20 Hummingbirds in New Mexico (With Footage and Identification)

New Mexico’s dramatic landscapes—from forested mountains to sunbaked deserts—are house to an unimaginable variety of hummingbirds. With vibrant colours, fast wingbeats, and dazzling aerial shows, these tiny birds captivate birdwatchers throughout the state. From the fiery Rufous Hummingbird to the uncommon and unique Lucifer and White-eared species, New Mexico presents one of many richest hummingbird experiences within the Southwest.

All year long, particularly throughout spring and late summer season migration, hummingbirds flock to wildflower meadows, canyon edges, and yard feeders. Their presence not solely provides brilliance to the pure surroundings but in addition performs an important function in pollination and the well being of native plant ecosystems. Whether or not you’re exploring the Gila Wilderness or watching out of your porch in Santa Fe, you’re sure to come across these winged jewels.

On this detailed information, you’ll uncover 20 hummingbird species present in New Mexico—with identification suggestions, conduct insights, and the perfect locations to see them. Let’s discover what makes every one distinctive, and how one can welcome them into your personal yard habitat.

Frequent Hummingbirds Present in New Mexico

Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus)

The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is among the mostly seen hummingbirds within the mountainous areas of New Mexico, particularly throughout summer season. Males are simply acknowledged by their iridescent rosy-pink throat, referred to as a gorget, which contrasts with their inexperienced again and white underparts. Females and juveniles lack the brilliant gorget and have a extra speckled throat. These birds measure about 3.5 to 4 inches in size with a wingspan of roughly 5.25 inches.

Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are recognized for his or her distinctive high-pitched wing trills, created by their fast wingbeats throughout flight—particularly by males throughout courtship shows. They’re lively, fast-flying birds that regularly go to flowers and feeders for nectar, but in addition feed on bugs for protein. Their conduct contains hovering whereas feeding and fierce territorial protection round most well-liked nectar sources.

These hummingbirds breed within the high-elevation meadows and aspen forests of northern and central New Mexico, together with areas just like the Sangre de Cristo and Jemez Mountains. They migrate south to Mexico and Central America throughout winter. A enjoyable truth: their hearts can beat over 1,200 instances per minute throughout flight however sluggish dramatically throughout torpor, a hibernation-like state used to preserve vitality on chilly nights.

Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)

Black-chinned Hummingbirds are widespread all through New Mexico and are notably frequent in decrease elevations, city gardens, and alongside river corridors. Males have a particular black throat with a slender iridescent purple band on the base, which can seem absolutely black until caught in the appropriate gentle. Females are duller, with a pale throat and greenish again. They’re medium-sized for hummingbirds, measuring about 3.25 inches in size.

These hummingbirds are recognized for his or her delicate magnificence and unimaginable adaptability. Their nesting conduct contains constructing tiny, well-camouflaged cup nests on branches, typically close to water. Males carry out U-shaped aerial dives to impress females in the course of the breeding season. Like different hummingbirds, they devour each nectar and small arthropods for sustenance.

In New Mexico, they’re most frequently noticed from spring by means of early fall throughout a variety of habitats, together with Albuquerque’s Bosque and the Rio Grande Valley. They migrate to western Mexico for the winter. An attention-grabbing truth: regardless of their small measurement, Black-chinned Hummingbirds have been recorded flying over 2,000 miles throughout migration.

Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)

The Rufous Hummingbird is a fiery and aggressive little hen with exceptional stamina. Males are straightforward to determine due to their beautiful reddish-orange throat and again, whereas females are greenish with rufous flanks and a noticed throat. These hummingbirds are among the many smallest, measuring solely about 3 inches lengthy, however are famously territorial and pugnacious, even chasing away a lot bigger birds from feeders.

These birds are energetic migrants and are recognized for having one of many longest migrations relative to physique measurement of any hen species. They journey from breeding grounds within the Pacific Northwest and Canada all the way in which to Mexico for the winter. They’re typically seen in New Mexico throughout migration, particularly in late summer season as they transfer southward.

Rufous Hummingbirds might be noticed at high-elevation wildflower meadows, forest edges, and backyards with native flowering crops or hummingbird feeders. Locations just like the Gila Wilderness and Sandia Mountains are frequent stopovers. A enjoyable truth: their reminiscence is so exact that they’ll keep in mind particular person flowers and feeders from the earlier 12 months’s migration route.

Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope)

The Calliope Hummingbird holds the title of the smallest breeding hen in North America, measuring solely about 3 inches lengthy and weighing lower than a penny. Males are simply acknowledged by their streaked magenta throat feathers, which they’ll flare out like a fan throughout courtship. Females lack the throat coloration and have a peachy wash on their flanks with greenish backs.

