15 Types of Hummingbirds in North America (ID Guide)

North America supports 15 hummingbird species that maintain regular breeding populations in recent years across the United States and Canada. These birds belong to the family Trochilidae and represent the northernmost extension of a group otherwise centered in the Neotropics, adapted to seasonal climates and a wide range of habitats, from deserts and coastal scrub to montane forests and alpine meadows.

This ID guide focuses on the hummingbird species that occur regularly within the United States and Canada, beginning with the most widespread and familiar species and continuing toward those with more limited, localized, or regionally restricted distributions. Each entry provides field-ready identification notes, emphasizing key plumage features, behavior, flight style, and habitat use, along with concise information on geographic range and conservation status. Where relevant, sex differences, and seasonal movements are highlighted to aid accurate identification in the field.

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: Breeds widely across eastern North America from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast, occupying woodlands, forest edges, gardens, parks, and suburban landscapes.
• How to spot: Watch for fast, direct flight with frequent hovering at flowers or feeders, aggressive chases of other hummingbirds, and rapid squeaky or chipping calls near feeding sites.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations are widespread and increasing in North America, with no major conservation threats at present.

The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most widespread and familiar hummingbird in eastern North America and the only species that breeds regularly east of the Great Plains. It is a characteristic summer visitor from southern Canada through the eastern United States to the Gulf Coast, and it occupies the largest breeding range of any North American hummingbird. This small species 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.

Adults of both sexes show metallic green upperparts that can appear emerald or golden-green in good light, contrasting with whitish to grayish underparts. The adult male is distinguished by a vivid metallic red gorget that covers the entire throat and may flash coppery or orange tones in direct light, while appearing dark or nearly black when not reflecting light. Females lack the red throat and instead show a plain grayish-white throat, often with subtle mottling on the sides of the breast, and they have white tips on the outer tail feathers that are absent in males. Wings and tail are dark, appearing blackish in most lighting. Juveniles resemble adult females, with fresh plumage and faint cinnamon fringes on the upperparts that wear off quickly; young males may show scattered dusky streaks or a few red feathers developing in the throat during their first fall.

In the field, ruby-throated hummingbirds are often detected by their behavior as much as by their appearance. They fly straight and fast between feeding sites, stop abruptly to hover, and can move backward or vertically with fine control. Individuals frequently defend nectar sources, chasing intruders with sharp, rapid wingbeats and squeaky chipping calls. The wings produce a steady humming sound in flight, higher and more variable in pitch in males. Their diet consists primarily of floral nectar, obtained while hovering or perching at flowers or feeders, supplemented by small insects and spiders captured in midair, plucked from foliage, or taken from spider webs.

This species breeds across a broad swath of eastern North America, from central Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime Provinces south through the eastern Great Plains, the Midwest, and the eastern United States to Texas, the Gulf Coast, and central Florida. It favors open woodlands, forest edges, meadows, and riparian corridors, and it readily uses parks, gardens, and suburban neighborhoods where flowering plants or feeders are available. During winter, ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate to Mexico and Central America, with increasing numbers now overwintering along the Gulf Coast and in parts of Florida. Nests are small, cup-shaped structures placed on tree branches, where the female alone incubates and raises the young.

Across North America, the ruby-throated hummingbird is common and considered secure. Long-term monitoring indicates steady population increases over recent decades, likely aided by widespread availability of flowering ornamental plants and hummingbird feeders, as well as milder winter conditions in some regions. Although the species faces general risks such as habitat loss and hazards associated with urban environments, no major threats currently affect its overall status. Its adaptability to human-modified landscapes and its broad breeding range make it one of the most successful and resilient hummingbirds on the continent.

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: Occurs mainly along the Pacific slope of western North America, from southern British Columbia through the western United States to Baja California, inhabiting gardens, woodlands, coastal scrub, and urban areas.
• How to spot: Watch for hovering at feeders and flowers, males singing persistently from exposed perches, and dramatic courtship dives that end with a sharp, explosive sound.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations are increasing and expanding their range in North America, largely benefiting from human-modified habitats.

The Anna’s hummingbird is the most familiar and widespread hummingbird along the Pacific Coast and one of the few species that commonly occurs year-round across much of its range. It is especially notable as the northernmost regularly resident hummingbird in North America. This compact species measures 10 to 11 centimeters (3.9 to 4.3 inches) in length and has a stocky build for a hummingbird, with a straight bill of medium length and a relatively broad tail that often extends beyond the folded wings when perched.

Adults show iridescent bronzy-green upperparts and grayish underparts without rufous tones. The adult male is unique among North American hummingbirds in having iridescent rose-pink feathers covering both the crown and the entire throat, with elongated gorget feathers that can project slightly to the sides. These feathers often appear dull, brownish, or gray in poor light but flare brilliantly in direct sunlight. Females lack the full crown coloration and typically show a plain grayish throat, though some may have a small number of rose-colored feathers at the center. The tail is dark in males, while females have blackish outer tail feathers with pale tips. Juveniles resemble adult females and may show limited throat color.

In the field, Anna’s hummingbirds are often detected by their voice and behavior. Males frequently sing from exposed perches in trees or shrubs, producing a scratchy, metallic song that carries well across open spaces. They hover precisely at flowers and feeders and are strongly territorial, engaging in aggressive chases with other hummingbirds. During courtship, males perform steep aerial dives from high above the ground, pulling out at the bottom with an abrupt spread of the tail that produces a loud, explosive chirp generated by the outer tail feathers. Their diet consists mainly of nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants, supplemented by small insects and spiders captured in midair, from foliage, or from spider webs.

This species breeds primarily along the Pacific slope of western North America, from southern British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, California, and into Baja California. It also occurs locally inland in parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and adjacent regions, especially in mesic habitats at lower elevations. Anna’s hummingbirds occupy a wide range of environments, including coastal scrub, open woodlands, riparian corridors, gardens, parks, and urban neighborhoods. Unlike most North American hummingbirds, many populations do not migrate long distances, instead making localized seasonal movements that track flowering cycles and food availability. Nesting often begins in winter or early spring, with small cup-shaped nests placed on branches or shrubs.

