Arizona Hummingbirds: A Comprehensive Guide to Species, Habits, and Conservation

Arizona is a haven for hummingbird enthusiasts, home to a remarkable 15 species of these vibrant and agile birds. These species include the Anna's Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Costa's Hummingbird, Lucifer Hummingbird, Magnificent Hummingbird, Plain-capped Starthroat, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Violet-crowned Hummingbird, White-eared Hummingbird, and the Blue-throated Mountain-gem. This guide explores their nesting habits, migration patterns, mating behaviors, and the best plants and locations to attract and observe these incredible birds in Arizona.

1. Anna's Hummingbird

Nesting Habits: Anna's Hummingbirds typically build their nests in shrubs and trees, using spider silk for construction. They often select sheltered locations to protect their nests from wind and predators.

Arizona Plants: The Desert Honeysuckle (Anisacanthus thurberi) is particularly attractive to Anna's Hummingbirds due to its tubular flowers, which provide ample nectar.

Migration Habits: Unlike many hummingbird species, Anna's Hummingbirds are mostly non-migratory in Arizona, with some slight altitudinal movements during different seasons.

Mating Habits: Males perform a dramatic courtship display, consisting of a steep climb followed by a rapid dive, often accompanied by a loud noise produced by their tail feathers.

2. Black-chinned Hummingbird

Nesting Habits: These birds prefer to nest in trees and shrubs near water sources. Their nests are small and cup-shaped, crafted from plant fibers and spider webs.

Arizona Plants: The Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) attracts Black-chinned Hummingbirds with its bright red tubular flowers.

Migration Habits: Black-chinned Hummingbirds migrate to Mexico during the winter, returning to Arizona in the spring for breeding.

Mating Habits: Males perform a pendulum-like display flight to attract females, showcasing their agility and stamina.

3. Broad-billed Hummingbird

Nesting Habits: Broad-billed Hummingbirds often nest in riparian areas, constructing their nests close to water sources using plant down and spider silk.

Arizona Plants: The Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) is highly attractive to Broad-billed Hummingbirds due to its abundant nectar.

Migration Habits: These hummingbirds migrate to southern Mexico for the winter and return to Arizona in early spring.

Mating Habits: Males display vibrant courtship behaviors, flashing their iridescent feathers to entice females.

4. Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Nesting Habits: Preferring high-elevation habitats, Broad-tailed Hummingbirds nest in coniferous forests, often selecting branches close to the trunk of trees.

Arizona Plants: The Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja spp.) is a favorite of Broad-tailed Hummingbirds for its bright and nectar-rich flowers.

Migration Habits: These birds migrate to Mexico and Central America for the winter, returning to Arizona’s highlands in the spring.

Mating Habits: Males produce a distinctive, metallic trill with their wings during flight displays to attract females.

5. Buff-bellied Hummingbird

Nesting Habits: Buff-bellied Hummingbirds build their nests in dense vegetation, often near the edges of forests or in gardens.

Arizona Plants: The Turk's Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus) is known to attract Buff-bellied Hummingbirds with its abundant nectar.

Migration Habits: These hummingbirds are primarily residents in southern Texas and Mexico, occasionally straying into Arizona.

Mating Habits: Males perform aerial displays, showing off their bright plumage and acrobatic skills to attract females.

6. Calliope Hummingbird

Nesting Habits: Calliope Hummingbirds nest in mountainous areas, often selecting coniferous trees and constructing their nests from lichen and moss.

Arizona Plants: The Mountain Bluebell (Mertensia ciliata) provides essential nectar for Calliope Hummingbirds.

Migration Habits: These birds migrate to Mexico for the winter, returning to Arizona’s mountains in the late spring.

Mating Habits: Males display by flying in a series of U-shaped loops, often accompanied by vocalizations to attract females.

7. Costa's Hummingbird

Nesting Habits: Costa's Hummingbirds nest in desert scrub and chaparral, using plant fibers and spider silk to build their nests.

Arizona Plants: The Chuparosa (Justicia californica) is particularly attractive to Costa's Hummingbirds due to its tubular red flowers.

Migration Habits: These birds are largely non-migratory but may move locally within their range in response to food availability.

Mating Habits: Males perform elaborate aerial displays, including high climbs and steep dives, to court females.

8. Lucifer Hummingbird

Nesting Habits: Lucifer Hummingbirds nest in arid, rocky canyons, using plant down and spider silk for nest construction.

Arizona Plants: The Agave plant (Agave spp.) provides ample nectar for Lucifer Hummingbirds during their blooming season.

Migration Habits: These hummingbirds migrate to Mexico for the winter and return to Arizona in the spring for breeding.

Mating Habits: Males perform dramatic aerial displays, showcasing their iridescent plumage to attract females.

9. Magnificent Hummingbird

Nesting Habits: Magnificent Hummingbirds prefer nesting in shaded, forested areas, often selecting coniferous trees.

