Alberta supports a small but distinctive group of hummingbirds. Ruby-throated, Rufous, and Calliope Hummingbirds form the core breeding species, each associated with different parts of the province ranging from boreal mixedwood forests and parkland to foothill woodlands and Rocky Mountain meadows. In recent years, several western hummingbirds that were once considered exceptional in Alberta, including Black-chinned and Anna’s Hummingbirds, have appeared with increasing regularity in southern parts of the province, particularly around gardens and backyard feeders during late summer and fall. This guide highlights the hummingbirds most likely to be encountered in Alberta and explains how to identify them across different habitats and seasons.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Archilochus colubris
- Identification: Small hummingbird with metallic green upperparts, pale underparts, a slender slightly downcurved bill, and in adult males a brilliant iridescent red throat.
- Where found: Summer breeder across much of central and southern Alberta, especially in mixedwood forests, forest edges, gardens, orchards, and riparian habitats.
- How to spot: Watch for fast, direct flight with frequent hovering at flowers or feeders, aggressive chases near nectar sources, and rapid squeaky or chipping calls.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); considered Secure in Alberta, though some regional declines and recent population stabilization have been documented.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most widespread and familiar hummingbird across central and eastern Alberta and the only species that breeds regularly through much of the province’s wooded and settled landscapes. It measures 7 to 9 centimeters (2.8 to 3.5 inches) in length and has a compact body, short tail, and narrow wings adapted for precise hovering flight. Upperparts are metallic green and contrast with pale underparts. Adult males show a vivid iridescent red throat that may appear dark when not reflecting light, while females lack the red gorget and show a plain pale throat.
In the field, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are often detected by their rapid flight and activity around flowering plants or feeders. Individuals fly straight and fast between feeding sites, stop abruptly to hover, and frequently defend nectar sources through aggressive chases accompanied by sharp squeaky or chipping calls. The wings produce a steady humming sound in flight. Feeding centers on floral nectar, particularly from tubular flowers, supplemented by small insects and sap taken from sapsucker wells.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird breeds across all Natural Regions of Alberta except the Canadian Shield and occurs mainly south of approximately 56th parallel. The species is most frequently associated with the Boreal Forest, Foothills, and Parkland Natural Regions, where it occupies mixedwood forests, forest edges, clearings, riparian corridors, gardens, and orchards. It occurs less regularly in the Rocky Mountain and Grassland Natural Regions, with breeding records becoming more localized toward the northwestern and southeastern edges of its Alberta range. The species is strongly migratory and winters in Mexico and Central America.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is considered Secure in Alberta, although atlas data detected declines in relative abundance within the Boreal Forest and Parkland Natural Regions. National monitoring indicates long-term increases in Canada overall since the 1970s, but Alberta populations have shown little overall change and appear to have stabilized or declined slightly in more recent years. The causes of these regional patterns remain poorly understood. Continued monitoring and additional research are considered important for assessing the species’ long-term status in Alberta.
Rufous Hummingbird
Selasphorus rufus
- Identification: Small hummingbird with a slender bill and short wings, strongly rufous overall in adult males with an orange-red iridescent throat; females appear greener with rufous in the tail and flanks.
- Where found: Breeds mainly in the Rocky Mountain and Foothills Natural Regions of Alberta, with more localized occurrence in the Boreal Forest and only peripheral records in the Grassland Region.
- How to spot: Watch for an extremely territorial hummingbird aggressively defending flowers and feeders, listen for sharp chip notes during chases, and note the male’s distinctive metallic wing whine in flight.
- Conservation status: Near Threatened (IUCN); considered Secure in Alberta, though long-term declines have been documented across Canada.
The Rufous Hummingbird is the most strongly associated hummingbird with Alberta’s mountain landscapes and the province’s most aggressive and one of the most conspicuous hummingbird species. It measures 7 to 9 centimeters (2.8 to 3.5 inches) in length and shows a compact body with short wings and a narrow bill that gives the species a fast-moving, darting appearance. Adult males are largely rufous with a glittering orange-red throat, while females appear greener overall with more subdued rufous tones concentrated in the tail and flanks.