Across North America, the Anna’s hummingbird is abundant and increasing. Long-term monitoring shows steady population growth and a dramatic expansion of its breeding range since the early 20th century. This success is closely linked to the widespread planting of ornamental flowering plants, the availability of hummingbird feeders, and the species’ tolerance of urban and suburban environments. Although individuals face localized risks such as predation by outdoor cats and collisions near buildings, no major threats currently affect the species at a regional scale. The Anna’s hummingbird has become a defining and resilient component of western North America’s birdlife.

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: Widespread across western North America, from southern British Columbia through the western United States into northern Mexico, occupying habitats ranging from deserts to mountain forests and urban areas.
• How to spot: Look for a small hummingbird perched high on bare branches between feeding bouts, hovering steadily at flowers or feeders, and listen for the low-pitched hum of the wings during flight.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations are stable to slightly increasing overall, with local dependence on intact riparian habitats in arid regions.

The black-chinned hummingbird is one of the most widespread and adaptable hummingbirds in western North America. Rather than standing out through extreme size or bright coloration, it is notable for its generalized habits and broad ecological tolerance, which have allowed it to become common across much of its range. This species measures 8 to 9 centimeters (3.1 to 3.5 inches) in length and has a slim build, a narrow chest, and a straight to slightly downcurved bill well suited to a wide variety of flowers and feeding strategies.

Adult males are dull metallic bronze-green above, with grayish-white underparts that are often darker along the sides and flanks. The throat is distinctive but subtle: the chin and upper throat are velvety black, while the lower throat shows a narrow band of iridescent violet that is usually visible only when light strikes it at the right angle. Females are similar above but have a paler head and a creamy to whitish throat that may show faint streaking or dusky spotting. The outer three pairs of tail feathers in females are broadly tipped with white, while males have darker tails with green central feathers and black outer feathers. Juveniles closely resemble adult females, appearing fresher and slightly buffy when newly fledged, and young males may show a few early dark or violet throat feathers.

In the field, black-chinned hummingbirds are often identified by behavior and structure rather than by bold color. They hover steadily at flowers and feeders, frequently backing away while still hovering, and they are agile even when feeding in windy conditions. Between feeding bouts, individuals commonly perch at the tops of dead or exposed branches, scanning for insects or competitors. Wingbeats produce a low-pitched humming sound, and birds engaged in aggressive interactions give sharp chip notes or harsher chattering calls. Their diet consists primarily of nectar, supplemented by small insects and spiders captured in midair, gleaned from vegetation, or taken from spider webs.

This species breeds across a large portion of western North America, from interior southern British Columbia south through Washington, Oregon, California, the Great Basin, the Rocky Mountain region, and the Southwest, extending into northern Mexico. It occupies a wide range of environments, including deserts, foothills, mountain forests, riparian corridors, suburban neighborhoods, and urban parks, provided that flowering plants and suitable perches are available. Most individuals migrate to Mexico for the winter, though some remain in the southern United States, particularly along the Gulf Coast, where wintering records have become increasingly regular. Nests are small cups placed on horizontal branches, often near streams or in sheltered locations.

Across its range, the black-chinned hummingbird remains common and secure. Long-term monitoring indicates stable to modestly increasing populations, aided in part by the widespread use of hummingbird feeders and the planting of nectar-producing ornamental plants. In arid parts of the West, however, the species relies heavily on intact riparian habitats, making the preservation of streamside vegetation important for maintaining local breeding populations. Overall, its flexibility in habitat use and feeding behavior has made it one of the most successful hummingbirds in western North America.

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, while females look greener with rufous in the tail and flanks.
• Where found: Breeds mainly in northwestern North America from coastal southeastern Alaska through much of British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon, and winters primarily in Mexico, with regular seasonal movement through the western United States.
• How to spot: Watch for an extremely territorial hummingbird that aggressively defends flowers and feeders, listen for sharp chip notes and harsher chase calls, and note the male’s distinctive metallic wing whine in flight.
• Conservation status: Near Threatened (IUCN); populations are declining in North America in long-term monitoring, and the species is now flagged as a heightened conservation concern because of steep losses over recent decades.

The rufous hummingbird is the most aggressive hummingbird in North America, widely known for relentless territorial behavior at flowers and feeders. This species is also notable for its exceptional migratory lifestyle, with individuals spending much of the year moving between breeding, stopover, and wintering areas across the West. Adults measure 7 to 9 centimeters (2.8 to 3.5 inches) in length. The compact body, short wings, and narrow bill give it a stubby, fast-moving look that fits its high-energy feeding and frequent chases.

Adult male plumage is intensely warm-toned and distinctive. The male shows a glittering orange-red gorget and largely rufous crown and upperparts, though the amount of green mixed into the back and crown varies among individuals. The underparts are mostly rufous, and the tail is rufous with darker tipping. Adult females look much greener overall and lack the male’s extensive rufous upperparts. The female shows green upperparts, whitish underparts with dark spotting along the throat, and a tail pattern that combines green central tail feathers with rufous outer feathers marked by a dark subterminal band and white tips. Juveniles resemble females and often show more rufous in the uppertail coverts and central tail feathers than adult females, while throat spotting and any glittering throat color can be reduced or absent.

Field identification often begins with behavior. Rufous hummingbirds defend feeding patches aggressively in breeding areas, during migration stopovers, and on winter grounds, and they routinely chase other hummingbirds away from flowers and feeders. The species gives frequent vocalizations during agonistic encounters, including repeated chip notes and longer, harsher calls during escalated disputes, and males also vocalize during display flights. The wings produce an audible hum in both sexes, while males can produce a conspicuous metallic whine in flight that can vary with context. Feeding centers on floral nectar, but birds also take small insects by aerial hawking and by gleaning from vegetation and surfaces, and they may use sap and trapped insects from sapsucker wells when flowers are scarce.

This species breeds primarily in the northwest, from coastal southeastern Alaska through much of British Columbia, and across Washington and Oregon into adjacent interior regions. Rufous hummingbirds breed in open areas, yards, parks, and forested landscapes up to treeline, and they also occur widely as migrants across the West. Seasonal movement follows a broad annual circuit, with northward movement along the Pacific slope in spring and a return route that often shifts inland through mountain regions later in the year as birds track flowering resources. Wintering occurs mainly in Mexico, with additional regular winter presence in small numbers in areas such as coastal and southern California, and with increasing verified winter records in parts of the southeastern United States where birds are often associated with feeders.

