13 Stunning Hummingbirds in Arizona: Your Complete Desert Species Guide

Arizona transforms into a living kaleidoscope each spring when over 15 species of hummingbirds migrate through its diverse desert landscapes.

While most birders associate hummingbirds in Arizona with fleeting glimpses of iridescent green, the Grand Canyon State actually hosts more hummingbird diversity than almost anywhere else in North America – from tiny Calliope Hummingbirds weighing less than a penny to the magnificent Rivoli’s Hummingbird with its emerald crown.

This comprehensive guide reveals the 13 most remarkable hummingbird species that call Arizona home, from permanent desert residents to rare mountain visitors.

You’ll discover when and where to spot each species, learn their unique behaviors, and understand how Arizona’s desert environment shapes these aerial acrobats’ survival strategies.

Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna)

Identification & Appearance Anna’s Hummingbirds are living jewels with their metallic emerald bodies and brilliant rose-pink throats that extend up onto their crowns. Males display their stunning gorgets in dramatic territorial flights, while females sport subtle green backs with grayish underparts and small red throat patches.

Desert Adaptations Unlike most hummingbird species, Anna’s Hummingbirds have adapted remarkably well to Arizona’s urban desert environments. They nest year-round in residential areas, taking advantage of exotic flowering plants and reliable feeder sources. Their ability to enter torpor during cold desert nights helps them conserve energy when temperatures drop.

Best Viewing Locations & Times Anna’s Hummingbirds frequent Phoenix and Tucson neighborhoods year-round, with peak activity from November through February. They’re commonly spotted at desert botanical gardens, particularly around salvias and bottlebrush plants. Early morning feeding sessions provide excellent viewing opportunities.

Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)

Identification & Appearance Male Black-chinned Hummingbirds showcase deep purple-black throats with metallic violet lower borders, while their backs shimmer with green iridescence. Females display bronzy-green backs with white underparts and subtle white tips on their outer tail feathers.

Migration Patterns These remarkable migrants arrive in Arizona from March through early May, representing one of the state’s most reliable spring arrivals. They breed throughout mountain canyons and riparian areas before departing for Central American wintering grounds by September.

Habitat Preferences Black-chinned Hummingbirds prefer streamside woodlands and mountain canyons between 3,000-8,000 feet elevation. They’re frequently observed in Madera Canyon, Sabino Canyon, and the Sky Islands region where water sources support diverse flowering plants.

Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris)

Identification & Appearance Broad-billed Hummingbirds are among Arizona’s most striking species, with males displaying brilliant emerald bodies complemented by vivid orange-red bills with black tips. Their forked black tails and metallic blue throats create an unforgettable visual impression.

Feeding Behavior These aggressive feeders dominate flowering agaves, ocotillo, and desert willow blooms throughout their range. Their broad bills are specially adapted for accessing deep, tubular flowers that other hummingbird species cannot reach efficiently.

Distribution in Arizona Broad-billed Hummingbirds inhabit desert scrub and riparian areas primarily in southeastern Arizona. They’re year-round residents in some locations but more commonly observed from March through October in popular birding destinations like Portal and Patagonia.

Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus)

Identification & Appearance Male Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are instantly recognizable by their brilliant rose-magenta throats and the distinctive metallic trilling sound their wings produce in flight. Females show rufous washes on their flanks and white-tipped outer tail feathers.

Mountain Specialists These high-altitude specialists inhabit Arizona’s mountain forests from 7,000-12,000 feet elevation. They’re perfectly adapted to cooler temperatures and often seen around mountain meadows filled with wildflowers during summer months.

Seasonal Presence Broad-tailed Hummingbirds arrive in Arizona’s mountains during April and remain through August. They’re commonly observed in the White Mountains, around Flagstaff, and in higher elevations of the Sky Islands where they feed on alpine wildflowers.

Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)

Identification & Appearance Costa’s Hummingbirds are true desert specialists with males sporting brilliant violet-purple throats that extend dramatically to each side like an elaborate mustache. Their compact size and relatively short bills distinguish them from other Arizona species.

Desert Mastery As the only true desert hummingbird in Arizona, Costa’s Hummingbirds have evolved remarkable adaptations for surviving in harsh Sonoran Desert conditions. They time their breeding to coincide with spring wildflower blooms and can survive on minimal water intake.

Breeding Behavior Costa’s Hummingbirds begin nesting as early as December, taking advantage of early desert blooms. Their spectacular courtship displays involve males diving from heights while producing sharp whistling sounds with their tail feathers.

Prime Locations These desert gems are best observed in Phoenix-area mountain parks, desert botanical gardens, and anywhere desert lavender, chuparosa, and fairy duster bloom. The Desert Museum provides excellent viewing opportunities year-round.

Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)

Identification & Appearance Rufous Hummingbirds are nature’s tiny warriors, with males displaying brilliant orange-red plumage that seems to glow in sunlight. Females show green backs with extensive rufous coloring on their flanks and tails, making identification straightforward.

Migration Marvel These incredible migrants undertake one of the longest journeys relative to body size of any bird, traveling from Alaska breeding grounds through Arizona during their southbound migration. They’re most commonly observed during July and August peak migration periods.

Aggressive Temperament Rufous Hummingbirds are notoriously territorial, often dominating feeding stations and chasing away larger bird species. Their fearless attitude and brilliant coloration make them unforgettable Arizona visitors.

Viewing Opportunities Look for Rufous Hummingbirds at high-elevation locations during late summer migration. The White Mountains, Flagstaff area, and mountain meadows provide the best opportunities to observe these fierce little travelers.

Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope)

Identification & Appearance Calliope Hummingbirds hold the distinction of being North America’s smallest bird, weighing less than a penny. Males display distinctive magenta throat streaks that radiate outward like rays, while females show peachy-colored flanks and white-tipped tail feathers.

High-Altitude Specialist These diminutive gems prefer mountain environments above 6,000 feet elevation, where they feed on alpine wildflowers and establish territories around reliable water sources. Their small size allows them to extract nectar from tiny mountain flowers other species cannot access.

Migration Timing Calliope Hummingbirds pass through Arizona during spring and fall migrations, with peak observations occurring in April-May and August-September. They’re most commonly spotted in mountain canyons and high-elevation riparian areas.

Violet-crowned Hummingbird (Ramosomyia violiceps)

Identification & Appearance Violet-crowned Hummingbirds are elegant birds with brilliant violet-blue crowns contrasting beautifully with their snow-white underparts. Both males and females display similar coloration, making this species unusual among hummingbirds.

Border Species These Mexican specialties reach the northern edge of their range in southeastern Arizona, where they inhabit sycamore-lined canyons and riparian woodlands. Their preference for shade-dappled environments makes them somewhat secretive compared to other species.

Behavioral Characteristics Violet-crowned Hummingbirds are less aggressive than many hummingbird species, often sharing feeding areas peacefully. They show strong site fidelity, returning to the same territories year after year when conditions remain favorable.

Best Locations Arizona State Parks reports reliable sightings in Patagonia Lake State Park and Madera Canyon, where mature sycamores provide ideal nesting habitat along perennial streams.

Lucifer Hummingbird (Calothorax lucifer)

Identification & Appearance Lucifer Hummingbirds are distinctive with their deeply curved bills and forked tails. Males display brilliant magenta throats that appear almost purple in certain light conditions, while their green backs show subtle bronze highlights.

Desert Canyon Dweller These specialized birds inhabit desert canyons and agave-dotted slopes in extreme southeastern Arizona. Their curved bills are perfectly adapted for feeding on curved agave flowers and desert honeysuckle blooms.

Limited Range Lucifer Hummingbirds represent one of Arizona’s most range-restricted species, primarily found in the Chiricahua Mountains and Portal area. The Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory monitors their populations closely due to their specialized habitat requirements.

