The Best Places for Your Next Hummingbird "Birding" Trip

If your goal is to see the maximum number of hummingbird species in the U.S., you want to think like a birder: go where tropical overlap + migration + habitat diversity all collide. That leads to a very clear answer—and some great trip strategies.

Best overall destination: Southeastern Arizona

Region: Arizona (especially the southeast: Tucson, Sierra Vista, Patagonia)

Best time: Late July–September (peak), also good April–June

This is by far the top hummingbird destination in the U.S.

*This region regularly hosts 12–15+ species in a single season

* You get a mix of:

  U.S. breeders

 / Mexican species crossing the border

  / Rare “vagrants” (bonus lifers)

Why it’s so good:

* Close to Mexico (where most hummingbird species live)

* “Sky island” mountains = tons of micro-habitats

* Sequential blooming at different elevations

Famous hotspots:

* Ramsey Canyon Preserve

* Madera Canyon

* Patagonia area feeding stations

Example species you might see here:

* Broad-billed

* Violet-crowned

* Lucifer

* Blue-throated

* Plus rare visitors like Berylline or White-eared

Second-best: South Texas (Rio Grande Valley & Big Bend)

Region: Texas (especially southern tip & west Texas)

Best time: March–May and August–October

*Another Mexico-border hotspot

* Excellent chance for rarities and tropical strays

* Places like Big Bend are known for high wildlife diversity overall

What makes it special:

* Gulf Coast migration funnel

* Mix of desert + subtropical habitats

* Frequent “mega-rarities” for birders

Third option: Southern California

Region: California

Best time: Winter through spring

* Fewer species overall (typically 4–6), but:

  * Some are year-round residents (like Anna’s)

 * Good winter viewing when other regions are quiet