Despite its broad range and familiar presence at feeders, the rufous hummingbird is now a species of growing conservation concern. Long-term monitoring indicates substantial declines across recent decades, and current summaries flag the species as a “tipping point” hummingbird in North America. Conservation attention increasingly focuses on maintaining the habitats and floral resources that support breeding birds, migratory stopovers, and wintering populations, as well as sustaining the riparian and woodland openings that provide reliable feeding opportunities across its annual circuit.

Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

Selasphorus platycercus

• Identification: Medium-sized hummingbird with iridescent green upperparts, a long straight bill, and in adult males a rose-magenta throat; males produce a distinctive metallic wing trill in flight.
• Where found: Breeds mainly at higher elevations in the western United States, especially the Rocky Mountains and adjacent ranges, and winters primarily in the highlands of Mexico.
• How to spot: Listen for the male’s loud, shrill wing trill while it patrols mountain meadows and feeders, and watch for hovering birds returning repeatedly to favored perches.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations are fairly common but show long-term declines in parts of North America, with climate-related pressures suspected.

The broad-tailed hummingbird is the characteristic hummingbird of high-elevation landscapes in the southern and central Rocky Mountains and other western mountain ranges. It is especially notable for breeding at elevations where nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing, making it one of the hardiest hummingbirds in North America. Adults measure 9 to 10 centimeters (3.5 to 3.9 inches) in length and are longer-bodied and longer-winged than other North American Selasphorus hummingbirds, giving them a less compact and less stubby appearance than species such as the rufous hummingbird.

Both sexes show iridescent green upperparts. Adult males are distinguished by a round, rose-magenta gorget confined to the throat and lacking the lateral extensions seen in Calypte hummingbirds. In good light the throat can appear vividly saturated, while in poor light it may look dark or muted. Females lack a full gorget and instead show a pale throat that may be unmarked or lightly speckled with bronze-green, sometimes containing a few rose-magenta feathers. Underparts are pale with greenish or buffy flanks. The tail pattern is distinctive: the outer tail feathers show white tips in both females and juveniles, which can flash conspicuously in flight.

Field identification is strongly aided by sound. Adult males produce a high-pitched metallic wing trill generated by the outer primary feathers, a shrill buzzing or whistling sound often likened to an insect. This trill is given frequently during territorial flights and is one of the most reliable cues to the species’ presence in mountain habitats. Females lack the wing trill and rely more on vocal chipping or chittering calls during territorial disputes. Broad-tailed hummingbirds hover steadily at flowers and feeders, often returning repeatedly to favored perches above surrounding vegetation. Their diet consists mainly of floral nectar, supplemented by small insects captured in midair or gleaned from plants, with insects becoming especially important during nesting.

This species breeds in mountainous regions from the western United States south through Mexico, occupying forest openings, shrubby slopes, and flower-rich meadows within pine-oak, pinyon-juniper, and evergreen forest zones. In the United States, breeding occurs widely in the Rockies and associated ranges of states such as Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, eastern California, and parts of Oregon and Texas, generally at moderate to high elevations. After the breeding season, broad-tailed hummingbirds withdraw from northern portions of their range and move south to winter primarily in the highlands of central and southern Mexico. Small numbers occur irregularly during winter in parts of the southern United States, often at feeders.

Although still fairly common within suitable habitat, the broad-tailed hummingbird shows evidence of long-term population decline across parts of its North American range. The causes are not fully understood, but changing climate conditions may be affecting the timing and availability of high-elevation flowering plants that are critical during the short breeding season. Severe winter conditions on the wintering grounds may also influence survival in some years. Despite these pressures, the species continues to persist across a wide range of mountainous habitats, and the use of hummingbird feeders may help support local populations in settled areas.

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 in mountainous regions of western North America from southern Canada through the western United States, favoring meadows, open forests, and shrubby streamside habitats.
• How to spot: Look for a very small hummingbird perched atop willows or alders, or listen for sharp zinging sounds during U-shaped display dives in mountain meadows.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations are generally stable in North America, with minor long-term declines and potential sensitivity due to a restricted wintering range.

The calliope hummingbird is the smallest bird in North America and the smallest hummingbird found regularly in the United States and Canada. It is especially notable for combining an extremely small body size with long-distance migration between western North America and Mexico. This tiny species measures 7 to 8 centimeters (2.8 to 3.1 inches) in length and appears compact and hunched, with short wings that barely extend beyond the tail and a fine, relatively short bill.

Adult males are unmistakable when seen well, showing an iridescent gorget divided into narrow magenta-red rays that radiate outward from the throat, creating a starburst effect against a white throat background. These rays can be held flat and inconspicuous or raised dramatically during display. Adult females lack this ray-patterned throat and instead show a clean white throat that may carry a few small dark or reddish spots. Both sexes have green upperparts. Males show greenish underparts, while females and immatures have paler underparts with a faint peach or buff wash. The tail is short, and the central tail feathers are broadened toward their tips, a subtle but distinctive structural feature among North American hummingbirds. Juveniles resemble adult females and are best separated in the field by size, behavior, and context rather than plumage alone.

In the field, calliope hummingbirds are often detected by their behavior and sound. Males perform conspicuous U-shaped display dives during the breeding season, producing a sharp zinging call and a sputtering buzz created by the tail feathers. Away from display flights, the species is generally quiet, giving soft twittering or chipping notes during interactions. The wing hum is higher-pitched and more insect-like than that of larger hummingbirds, reflecting its rapid wingbeat. Individuals frequently forage low over flowers and vegetation, taking nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants and capturing small flying insects by aerial hawking from exposed perches, often returning repeatedly to favored lookout branches.

The breeding range spans mountainous western North America, from central interior British Columbia and southwestern Alberta south through Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and Wyoming, Nevada, California, and into northern Baja California. The species favors montane meadows, forest openings, regenerating burns or logged areas, and shrubby streamside corridors, often at moderate to high elevations. After breeding, calliope hummingbirds migrate to wintering areas in western and southern Mexico, where they occupy pine-oak forests and scrubby woodland edges. Migration routes form a broad loop, with spring movements tending closer to the Pacific coast and fall movements more often following interior mountain routes. Nests are small and well camouflaged, placed in shrubs or trees, with the female alone responsible for incubation and care of the young.