Field identification is often driven by behavior. Rufous Hummingbirds aggressively defend feeding territories and routinely chase other hummingbirds away from flowers and feeders. Individuals give frequent sharp chip notes during territorial encounters, with harsher calls during prolonged disputes. Males also produce a distinctive metallic wing whine in flight, especially during display flights and aggressive interactions. The diet consists mainly of floral nectar, supplemented by small insects captured in flight or taken from vegetation, and birds may also use sap and trapped insects from sapsucker wells.
In Alberta, the Rufous Hummingbird occurs primarily within the Rocky Mountain and Foothills Natural Regions, where it is most closely associated with montane and forested habitats. The species occupies a broad range of habitats including secondary-growth forests, mature coniferous and mixed forests, woodland openings, shrubby edges, parks, and gardens. It occurs less frequently in the Boreal Forest and Parkland Natural Regions and is only locally recorded along the periphery of the Grassland Region. The species is strongly migratory and winters mainly in Mexico after moving south through western mountain regions.
The Rufous Hummingbird is considered Secure in Alberta, although long-term monitoring across Canada indicates substantial population declines since the 1970s. Moderate to large declines have been documented throughout the Canadian breeding range, even though Alberta-specific survey data remain limited. Atlas results in Alberta detected little overall change in most Natural Regions, and trends in the Parkland Region remain difficult to interpret because many records there are not linked to confirmed breeding. Maintenance of flowering habitats and the widespread use of hummingbird feeders may help support local populations during the breeding season and migration.
Calliope Hummingbird
Selasphorus calliope
- Identification: Tiny hummingbird with green upperparts, a short straight bill, and in adult males a distinctive throat of separate magenta-red rays forming a starburst pattern.
- Where found: Breeds mainly in the Rocky Mountain and Foothills Natural Regions of Alberta, especially in montane forests, woodland edges, and shrubby openings at higher elevations.
- How to spot: Look for a very small hummingbird perched atop shrubs or small trees near forest openings, or listen for sharp zinging sounds during U-shaped display dives in mountain habitats.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); considered Secure in Alberta, with no clear evidence of long-term provincial decline.
The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest hummingbird regularly found in the province during the breeding season. This tiny species measures 7 to 8 centimeters (2.8 to 3.1 inches) in length and appears compact and short-winged, with a fine, relatively short bill and a hunched posture when perched. Adult males show a distinctive magenta-red throat divided into narrow rays that form a starburst pattern, while females lack the ray-patterned throat and appear plainer with pale underparts and green upperparts. Compared with Rufous Hummingbirds, perched Calliope Hummingbirds show wings and tail of nearly equal length, and females usually appear less strongly washed with coppery tones along the sides.
Calliope Hummingbirds are often detected by their small size, rapid movements, and distinctive display behavior. Males perform U-shaped display dives during the breeding season, producing sharp zinging sounds and buzzing noises created by the tail feathers. Away from display flights, the species is generally quiet and gives soft chipping or twittering notes during interactions. Individuals forage low among flowers and vegetation, feeding primarily on nectar while also capturing small flying insects from exposed perches or during short aerial sallies.
In Alberta, the Calliope Hummingbird occurs mainly within the Rocky Mountain and Foothills Natural Regions, where it is most strongly associated with montane forest edges and openings, generally above 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) in elevation. The species nests in Lodgepole Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Douglas-fir, Engelmann Spruce, and alder habitats, often near woodland clearings or shrubby streamside areas. It is most frequently encountered in the Rocky Mountain Natural Region and less commonly in the Foothills. A small number of records extend eastward into the Parkland Region near the Peace River area, while records from the Boreal Forest and Grassland Natural Regions occur mainly along their western peripheries. The species is strongly migratory and winters in Mexico.
