Let’s talk about hummingbird season in California. California is the home to many great hummingbirds that are both seasonal and all year round. This means we have hummers that migrate, visit or pass by, and the ones that are residence in California.
These lustrous birds have always captivated people’s interests for a very long time. Of the 361 species of hummingbirds known, about 8 to 14 of them can be found in California. Then the most commonly seen or residence hummingbirds in California are the Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds.
Today, we will be talking about hummingbird season in California, when they return and leave California, and many more. So, continue reading to gain some knowledge.
Hummingbird Season In California: When Do Hummingbirds Return To California
Apart from the hummingbirds that are residence in California, the migratory hummingbird species often return as early as February and the middle of May.
When Do Hummingbirds Leave California?
The migrating hummingbird species in California often leave around October. However, there are some species that will remain all year round. Meaning they are residence in California.
Hummingbirds Found In California
Anna’s hummingbird is the most common hummingbird species known to California. They are resident here.
If you want the best location to see amazing hummingbirds in California, you should visit the University of California Arboretum and Botanic Garden on the paved trail. Anna’s hummingbird and Allen’s hummingbird resides here.
Also, if you wish to see Calliope hummers, you should visit Cabrillo National Monument.
There are about 14 species of hummingbirds found in California and we will be looking at their details. Hummingbird species are classified as a resident, seasonal, rare, or accidental in every state.
Year-Round or Native Hummingbirds In California
- Anna’s hummingbird
This hummingbird species is native or residence to California. Hence, they are found all year-round. They are about 3.5 to 4.3 inches in length. Anna’s hummingbird mainly breeds in Northern Baja California. Then a portion of Southern California.
However, Anna’s breeding range has expanded up to the Western Seaboard. This is thanks to the transplanting of exotic ornamental plants in residential locations along with the Pacific Coast and Inland desserts.
- Allen’s hummingbird
This hummingbirds are both residence and migratory to California. Take note not to confuse them with Rufous hummingbird because they have a very similar appearance.
They reside permanently on the Channel Islands off Southern California. Then the migrating Allen’s hummingbird species can be seen on California Coast. However, the migratory Allen’s spend their winter in Central Mexico.
- Calliope hummingbird
This hummers are the smallest long-distance migratory bird in the world. However, they are still capable of flying over 5,000 miles each year. They prefer to breed in higher elevations of the Rocky Mountains.
Seasonal Hummingbirds In California
- Black-chinned hummingbird
This hummers are seasonal to California and they are about 3.25 inches long. They often winter in Mexico.
- Rufous hummingbird
This hummingbirds are migratory birds found around spring and summer in California. They tend to travel through the Rocky Mountains during summer, taking advantage of wildflower season. Then they tend to migrate to Mexico to spend winter.
Known to be aggressive and territorial to other hummingbirds and other animals. Known to be the longest migrating birds amongst any other birds in the world. Rufous hummers can make a clockwise circuit of western America every single year. Now, that is approximately 3.900 miles.
- Green-violtears hummingbird
Green-violetears are about 3.8 to 4.7 inches in length. Regarded as both seasonal or vagrant species. They are annual visitors to Southern California.
- Costa’s hummingbird
These hummers are known to be short migratory species compared to other hummingbird species. They are desert dwellers. Found in the scrub of Sonoran and Mojave deserts. Also found in chaparral scrub of coastal California.
- Violet-crowned hummingbird
These hummingbirds are seasonal or vagrant visitors to California. They prefer to breed in Arizona sycamore trees.
Rare Or Accidental Hummingbird In California
- Broad-tailed hummingbird
These hummingbirds are mostly seen in California when they wander outside their range. They are residence in Mexico and Central America. Only a few stay year-round in the United State and they will usually stay near the Mexican border.
- Blue-throated hummingbird
This hummingbird is a rare or accidental species to California. They are large birds and their lengths range from 4.5 to 4.9 inches. They are also aggressive and territorial hummers.
- Xantus’s hummingbird
This hummingbirds are residence or native to Baja California. However, they can show up occasionally as accidental visitors when they wander away from their breeding grounds. They can wander into Southern California and the Pacific coastline.
- Ruby-throated hummingbird
Ruby-throated hummers are rare species in California. They are smaller species of hummingbirds. Their size ranges from about 2.8 to 3.3 inches. Even with their small size, they tend to be aggressive and territorial towards other hummingbird species.
They also tend to be solitary birds except when it’s time to mate. They favor open woodland. Seen in gardens, parks, as well as backyards.
- Rivoli hummingbird
These hummers are also known as Magnificent or Refulgent hummingbirds. It can be twice as large as any other species known in the state.
Known to hybridize with other hummingbird species in the southernmost reach of their habitat range.
Conclusion On Hummingbird Season In California
Hummingbird season in California is mostly year-round for native or resident hummingbird species. However, the migrating hummingbird in California often arrives as early as mid-February and May. Then the migrating hummingbird will leave California around October.
The most commonly seen hummingbirds that are residence in California is the Anna’s hummingbird.