Within North America, the calliope hummingbird is generally considered fairly common within suitable habitat, and overall populations appear relatively stable. Long-term monitoring indicates only slight declines, but the species’ reliance on high-elevation breeding habitats and its concentration on wintering grounds in Mexico make it potentially vulnerable to climate-driven changes and habitat alteration. Protection of mountain meadow ecosystems and wintering habitats remains important for maintaining healthy populations of this smallest of North America’s birds.

Allen’s Hummingbird

Selasphorus sasin

• Identification: Small, compact hummingbird with bronze-green upperparts, extensive rufous on the flanks and tail, and in adult males a brilliant coppery-red throat.
• Where found: Breeds in a narrow coastal strip of the western United States, mainly California and extreme southwestern Oregon, using coastal scrub, chaparral, and open woodland.
• How to spot: Listen for high-pitched metallic wing buzzes and sharp squealing sounds during pendulum flights and steep dive displays, and watch for early-arriving males perched atop shrubs in coastal habitats.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations in North America show strong long-term declines, with coastal habitat loss and development considered key pressures.

The Allen’s hummingbird is one of the earliest arriving migratory birds on the Pacific Coast and a defining hummingbird of coastal California in late winter and early spring. It is especially well known for the male’s elaborate and acoustically complex courtship displays, which rank among the most spectacular of any North American hummingbird. Adults measure 8 to 9 centimeters (3.1 to 3.5 inches) in length and have a short, stocky build with relatively short wings and a straight bill about as long as the head.

Adult males show iridescent bronze-green upperparts that contrast with rich rufous uppertail coverts, rufous ear coverts, and a rufous tail. The throat bears a vivid coppery-red gorget with slightly elongated lateral feathers that can flare during display. The breast is whitish and grades into pale rufous on the abdomen, becoming deeper rufous on the flanks. Adult females lack the bright gorget and appear duller overall, with bronze-green upperparts, pale rufous restricted to the flanks, and a whitish throat marked with dusky or bronze spotting; a few iridescent reddish feathers may be present near the center of the throat. Juveniles resemble adult females, with young males gradually acquiring bright throat feathers during their first year.

Field identification often relies on behavior and sound as much as plumage. Adult males produce a high-pitched metallic wing trill in flight, softer and less ringing than that of the broad-tailed hummingbird but frequent and conspicuous during territorial activity. During courtship, males perform complex pendulum-like flights followed by steep dives from high above the ground, producing sharp mechanical squeals with the tail at the bottom of the dive. Both sexes give sharp chip notes and longer chattering calls during feeding and territorial disputes. Allen’s hummingbirds forage by hovering at flowers or feeders for nectar and by capturing small insects in midair or gleaning them from vegetation, often moving quickly between low flowers and exposed perches.

The Allen’s hummingbird overlaps locally with the closely related rufous hummingbird, and the two species are frequently inseparable in the field, especially during migration or in winter. Differences are most consistent in adult males, based on tail structure and display sounds, while females and immatures are often not identifiable with confidence.

The breeding range is restricted to a narrow band along the Pacific Coast, from extreme southwestern Oregon south through coastal California. The species occupies coastal scrub, chaparral, open woodland, forest edges, and shrubby canyons, often close to flowering plants that bloom early in the year. A resident subspecies occurs on several of the southern California Channel Islands and in parts of coastal southern California, while migratory populations move south after breeding. Most individuals winter in central Mexico, though small numbers appear irregularly along the Gulf Coast and in parts of the southeastern United States. Nests are placed in shrubs or small trees, and the female alone builds the nest and raises the young.

Across its limited North American range, the Allen’s hummingbird has become a species of increasing conservation concern despite its current global status. Monitoring data indicate pronounced long-term population declines, particularly within its coastal breeding range. Ongoing development and loss of coastal scrub and chaparral habitats are considered major threats, although some individuals use gardens and supplemental feeders. Continued habitat protection along the Pacific Coast is likely critical to the long-term persistence of this early-arriving and highly specialized hummingbird.

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 laterally along the sides of the neck.
• Where found: Occurs mainly in the southwestern United States, breeding in desert scrub of the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts and in chaparral and sage scrub along coastal California.
• How to spot: Listen for the male’s very high-pitched whistling sounds during looping and U-shaped display dives, and watch for small hummingbirds hovering low among desert shrubs and flowers.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations are generally stable to slightly declining in North America, with habitat loss in desert and coastal scrub areas as the primary concern.

The Costa’s hummingbird is one of the most distinctive hummingbirds of the deserts and dry coastal regions of the southwestern United States. It is especially notable for the male’s dramatic purple throat display and its adaptation to hot, arid environments that few other hummingbirds regularly occupy. Adults measure 8 to 9 centimeters (3.1 to 3.5 inches) in length and have a compact, hunched appearance, with short wings and a short tail that barely reach each other when the bird is perched.

Adult males show iridescent purple on both the crown and gorget, with the throat feathers extending outward along the sides of the neck to form a pronounced flared shape that is unique among North American hummingbirds. In good light, the purple can appear intensely saturated, while in shade it may look dark or nearly black. The back is green, and the underparts form a greenish vest. Adult females and immatures lack the flared gorget and appear much plainer, with greenish upperparts, whitish underparts, and a pale eyebrow stripe. Some adult females show a small patch of iridescent violet or purple feathers in the center of the throat, while others have a completely white throat.

In the field, Costa’s hummingbirds are often detected by sound and behavior. Adult males produce extremely high-pitched whistling vocalizations, especially during the breeding season, giving long, thin whistles while perched or during looping dive displays. These display flights typically trace broad U-shaped or looping paths, with the whistle rising and falling in pitch as the bird accelerates and climbs. Females give dry, light ticking calls, often in rapid series, which can be useful for identification. Costa’s hummingbirds feed primarily on floral nectar, hovering at flowers or occasionally perching, and they supplement their diet by capturing small flying insects in midair or gleaning arthropods from vegetation.

This species breeds mainly in the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts of Arizona, southeastern California, southern Nevada, and extreme southwestern Utah, as well as in desert scrub and chaparral habitats of northwestern Mexico. Along coastal California, it occupies sage scrub and chaparral, extending north at least to central portions of the state. During the non-breeding season, Costa’s hummingbirds largely remain within the same general region, though they withdraw from some northern desert areas and become more localized. Wintering birds occur widely across Baja California and parts of northwestern mainland Mexico, with smaller numbers persisting in low-elevation desert habitats of southern California and Arizona. Nests are placed in shrubs or small trees, usually within desert scrub or open coastal vegetation, and the female alone carries out nesting duties.