Arizona Plants: The Penstemon (Penstemon spp.) is a significant nectar source for Magnificent Hummingbirds.

Migration Habits: These birds migrate to Mexico and Central America for the winter, returning to Arizona’s highlands in the spring.

Mating Habits: Males engage in high-altitude displays, often accompanied by distinctive vocalizations to attract females.

10. Plain-capped Starthroa

Nesting Habits: Plain-capped Starthroats nest in lowland forests and riparian areas, using plant fibers and spider webs for their nests.

Arizona Plants: The Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) is highly attractive to Plain-capped Starthroats due to its tubular flowers.

Migration Habits: These hummingbirds migrate to Central America for the winter, returning to Arizona in late spring.

Mating Habits: Males display by hovering and singing near potential nesting sites to attract females.

11. Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Nesting Habits: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds prefer deciduous and mixed forests, building their nests in trees using plant fibers and spider silk.

Arizona Plants: The Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) is a key nectar source for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.

Migration Habits: These birds migrate to Central America for the winter, returning to Arizona in the spring.

Mating Habits: Males perform pendulum-like flight displays, accompanied by vocalizations, to attract females.

12. Rufous Hummingbird

Nesting Habits: Rufous Hummingbirds nest in forested areas, often selecting coniferous trees and constructing nests from lichen and moss.

Arizona Plants: The Columbine (Aquilegia spp.) provides vital nectar for Rufous Hummingbirds.

Migration Habits: These birds undertake long migrations from their breeding grounds in the northwest to Mexico for the winter.

Mating Habits: Males display by performing rapid dives and vocalizations to attract females.

13. Violet-crowned Hummingbird

Nesting Habits: Violet-crowned Hummingbirds nest in riparian areas, often near water sources, using plant fibers and spider silk.

Arizona Plants: The Red Salvia (Salvia greggii) is a favorite of Violet-crowned Hummingbirds.

Migration Habits: These birds migrate to Mexico for the winter, returning to Arizona in the spring.

Mating Habits: Males perform aerial displays, showcasing their iridescent feathers to attract females.

14. White-eared Hummingbird

Nesting Habits: White-eared Hummingbirds prefer nesting in mountainous areas, using plant fibers and spider silk for their nests.

Arizona Plants: The Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) provides essential nectar for White-eared Hummingbirds.

Migration Habits: These birds migrate to Mexico for the winter, returning to Arizona in the spring.

Mating Habits: Males display by flying in tight circles and vocalizing to attract females.

15. Blue-throated Mountain-gem

Nesting Habits: Blue-throated Mountain-gems nest in mountainous areas, often near water sources, using plant fibers and spider silk.

Arizona Plants: The Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii) is highly attractive to Blue-throated Mountain-gems.

Migration Habits: These birds migrate to Mexico for the winter, returning to Arizona in the spring.

Mating Habits: Males perform dramatic aerial displays, flashing their iridescent plumage to attract females.

Observing and Attracting Hummingbirds in Arizona

Best Places to See Hummingbirds in Arizona: Some of the top locations for observing hummingbirds in Arizona include the Ramsey Canyon Preserve, Madera Canyon, and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. These areas provide ideal habitats and abundant nectar sources.

How to Attract Hummingbirds in Arizona: Planting native, nectar-rich flowers such as Desert Honeysuckle, Ocotillo, and Red Salvia will attract a variety of hummingbird species. Providing hummingbird feeders filled with a mixture of four parts water to one part sugar can also attract these birds. Ensure to clean and refill feeders regularly to prevent fermentation and mold growth.

When to Feed Hummingbirds in Arizona: In southern Arizona, it is advisable to maintain feeders year-round due to the presence of non-migratory species. In northern Arizona, feeders should be placed out in early spring and maintained until late fall to accommodate migratory species.

Changing Hummingbird Nectar: Nectar should be changed every 3-5 days in cooler weather and every 1-2 days in hotter weather to prevent spoilage and ensure the health of the hummingbirds.

Migration Patterns: Hummingbird migration in Arizona peaks during spring and fall. Understanding these patterns can help bird enthusiasts time their feeder placements and planting schedules to maximize hummingbird visitation.

Nesting Seasons: Hummingbirds in southern Arizona typically nest from early spring through late summer, while those in northern Arizona may have a shorter nesting period from late spring to mid-summer.

Conclusion

Understanding the diverse behaviors and habitats of Arizona's hummingbirds enhances our appreciation for these fascinating creatures. By creating a hummingbird-friendly environment with appropriate plants and feeders, we can support their populations and enjoy their vibrant presence year-round. Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or a curious nature enthusiast, the hummingbirds of Arizona offer endless opportunities for observation and admiration. Check out Birdfy’s Hummingbird Feeder with Dual Cameras today!