The Calliope Hummingbird is considered Secure in Alberta, and atlas surveys detected no major changes in distribution or relative abundance between survey periods. Provincial and national trend data remain limited because the species is rarely detected on Breeding Bird Survey routes, although broader Canadian monitoring indicates little overall long-term change in abundance since the 1970s. The species may benefit locally from forest openings created by disturbance or logging, as well as from the increasing use of hummingbird feeders, which may improve feeding opportunities and detection rates in some areas.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Archilochus alexandri
- Identification: Small, slender hummingbird with dull bronze-green upperparts, pale underparts, a straight to slightly decurved black bill, and in adult males a velvety black throat bordered below by a narrow band of iridescent violet.
- Where found: Rare but increasingly regular in southern and southwestern Alberta, especially around foothill communities, river valleys, gardens, and feeder locations.
- How to spot: Look for a small hummingbird perched high on exposed branches between feeding bouts, hovering steadily at flowers or feeders, and compare tail and wing length carefully on females and immatures.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); not established as a regular breeding species in Alberta, but records have increased in recent years.
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is a rare but increasingly regular hummingbird in Alberta, with most recent records concentrated in the province’s southwestern foothills and adjacent valleys. This species measures 8 to 9 centimeters (3.1 to 3.5 inches) in length and has a slim build, narrow chest, and relatively long wings. Adult males show dull bronze-green upperparts, pale underparts, and a velvety black throat bordered below by a narrow violet band that may appear dark unless viewed in direct light. Females and immatures are plainer, with pale throats and whitish underparts.
In the field, Black-chinned Hummingbirds are often identified by structure and behavior rather than bold coloration. Individuals hover steadily at flowers and feeders and frequently perch high on exposed branches between feeding bouts. Wingbeats produce a relatively low-pitched humming sound, and birds engaged in aggressive interactions may give sharp chip notes or chattering calls. Feeding centers on floral nectar, supplemented by small insects and spiders captured in midair or taken from vegetation and spider webs. Compared with Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, perched Black-chinned Hummingbirds show wings that reach the tail tip or extend only slightly beyond it, while Ruby-throated Hummingbirds show a noticeably longer tail extending beyond the wings.
In Alberta, most records come from the southwestern part of the province, particularly around Fort MacLeod, Lethbridge, and Banff. Birds have been documented repeatedly during late spring and summer, with records involving both adult males and female or immature birds. Many observations occur at hummingbird feeders, gardens, and riparian or foothill habitats, suggesting that the species now appears regularly as a rare visitor during the breeding season. Despite repeated occurrences, breeding has not been clearly established in Alberta. Elsewhere, the species breeds across much of western North America and winters mainly in Mexico.
Across North America, the Black-chinned Hummingbird remains common and secure, with long-term monitoring indicating strong population increases since the 1970s. Canadian trend data show substantial increases in abundance, especially since the late 1990s. In Alberta, however, the species remains rare and localized, and its recent increase in records may partly reflect growing observer coverage and the widespread use of hummingbird feeders in southern communities.
Anna’s Hummingbird
Calypte anna
- Identification: Medium-sized, stocky hummingbird with bronzy-green upperparts, grayish underparts, a straight medium-length bill, and in adult males a rose-pink iridescent crown and throat.
- Where found: Rare but increasingly regular in southern Alberta, especially around Calgary, Banff, and foothill communities during late summer and fall.
- How to spot: Watch for hovering at feeders and flowers, listen for persistent singing from exposed perches, and look for the species’ relatively stocky shape and long tail.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations are increasing and expanding across North America, with Alberta records becoming more regular in recent years.
The Anna’s Hummingbird is another rare species in Alberta, but records have become increasingly regular in recent years, particularly in the southern part of the province during late summer and fall. It measures 10 to 11 centimeters (3.9 to 4.3 inches) in length and has a stocky build with a straight medium-length bill and a relatively broad tail that often extends beyond the folded wings when perched. Adults show bronzy-green upperparts and grayish underparts without the warm rufous tones shown by several western hummingbirds. Adult males are distinctive in good light, with iridescent rose-pink feathers covering the crown and throat, while females and immatures appear plainer with pale throats and only limited rose coloration when present.