Within its range, the Costa’s hummingbird is relatively common and remains widespread across suitable habitats. Long-term monitoring suggests that populations are generally stable or show slight declines, with regional variation. The primary threats involve loss and fragmentation of desert scrub and coastal sage scrub due to urban development, agriculture, and grazing. Despite these pressures, the species continues to persist across a broad swath of arid landscapes and remains a characteristic hummingbird of the deserts and dry coasts of the southwestern United States.

Buff-Bellied Hummingbird

Amazilia yucatanensis

• Identification: Medium-sized hummingbird with bronze-green upperparts, a warm buff-colored belly, a rich blue-green throat and chest, and a distinctive reddish bill with a dark tip.
• Where found: Occurs primarily along the Gulf Coast, breeding in southern Texas and ranging south through eastern Mexico, with wintering birds sometimes wandering farther along the southeastern United States.
• How to spot: Look for a larger hummingbird at flowers or feeders in South Texas brushlands and suburban areas, often giving sharp ticking calls and aggressively chasing smaller hummingbirds.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations appear generally stable, though habitat loss across its range remains a potential concern.

The buff-bellied hummingbird is one of the least-studied hummingbirds that occurs regularly in the United States and is notable for its very limited distribution north of Mexico. In the U.S., it is largely confined to southern Texas, where it represents a distinctive tropical element of the avifauna. The species measures 10 to 11 centimeters (3.9 to 4.3 inches) in length, making it relatively large compared with most other hummingbirds found in the region, with a moderately long bill, wings, and tail.

Adult males show metallic bronze-green upperparts that appear darker on the crown, with uppertail coverts often intermixed with cinnamon-rufous tones. The middle tail feathers are partly metallic bronze, while the remaining tail feathers are chestnut with bronzy margins. The chin, throat, and upper chest are bright iridescent yellowish emerald green that can flash vividly in sunlight but appear muted or grayish in shade. The lower underparts, including the belly and undertail coverts, are pale cinnamon buff, giving the species its name. The bill is strikingly reddish with a darker tip. Adult females closely resemble males but are slightly duller overall, with less intense iridescence on the throat and back and a darker upper bill. Subadults are noticeably duller, with grayish-buff throats and chests, mottled green flanks, and feathers edged with tawny or cinnamon tones.

In the field, buff-bellied hummingbirds are often detected by a combination of size, coloration, and voice. They give a resonant ticking or “tik-k” call when arriving at flowers or interacting with other hummingbirds, a sound similar to that of the rufous hummingbird but fuller and more ringing. During chases and territorial interactions, individuals may produce longer, rapidly repeated calls and sharp “siik” notes. Displaying birds give a distinctive two-syllable call in the early morning. The species feeds primarily on floral nectar, hovering at flowers or occasionally perching, and supplements its diet with small insects captured by short fly-catching sallies or gleaned from leaves and branches. It readily visits hummingbird feeders and often dominates smaller species.

The breeding range extends along the Gulf Coast from southern Texas south through eastern Mexico, the Yucatán Peninsula, Belize, and into northern Guatemala. In the United States, breeding is known only from extreme southern Texas, especially the Lower Rio Grande Valley and adjacent coastal areas, where the species inhabits Tamaulipan brushland, thorn forest, riparian corridors, suburban neighborhoods, and urban parks with flowering plants. Unlike many hummingbirds, the buff-bellied hummingbird winters throughout much of its breeding range. After the breeding season, some individuals wander north and east along the Gulf Coast, with regular winter records from Texas and Louisiana and occasional occurrences farther east. Nests are placed in shrubs or small trees, and as in other hummingbirds, the female alone builds the nest and raises the young.

Within its limited U.S. range, the buff-bellied hummingbird is uncommon but regular, and evidence suggests that it may be expanding slowly in southern Texas. Across its broader range, populations appear generally stable, although detailed studies are lacking. Habitat destruction and modification in coastal lowlands and brushland ecosystems may pose long-term risks, but the species’ use of suburban gardens and feeders may provide some resilience. Its combination of tropical affinities and increasing presence in South Texas makes it one of the most distinctive hummingbirds found in the United States.

Broad-Billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

• Identification: Small, slender hummingbird with metallic green and blue plumage, a broad reddish bill tipped in black, and in adult males a vivid blue-green throat.
• Where found: Breeds locally in the mountainous Southwest of the United States, especially southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and parts of southwestern Texas, and occurs widely through central Mexico.
• How to spot: Watch for bright males visiting flowers or feeders in shaded canyons and gardens, and listen for high-pitched zinging sounds during pendulum-style courtship flights.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations appear stable overall, though trends in the United States are not well documented.

The broad-billed hummingbird is one of the most colorful birds to occur regularly in the southwestern United States and is most familiar north of Mexico as a summer breeder in desert mountain ranges. It is notable for the male’s striking blue and green plumage and its association with shady, flower-rich canyons in otherwise arid landscapes. Adults measure 8 to 10 centimeters (3.1 to 3.9 inches) in length and have a slender build with a long, straight bill that appears unusually broad and brightly colored compared with other North American hummingbirds.

Adult males are among the most visually striking hummingbirds in the region. The crown, upperparts, and throat shimmer with deep blues and greens, with the gorget appearing dark blue to blue-green depending on light angle. The tail is glossy blue-black, slightly notched, and tipped with gray. The bill is vivid reddish with a contrasting black tip. Adult females are much plainer, with metallic bronze-green upperparts, grayish underparts, and a pale white eye stripe set against a dusky ear patch. Their tail is squarer than the male’s, with white tips on the outer tail feathers. Juveniles closely resemble adult females, though young males may show scattered iridescent blue or green feathers on the throat as they mature.

In the field, broad-billed hummingbirds are detected by both sight and sound. Males are vocal during the breeding season and give sharp chips, chattering calls, and a distinctive high-pitched zing associated with their pendulum-style courtship display. During this display, the male swings back and forth in a rhythmic arc while producing audible wing sounds, then may sing or chatter from nearby perches. Both sexes forage actively, hovering at flowers or feeders for nectar and capturing small insects by flycatching or gleaning them from foliage. Individuals may defend feeding areas in some habitats but can also move widely between flower patches.

