6 Types of Hummingbirds in Utah
Utah hosts several hummingbird species, most commonly the Black-chinned and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds. These tiny birds arrive in spring and are often seen in mountain canyons and desert washes. Start your search in the Wasatch Front or southern Utah's red rock country.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 6, 2026.
- 7
- species recorded
- May, August, July
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
6 types of hummingbirds recorded in Utah
6 hummingbird species have a verified observation record in Utah 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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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.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
3,455 verified observations on iNaturalist of hummingbird have been recorded in Utah, most often in May, August, July.
When hummingbird are recorded in Utah
Utah hosts several hummingbird species, most commonly the Black-chinned and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds. These tiny birds arrive in spring and are often seen in mountain canyons and desert washes. Start your search in the Wasatch Front or southern Utah's red rock country.
1. What hummingbird species are most common in Utah?
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is Utah's most widespread breeder, found from low deserts to mountain foothills. The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is common in higher elevations, especially in pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine forests. Less common but regular species include the Rufous Hummingbird during migration and the Anna's Hummingbird in some urban areas.
In Utah, 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.
2. Where in Utah can you reliably spot hummingbirds?
Start along the Wasatch Front: Big Cottonwood Canyon and Millcreek Canyon host Broad-tailed Hummingbirds in summer. In southern Utah, Zion National Park and the Virgin River corridor attract Black-chinned and occasionally Costa's Hummingbirds. Backyard feeders near flower gardens also provide reliable viewing, especially in Salt Lake City and St. George.
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 Utah. 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.
3. When is the best season to see hummingbirds in Utah?
Spring migration peaks from late April through May, when Black-chinned and Rufous Hummingbirds pass through. Summer breeding runs June to July at higher elevations. Fall migration starts in August and extends into September, with Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (rare but possible) showing up in the east. For best odds, visit mid-summer in the mountains.
4. How do you identify lookalike hummingbird species?
Male Black-chinned Hummingbirds have a dark chin with a thin purple band at the base, while male Broad-tailed Hummingbirds show a bright raspberry-red throat. Females are tougher: check for buffy flanks (Broad-tailed) vs. greyish underparts (Black-chinned). The Rufous Hummingbird is rufous-orange on the back and belly, with an orange-red throat.
5. What field marks distinguish Utah's hummingbirds?
Listen for wing sounds: Broad-tailed Hummingbirds produce a distinct trill in flight, whereas Black-chinned are quieter. Note bill length and shape: Black-chinned has a slightly longer, more curved bill. Tail shape matters: Broad-tailed has a notched tail, Black-chinned has a rounder tail. Use these clues together for confident ID.
6. Where should beginners start looking for hummingbirds in Utah?
Set up a feeder with a simple sugar-water solution (1:4 ratio) in your yard. Start early in the morning or late afternoon when they feed most actively. Visit the Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City or the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge for guided tips. Check eBird hotspots near you for recent sightings.
7. Where can you find hummingbird-themed items to remember your sightings?
Hummingbird Stained Glass Sticker
This translucent vinyl sticker mimics stained glass. Perfect for windows or a water bottle.Check Price and Availability
Hummingbird Garden Magnet
A cheerful ceramic magnet with a garden scene. Sticks to metal surfaces or your fridge.Check Price and Availability
Hummingbird Garden Art Print
Botanical-style art print featuring a hummingbird. Works well in any wildlife-themed room.Check Price and Availability
For a complete selection, browse ourhummingbird sticker collectionor check outhummingbird-themed caps. And don't miss our selection ofwildlife t-shirtsfor your next outing.
8. What do you need to know before planning a hummingbird watching trip?
Bring binoculars with close focus capability to see field marks. Wear neutral colors and move slowly. Use a notebook to record details. Check seasonal timing: spring and fall migrations are shorter but offer more species. For maps and recent sightings, visitour Utah wildlife pageand thehummingbird hub. Also seeour detailed guide to the Utah hummingbird trail.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What types of hummingbirds live in Utah?+
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is Utah's most widespread breeder, found from low deserts to mountain foothills. The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is common in higher elevations, especially in pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine forests. Less common but regular species include the Rufous Hummingbird during migration and the Anna's Hummingbird in some urban areas. In Utah, 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.
How do you tell hummingbirds apart in Utah?+
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is Utah's most widespread breeder, found from low deserts to mountain foothills. The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is common in higher elevations, especially in pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine forests. Less common but regular species include the Rufous Hummingbird during migration and the Anna's Hummingbird in some urban areas. In Utah, 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.
Which hummingbird is most common in Utah?+
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is Utah's most widespread breeder, found from low deserts to mountain foothills. The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is common in higher elevations, especially in pinyon-juniper and ponderosa pine forests. Less common but regular species include the Rufous Hummingbird during migration and the Anna's Hummingbird in some urban areas. In Utah, 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.
Keep exploring
More places to see hummingbird
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