Hummingbirds in Washington: identification guide and where to start looking
Washington hosts several hummingbird species, but the Anna's Hummingbird is the most often seen year-round. Start by focusing on throat color, tail shape, and back pattern. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best odds for clear views.
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 Washington
Only one species of hummingbird lives in Washington, so the real question is telling it apart from its relatives. 4 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 Anna's Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird and Calliope 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 Washington
These are public birding hotspots in Washington where hummingbirds were reported in the last month, most recent first. Recent sightings below include Anna's Hummingbird and Rufous Hummingbird. Each links to its eBird page, where you can see the full checklist and plan a visit.
- Theler WetlandsAnna's Hummingbirdseen Jul 18, 2026
- Rosario Beach / Rosario HeadRufous Hummingbirdseen Jul 18, 2026
- Volunteer ParkAnna's Hummingbirdseen Jul 18, 2026
- Mukilteo Lighthouse ParkAnna's Hummingbirdseen Jul 18, 2026
- Chase LakeAnna's Hummingbirdseen Jul 18, 2026
- Mt. Rainier NP--ParadiseRufous Hummingbirdseen Jul 18, 2026
- Waypoint ParkAnna's Hummingbirdseen Jul 18, 2026
- Soos Creek TrailAnna's Hummingbirdseen Jul 18, 2026
Sightings from eBird, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Wildlife moves, so treat these as recent activity, not a guarantee.
Washington hosts several hummingbird species, but the Anna's Hummingbird is the most often seen year-round. Start by focusing on throat color, tail shape, and back pattern. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best odds for clear views.
What are the most useful ID markers for hummingbirds in Washington?
Focus on the throat (gorget) color: male Anna's have a rose-red throat, male Rufous have an orange-red, and male Calliope have a streaked magenta. Also note tail shape: Anna's tail is rounded, Rufous is pointed, Calliope is short and notched. Back color: Anna's is green, Rufous is rusty, Calliope is greenish. Size: Calliope is the smallest bird in North America.
In Washington, 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 Washington do people usually notice hummingbirds first?
Most sightings start at backyard feeders and gardens, especially near the Puget Sound lowlands and along the coast. The San Juan Islands and Olympic Peninsula are reliable for Rufous in spring. In eastern Washington, look near streams and meadows. The best odds are in urban areas with ample flowers and feeders.
What is the best season or time window for confident sightings?
April through September is peak for most species. Anna's Hummingbird is a year-round resident in western Washington, making winter sightings possible. Rufous arrive in March and leave by July. Calliope pass through in May. Early morning (dawn to 9am) and late afternoon (4-6pm) are when they feed most actively.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How can you separate the different hummingbird species in Washington?
Use a combination of throat color, tail shape, and behavior. Anna's often hover and return to the same perch. Rufous are aggressive, chasing others away. Calliope tend to feed at lower heights and use a distinctive 'U-shaped' dive display. Listen for calls: Anna's makes a buzzing 'chee', Rufous a sharp 'chup', Calliope a thin 'zee'.
What common lookalikes should you watch out for?
Female and juvenile hummingbirds are harder to separate. Female Anna's have a small red patch on the throat, while female Rufous have a pale throat with rufous flanks. Black-chinned Hummingbird (rare in WA) has a black throat with a purple base. Check the tail: Anna's has green tips, Rufous has rusty tips. Use range maps: Anna's is mostly west of the Cascades year-round.
What gear and resources help with hummingbird identification?
A good pair of binoculars (8x42 works well) and a field guide like the 'Sibley Birds West' are essential. For quick reference, a hummingbird sticker or magnet can help you remember field marks.
Hummingbird Stained Glass Sticker
Translucent vinyl sticker that shows a hummingbird with a stained glass look. Good for windows or as a quick visual reminder.Check Price and Availability
Hummingbird Garden Magnet
Ceramic magnet with a cheerful hummingbird design. Handy on a metal surface for quick identification cues.Check Price and Availability
Hummingbird Garden Cap
Soft cotton cap with delicate hummingbird embroidery. Usable while out in the field.Check Price and Availability
For more resources, visit ouranimals/hummingbirdhub or check outWashington wildlife. You can also findwildlife-themed t-shirtsto show your interest.