In the United States, this species breeds locally in southeastern Arizona, extreme southwestern New Mexico, and rarely in southwestern Texas, primarily in mountainous regions with riparian corridors and flowering canyons. Habitats include stream canyons with sycamores, cottonwoods, and willows, as well as desert scrub and thorn forest where flowering plants are available. Farther south, the range extends broadly through western and central Mexico, where the species occupies a variety of habitats from arid thorn forest to gallery forest. Most populations are resident year-round, but birds from the northern edge of the range withdraw southward after breeding and return in spring. Nests are typically placed in sheltered canyon settings, often near water.

Across its range, the broad-billed hummingbird is considered relatively common and secure. Although population size and trends in the United States are not well quantified, the species remains widespread in suitable habitat and readily uses gardens and hummingbird feeders. Habitat alteration in riparian and desert regions may pose localized risks, but at present no major threats are known to affect the species across its overall range.

Lucifer Hummingbird

Calothorax lucifer

• Identification: Medium-sized hummingbird with a relatively long, downcurved bill, iridescent green upperparts, and in adult males a large purple-magenta throat and narrow, deeply forked tail.
• Where found: Occurs primarily in northern and central Mexico, with small breeding populations in the southwestern United States, mainly southern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and west Texas, in arid desert canyons and foothills.
• How to spot: Look for a hunched, long-tailed hummingbird hovering at agave flowers in dry canyons, and listen for dry chip notes or thin, wheezy squeaks given from perches.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations appear stable overall but are limited and localized in the United States, where habitat availability and competition influence local occurrence.

The lucifer hummingbird is one of the most distinctive and sought-after hummingbirds in the southwestern United States, where it occurs only in a few isolated desert mountain regions. It is best known for its association with arid landscapes and for the striking, elongated tail and curved bill of the adult male. This species measures 9 to 10 centimeters (3.5 to 3.9 inches) in length and has a small, tapered body paired with a large head and long, downcurved bill that together give it a slightly top-heavy, disproportionate appearance.

Adults of both sexes show iridescent green upperparts that can appear dull or bright depending on light angle. The adult male has a large, elongated gorget that reflects purplish-rose to magenta tones, bordered by white along the sides and lower edge; when not reflecting light, the throat can look dark and subdued. The tail of the male is long, narrow, and deeply forked, though the fork is often difficult to see unless the tail is flared during displays. Females lack iridescent throat feathers and instead show warm buff coloration on the throat and breast, often richer and more extensive than in similar species. A dusky ear patch contrasts with a paler area behind the eye, and the strongly curved bill is especially noticeable. Immature males resemble females but may show a few developing purple feathers on the throat by late summer, with tail shape gradually becoming more elongated.

In the field, lucifer hummingbirds are often detected by posture and behavior as much as by color. Birds frequently perch in a hunched position on exposed twigs or shrubs and make short, direct flights between feeding sites. Typical flight includes hovering at flowers, brief flycatching sallies for insects, and rapid, straight movements between perches. Vocalizations are varied and include dry chip notes given in series, a more musical chirp-trill, and in males a thin, wheezy whisper-squeak audible only at close range. The species feeds primarily on floral nectar, especially from desert plants such as agaves, and supplements its diet with small insects and spiders captured in flight or taken from vegetation.

Within the United States, the lucifer hummingbird breeds locally in extreme southern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and west Texas, with its strongest presence in and around Big Bend National Park and nearby mountain ranges. It favors dry canyons, rocky hillsides, desert washes, and open foothills with flowering plants such as agave, ocotillo, and penstemon, sometimes extending into open pine-oak woodland. Breeding also occurs widely across northern and central Mexico. During winter, the species withdraws almost entirely to Mexico, where it occupies interior valleys and foothills at moderate elevations. Nests are placed in sheltered sites within shrubs or small trees, and courtship displays are unusual in that males often perform them near the female’s nest rather than at feeding areas.

Overall, the lucifer hummingbird has a relatively small global population and a restricted distribution in the United States, where it occurs in low numbers and localized pockets. Long-term population trends are not well documented, but the species appears stable across much of its Mexican range. In the southwestern United States, availability of flowering desert plants and competition with more dominant hummingbird species influence local abundance. Supplemental feeding at established sites, such as those in Big Bend National Park, may help sustain small breeding populations at the northern edge of the species’ range.

Blue-Throated Mountain-Gem

Lampornis clemenciae

• Identification: Large hummingbird with iridescent green upperparts, gray underparts, a long rounded black tail with bold white corners, and in adult males a vivid cobalt- to cerulean-blue throat.
• Where found: Breeds in mountainous regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico, favoring forested canyons and streamside habitats at mid to high elevations.
• How to spot: Look for a large, assertive hummingbird at feeders or flowering streams, and listen for repeated sweet chip notes or quiet, complex songs given from exposed perches.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); widespread and common in Mexico but very localized in the United States, where habitat loss poses localized risks.

The blue-throated mountain-gem is the largest hummingbird that breeds regularly in the United States and one of the most distinctive species found in North American mountain habitats. Within the United States, it is a highly localized breeder, confined to a small number of “sky island” mountain ranges in the Southwest, while it is far more widespread in Mexico. This robust hummingbird measures 11 to 13 centimeters (4.3 to 5.1 inches) in length and has a solid, broad-chested build, long wings, and a full, rounded tail that give it a heavier appearance than most other hummingbirds.

Adults of both sexes show iridescent green to bronze-green upperparts that can shift in tone with lighting, becoming darker toward the rump. The underparts are pale to medium gray, sometimes washed with green along the flanks. Adult males are distinguished by a striking cobalt-blue to cerulean-blue gorget that can glitter intensely in good light but appear dark when not reflecting light. Females lack the blue throat and instead have a plain gray throat, closely matching the color of the breast. Both sexes share a bold facial pattern with a white stripe behind the eye and a fainter pale stripe below it. The long tail is black with deep blue gloss and broad white tips on the outer feathers, a key identification feature visible even at rest. Immatures resemble adults but often show buff-gray edging on the feathers, especially on the crown and rump.

