Hummingbirds in Alaska: Identification Guide and Where to Spot Them
Yes, hummingbirds do visit Alaska, though only one species is regular: the Rufous Hummingbird. Your best odds are in Southeast Alaska from late May through July, especially in coastal towns like Juneau and Ketchikan. Look for the male's iridescent orange-red throat and listen for the high-pitched buzz of their wings.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
Lookalikes, source iNaturalist
How to tell a hummingbird from its lookalikes in Alaska
Only one species of hummingbird lives in Alaska, so the real question is telling it apart from its relatives. 2 other members of the hummingbird family have a verified observation record here, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The ones you are most likely to confuse it with are Rufous Hummingbird and Anna's Hummingbird. Compare them below, ranked by how often each is recorded.
Records from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Where to see them, source eBird
Where hummingbirds are being seen in Alaska
These are public birding hotspots in Alaska where hummingbirds were reported in the last month, most recent first. Each links to its eBird page, where you can see the full checklist and plan a visit.
- Haines--Ferry TerminalRufous Hummingbirdseen Jul 18, 2026
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation CenterRufous Hummingbirdseen Jul 18, 2026
- Mendenhall Wetlands SGR--Airport Dike TrailRufous Hummingbirdseen Jul 18, 2026
- Kingfisher PondRufous Hummingbirdseen Jul 18, 2026
- Lynn Canal--William Henry BayRufous Hummingbirdseen Jul 18, 2026
- Covenant Life MarshRufous Hummingbirdseen Jul 18, 2026
- Tongass NF--Moose Lake areaRufous Hummingbirdseen Jul 17, 2026
- Skagway--Yakutania Point trailRufous Hummingbirdseen Jul 17, 2026
Sightings from eBird, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Wildlife moves, so treat these as recent activity, not a guarantee.
Yes, hummingbirds do visit Alaska, though only one species is regular: the Rufous Hummingbird. Your best odds are in Southeast Alaska from late May through July, especially in coastal towns like Juneau and Ketchikan. Look for the male's iridescent orange-red throat and listen for the high-pitched buzz of their wings.
What are the most useful ID markers for Alaskan hummingbirds?
The Rufous Hummingbird is the species you are most likely to see. Adult males have a bright orange-red throat (gorget), a green back, and rufous (rusty) colored flanks and tail. Females and juveniles are green above with white underparts and small red spots on the throat. The only other hummingbird seen rarely is the Anna's Hummingbird, which has a green throat and crown. Size is similar to a large moth, but look for the long, thin bill and distinct wing shape.
In Alaska, hummingbirds sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Where in Alaska do people usually notice hummingbirds first?
Southeast Alaska, including Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, and Gustavus, offers the best chances. Hummingbirds also appear in Southcentral areas like Anchorage, Homer, and the Kenai Peninsula, especially near gardens with feeders. They are rare north of the Alaska Range. Start checking established feeders in coastal towns by mid-May.
When is the best season for confident hummingbird sightings in Alaska?
The window is short but reliable: from late May to mid-August. Rufous Hummingbirds arrive in late April or early May, peak nesting occurs in June and July, and most depart by early September. Plan your visit for June or July for the greatest chance of seeing them feeding in gardens and meadows.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What habitats should I focus on when looking?
Focus on open woodlands, forest edges, and meadows with abundant flowering plants like fireweed, columbine, salmonberry, and Alaska fuschia. Also check along streams and near salt marshes. In towns, private gardens and public parks with feeders are reliable spots.
How can I attract hummingbirds to my yard for better views?
Set up a feeder with a 4:1 water to white sugar solution (no red dye). Use a feeder with red accents. Plant native red and orange flowers such as fireweed and salmonberry. Keep feeders clean and change the nectar every few days, especially in warmer weather.
What products help me celebrate hummingbirds?
After spotting your first Alaskan hummingbird, you might want something to remember it by. TheHummingbird Stained Glass Stickeris a translucent vinyl sticker that looks great on a window. TheHummingbird Garden Magnetis a cheerful ceramic piece. For artwork, theHummingbird Garden Art Printcaptures the scene. And theHummingbird Garden Capfeatures delicate embroidery. Check out ourwildlife shirtsfor more apparel options.
Long Animals Sticker Sheet, Cute Stickers, Kawaii Stationery, Glitter, Toploader, Deco Stickers, Funny Animals, Animal Lover Gift
Hummingbird sticker with stained glass appearance. Translucent vinyl for window application.Check Price and Availability
Cartoon Wild Animals Digital Collage Magnets
Cheerful hummingbird garden-themed magnet. Ceramic with glossy finish.Check Price and Availability
Hummingbird Garden Art Print
Product from otherCheck Price and Availability
What are common lookalikes or misidentifications?
