Best time to travel to Arizona

Hummingbird Migration in Arizona

The only state across the country where you can spot 15 different species of hummers at a time

Best time: August 9–13, 2023

Hummingbird Migration
Hummingbird Migration
Hummingbird Migration
Hummingbird Migration
Rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)

The Sonoran Desert in southeastern Arizona is a real paradise for hummingbird watchers. The area lies on the hummers' flyway between their northern nesting grounds and southern wintering locales and hosts over a dozen species. You could encounter up to 15 types during exceptional years, whereas the U.S. is home to 17. Some of these birds reside in the Grand Canyon State all year round. Yet, the prime time to catch a glimpse of these fascinating creatures is during the hummingbird migration from late April to early October. The population of saberlike beaks swells to tens of thousands between late July and early August.

Most common species

One of the most notable species is costa's hummingbird (Calypte costae), also known as the hummingbird of the desert. The bird breeds in the areas east of Tucson in early spring, but you can observe it year-round in the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Representative summer hummers include black-chinned (Archilochus alexandri) and broad-billed (Cynanthus latirostris) hummingbirds. Both nestle in the woods around Phoenix and winter in Mexico. Also, Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna) is frequently recorded near Phoenix and Tucson in fall and winter, and lately year-round. Finally, late July yields rufous hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus) and other rare types on their southbound migration.

High Country Hummers Festival (on hold)

Instead of making the extra effort to capture elusive hummers in the wild, an excellent alternative would be visiting one of the hummingbird festivals held at the height of migration. Drop by the annual High Country Hummers Festival at the Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area near Eagar, eastern Arizona. You'll be amazed at the swarms of cute wee birds feasting at artificial feeders.

Sedona Hummingbird Festival (July 29–31, 2022)

The Hummingbird Society organizes another festival at Sedona Performing Arts Center, 30 mi (50 km) south of Flagstaff, White Mountains. The bird feeders filled with sweet water attract 500 to 2,000 hummers daily. Besides the birding trips and self-guided garden tours, the events feature banding demonstrations, exhibits, presentations, and concessions.

Southeast Arizona Birding Festival (August 10–14, 2022)

Lastly, you'll find another celebration at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel near Reid Park, Tuscon. The festival focuses on different birds rather than hummers only. However, the event also presents a unique chance to see a rare lucifer hummingbird (Calothorax lucifer). The program includes birding field trips, nature expos, workshops, vendors, and kids' activities.

*Find more information on the festivals in the "External Resources" section below.

Practical info

What is the breeding season for Costa's hummingbirds?

Costa's hummingbirds breed in early spring in the areas east of Tucson. However, these hummingbirds can be seen year-round in the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum located in southeastern Arizona. The best time to observe this species of hummingbirds in Arizona during their peak migration is from late April to early October, with tens of thousands of hummers during the late July to early August period. Show more

What are the locations to observe hummingbirds during the Arizona festivals?

The High Country Hummers Festival is hosted annually in Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area near Eagar, while Sedona Hummingbird Festival and Southeast Arizona Birding Festival are hosted at Sedona Performing Arts Center and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel near Reid Park Tucson, respectively. Other hummingbird observing locations in Arizona include Tucson, Sedona, Flagstaff, and southeastern regions. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is also a premier destination for observing hummingbirds in Arizona. Show more

What are the frequently sighted hummingbird species in Arizona?

The hummingbird of the desert, also known as Costa's hummingbird, is a commonly sighted species in Arizona. Hummers can be seen year-round in the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in southeastern Arizona. Other frequently observed hummingbirds in Arizona are black-chinned and broad-billed hummingbirds nesting in woods around Phoenix and wintering in Mexico. Show more

Do hummingbird festivals take place in Arizona?

Yes, annual hummingbird festivals are held in Arizona. The venues include the High Country Hummers Festival in Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area, Sedona Hummingbird Festival at Sedona Performing Arts Center, and the Southeast Arizona Birding Festival at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel near Reid Park in Tucson. These festivals offer birding field trips, nature expos, workshops, vendors, and children's activities. Show more

What other bird species can be seen during the Southeast Arizona Birding Festival?

The Southeast Arizona Birding Festival provides opportunities to see rare bird species such as the Lucifer hummingbird besides a wide variety of other bird species like the Vermilion Flycatcher, Elegant Trogon, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo. The festival program includes birding field trips, nature expos, workshops, vendors, and kids' activities as well. Therefore, attending the Southeast Arizona Birding Festival could be a good option for bird lovers. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin