9 Hummingbirds in Northern California: Complete Species Guide for Birdwatchers

Northern California’s diverse ecosystems create perfect conditions for hummingbird enthusiasts.

Two California natives, Anna’s hummingbird and Allen’s hummingbird, are year-round residents, while up to 12 other hummingbird species spend the spring and summer months in Northern California before returning to their winter homes in October.

This comprehensive guide helps you identify and understand the fascinating world of hummingbirds in northern California, from coastal regions to mountain forests.

Whether you’re exploring urban gardens or remote wilderness areas, these remarkable birds offer endless opportunities for observation and photography.

From the year-round residents to seasonal migrants, each species brings unique characteristics and behaviors that make birdwatching in Northern California truly exceptional.

Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna)

The Anna’s Hummingbird reigns as Northern California’s most common resident hummingbird. With their iridescent emerald feathers and sparkling rose-pink throats, they are more like flying jewelry than birds. Males display distinctive reddish-pink gorgets that can appear dull brown without direct sunlight, while females show green backs with grayish-white underparts.

Anna’s Hummingbirds are mostly green and gray, without any rufous or orange marks on the body. This distinguishing feature helps separate them from other species in the region. These adaptable birds thrive in gardens, parks, and urban environments throughout the year.

Key Identification Features:

• Males: Iridescent rose-pink head and throat
• Females: Green back, grayish-white underparts
• Size: 3.9-4.3 inches
• No rufous coloring anywhere on body

Pro Tip: Anna’s Hummingbirds perform spectacular courtship displays, with males diving from heights up to 130 feet while producing distinctive sounds with their tail feathers.

During winter months, Anna’s Hummingbirds demonstrate remarkable adaptability to Northern California’s cooler temperatures. During cold temperatures, Anna’s hummingbirds gradually gain weight during the day as they convert sugar to fat. This adaptation allows them to survive frigid nights when other hummingbird species migrate south.

For more information on hummingbirds in other regions, explore types of hummingbirds in Maryland, which showcases different species adaptations across various climates.

Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)

One of only two common northern California nesters (along with Anna’s), the Allen’s hummingbird, Selasphorus sasin, is a cousin to Rufous, though with a much smaller migration range. These vibrant birds arrive in early spring, bringing spectacular aerial displays to coastal areas and inland valleys.

Male Allen’s Hummingbirds showcase brilliant orange-red throats and distinctive green backs. The male has a green back and forehead, with rust-colored (rufous) flanks, rump, and tail. The male’s throat is an iridescent orange-red. Females and juveniles appear nearly identical to Rufous Hummingbirds, making field identification challenging.

Seasonal Patterns:

• Spring arrival: March-April from Mexico
• Breeding season: April-July along coastal areas
• Migration south: August-September
• Year-round residents: Channel Islands and Los Angeles area

Individuals breeding along the coast from southern Oregon to southern California fly to central Mexico for the winter, but hummingbirds breeding on the Channel Islands and around Los Angeles are primarily year-round residents.

Common Mistake: Many birdwatchers confuse female Allen’s with Rufous Hummingbirds. The key difference lies in range and timing – Allen’s prefer coastal areas during breeding season, while Rufous typically migrate through inland mountain regions.

Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)

The Black-chinned Hummingbird represents one of Northern California’s most widespread yet understated species. Males display subtle beauty with metallic green backs and distinctive black throats bordered by brilliant purple bands. These adaptable birds prefer open woodlands, gardens, and riparian areas throughout the region.

Unlike their more aggressive relatives, Black-chinned Hummingbirds exhibit relatively peaceful behavior at feeders and flowers. They demonstrate remarkable habitat flexibility, thriving from sea level to mountain elevations exceeding 8,000 feet.

Habitat Preferences:

• Open woodlands and forest edges
• Riparian corridors along streams
• Mountain meadows and clearings
• Urban parks and large gardens

Migration Timeline:

• Spring arrival: April-May
• Breeding peak: June-July
• Departure: August-September

Black-chinned Hummingbirds construct tiny nests using plant fibers, spider silk, and lichen, often placing them on horizontal branches 4-20 feet above ground. Their two white eggs require 16 days of incubation, with fledgling occurring after another 21 days.

Similar migration patterns occur with hummingbirds in Colorado, where elevation changes create diverse habitat opportunities.

Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)

The Rufous Hummingbird claims fame as one of North America’s most aggressive and territorial species. In spring, you’ll find these hummingbirds in northern California, the northwestern states, and Canada. The males have dark tails, while the backs and the flanks are a glossy green shade. They’re white underneath and are characterized by bright magenta throats with an iridescent effect.

These remarkable migrants travel up to 3,000 miles from Mexico to Alaska, making them among the longest-distance migrants relative to body size. During their Northern California visits, they prefer mountain meadows, forest clearings, and high-elevation gardens.

Identification Challenges:

• Females identical to female Allen’s Hummingbirds
• Males distinguished by extensive rufous coloring
• Aggressive behavior at feeders and flowers
• Preference for mountain habitats over coastal areas

Migration Spectacle: Rufous Hummingbirds follow an elliptical migration pattern, traveling north through California’s Central Valley and returning south through the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountains. Peak migration occurs during July and August when hundreds may pass through prime locations in a single day.

Key Takeaway: Rufous Hummingbirds demonstrate incredible navigational abilities, returning to the same feeding territories year after year despite their extensive migration routes.

Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope)

North America’s smallest bird, the Calliope Hummingbird, weighs less than a penny yet undertakes remarkable migrations through Northern California’s mountain regions. Males display unique streaked purple gorgets that distinguish them from all other hummingbird species.

These tiny birds prefer high-elevation habitats between 4,000-11,000 feet, including mountain meadows, forest clearings, and alpine gardens. Their migration timing often coincides with peak wildflower blooms in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges.

Distinctive Features:

• Smallest North American hummingbird
• Male’s streaked purple throat (not solid)
• Relatively short, straight bill
• Preference for high-elevation habitats

Seasonal Behavior:

• Spring migration: May-June through mountain passes
• Breeding habitat: High-elevation meadows and clearings
• Fall migration: July-September following flower blooms
• Winter range: Central Mexico

Calliope Hummingbirds exhibit fascinating feeding behavior, often hovering at flowers for extended periods while methodically extracting nectar. They show particular preference for red tubular flowers like Indian paintbrush, penstemon, and bee balm.

Learn about similar high-elevation species in hummingbirds in southern California, where desert adaptations create different challenges.

Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)

Costa’s Hummingbird brings desert elegance to Northern California’s drier regions. Males showcase brilliant purple gorgets and crowns that extend beyond their bills, creating a distinctive helmet-like appearance. These birds prefer arid landscapes, desert gardens, and chaparral environments.

While more common in Southern California’s deserts, Costa’s Hummingbirds occasionally venture north during breeding season, particularly in the Central Valley’s drier areas and foothills. They demonstrate remarkable heat tolerance, remaining active during temperatures that force other species to seek shade.

Desert Adaptations:

• High heat tolerance (active in 100°F+ temperatures)
• Efficient water conservation
• Preference for desert flowers and feeders
• Earlier breeding season (February-May)

Behavioral Characteristics: Costa’s Hummingbirds exhibit less aggressive behavior than many relatives, often sharing feeding territories with other species. Their flight patterns include distinctive rapid wingbeats and helicopter-like hovering abilities.

Pro Tip: Costa’s Hummingbirds time their breeding season to coincide with desert wildflower blooms, particularly favoring chuparosa, fairy duster, and desert willow.

Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus)

The Broad-tailed Hummingbird creates one of nature’s most distinctive sounds – a metallic trill produced by specialized wing feathers during flight. These high-mountain specialists occasionally visit Northern California’s easternmost regions, particularly the Sierra Nevada range above 5,000 feet.

Males display rose-magenta throats against metallic green backs, while their broad, rounded tails create the characteristic trilling sound audible from considerable distances. This acoustic signature helps identify the species even when visual observation proves difficult.

Mountain Habitat Requirements:

• Elevation: 5,000-12,000 feet
• Habitat: Mountain meadows, aspen groves, pine forests
• Flowers: Prefer red tubular flowers like Indian paintbrush
• Nesting: Aspen groves and coniferous forest edges

Migration Patterns: Broad-tailed Hummingbirds follow mountain corridors during migration, timing their movements to coincide with sequential wildflower blooms at different elevations. They demonstrate remarkable cold tolerance, sometimes feeding during light snowfall.

