15 Types of Hummingbirds in Arizona
Arizona hosts more hummingbird species than any other state, with at least 14 regular visitors. Most sightings happen in southeast canyons and desert oases from March to September. This guide covers the most common types and how to tell them apart.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
Verified species, source iNaturalist
15 types of hummingbirds recorded in Arizona
15 hummingbird species have a verified observation record in Arizona across the hummingbird family (Trochilidae), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Also recorded in Arizona
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | White-eared HummingbirdNativeBasilinna leucotis | Basilinna leucotis | 322 |
| 14 | Plain-capped StarthroatHeliomaster constantii | Heliomaster constantii | 100 |
| 15 | Allen's HummingbirdSelasphorus sasin | Selasphorus sasin | 34 |
Plus 1 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Arizona hosts more hummingbird species than any other state, with at least 14 regular visitors. Most sightings happen in southeast canyons and desert oases from March to September. This guide covers the most common types and how to tell them apart.
Which hummingbird species are most common in Arizona?
The most frequently seen hummingbirds in Arizona are Anna's, Costa's, Black-chinned, and Broad-tailed. Anna's are year-round residents in many areas. Costa's favor desert scrub. Black-chinned are widespread in summer. Broad-tailed are common in mountain forests. All four have distinct field marks: Anna's males have a magenta throat, Costa's have a violet one, Black-chinned have a dark purple band, and Broad-tailed have a rose-red throat.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
In Arizona, 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 Arizona do people usually notice hummingbirds first?
Start in the southeast: Ramsey Canyon Preserve, Madera Canyon, and the Santa Rita Mountains are famous for hummingbird diversity. The Sonoran Desert around Tucson also holds Costa's and Anna's. In northern Arizona, the Mogollon Rim and Flagstaff area attract Broad-tailed and Rufous during migration. Many visitors first notice them at feeders in lodges or private gardens.
See ourHummingbirds guidefor the next step.
Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around where in the state people usually notice them first, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in Arizona. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
When is the best time for confident hummingbird sightings?
Spring migration (late March to May) brings the highest variety as birds move north. Summer (June to August) is good for breeding residents like Black-chinned and Anna's. Fall migration (August to October) can show rarities like Calliope and Rufous. Winter offers a few Anna's and Costa's in lowland valleys. For best odds, visit between April and September.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
A better first outing usually comes from patient observation, quiet movement, and a simple checklist tied to best season or time window for confident sightings. If conditions look weak, step back to thestate wildlife hub, review theanimal guide, and reset around the next strong window instead of forcing it. The goal is not a perfect sighting every time, it is building a repeatable local route you can return to with better timing, sharper field marks, and a clearer sense of what success looks like for beginners.
How do I tell apart similar looking hummingbirds?
Focus on throat color and tail shape. Anna's males have an iridescent rose-pink gorget that extends onto the crown. Costa's males have a violet-purple gorget that flares out on the sides. Black-chinned males have a dark purple band above a white collar. Females are harder: look at underparts (Anna's are pale with some spotting, Costa's are buffy) and tail pattern (Anna's have rounded tails, Black-chinned have notched ones).
What habitats should I search for specific species?
Costa's Hummingbirds prefer desert scrub and dry washes with agave and ocotillo. Black-chinned Hummingbirds are common along streams and in canyons with sycamores. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds stick to pine-oak woodlands above 5,000 feet. Anna's Hummingbirds are adaptable and show up in suburbs, parks, and riparian areas year-round. Rufous Hummingbirds pass through mountain meadows and feeders during migration.
Can I attract hummingbirds to my yard in Arizona?
Yes. Set up feeders with a 1:4 sugar water solution (no dye). Plant native flowers like penstemon, salvia, and ocotillo. Provide perches and a water source. Clean feeders weekly to prevent mold. Many Arizonans have year-round Anna's visitors.
What hummingbird-themed items might interest a fan?
After a day of spotting, you might want a small memento. TheHummingbird Stained Glass Stickeradds color to a window. TheHummingbird Garden Magnetis a cheerful fridge addition. For wall art, theHummingbird Garden Art Printcaptures the feel of a desert garden. These make nice reminders of your Arizona hummingbird adventures.
