Hummingbirds, which beat their wings about 70 times per second, are the smallest birds in the world. From over 300 hummingbird species, nearly a dozen can be seen near Phoenix. Even though some hummingbirds are resident species, which can be found year-round, the best time to spot these tiny birds is during annual migrations from April through October. The month of August is the peak of migration season, hence it offers the most sightings.
Anna's hummingbird (Calypte anna) is the most common species in Phoenix, living here year-round. Additionally, many Anna's hummingbirds visit Phoenix during fall, migrating from California. Males Anna's hummingbirds are recognized by their pink throats and black or purple crowns. Females have green backs and light greys. They are frequently spotted in backyards, gardens, and the Sonoran Desert.
The most common hummingbird species in Phoenix's desert are Costa’s hummingbirds (Calypte costae). They arrive in the Sonoran Desert around February and leave in early fall. Males are recognized by purple crowns and impressive purple "mustache." Females are greyish-green. They can often be spotted at Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden.
Black-chinned hummingbirds arrive in Phoenix in the summer from Mexico. They breed in lower and middle elevations. Black-chinned males have black-purple collars with green feathers on the back. The females are pale with green backs. Other species that occur near Phoenix include broad-billed hummingbirds (Cynanthus latirostris), which arrive in April, and Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus), which are seen during migrations from March through April and from July through mid-October when they head to western Mexico.
Practical info
When is the best time of year to see hummingbirds in Phoenix, AZ?
Hummingbirds can be seen in Phoenix, AZ year-round, but the annual migration from April to October, peaking in August, increases the chance of encounters. The Sonoran desert is the primary home of these birds where they can be spotted in backyards, gardens, and specialized tours. While February to early fall is when most species appear, some hummingbird species are residents of Phoenix. Show more
Where is the best location to see hummingbirds in Phoenix, AZ?
Phoenix, AZ offers numerous sites to observe hummingbirds, with the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden providing one of the best opportunities. These exotic birds inhabit backyards, gardens, the Sonoran Desert, and higher elevations, such as Mount Ord to view Broadbill, Rufous, and Calliope hummingbirds. The Botanical Garden is known for providing a lot of species sightings while specialized tours can take visitors to hummingbird hotspots situated within Phoenix and the surrounding areas. Show more
What is the most common hummingbird species in Phoenix?
Phoenix, AZ is home to more than ten species of hummingbirds, with Anna's hummingbird being the most common of all. With pink throats and black-purple crowns, male Anna's hummingbirds are easily identifiable, while females have a light grey body with a green back. The species can be seen throughout the year within Phoenix, with a surge in the fall migration from California to the area. Show more
How many hummingbird species can be found in Phoenix?
Besides Anna's hummingbird, Phoenix, AZ is home to nearly a dozen other species of hummingbirds, with migration season from April to October being the best time to increase the chances of sightings. Black-chinned hummingbirds, Broad-billed hummingbirds, Costa´s hummingbirds, and Rufous hummingbirds are among the other species found in this area. Show more
What is unique about the appearance of the Costa’s hummingbird, and where can it be found in Phoenix?
Found in the Sonoran desert of Phoenix from February through early fall, Costa´s hummingbird has a distinctive look with male birds sporting a purple crown and vibrant purple mustache. The female Costa's hummingbirds have greyish-green feathers. The Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden is an excellent location to spot these birds as well as other hummingbird species in Phoenix. Show more