Common Mistake: The metallic wing trill can be confused with insect sounds, but the rhythmic pattern and volume distinguish it from typical forest sounds.

Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris)

The Broad-billed Hummingbird represents one of Northern California’s rarest visitors, occasionally appearing in southern Central Valley locations during exceptional migration years. Males display stunning blue-green coloration with distinctive broad, slightly curved bills and notched tails.

These primarily Mexican and Arizona residents demonstrate remarkable adaptability when they do venture north. Their broader bills allow them to access different flower shapes than other hummingbird species, providing competitive advantages in diverse habitats.

Identification Features:

• Male: Brilliant blue-green body with darker blue tail
• Female: Grayish-brown with white underparts
• Bill: Broader and slightly curved compared to other species
• Tail: Distinctly notched, especially in males

Rare Visitor Status: Broad-billed Hummingbirds typically appear in Northern California during:

• Exceptional migration years with strong southern weather patterns
• Late summer/early fall when dispersing juveniles explore new territories
• Areas with abundant exotic flowering plants that mimic their preferred habitat

Key Takeaway: While sightings remain rare, changing climate patterns may increase future appearances of this striking species in Northern California.

Mexican Violetear (Colibri thalassinus)

The Mexican Violetear stands as Northern California’s most unexpected hummingbird visitor, with only occasional vagrant sightings reported over the past decades. These larger hummingbirds display distinctive violet ear patches and metallic green bodies that immediately catch observers’ attention.

Native to Mexico and Central America, Mexican Violetears occasionally wander far from their normal range, creating excitement among Northern California birdwatchers. Their larger size and unique coloration make identification relatively straightforward when they do appear.

Vagrant Characteristics:

• Size: Larger than most North American hummingbirds
• Coloration: Metallic green with distinctive violet ear patches
• Behavior: Less aggressive than typical hummingbirds
• Habitat: Attracted to gardens with diverse flowering plants

Documentation Importance: Any Mexican Violetear sighting in Northern California requires:

• Detailed photographic documentation
• Precise location and date recording
• Submission to regional bird record committees
• Sharing with local birding communities

Pro Tip: Mexican Violetears often associate with other hummingbird species at feeders, making size comparisons easier for identification confirmation.

Best Viewing Locations and Tips

To find hummingbirds, look for areas with a rich concentration of flowering plants, such as gardens, parks, and nature reserves. The coastal regions, mountain forests, desert oases, and urban gardens are particularly ideal locations to encounter these vibrant birds.

Prime Northern California Locations:

• Point Reyes National Seashore: Coastal species and migrants
• Muir Woods National Monument: Anna’s and Allen’s year-round
• Sierra Nevada foothills: Seasonal migrants and mountain species
• San Francisco Botanical Garden: Diverse urban habitat
• Redwood National and State Parks: Forest-edge species

Seasonal Viewing Calendar:

• Spring (March-May): Allen’s arrival, peak diversity
• Summer (June-August): Breeding behaviors, mountain species
• Fall (September-October): Migration peak, rare vagrants
• Winter (November-February): Anna’s dominance, occasional visitors

Equipment Recommendations:

• Binoculars: 8×42 or 10×42 for detailed observation
• Camera: Fast autofocus for flight photography
• Field guide: Regional identification reference
• Notebook: Recording behavioral observations and locations

Feeding Station Setup: Creating successful hummingbird feeding stations requires strategic planning. Focus on increasing the “carrying capacity” of your garden – its ability to attract and support hummingbirds sustainably without additional human input. Native plants provide superior long-term attraction compared to feeders alone.

Native Plant Recommendations:

• Bee balm (Monarda): Attracts multiple species
• Salvia species: Year-round nectar sources
• Penstemon: Mountain species favorite
• Fuchsia: Coastal garden staple
• Indian paintbrush: High-elevation wildflower

Common Mistake: Placing feeders too close together creates territorial conflicts. Space multiple feeders at least 10 feet apart to reduce aggression.

Photography and Observation Techniques

Successful hummingbird photography requires patience, proper equipment, and understanding of species behavior. These incredibly fast birds demand specialized techniques for capture clear, compelling images.

