Hummingbirds, with their iridescent plumage and astonishing aerial acrobatics, are among nature’s most captivating creatures. These tiny marvels, found exclusively in the Americas, are a testament to evolutionary brilliance, capable of hovering, flying backward, and migrating thousands of miles. Over 375 species exist worldwide, though the vast majority reside in the tropics; still, a remarkable diversity can be found within the United States. For birdwatchers, photographers, and backyard enthusiasts alike, understanding which U.S. states host the greatest variety of these winged jewels is key to spotting them and experiencing their splendor.

The undisputed champion for hummingbird diversity in the United States is Arizona. This southwestern state boasts an impressive array of species, particularly its south-eastern corner, with at least thirteen different types recorded annually. The reason for Arizona’s hummingbird supremacy lies in its unique geographic and climatic characteristics, making it a true ecological crossroads.

Arizona: A Hummingbird Hotspot

South-eastern Arizona is where five major biogeographic regions converge: 

• Rocky Mountains
• Sierra Madre of Mexico
• Chihuahuan Desert
• Sonoran Desert
• Mojave Desert

This confluence creates an incredibly varied landscape, encompassing mountains, deserts, grasslands, and riparian forests. Each of these habitats offers different flowering plants, insects, and microclimates, providing a rich tapestry of resources that can support a wider range of hummingbird species.

The mountains of south-eastern Arizona, such as the Huachuca, Chiricahua, and Santa Rita ranges, are particularly renowned. During late July and early August, these canyons become a spectacle of hummingbird activity. Local residents and conservation efforts often involve setting up feeders that are replenished daily with quarts of sugar water, attracting hundreds of hummingbirds.

Anna’s Hummingbird by Rhododendrites

Among the species commonly found in Arizona are the year-round resident Anna’s Hummingbird, known for its vibrant rosy-red gorget and crown, and the Costa’s Hummingbird, characterized by its striking purple head and throat. However, the state also welcomes a host of migratory and rarer species, including the following.

Broad-billed Hummingbird

A metallic green hummingbird with a distinctive red bill.

Broad-billed Hummingbird by Vickie J Anderson

Violet-crowned Hummingbird

Easily identified by its shimmering violet cap.

Violet-crowned Hummingbird by Don Faulkner

Blue-throated Mountain-gem 

Formerly known as the Blue-throated Hummingbird, this is the largest hummingbird species regularly found in the U.S., with a prominent blue throat.

Blue-throated Mountain-gem by Bettina Arrigoni

Magnificent Hummingbird 

Formerly known as Rivoli’s Hummingbird, this is a large, dark hummingbird with a glittering green gorget and purple crown in males.

Magnificent Hummingbird by Dominic Sherony

Lucifer Hummingbird

Known for its distinctive, deeply notched tail and magenta gorget.

Lucifer Hummingbird by Maryann Eastman

Calliope Hummingbird

The smallest North American hummingbird, with a streaky purple gorget in males.

Calliope Hummingbird by Francesco Veronesi

Rufous Hummingbird

A highly migratory species, males are primarily reddish-orange.

Rufous Hummingbird by VJAnderson

Black-chinned Hummingbird

A common western species with a black chin and violet band below it.

Black-chinned Hummingbird by VJAnderson

Allen’s Hummingbird

Similar to the Rufous but with a more restricted coastal breeding range.

Allen’s Hummingbird by Anthony Batista

White-eared Hummingbird

A rare visitor from Mexico, with a distinctive white stripe behind the eye.

White-eared Hummingbird by Charles J. Sharp

The presence of diverse flora in Arizona, from desert succulents like ocotillo and agave to mountain wildflowers, ensures a continuous supply of nectar. Coupled with the abundance of small insects and spiders, which hummingbirds also consume for protein, The Grand Canyon State provides an ideal environment for these energetic birds.

Other Western States

While Arizona takes the top spot, other states in the American West also boast impressive hummingbird diversity, largely due to similar factors of varied topography, proximity to Mexico, and distinct migratory flyways.

New Mexico

New Mexico shares much of the same borderland ecology with Arizona, and as such, hosts many of the same species. Its diverse landscapes, from desert lowlands to mountain ranges, offer a variety of habitats that attract both resident and migratory hummingbirds. Species like the Broad-tailed, Black-chinned, and Rufous Hummingbirds are common, alongside sightings of rarer visitors such as the Lucifer and Violet-crowned Hummingbirds.

Texas

Texas, particularly its southern and western regions, also stands out. The Lone Star State’s vast size and geographic position mean it encompasses a wide range of climates and ecosystems, from the semi-arid Chihuahuan Desert in the west to the humid Gulf Coast. Coastal Texas and Louisiana regularly see at least four hummingbird species annually, with several others appearing during fall and winter migration. The Lower Rio Grande Valley is a renowned birding destination, attracting species like the Buff-bellied Hummingbird, a striking green and rufous hummingbird typically found further south. Texas also serves as a crucial stopover for many species migrating across the Gulf of Mexico or through Mexico.

