spot below the eye, hummingbirds stand out amongst other birds for their beauty. The diet of Costa’s hummingbird is diverse!
They sip nectar from flowers, feast on spiders and insects for protein, and occasionally devour tree sap or even small lizards. Their choice of food does not stop there! These hummingbirds have been known to hover around hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water waiting for a tasty treat.
This unique species can be found in certain areas of California, Nevada, and Arizona, where they prefer open woodlands and scrub deserts with plenty of flowers nearby. Next time you are in these areas be sure to keep an eye out for these incredibly fast-flying hummingbirds!
Resident Species Vs Seasonal Species
Residents, or year-round species, have adapted to whatever conditions nature presents them with throughout the changing seasons and weather. Year-round hummingbirds are a perfect example of this, as they feed on nectar from flowers for sustenance. On the other hand in comparison, seasonal species migrate according to particular instincts and abilities.
While it might seem odd that hummingbirds fly thousands of miles away only to return the next season, their migratory behavior is essential for them to reach climates where food sources are not as scarce.
In summary, resident species, and seasonal species offer an interesting contrast in their adaptation styles; one dedicates itself to adapting year-round and the other dispersing over vast distances among seasonal changes.
Learn More: How To Make A Hummingbird House
Conclusion
Arizona is home to a variety of beautiful hummingbird species, some of which only visit during their migration and others that can be seen year-round. From the tiny Calliope Hummingbird to the colorful Costa’s Hummingbird, these birds are incredible creatures worthy of admiration. With the right conditions and food sources, you may just get lucky enough to spot one in your backyard! So keep an eye out for these feathered friends when you’re in Arizona and enjoy watching them fly through the air.
