The Hummingbird Capital of the U.S.

Sierra Vista, Arizona

Broad-billed hummingbird

Every year, thousands of people from literally all over the world come to Sierra Vista, Arizona on birdwatching trips. This is hardly surprising as we have an abundance of bird focused Bed & Breakfasts, Bird Sanctuaries, Riparian Conservation Areas, and Nature Preserves.

There are even two large birding festivals every year, hosted by SouthWest Wings; one in the spring and a bigger event in July.

Of course, the city doesn’t shy away from using this as a tourist attraction. In 2021 they even got the State to pass official legislation designating Sierra Vista as “The Hummingbird Capital of Arizona”

So is that designation deserved?

Is Sierra Vista the best place in Arizona (and some would argue the entire United States) to see hummingbirds?

If you were to just randomly choose any date (especially during the winter months), then the answer is almost certainly yes. You are more likely to encounter hummingbirds here than just about anywhere else in the U.S.

This is due to the unique terrain and weather in this part of Southeast Arizona. Our Sky Islands (tree and vegetation covered mountains in the middle of a desert environment) provide a convenient stop over location during migrations; not just for hummingbirds, but a wide array of other birds, mammals and insects as well. Throw in the additional riparian area along the San Pedro River and this becomes a prime location for a variety of wildlife.

There are at least 15 different species common in this part of Southeast Arizona. Some are primarily Mexican Varieties, and this is one of the only locations on this side of the border where you can see them. These are some of the species you may encounter here:

• Black-chinned Hummingbird

• Rufous Hummingbird

• Violet-crowned Hummingbird

• Rivoli’s Hummingbird

• Anna’s Hummingbird

• White-eared Hummingbird

• Lucifer Hummingbird

• Costa’s Hummingbird

• Broad-billed Hummingbird

• Allen’s Hummingbird

• Calliope Hummingbird (the continent's tiniest bird)

It’s funny, when I first moved to Sierra Vista in 2014, I had no intention of becoming a “birder”. But since I like to take pictures, and I like to get out in nature, it was inevitable to that I would run into and start talking with a whole bunch of people who do proudly describe themselves by that moniker.

Basically, if you’re a photography enthusiast here in southeast Arizona, you almost can’t help but to become at least a part time bird watcher.

So have you stared planning your trip to Sierra Vista yet?

Let me know when you get here? 😎

I think that’s about what I’ve got for today.

Until next time, Todd

p.s. I included a few links in this post. Click on the underlined text to get more information about those specific topics.