Rufous Hummingbird by VJAnderson

California

California is another significant state for hummingbird enthusiasts. With its long coastline, diverse mountain ranges, and varied climates, California supports several resident species and is a major migratory corridor. The Anna’s Hummingbird is a year-round resident throughout much of California, and its breeding range extends into parts of Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon. Other species found here include the Allen’s, Black-chinned, Broad-tailed, Costa’s, Calliope, and Rufous Hummingbirds. Southern California, in particular, boasts three resident species and four migratory species annually. The state’s extensive coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and gardens provide ample nectar sources.

The Rocky Mountain region

States throughout the Rocky Mountain region, including Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho, also see a good number of species. While the diversity may not match Arizona’s peak, these states are crucial breeding grounds and migratory routes for species like the Broad-tailed, Calliope, and Rufous Hummingbirds, which often follow the blooming of wildflowers up mountain slopes as the summer progresses.

The Eastern United States: A Ruby-Throated Domain

Ruby-throated Hummingbird by Rhododendrites

In stark contrast to the West, the eastern half of the United States is predominantly home to just one regularly breeding hummingbird species: the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. This iconic bird, with its iridescent green back and brilliant ruby-red throat in males, is the only hummingbird that nests east of the Mississippi River.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds undertake remarkable migrations, traveling from their breeding grounds in the eastern U.S. and Canada to their wintering grounds in Central America and Mexico. They often cross the Gulf of Mexico in a single, non-stop flight, a feat of endurance for such a tiny bird. While the Ruby-throated Hummingbird dominates the eastern landscape, occasional vagrants from the West, such as Rufous or Black-chinned Hummingbirds, are sometimes sighted, particularly along the Gulf Coast during fall and winter migration. States like Florida, Louisiana, and the Carolinas sometimes report these western visitors, adding a touch of unexpected diversity to their usual hummingbird fauna.

Factors Influencing Hummingbird Distribution

Several key factors contribute to the uneven distribution of hummingbird species across the U.S.

Proximity to the Neotropics

The vast majority of hummingbird species are found in Central and South America. States bordering Mexico, especially Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, naturally have greater access to these tropical species, some of which venture north into the U.S.

Habitat Diversity

As seen with Arizona, a wide range of interconnected habitats (mountains, deserts, forests, riparian areas) provides diverse food sources and nesting sites, supporting more species.

Floral Resources

Hummingbirds are nectar specialists. Areas with abundant and diverse native flowering plants that bloom throughout the seasons are crucial. The co-evolution between hummingbirds and specific flower shapes (often tubular and red) plays a significant role in their distribution.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird by Paul Danese

Migration Routes

The western U.S. is crisscrossed by several major migratory flyways, including the Pacific Flyway, which hummingbirds utilize to move between breeding and wintering grounds. These routes, often following mountain ranges where flowers bloom sequentially at different elevations, allow for temporary increases in species diversity during migration.

Climate

Warm, temperate climates with consistent floral availability are generally more favorable for hummingbirds. Extreme cold limits their ability to forage and survive, which is why most U.S. species are migratory.

Water Availability

Hummingbirds need water for drinking and bathing. Areas with reliable water sources, even small ones, can attract and sustain populations.

The Role of Backyard Enthusiasts

Beyond natural factors, human intervention plays an increasingly important role in supporting hummingbird populations and observing their diversity. Backyard feeders, filled with a simple sugar-water solution, can attract hummingbirds and provide crucial energy sources, especially during migration or in areas where natural nectar might be scarce. You can read our 7 mistakes people make with hummingbird feeders article for more info. Planting native, hummingbird-friendly flowers, such as salvias, bee balms, petunias, and fuchsias, also enhances habitat quality and encourages visits.

The collective efforts of citizen scientists, who report their hummingbird sightings to organizations like Journey North, contribute valuable data that helps track migration patterns and understand distribution shifts. This information is vital for conservation efforts aimed at protecting these delicate yet resilient birds.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while the Ruby-throated Hummingbird holds court in the eastern U.S., the true kaleidoscope of hummingbird species can be found in the western states, with Arizona leading the pack. Its unique geography, diverse ecosystems, and proximity to the rich biodiversity of Mexico create a haven for these enchanting creatures, offering unparalleled opportunities for observation and appreciation. As climate patterns shift and habitats face increasing pressure, understanding and supporting the states that attract the most hummingbird species becomes even more critical to ensuring their continued presence for generations to come.