Camera Settings:

• Shutter speed: 1/2000s minimum for sharp wings
• Aperture: f/5.6-f/8 for adequate depth of field
• ISO: 800-1600 for sufficient light
• Focus mode: Continuous autofocus for tracking

Behavioral Patterns: Each species exhibits predictable behaviors that aid observation and photography:

• Anna’s: Territorial perching on exposed branches
• Allen’s: Aggressive feeding station dominance
• Rufous: High-speed chasing behaviors
• Calliope: Methodical flower examination

Ethical Considerations:

• Maintain respectful distances from nests
• Avoid flash photography during breeding season
• Clean feeders regularly to prevent disease
• Plant native species for sustainable habitat

For additional regional comparisons, explore hummingbirds in Connecticut, which showcases eastern species variations.

Conservation and Habitat Protection

Northern California’s hummingbird populations face increasing challenges from habitat loss, climate change, and urban development. Understanding these pressures helps guide conservation efforts and individual actions that support these remarkable birds.

Primary Threats:

• Habitat fragmentation: Development reducing flower corridors
• Climate change: Altering migration timing and flower blooms
• Pesticide use: Reducing insect prey populations
• Window strikes: Urban hazards for fast-flying birds

Conservation Actions:

• Native plant gardening: Providing year-round nectar sources
• Habitat corridors: Connecting fragmented natural areas
• Citizen science: Participating in migration monitoring
• Education: Spreading awareness about hummingbird needs

Research Opportunities: Current research projects in Northern California include:

• Migration timing and climate change impacts
• Urban adaptation strategies
• Pollination services to native plants
• Population monitoring and trend analysis

Key Takeaway: Individual actions like native plant gardening and citizen science participation contribute significantly to hummingbird conservation efforts across Northern California.

Year-Round Hummingbird Support

Creating sustainable hummingbird habitat requires year-round commitment and strategic planning. Growing your plants in swathes or clusters as multiples makes them more visible to hummingbirds than a single plant would be, increasing their motivation to stop and investigate.

Monthly Activity Guide:

• January-February: Clean feeders, plan native plant gardens
• March-April: Install new feeders, observe spring arrivals
• May-June: Monitor breeding behaviors, maintain water sources
• July-August: Peak migration viewing, photograph rare species
• September-October: Migration monitoring, habitat assessment
• November-December: Winter feeder maintenance, Anna’s observation

Gardening for Hummingbirds: Successful hummingbird gardens incorporate diverse flowering plants that bloom throughout the year. Red tubular flowers receive preference, but hummingbirds utilize flowers of all colors when nectar sources prove abundant.

Water Features:

• Shallow fountains: Drinking and bathing opportunities
• Drippers: Movement attracts attention
• Misters: Cooling during hot weather
• Placement: Near flowers but away from predator hiding spots

Maintenance Schedule:

• Weekly: Clean feeders, refresh sugar water
• Monthly: Inspect plants, remove dead flowers
• Seasonally: Prune plants, replace worn feeders
• Annually: Assess garden success, plan improvements

Conclusion

Northern California’s diverse hummingbird community offers endless opportunities for observation, photography, and conservation participation. From the year-round presence of Anna’s Hummingbirds to the spectacular migration of Rufous Hummingbirds, each species contributes unique characteristics to the region’s natural heritage.

Understanding identification features, seasonal patterns, and habitat requirements enhances appreciation for these remarkable birds while supporting conservation efforts. Whether you’re maintaining a backyard feeding station or exploring remote wilderness areas, hummingbirds provide constant reminders of nature’s incredible diversity and resilience.

The nine species covered in this guide represent just a fraction of the hummingbird diversity found throughout the Americas. By creating supportive habitats, participating in citizen science, and sharing knowledge with others, we can ensure that future generations will continue to marvel at these flying jewels of Northern California.

Success in hummingbird observation requires patience, persistence, and respect for these incredible creatures. Each sighting provides opportunities to learn more about their behaviors, needs, and the ecosystems they help maintain through their essential pollination services.

For broader regional perspectives, explore hummingbirds in Puerto Rico and hummingbirds in Pennsylvania to understand how these species adapt to different climates and habitats across their ranges.