Hummingbirds in Pennsylvania: Where to see them and how to identify them
Yes, hummingbirds are common in Pennsylvania during spring and summer. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only breeding species. Look for them in gardens, woodlands, and meadows statewide. The best time is mid-April to September, with peak activity in July and August.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Rufous Hummingbird · Court Harding CC BY
Allen's Hummingbird · Navin Sasikumar CC BY
Rufous Hummingbird · Court Harding CC BY
- 6
- species recorded
- 229,167
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- August, September, July
- peak months
Yes, hummingbirds are in Pennsylvania. Next you'll want:
What hummingbird sound like
Verified field recordings from Xeno-canto. Press play to hear the calls birders listen for in the field.
Rivoli's Hummingbird · call, short rattle
0:05Portal, Arizona · © Richard E. Webster CC BY-NC-SA · XC133506
Blue-throated Mountaingem · call, perched warning calls
0:05Portal, Arizona · © Richard E. Webster CC BY-NC-SA · XC132503
Lucifer Sheartail · call, wing buzz
0:08Portal, Arizona · © Richard E. Webster CC BY-NC-SA · XC132966
Verified species, source iNaturalist
3 types of hummingbirds recorded in Pennsylvania
3 hummingbird species have a verified observation record in Pennsylvania across the hummingbird family (Trochilidae), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
1
2
3
Plus 3 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.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
3,197 verified observations on iNaturalist of hummingbird have been recorded in Pennsylvania, most often in August, September, July.
When hummingbird are recorded in Pennsylvania
Yes, hummingbirds are common in Pennsylvania during spring and summer. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only breeding species. Look for them in gardens, woodlands, and meadows statewide. The best time is mid-April to September, with peak activity in July and August.
Where in Pennsylvania are hummingbirds most likely to be seen?
Hummingbirds can be found across Pennsylvania, but the highest densities occur in the western half of the state, particularly in the Allegheny Plateau and the Lake Erie region. They favor open woodlands, forest edges, and gardens with nectar-rich blooms. Start your search in state parks likePresque Isle State Parkor along theSusquehanna River.
In Pennsylvania, hummingbirds sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. 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.
What is the best season and time of day to spot hummingbirds?
The prime season is from mid-April through September, with peak numbers in July and August when young fledge. Early morning (sunrise to 9 AM) and late afternoon (4-7 PM) are the best times to see them feeding. They are less active in the heat of midday.
How to identify a hummingbird in Pennsylvania?
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only species that breeds in the state. Males have a brilliant ruby-red throat (gorget) and a white collar, while females have a white throat with dark spots. Both are metallic green above. Their wings beat 50+ times per second, creating a distinctive hum. They hover and fly backwards, unlike any other bird.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What habitats do hummingbirds prefer in Pennsylvania?
They thrive in open woodlands, meadows, and suburban gardens with tubular flowers like trumpet creeper, bee balm, and cardinal flower. They also frequent feeders. For best odds, visit areas with a mix of sun and shade near water sources.
What is the migration pattern of hummingbirds through Pennsylvania?
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate through Pennsylvania each spring (late April to May) heading north to breeding grounds, and again in late August to October heading south to Mexico and Central America. During migration, they concentrate in coastal and riverine areas. Fall males migrate first, followed by females and young.
How to attract hummingbirds to your yard in Pennsylvania?
Plant native flowers like red bee balm, wild bergamot, and trumpet honeysuckle. Set out a feeder with a 1:4 sugar-water solution (no dye) and clean it weekly. Provide a shallow water source for bathing. Avoid pesticides to keep insects available for protein.
What are some good hummingbird-themed souvenirs from Easy Street Markets?
If you want to celebrate your sightings, check out these options:
Hummingbird Stained Glass Sticker
This translucent sticker looks like stained glass and works well on windows, adding color to any room.Check Price and Availability
Hummingbird Garden Magnet
A cheerful ceramic magnet perfect for your fridge or garden shed.Check Price and Availability
Hummingbird Garden Art Print
A delicate art print that captures hummingbirds in a botanical setting.Check Price and Availability
Hummingbird Garden Cap
A soft cotton cap with subtle hummingbird embroidery, ideal for gardeners. [Check Price and Availability](/go/hummingbird-garden-cap]
Browse more wildlife-themed items at ourwildlife t-shirts store.
See ourCompare wildlife shirtsfor the next step.
Plan your hummingbird watching trip in Pennsylvania
Use the widget above to find hummingbird-friendly destinations and accommodations near you.
Frequently asked questions about hummingbirds in Pennsylvania
**Do hummingbirds stay in Pennsylvania year-round?** No most migrate south for winter. A few may linger into November but generally depart by early October.
**What is the best feeder for hummingbirds?** Any red feeder with bee guards works. Clean every few days in hot weather to prevent mold.
**Can I see hummingbirds in winter?** Unlikely. If you see one in winter it may be injured or confused report it to a wildlife rehabilitator.
**How fast do hummingbirds fly?** They can reach 30 mph in normal flight and up to 60 mph in a dive.
**What other birds are commonly seen with hummingbirds?** You might see goldfinches, chickadees, and woodpeckers at feeders.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see hummingbird in Pennsylvania: August, September, July
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your hummingbird sighting in Pennsylvania
229,167 verified hummingbird records have been logged in Pennsylvania, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Pennsylvania
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake Bay · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Fort Necessity National Battlefield · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Friendship Hill National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Presque Isle SP (IBA) · 345 species recorded
- John Heinz NWR--impoundment (Philadelphia Co.) · 306 species recorded
- Middle Creek WMA (IBA) (Lancaster Co.) · 296 species recorded
- Peace Valley Park (IBA) · 296 species recorded
- Green Lane Park · 293 species recorded
- Presque Isle SP--Gull Pt. · 293 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Frequently asked questions
What hummingbird species live in Pennsylvania?+
Hummingbirds can be found across Pennsylvania, but the highest densities occur in the western half of the state, particularly in the Allegheny Plateau and the Lake Erie region. They favor open woodlands, forest edges, and gardens with nectar-rich blooms. Start your search in state parks likePresque Isle State Parkor along theSusquehanna River. In Pennsylvania, hummingbirds sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. 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 can you see hummingbirds in Pennsylvania?+
Hummingbirds can be found across Pennsylvania, but the highest densities occur in the western half of the state, particularly in the Allegheny Plateau and the Lake Erie region. They favor open woodlands, forest edges, and gardens with nectar-rich blooms. Start your search in state parks likePresque Isle State Parkor along theSusquehanna River. In Pennsylvania, hummingbirds sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. 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.
When is the best time to see hummingbirds in Pennsylvania?+
Hummingbirds can be found across Pennsylvania, but the highest densities occur in the western half of the state, particularly in the Allegheny Plateau and the Lake Erie region. They favor open woodlands, forest edges, and gardens with nectar-rich blooms. Start your search in state parks likePresque Isle State Parkor along theSusquehanna River. In Pennsylvania, hummingbirds sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where in the state sightings are most likely. 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.
Keep exploring
More places to see hummingbird
More wildlife in Pennsylvania