Hummingbird Migration in Arizona 2025

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, but the numbers reach their peak during their annual migration.

When Do Hummingbirds Migrate?

Several hummingbird species, including black-chinned hummingbird, Anna's hummingbird, and Costa's hummingbird, are native to Arizona and can be spotted year-round throughout the state. The prime time to catch a glimpse of these fascinating creatures is during their annual hummingbird migration from late April to early October. The population of saberlike beaks swells to tens of thousands between late July and early August. During this period, the birds head to Mexico to their wintering grounds, looking for a place to stay warm, breed, and feed their offspring.

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. Broad-tailed hummingbirds can be spotted in southern Arizona from March through August and spend the rest of the year in Mexico and Guatemala. Finally, late July yields rufous hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus) and other rare types on their southbound migration. These birds are also famous for traveling around 2,500 miles (4,023 km) during the trip, which is one of the longest migrations in the bird world.

Where to See Hummingbirds in Arizona

Arizona boasts numerous locations where you can witness a beautiful spectacle of hummingbird migration. Southern Arizona, specifically, is one of the best places to see this bird, including Sierra Vista and the Ramsey Canyon Preserve. Situated between the Patagonia and Santa Rita Mountains in southeastern Arizona, Sonoita Creek Preserve is another hotspot for hummingbird watching.

Migration Events & Festivals (July–August)

Bird watchers, researchers, and bird enthusiasts annually celebrate the migration process of hummingbirds by attending educational events and festivals in Arizona. The festivals are usually held during the summer, in July and August, but dates may very, depending on the peak of the migration period. The venues include the High Country Hummers Festival in the 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. The program of these festivals include birding field trips, workshops, banding demonstrations, vendors, and child-friendly activities.

High Country Hummers Festival (late July–early August)

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. The event takes place entirely outdoors and features displays, hummingbird banding, and informational talks.

Sedona Hummingbird Festival (late July)

The Hummingbird Society organizes another festival at Sedona Performing Arts Center, 30 miles (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. The festival is completely free to attend, except for required tickets for presentations and some attractions.

Southeast Arizona Birding Festival (early or mid-August)

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. Registration fee is required to attend the event.