In the field, blue-throated mountain-gems are often noticed by their size, confidence, and voice. They fly with strong, direct wingbeats, hover steadily at flowers and feeders, and are capable of short glides. Individuals frequently perch high and conspicuously within their territories. Males give repeated chip notes, often at a steady pace, which function as long-distance territorial signals, and they also produce a quiet but complex whisper song that is audible only at close range. Females also sing, sometimes overlapping the male’s song during courtship, a rare trait among North American hummingbirds. The species feeds on floral nectar and readily uses feeders, but it also takes a substantial amount of animal prey, including flying insects, spiders, and insects gleaned from bark, foliage, and spider webs.

In the United States, this species breeds in mountainous areas of southeastern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and western Texas, including ranges such as the Huachuca and Chiricahua Mountains in Arizona and the Chisos and Guadalupe Mountains in Texas. It typically occupies coniferous and mixed woodlands, shaded canyons, and stream corridors at elevations roughly corresponding to mid- and upper-montane zones, where flowering plants are abundant. Southward, its breeding range extends widely through the mountains of Mexico, reaching as far as Oaxaca. During winter, blue-throated mountain-gems vacate most of their United States breeding sites and move south or downslope in Mexico, although a small number, mostly males, regularly overwinter near feeders in sheltered mountain canyons of southeastern Arizona. Nests are placed in trees or shrubs within forested habitats, often near water.

Across its overall range, the blue-throated mountain-gem remains common and secure, especially in Mexico, where it occupies extensive suitable habitat. In the United States, however, it occurs in very small, patchy populations restricted to isolated mountain ranges. While the species tolerates limited human presence and readily visits feeders, its dependence on specific forested canyon habitats makes it vulnerable to localized threats such as logging, grazing, mining, water diversion, and changes in plant communities. Continued protection of montane riparian habitats and forested canyons is important for maintaining the species at the northern edge of its range.

Rivoli’s Hummingbird

Eugenes fulgens

• Identification: Large hummingbird with a long, straight, stout bill, dark overall coloration, a broad tail with a shallow notch, and in adult males a purple crown and green throat above black underparts.
• Where found: Breeds locally in mountainous regions of the southwestern United States and widely through the highlands of Mexico and Central America, mainly in forested canyons and montane woodlands.
• How to spot: Look for a large, dark hummingbird moving methodically between flower patches rather than defending a single site, and listen for sharp chip notes or rapid chattering during aggressive encounters.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations appear generally stable but are poorly monitored, with habitat loss the primary long-term concern.

The Rivoli’s hummingbird, also known as the magnificent hummingbird, is the second-largest hummingbird found regularly in the United States. This species measures 11 to 14 centimeters (4.3 to 5.5 inches) in length, with some individuals reaching the upper end of this range, though the blue-throated mountain-gem remains larger on average. It is a striking, heavy-bodied hummingbird with a large head, long wings, and a long, straight bill that gives it a powerful, robust appearance compared with smaller North American species.

Adult males are among the darkest hummingbirds on the continent. The upperparts are dark green with metallic bronze, bronze-green, or golden-green tones visible in good light, while the underparts are uniformly black, a unique feature among North American hummingbirds. In bright light, males flash an iridescent purple crown and a vivid green gorget that can appear emerald or deep green, but both features may look dull or nearly black when not reflecting light. Females are slightly smaller and lack iridescent head or throat coloration, showing green upperparts and pale gray to grayish-brown underparts. Both sexes have a small but distinct white spot behind the eye. The tail is broad and dark, with adult males usually lacking white tips, while females and juveniles often show small white tips on the outer tail feathers that may wear off with age. Juveniles resemble adult females, with young males gradually developing partial adult plumage during their first year.

In the field, the Rivoli’s hummingbird is often identified by its size, dark coloration, and behavior. Flight is strong and direct, with steady hovering at flowers and rapid forward flight used for long-distance movement and aggressive interactions. Unlike many hummingbirds, this species is not consistently territorial and often follows a traplining foraging strategy, visiting a series of widely spaced flowering plants in a regular sequence. Vocalizations include sharp “chip” notes given from perches or in flight and a rapid, chattering call used during aggressive encounters. Softer, low-pitched whisper songs have been reported during the breeding season, usually from perched males. The diet consists of floral nectar from a variety of plants, supplemented heavily by insects and other small arthropods captured in flight or gleaned from foliage.

In the United States, the Rivoli’s hummingbird breeds locally in the mountains of southeastern Arizona, extreme southwestern New Mexico, and western Texas, including ranges such as the Santa Rita, Santa Catalina, Huachuca, Chiricahua, and Chisos mountains. It occupies cool, shaded canyons, pine-oak and mixed forests, and montane woodlands, generally at middle to high elevations. South of the U.S., the species breeds widely throughout the highlands of Mexico and continues through Central America to Honduras and Nicaragua. Most individuals withdraw from the United States after the breeding season, but small numbers regularly overwinter in sheltered lower-elevation mountain canyons in Arizona, often visiting feeders. Nests are placed in forested habitats, typically in cool canyons, frequently near streams.

Within its range, Rivoli’s hummingbird is considered fairly numerous, particularly in Mexico and Central America, but detailed population trends remain poorly documented. In the United States, it is a localized and uncommon breeder, restricted to scattered mountain ranges. Habitat destruction and degradation, including logging, forest conversion, and other forms of land use change, represent the primary long-term threats. Despite these pressures, the species’ wide distribution and adaptability to a range of montane habitats help support its continued presence across much of its range.

Violet-Crowned Hummingbird

Ramosomyia violiceps

• Identification: Medium-large, slender hummingbird with immaculate white underparts, an iridescent bluish-violet crown, a long straight red bill with a black tip, and no colorful throat patch.
• Where found: Occurs mainly in western and central Mexico, reaching the United States locally in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, especially in riparian canyons.
• How to spot: Watch for a pale, white-bellied hummingbird perched or feeding in sycamore-lined canyons, and listen for dry chip notes or rattled series given during chases.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); populations appear generally stable, though degradation of riparian habitats poses localized risks.

The violet-crowned hummingbird is one of the most distinctive hummingbirds in North America and the only species in the United States that completely lacks a colorful gorget. At the northern edge of its range, it is among the rarest hummingbirds to breed regularly in the United States, occurring locally in southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, where it stands out immediately by its clean white underparts. This species measures 10 to 12 centimeters (3.9 to 4.7 inches) in length and has a long-bodied, slender build with proportionally long wings and a straight, narrow bill.