See ourCompare wildlife shirtsfor the next step.
Frequently asked questions about Arizona hummingbirds
**How many hummingbird species can I see in Arizona?** At least 14 species are regular, with occasional rarities. **What is the smallest hummingbird in Arizona?** The Calliope Hummingbird, barely 3 inches long. **Do hummingbirds stay in Arizona all year?** Only Anna's Hummingbirds are truly year-round residents in many areas. Others migrate. **What should I do if I find a sick hummingbird?** Contact a local wildlife rehabber or use the Arizona Game and Fish Department's list of permitted rehabilitators.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
Which hummingbird species are most common in Arizona?+
The most frequently seen hummingbirds in Arizona are Anna's, Costa's, Black-chinned, and Broad-tailed. Anna's are year-round residents in many areas. Costa's favor desert scrub. Black-chinned are widespread in summer. Broad-tailed are common in mountain forests. All four have distinct field marks: Anna's males have a magenta throat, Costa's have a violet one, Black-chinned have a dark purple band, and Broad-tailed have a rose-red throat. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step. In Arizona, 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 Arizona do people usually notice hummingbirds first?+
Start in the southeast: Ramsey Canyon Preserve, Madera Canyon, and the Santa Rita Mountains are famous for hummingbird diversity. The Sonoran Desert around Tucson also holds Costa's and Anna's. In northern Arizona, the Mogollon Rim and Flagstaff area attract Broad-tailed and Rufous during migration. Many visitors first notice them at feeders in lodges or private gardens. See ourHummingbirds guidefor the next step. Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around where in the state people usually notice them first, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in Arizona. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
When is the best time for confident hummingbird sightings?+
Spring migration (late March to May) brings the highest variety as birds move north. Summer (June to August) is good for breeding residents like Black-chinned and Anna's. Fall migration (August to October) can show rarities like Calliope and Rufous. Winter offers a few Anna's and Costa's in lowland valleys. For best odds, visit between April and September. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step. A better first outing usually comes from patient observation, quiet movement, and a simple checklist tied to best season or time window for confident sightings. If conditions look weak, step back to thestate wildlife hub, review theanimal guide, and reset around the next strong window instead of forcing it. The goal is not a perfect sighting every time, it is building a repeatable local route you can return to with better timing, sharper field marks, and a clearer sense of what success looks like for beginners.
How do I tell apart similar looking hummingbirds?+
Focus on throat color and tail shape. Anna's males have an iridescent rose-pink gorget that extends onto the crown. Costa's males have a violet-purple gorget that flares out on the sides. Black-chinned males have a dark purple band above a white collar. Females are harder: look at underparts (Anna's are pale with some spotting, Costa's are buffy) and tail pattern (Anna's have rounded tails, Black-chinned have notched ones).
What habitats should I search for specific species?+
Costa's Hummingbirds prefer desert scrub and dry washes with agave and ocotillo. Black-chinned Hummingbirds are common along streams and in canyons with sycamores. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds stick to pine-oak woodlands above 5,000 feet. Anna's Hummingbirds are adaptable and show up in suburbs, parks, and riparian areas year-round. Rufous Hummingbirds pass through mountain meadows and feeders during migration.
Can I attract hummingbirds to my yard in Arizona?+
Yes. Set up feeders with a 1:4 sugar water solution (no dye). Plant native flowers like penstemon, salvia, and ocotillo. Provide perches and a water source. Clean feeders weekly to prevent mold. Many Arizonans have year-round Anna's visitors.
What hummingbird-themed items might interest a fan?+
After a day of spotting, you might want a small memento. TheHummingbird Stained Glass Stickeradds color to a window. TheHummingbird Garden Magnetis a cheerful fridge addition. For wall art, theHummingbird Garden Art Printcaptures the feel of a desert garden. These make nice reminders of your Arizona hummingbird adventures. See ourCompare wildlife shirtsfor the next step.
Keep exploring
More places to see hummingbird
More wildlife in Arizona