Peak Season These rare visitors are most commonly observed from April through August, coinciding with agave blooming cycles. Early morning observations in desert canyons provide the best opportunities for sightings.

Rivoli’s (Magnificent) Hummingbird (Eugenes fulgens)

Identification & Appearance Rivoli’s Hummingbirds are Arizona’s largest hummingbird species, with males displaying stunning emerald crowns, violet-purple throats, and bronze-green backs. Their impressive size and deliberate flight pattern distinguish them from smaller species.

Mountain Forest Inhabitant These magnificent birds prefer pine-oak forests and mountain meadows above 6,000 feet elevation. They’re often observed feeding on large trumpet-shaped flowers that smaller hummingbirds cannot access effectively.

Territorial Behavior Rivoli’s Hummingbirds establish large territories around reliable food sources, often dominating multiple feeding stations. Their size advantage allows them to intimidate smaller species and maintain prime feeding locations.

Seasonal Patterns Cornell Lab of Ornithology research indicates these impressive birds are present in Arizona mountains from April through September, with peak abundance during summer wildflower blooms.

Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin) – Rare Visitor

Identification Challenges Allen’s Hummingbirds are extremely difficult to distinguish from Rufous Hummingbirds, requiring expert knowledge of tail patterns and flight characteristics. Males show orange-red throats with green backs, while females display extensive rufous coloring.

Vagrant Status These California natives occasionally appear in Arizona as rare vagrants, primarily during migration periods. Their occurrence represents exciting discoveries for dedicated birders willing to carefully examine hummingbird identification features.

Documentation Importance Any suspected Allen’s Hummingbird sightings in Arizona require detailed photographs and expert confirmation due to their extreme similarity to common Rufous Hummingbirds. Avian Report documentation emphasizes careful observation of wing and tail details.

White-eared Hummingbird (Basilinna leucotis) – Rare Visitor

Identification & Appearance White-eared Hummingbirds are unmistakable when present, with brilliant white ear stripes contrasting against emerald-green bodies. Males display violet-blue throats and crowns, while both sexes show distinctive facial patterns.

Mexican Mountain Species These high-altitude Mexican residents occasionally cross into Arizona’s mountain ranges during summer months. Their preference for pine-oak forests limits potential sighting locations to specific mountain environments.

Rarity Status White-eared Hummingbird appearances in Arizona generate significant excitement among birding communities. Their unpredictable presence makes each confirmed sighting a notable event requiring immediate documentation.

Buff-bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia yucatanensis) – Occasional Vagrant

Identification Features Buff-bellied Hummingbirds display rich cinnamon-colored underparts with metallic green backs and crowns. Their bright red bills with black tips and forked tails create a distinctive appearance unlike any regular Arizona species.

Vagrant Occurrences These Texas and Mexican residents occasionally appear in Arizona as rare vagrants, typically during winter months when they disperse from normal ranges. Their appearances often coincide with unusual weather patterns or food source fluctuations.

Documentation Requirements Due to their rarity in Arizona, any Buff-bellied Hummingbird observations require extensive photographic documentation and expert verification through eBird rare bird alert systems.

Creating Arizona Hummingbird Habitat

Native Plant Recommendations

Essential Desert Bloomers Transform your landscape into a hummingbird paradise by incorporating native Arizona plants that provide nectar throughout different seasons. Desert honeysuckle (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii) blooms from March through December, offering reliable nectar sources when many other plants rest.

Ocotillo creates spectacular displays with crimson flower clusters appearing after desert rains, attracting multiple species simultaneously. Red-flowered salvia species provide consistent nectar while thriving in desert conditions with minimal water requirements.

