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Author: David Gressly. Originally published in the JournalAZ
Hummingbirds, with their dazzling plumage and extraordinary agility, are among the most captivating birds in the Americas. There are over three hundred species of these tiny avian wonders, most of which thrive in tropical regions where flowers bloom year-round. However, southern Arizona is a special haven for several hummingbird species, making it one of the premier spots in the United States to observe them in their natural habitat.
During my more than forty years of work in Africa and Asia, there was unfortunately never a hummingbird in sight. The Old World equivalent of the hummingbird is the sunbird. Hummingbirds and sunbirds evolved independently over the last 20 million years but fill the same ecological niche. Both are small, able to hover, drink nectar and are spectacularly beautiful. But hummingbirds are the smallest of the two. Both are able to hover, but sunbirds prefer to perch. Hummingbirds maneuver much more proficiently and live in more diverse habitats. Overall, I enjoy observing hummingbirds more. I am very happy to be back in Arizona and particularly in this month as there are two festivals that offer opportunities to observe hummingbirds.
I’d like to share information on some of the hummingbirds that can be seen in Arizona as well as a description of the two Arizona hummingbird festival taking place at the end of this month.
Anna’s Hummingbird: The Winter Invader
Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) is a relatively recent newcomer to Arizona, having expanded its range from California. Unlike many hummingbird species that migrate, Anna’s Hummingbird can be seen year-round, nesting in residential neighborhoods and streamside woods during winter. Their ability to thrive in urban areas has made them a familiar sight to many Arizona residents. With their metallic green feathers and iridescent pink throats, they add splashes of color to winter gardens.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
The Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is easily recognizable by the way it bobs its tail while hovering at feeders or flowers. Males are smaller than females and feature a distinctive purple strip below their black chin. They are the most widespread hummingbird in the western United States, commonly seen throughout Arizona.
Rufous Hummingbird
The feisty Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) breeds as far north as Alaska, then migrates 4,000 miles to southern Mexico, traveling farther than any other hummingbird. With their rufous bodies and bright copper-colored gorgets, they are a delight to see during their short stay as they fuel up during their southern migration.
Summer Spectacle: Migration and Diversity
Oak Creek Canyon is very fortunate to host the Rivoli’s Hummingbird (Eugenes fulgens). Males have a black breast, bluish green back, violet crown, and a gorget that shifts from teal to bright green. Because these birds prefer mountainous pine-oak forests and shady canyons, their brilliant colors are sometimes difficult to see.
The Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae) has a striking purple crown and gorget that extends into long points on either side of its body. Preferring desert habitats, they are permanent residents in parts of southern Arizona, although some do spend time in Sedona during the hot summer months.
The only red-billed hummingbird found in Sedona, the Broad-billed Hummingbird’s (Cynanthus latirostris) blue and green feathers shimmer over its entire body. More common in southeastern Arizona, individuals occasionally appear in the Sedona area, usually near rivers and streams.
Diversity of Species
In addition to these primary residents and migrants, southern Arizona occasionally hosts other hummingbird species, adding to the region’s rich biodiversity. Each species contributes to the ecological tapestry of the area, playing vital roles in pollination and the overall health of the desert ecosystem. For more information about Arizona’s hummingbirds, visit Sedona Hummingbird Festival.
Upcoming Hummingbird Festivals in Arizona
10th Annual Sedona Hummingbird Festival
Mark your calendars for the 10th Annual Sedona Hummingbird Festival, happening from July 26-28, 2024, in the heart of Sedona’s stunning red rock country. This three-day event includes speaker presentations on various hummingbird topics, garden tours, banding demonstrations, birding field trips, and breakfasts with hummingbirds. Attendees can also explore a hummingbird marketplace, participate in a photo contest, enjoy a festival dinner, and engage in Kids’ Day crafts and activities. Additionally, the festival offers workshops on hummingbird photography and painting. As many as eight species of hummingbirds can be found in the Sedona area during the festival.
Arizona Game & Fish 21st Annual High Country Hummingbird Festival
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is set to host its 21st annual High Country Hummingbird Festival on July 27 at the Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area near Springerville/Eagar. This free, family-friendly event runs from 8 a.m. until Noon and offers a unique opportunity to observe hummingbird banding, view plant displays designed to attract hummingbirds, and enjoy wildlife presentations from R Lazy J Wildlife Ranch and the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