The most common misidentification is the clearwing sphinx moth (also called a hummingbird hawk moth). These moths hover at flowers, have a long proboscis, and are similar in size. But they lack feathers, have thick bodies, and short antennae. Also, small birds like kinglets do not hover. Rufous Hummingbirds have a distinct metallic green back and a forked tail seen in flight.
Are there any other hummingbird species in Alaska?
Apart from the Rufous, the only other species recorded with any regularity is the Anna's Hummingbird, mostly in Southeast Alaska during winter or spring. They are very rare. Costa's and Calliope hummingbirds are extremely rare visitors. Stick with Rufous as your target.
What resources help with hummingbird identification in Alaska?
Use eBird's species maps to see recent sightings in specific Alaska towns. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has a birding checklist. For more on hummingbird species, visit ourhummingbird hub. For general Alaska wildlife, see theAlaska wildlife page.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What are the most useful ID markers for Alaskan hummingbirds?+
The Rufous Hummingbird is the species you are most likely to see. Adult males have a bright orange-red throat (gorget), a green back, and rufous (rusty) colored flanks and tail. Females and juveniles are green above with white underparts and small red spots on the throat. The only other hummingbird seen rarely is the Anna's Hummingbird, which has a green throat and crown. Size is similar to a large moth, but look for the long, thin bill and distinct wing shape. In Alaska, hummingbirds sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Where in Alaska do people usually notice hummingbirds first?+
Southeast Alaska, including Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, and Gustavus, offers the best chances. Hummingbirds also appear in Southcentral areas like Anchorage, Homer, and the Kenai Peninsula, especially near gardens with feeders. They are rare north of the Alaska Range. Start checking established feeders in coastal towns by mid-May.
When is the best season for confident hummingbird sightings in Alaska?+
The window is short but reliable: from late May to mid-August. Rufous Hummingbirds arrive in late April or early May, peak nesting occurs in June and July, and most depart by early September. Plan your visit for June or July for the greatest chance of seeing them feeding in gardens and meadows. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What habitats should I focus on when looking?+
Focus on open woodlands, forest edges, and meadows with abundant flowering plants like fireweed, columbine, salmonberry, and Alaska fuschia. Also check along streams and near salt marshes. In towns, private gardens and public parks with feeders are reliable spots.
How can I attract hummingbirds to my yard for better views?+
Set up a feeder with a 4:1 water to white sugar solution (no red dye). Use a feeder with red accents. Plant native red and orange flowers such as fireweed and salmonberry. Keep feeders clean and change the nectar every few days, especially in warmer weather.
What products help me celebrate hummingbirds?+
After spotting your first Alaskan hummingbird, you might want something to remember it by. TheHummingbird Stained Glass Stickeris a translucent vinyl sticker that looks great on a window. TheHummingbird Garden Magnetis a cheerful ceramic piece. For artwork, theHummingbird Garden Art Printcaptures the scene. And theHummingbird Garden Capfeatures delicate embroidery. Check out ourwildlife shirtsfor more apparel options. ### Long Animals Sticker Sheet, Cute Stickers, Kawaii Stationery, Glitter, Toploader, Deco Stickers, Funny Animals, Animal Lover Gift Hummingbird sticker with stained glass appearance. Translucent vinyl for window application.Check Price and Availability ### Cartoon Wild Animals Digital Collage Magnets Cheerful hummingbird garden-themed magnet. Ceramic with glossy finish.Check Price and Availability ### Hummingbird Garden Art Print Product from otherCheck Price and Availability
What are common lookalikes or misidentifications?+
The most common misidentification is the clearwing sphinx moth (also called a hummingbird hawk moth). These moths hover at flowers, have a long proboscis, and are similar in size. But they lack feathers, have thick bodies, and short antennae. Also, small birds like kinglets do not hover. Rufous Hummingbirds have a distinct metallic green back and a forked tail seen in flight.
Are there any other hummingbird species in Alaska?+
Apart from the Rufous, the only other species recorded with any regularity is the Anna's Hummingbird, mostly in Southeast Alaska during winter or spring. They are very rare. Costa's and Calliope hummingbirds are extremely rare visitors. Stick with Rufous as your target.
What resources help with hummingbird identification in Alaska?+
Use eBird's species maps to see recent sightings in specific Alaska towns. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has a birding checklist. For more on hummingbird species, visit ourhummingbird hub. For general Alaska wildlife, see theAlaska wildlife page. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see hummingbird
More wildlife in Alaska