Hummingbird Garden Art Print
Product from otherCheck Price and Availability
Frequently asked questions about hummingbirds in Washington
**Are hummingbirds common in Washington?** Yes, especially Anna's Hummingbird year-round west of the Cascades. Rufous are common in spring and summer.
**When should I put out feeders?** Put feeders out by mid-March for spring migrants. Keep them up through October for late stragglers. If you see an Anna's in winter, maintain a feeder year-round.
**What is the smallest hummingbird in Washington?** The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest, about 3 inches long.
**How can I attract hummingbirds to my yard?** Plant native flowers like penstemon, columbine, and trumpet vine. Use a feeder with 1:4 sugar water (no red dye). Avoid pesticides.
**Are there any rare hummingbirds in Washington?** Black-chinned and Costa's hummingbirds are occasional visitors. Check eBird for recent sightings.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What are the most useful ID markers for hummingbirds in Washington?+
Focus on the throat (gorget) color: male Anna's have a rose-red throat, male Rufous have an orange-red, and male Calliope have a streaked magenta. Also note tail shape: Anna's tail is rounded, Rufous is pointed, Calliope is short and notched. Back color: Anna's is green, Rufous is rusty, Calliope is greenish. Size: Calliope is the smallest bird in North America. In Washington, 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 Washington do people usually notice hummingbirds first?+
Most sightings start at backyard feeders and gardens, especially near the Puget Sound lowlands and along the coast. The San Juan Islands and Olympic Peninsula are reliable for Rufous in spring. In eastern Washington, look near streams and meadows. The best odds are in urban areas with ample flowers and feeders.
What is the best season or time window for confident sightings?+
April through September is peak for most species. Anna's Hummingbird is a year-round resident in western Washington, making winter sightings possible. Rufous arrive in March and leave by July. Calliope pass through in May. Early morning (dawn to 9am) and late afternoon (4-6pm) are when they feed most actively. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How can you separate the different hummingbird species in Washington?+
Use a combination of throat color, tail shape, and behavior. Anna's often hover and return to the same perch. Rufous are aggressive, chasing others away. Calliope tend to feed at lower heights and use a distinctive 'U-shaped' dive display. Listen for calls: Anna's makes a buzzing 'chee', Rufous a sharp 'chup', Calliope a thin 'zee'.
What common lookalikes should you watch out for?+
Female and juvenile hummingbirds are harder to separate. Female Anna's have a small red patch on the throat, while female Rufous have a pale throat with rufous flanks. Black-chinned Hummingbird (rare in WA) has a black throat with a purple base. Check the tail: Anna's has green tips, Rufous has rusty tips. Use range maps: Anna's is mostly west of the Cascades year-round.
What gear and resources help with hummingbird identification?+
A good pair of binoculars (8x42 works well) and a field guide like the 'Sibley Birds West' are essential. For quick reference, a hummingbird sticker or magnet can help you remember field marks. ### Hummingbird Stained Glass Sticker Translucent vinyl sticker that shows a hummingbird with a stained glass look. Good for windows or as a quick visual reminder.Check Price and Availability ### Hummingbird Garden Magnet Ceramic magnet with a cheerful hummingbird design. Handy on a metal surface for quick identification cues.Check Price and Availability ### Hummingbird Garden Cap Soft cotton cap with delicate hummingbird embroidery. Usable while out in the field.Check Price and Availability For more resources, visit ouranimals/hummingbirdhub or check outWashington wildlife. You can also findwildlife-themed t-shirtsto show your interest. ### Hummingbird Garden Art Print Product from otherCheck Price and Availability
Keep exploring
More places to see hummingbird
More wildlife in Washington