Year-Round Support

• Spring Bloomers: Desert willow, fairy duster, chuparosa
• Summer Favorites: Desert broom, lantana, native penstemons
• Fall Sources: Desert marigold, autumn sage varieties
• Winter Options: Desert honeysuckle, some salvia species

Feeder Station Setup

Strategic Placement Position multiple feeders throughout your landscape to reduce territorial conflicts between aggressive species. Place feeders in partially shaded locations during summer months to prevent rapid nectar spoilage and provide comfortable feeding conditions.

Seasonal Maintenance Schedule

Recipe for Success Create perfect nectar using four parts water to one part white sugar. Avoid honey, artificial sweeteners, or red dye – these additives can harm hummingbirds. Boil the mixture briefly to ensure complete sugar dissolution, then cool completely before filling feeders.

Best Arizona Hummingbird Viewing Locations

Southeastern Arizona Hotspots

Madera Canyon This crown jewel of Arizona birding consistently hosts 8-10 hummingbird species during peak seasons. The riparian environment combined with diverse elevations creates perfect conditions for both resident and migrant species. Visit early morning hours for optimal activity levels.

Pro Viewing Tip: Position yourself near water features during hot afternoons when hummingbirds seek bathing opportunities alongside nectar sources.

Portal and Cave Creek Canyon The Chiricahua Mountains offer exceptional diversity, including rare species like Lucifer and Violet-crowned Hummingbirds. The transition from desert to mountain forest creates habitat gradients supporting different species preferences.

Central Arizona Destinations

Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix) This world-class facility showcases native plants specifically chosen to attract hummingbirds year-round. Their demonstration gardens provide excellent examples of successful desert hummingbird landscaping techniques.

Sabino Canyon (Tucson)
The transition from desert floor to riparian forest supports diverse hummingbird populations. Early morning and late afternoon visits coincide with peak feeding activity periods.

Northern Arizona Mountain Sites

Flagstaff Area High-elevation forests around Flagstaff host mountain specialists like Broad-tailed and Calliope Hummingbirds during summer months. Wildflower meadows in the San Francisco Peaks provide spectacular viewing opportunities.

Migration Timing & Seasonal Patterns

Spring Arrival Schedule

Arizona’s hummingbird diversity peaks during spring migration when multiple species arrive from wintering grounds. Understanding arrival patterns helps maximize viewing success during this spectacular natural phenomenon.

March Arrivals

• Costa’s Hummingbirds begin territorial establishment
• Black-chinned Hummingbirds appear in lower elevations
• Anna’s Hummingbirds increase breeding activity

April-May Peak

• Broad-billed Hummingbirds return to southeastern canyons
• Violet-crowned and Lucifer species establish territories
• Mountain species like Broad-tailed begin arriving at higher elevations

Summer Abundance

Peak Diversity Period (July-August) Arizona reaches maximum hummingbird diversity during late summer when resident species overlap with early southbound migrants. Rufous Hummingbirds flood through mountain areas while resident species maintain established territories.

Behavioral Changes Territorial aggression intensifies during peak abundance as multiple species compete for limited high-quality food sources. This period offers exceptional viewing opportunities but requires strategic feeder placement to minimize conflicts.

Fall Migration Patterns

September Departures Most species begin southward migration by early September, with mountain specialists departing first as temperatures cool. However, some individuals linger at reliable food sources well into October.

Winter Residents Anna’s and Costa’s Hummingbirds maintain year-round populations in appropriate habitats, while occasional vagrants from other species provide winter surprises for dedicated observers.

Conclusion

Arizona’s remarkable hummingbird diversity reflects the state’s unique position at the intersection of multiple ecological zones.

From true desert specialists to high-mountain migrants, these aerial jewels demonstrate incredible adaptability while maintaining specific habitat requirements.

Whether you’re establishing backyard habitat or exploring natural areas, understanding each species’ preferences enhances both conservation efforts and personal viewing success.

The next time you glimpse an iridescent flash darting between flowers, remember you’re witnessing one of nature’s most remarkable success stories – tiny birds that have conquered habitats from desert floors to mountain peaks, bringing beauty and wonder to Arizona’s diverse landscapes year-round.