Adults of both sexes appear very similar. The crown and ear coverts are iridescent bluish violet, sometimes showing turquoise tones in strong light, while the back and rump are dull grayish brown to greenish brown. The entire underside, from chin to undertail coverts, is strikingly white, a feature unique among North American hummingbirds. The sides and flanks may show a faint olive or bronze-green wash that is often hidden when the wings are folded. A small white spot behind the eye adds to the clean facial pattern. The bill is reddish to bright red with a contrasting black tip. Females may average slightly duller on the crown and show a bit more black on the bill tip, but these differences overlap extensively. Juveniles are much duller overall, with brownish or muted bluish-green crowns, buff or cinnamon edging on the upperparts, and darker bills that gradually become red during the first year.

In the field, violet-crowned hummingbirds are often detected by their pale appearance and calm, methodical behavior. They fly with typical hummingbird agility, hovering at flowers, making short sallies to catch insects, and traveling quickly between perches or feeding sites. Individuals often perch quietly in the middle to upper canopy of riparian trees, especially sycamores, during hot parts of the day. Their calls are described as dry “tak” or “chip” notes, sometimes run together into rattled series, with squeaky or chattering calls given during chases and territorial interactions. The diet consists primarily of floral nectar, supplemented by small insects and spiders captured in flight or gleaned from foliage.

In the United States, breeding occurs locally in southeastern Arizona and isolated areas of southwestern New Mexico, primarily in riparian corridors and canyon bottoms with sycamores, willows, and cottonwoods. These habitats are often embedded within drier surrounding landscapes, including desert scrub and pine-oak or juniper woodlands at middle elevations. Southward, the species breeds widely through western and south-central Mexico, both along the Pacific slope and in interior highlands. Northern populations, including those in the U.S. and northern Sonora, are migratory, while most Mexican populations are resident year-round, with some local movements. Nests are placed in riparian trees or shrubs, typically near water.

Overall, the violet-crowned hummingbird is considered secure across its broad Mexican range, and populations in Arizona appear stable and have expanded northward over the past several decades. In the United States, however, it remains localized and dependent on intact riparian systems. Loss or modification of wooded stream corridors, groundwater depletion, and alteration of native vegetation represent the primary long-term threats. Protection of riparian habitats and mature sycamore-lined canyons is essential for maintaining this species at the northern limit of its distribution.

White-Eared Hummingbird

Basilinna leucotis

• Identification: Medium-sized hummingbird with a bold white ear stripe on a dark head, a straight red bill with a black tip, green-speckled pale underparts, and in adult males a violet forecrown and green throat.
• Where found: Occurs mainly in montane forests from Mexico to Central America, reaching the United States as an uncommon but regular summer resident and occasional breeder in southeastern Arizona.
• How to spot: Watch for a stocky hummingbird foraging low to mid-levels along forest edges or clearings, and listen for steady metallic chipping songs or sharp tink calls.
• Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN); widespread and fairly common overall, with localized vulnerability to forest loss and fragmentation at the northern edge of its range.

The white-eared hummingbird is a distinctive montane species that reaches the extreme northern limit of its range in the southwestern United States. Although it is common across much of Mexico and Central America, it is an uncommon but regular summer visitor to southeastern Arizona, where confirmed breeding has been documented only in recent decades. This species measures 9 to 10 centimeters (3.5 to 3.9 inches) in length and has a compact, stocky build with a medium-length tail and a straight, broad-based bill.

Adults of both sexes share a striking head pattern that sets the species apart from all other North American hummingbirds. The sides of the head are dark, bordered by a bold white postocular stripe that extends onto the sides of the neck, creating the characteristic “white ears.” The upperparts are coppery green, becoming more cinnamon-rufous on the rump, while the tail is greenish bronze and blunt-tipped or slightly notched. The underparts are pale whitish, heavily speckled with green. Adult males show additional iridescence, with a bluish-violet forecrown and chin and a glittering green throat that can appear dark until caught by direct light. Females lack the violet forecrown and chin, and their throat is white with green spotting. Juveniles resemble females but are duller overall, with grayer faces, coppery fringes on the upperparts, and a duller reddish base to the bill.

In the field, white-eared hummingbirds are often identified by their bold facial pattern and relatively low, deliberate foraging behavior. Individuals typically feed at low to middle heights, visiting banks of flowers along forest edges, roadsides, and clearings. Flight consists of steady hovering at flowers interspersed with short movements between feeding sites. Vocalizations are frequent and include a repetitive, metallic chipping song, often delivered steadily from a perch, as well as sharp, dry “chip” or “tink” calls that may accelerate into short series. The species feeds primarily on floral nectar but also takes small insects, which are hawked from the air or gleaned from foliage.

Within the United States, the white-eared hummingbird occurs most regularly in southeastern Arizona, where it is an uncommon summer resident and local breeder in mountain ranges with suitable habitat. It has also been recorded less frequently in New Mexico and Texas. The species inhabits montane pine-oak, pine-evergreen, and mixed forests, often favoring forest edges, clearings, and areas with abundant flowering plants, generally at elevations corresponding to mid- to high-montane zones. South of the U.S., it is widespread through western and central Mexico and continues south to Nicaragua. Northern populations, including those reaching Arizona, are migratory and withdraw southward in winter, while southern populations are largely resident. Nests are placed in forested habitats, though breeding in the U.S. remains localized and infrequently observed.

Across most of its range, the white-eared hummingbird is considered fairly common and stable. In the United States, it remains uncommon and localized, but its status has shifted from a former rarity to a regular, though small-scale, breeding species in southeastern Arizona. While no major threats have been identified at a global scale, loss and fragmentation of montane forest habitats pose potential risks, particularly at the northern edge of the range. Its tolerance of forest edges may offer some resilience, but continued protection of montane woodlands is important for sustaining its expanding presence in the southwestern United States.

Breeding Hummingbirds of North America

The 15 species covered in this guide represent the hummingbirds that currently maintain regular breeding populations across the United States and Canada. Despite their limited number, they occupy diverse habitats and exhibit a wide range of behaviors and migration strategies. Careful attention to habitat, seasonality, and behavior can greatly improve field identification, particularly where visual differences are subtle. Ongoing monitoring will remain important as environmental conditions continue to influence the distribution and breeding patterns of hummingbirds in North America.