Hummingbirds have been observed in the United States from as many as 27 different species. Certain of them are frequent, while others are uncommon or accidental visitors that appear only once a year. We’ve identified four species of hummingbirds that are common in Washington, and one species that has been seen multiple times but is considered rare. Washington is a great state for feeding and seeing hummingbirds, with five different species of hummingbirds.
5 HUMMINGBIRDS IN WASHINGTON
We’ve created a list of hummingbirds that may be seen in Washington based on range maps provided by reliable sources such as allaboutbirds.org and ebird.org. Anna’s hummingbird, Rufous hummingbird, Black-chinned hummingbird, and Calliope are the most frequent Washington hummingbirds. The species name, images, and other information about looks, as well as where and when you may see them, are provided for each of the species listed here. The four most frequent species will be listed first, followed by the less frequent.
For advice on attracting hummingbirds to your garden, stay tuned at the conclusion of this article.
Enjoy!
1. BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Archilochus alexandri
Hummingbirds with black chins travel from Mexico and Central America to the western United States each year to breed. In most light, males have a small strip of purple feathers along the bottom that is sometimes visible, although their throat color is plain black. Females of this species have a plain throat and appear green above and below. Many habitats, from deserts to mountain woods, have them, and they like to perch on naked branches.
In Washington’s eastern half, black-chinned hummingbirds are more prevalent. Around Seattle, sightings become scarce, and it would be difficult to locate one further west. Look for them to come in the spring and then shift south in late summer, before heading up into more hilly terrain.
2. CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Selasphorus calliope
Throughout the breeding season, the calliope hummingbird is found in the Pacific Northwest and portions of western Canada, however it may be seen in a variety of western states throughout spring and fall migration. The calliope is the tiniest bird in the United States, so this is an impressively long migration. Males have a magenta striped throat that forks down on either side, which is unusual. The throat and underparts of females are plain, with a peachy tint.
During spring and autumn migration, Calliope Hummingbirds may be seen across much of Washington, although they spend the summer in the Cascades’ more wooded and mountainous zones. Outside of Seattle, they are not often seen.
3. RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Selasphorus rufus
When it comes to sharing feeders and driving off other hummers, rufous hummingbirds are well-known for their “feisty” behavior. The top breast of males is white, and their neck is orange-red. Green with rusty patches, a speckled throat, and females They go up through California in the spring, spend the summer in Oregon, Washington, and Canada before returning down through the Rockies in the fall.
Throughout the breeding season, from spring to early fall, rufous hummingbirds may be seen all over Washington. In the far western parts of the state and along the coast, they are one of the most common hummingbird species to see.
4. ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Calypte anna
The truth is that Anna will be staying in the United States. They are found throughout the majority of their range every year, however only in a few western states, such as Washington. Their feathers are dotted with emerald feathers, and their green is noticeably brighter and more iridescent than that of most others. The colorful feathers on males’ foreheads extend up to their throats, which are rosy-pink. They adore gardens and eucalyptus trees, and they are content in the backyards.
In western Washington, annas are common all year, but they are only seen on rare occasions in eastern sections. During the breeding season, several may travel a short distance to the Cascades.
5. COSTA’S HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Calypte costae
The deep purple color of male Costa faces is well-known. Their foreheads and throats are purple, with purple feathers spreading out on both sides like a beard. They also have a purple splash on their foreheads. Green above, white below, and females have green above. Costa’s have slightly shorter wings and tail when compared to other hummingbirds. In Baja and southern California, they can be found all year.
Outside of the United States, Costa’s hummingbirds are uncommon. They may go as far south as Washington on occasion. During the years, I’ve discovered records of documented sightings, so it’s feasible that one may wander into the state.
ATTRACTING HUMMINGBIRDS TO YOUR YARD
1. HANG HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS
Hanging a nectar feeder in your yard is perhaps the most effective way to attract hummingbirds. Hummingbirds must consume frequently and have a constant supply of nectar. Pick a feeder that’s simple to disassemble and clean, with the color red on it. Cleaning and refilling must be done more than once per week in hot weather. For most people, we suggest a saucer-shaped feeder. They’re simple to keep clean, operate properly, and don’t hold a lot of nectar.
2. MAKE YOUR OWN NECTAR
Make your own nectar to avoid (and sometimes harmful) additives and red dyes. It’s a bargain, and it’s simple and quick to make. In a 1:4 ratio (1 cup sugar to 4 cups water), all you need to do is add plain white sugar. Making your own nectar without having to boil the water is simple, as we’ve shown in a how-to article.
3. PLANT NATIVE FLOWERS
Plant a few flowers in your yard that will draw passing hummingbirds, other than a feeder. They’re especially drawn to crimson flowers (as well as orange, pink, and purple), as well as trumpet or tubular blossom blossoms. Vertical planting can help you get the most out of your space. Long cascading vines of flowers can be grown vertically on an obelisk trellis or a flat trellis attached to the side of your house. Hummingbirds can be attracted to these twenty plants and flowers.
4. PROVIDE WATER
Water is required by hummers for both drinking and bathing. They will utilize bath with the appropriate “specifications,” despite their aversion to traditional bird baths. You might want to try out these Hummingbird Baths for purchase, or create something fantastic for your garden.
5. PROMOTE INSECTS
Sugar isn’t enough for most hummingbirds, so they need protein as well. Little inanimals make up a third of their diet. Mosquitoes, fruit flies, spiders, and gnats are all examples of this. Avoiding pesticides can help your hummers. See our 5 easy tips for more information on insect feeders and ways to aid hummingbirds.