Anna’s Hummingbirds are often identified by behavior and structure. Individuals hover steadily at flowers and feeders and frequently perch conspicuously between feeding bouts. Males may sing persistently from exposed branches or shrubs, producing a scratchy metallic song unusual among North American hummingbirds. During courtship, males perform steep aerial dives that end with a sharp explosive sound generated by the tail feathers. Feeding centers on nectar from flowering plants and feeders, supplemented by small insects and spiders captured in flight or taken from vegetation.
In Alberta, most recent records come from the Calgary region, Banff, and nearby foothill communities, with observations concentrated between July and September. Most documented birds have been females or immatures, although adult males and partially molting males have also been photographed. Many records occur at backyard feeders or gardens, suggesting that ornamental plantings and hummingbird feeders may help support wandering individuals. The species is considered accidental or vagrant in Alberta, and breeding has not been documented in the province. Elsewhere, Anna’s Hummingbirds are largely resident along the Pacific slope of western North America.
Across North America, Anna’s Hummingbird populations have increased dramatically since the 1970s, with major expansion occurring since the early 2000s. This growth has been strongly linked to the widespread planting of ornamental flowers and the increasing availability of hummingbird feeders in urban and suburban environments. In Alberta, the species remains rare, but records have become more regular in recent years, especially during late summer and fall, and occasional overwintering may occur near reliable feeder locations.
Costa’s Hummingbird
Calypte costae
- Identification: Small, compact hummingbird with short wings and tail, green upperparts, and in adult males a flared iridescent purple crown and throat that extend along the sides of the neck.
- Where found: Extremely rare in Alberta, with only a handful of records from southern parts of the province, mainly around Calgary.
- How to spot: Watch for a very small hummingbird visiting flowers or feeders in late fall, and look for the male’s distinctive flared purple throat pattern when present.
- Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); widespread and generally stable within its desert range, but only accidental in Alberta.
The Costa’s Hummingbird is one of the rarest hummingbirds ever documented in Alberta and remains only an accidental visitor to the province. The species measures 8 to 9 centimeters (3.1 to 3.5 inches) in length and has a compact, hunched appearance with short wings and a short tail. Adult males are distinctive, showing iridescent purple on the crown and throat, with elongated throat feathers that flare outward along the sides of the neck. Females and immatures are much plainer, with green upperparts, pale underparts, and only limited or absent purple coloration on the throat.
In Alberta, the species has been documented only a small number of times, primarily in the Calgary area. Recent records include a probable female or immature photographed near flowering plants in October, while an earlier documented record from Edmonton involved an immature or molting adult male observed in November. No breeding has been recorded in the province. Elsewhere, Costa’s Hummingbird is strongly associated with the deserts and dry scrub habitats of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, where many populations remain year-round.
Across its normal range, Costa’s Hummingbird remains relatively common and widespread in suitable desert and coastal scrub habitats. Long-term monitoring suggests generally stable populations with some localized declines related to habitat loss and fragmentation. In Alberta, however, the species remains exceptionally rare, and all records are considered accidental occurrences far outside the normal breeding and wintering range.
Where and When to See Hummingbirds in Alberta
Hummingbirds in Alberta are most closely associated with forest edges, mountain valleys, flowering gardens, riparian corridors, and shrubby openings from late spring through early fall. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the most widespread species across central and eastern parts of the province, especially in the Boreal Forest, Parkland, and settled areas with abundant flowers or feeders. Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds are more strongly tied to the Rocky Mountains and Foothills, where they occur in montane forests, woodland clearings, streamside habitats, and alpine or subalpine meadows.
The best period to observe hummingbirds in Alberta generally extends from May through August, when breeding birds are most active around flowers and feeders. Late summer and early fall can also produce unusual hummingbird records in southern Alberta, particularly around Calgary, Banff, and foothill communities, where rare western species such as Anna’s, Black-chinned, and exceptionally Costa’s Hummingbirds occasionally appear at gardens and backyard feeders during migration or post-breeding dispersal. Consistent flowering plants and well-maintained feeders often provide the best opportunities to observe both common and rare hummingbirds across the province.
For a broader perspective, see our guide to the types of hummingbirds in North America, and explore the Birds of Alberta and Birds of Canada pages for additional regional and national bird guides.