Regardless of their tiny measurement, Calliope Hummingbirds are powerful, long-distance migrants. They breed in high-altitude meadows and forest openings and undertake a round-trip migration of greater than 5,000 miles between the Pacific Northwest and Central America. Throughout migration, they depend on mountain habitats, particularly these wealthy in wildflowers and bugs.

In New Mexico, Calliope Hummingbirds are mostly seen throughout their migration in spring and late summer season, notably within the northern and central mountainous areas. Places such because the Santa Fe Nationwide Forest or the Sangre de Cristo Mountains present prime habitat. A enjoyable truth: Calliopes are the one hummingbirds recognized to carry out a shuttle show with aerial loops, all whereas making a zipping sound with their wings.

Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna)

Anna’s Hummingbird is a placing species that has expanded its vary eastward and might often be present in New Mexico, notably within the southwestern components throughout migration or winter. Males are unmistakable with a vibrant, iridescent rose-pink crown and throat, which glisten brightly in daylight. Females are duller with a pale throat that will present some pink speckles.

In contrast to most hummingbirds, Anna’s Hummingbird is thought to stay year-round in some areas reasonably than migrating. They’re extremely vocal and infrequently produce a pointy, metallic chip in addition to a buzzing music, which is uncommon amongst hummingbirds. Their courtship show features a dramatic dive from as much as 100 ft, producing a loud tail-generated noise as they swoop previous females.

In New Mexico, sightings of Anna’s Hummingbirds are extra sporadic, however they’ve been documented in areas like Las Cruces, Silver Metropolis, and alongside the Rio Grande hall. A enjoyable truth: Anna’s Hummingbirds have been named after Anna Masséna, a Nineteenth-century French duchess, making them one of many few hummingbirds named after the Aristocracy.

Lucifer Hummingbird (Calothorax lucifer)

The Lucifer Hummingbird is among the extra unique and uncommon species present in New Mexico, recognized for its placing look and choice for desert habitats. Males are notably eye-catching, with an extended curved invoice and a superb purple, forked gorget that shimmers within the gentle. Their physique is generally inexperienced above and pale beneath. Females are duller and lack the vivid throat coloring, but in addition function the curved invoice which is exclusive amongst hummingbirds within the area.

This hummingbird is well-adapted to arid environments and is primarily present in desert canyons and dry scrublands, notably within the southwestern a part of the state. They’re recognized for feeding on nectar from desert-adapted crops like agave and ocotillo, typically hovering low close to blooms. Their motion tends to be fast and deliberate, and they’re much less aggressive than their rufous cousins, preferring to forage quietly.

In New Mexico, Lucifer Hummingbirds are most frequently seen in locations just like the Peloncillo Mountains and Guadalupe Canyon, close to the border with Arizona and Mexico. A captivating truth: this species has some of the specialised payments amongst North American hummingbirds, permitting it to feed effectively on lengthy, tubular desert flowers.

Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)

Costa’s Hummingbird is a desert-dwelling species often present in New Mexico, largely within the southwestern components throughout migration. The male is unmistakable, with a vivid violet-purple crown and throat that flare out into lengthy, pointed feathers resembling a mustache. Females are rather more subdued in look, with pale grayish underparts and greenish backs.

This small hummingbird is usually related to sizzling, dry habitats, particularly deserts, rocky canyons, and scrubland. It feeds totally on nectar from desert wildflowers and likewise dietary supplements its weight loss program with small bugs. Males are recognized for his or her high-pitched, whistling courtship show dives, which they typically carry out from a distinguished perch.

Though Costa’s Hummingbird is extra frequent within the Sonoran and Mojave deserts, it’s often noticed in New Mexico close to Las Cruces, Silver Metropolis, and different arid southern areas. A enjoyable truth: throughout courtship, males can management the angle of daylight hitting their throat feathers, making their purple gorget flash dramatically to draw females.

Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris)

The Broad-billed Hummingbird is a stunning species with tropical aptitude, extra frequent in Mexico however generally noticed in New Mexico’s southern canyons. Males have a placing metallic inexperienced physique, a vivid blue throat, and a vibrant pink invoice with a black tip. Females are extra muted however nonetheless engaging, with inexperienced upperparts and pale underparts.

This hummingbird is most frequently related to riparian corridors and desert scrub close to water sources, the place it visits tubular flowers and feeders. Its broad, vivid invoice and energetic conduct make it a standout amongst southwestern species. The Broad-billed Hummingbird can be one of many few North American hummingbirds that may breed in two nations: the U.S. and Mexico.

In New Mexico, they’re seen primarily within the far southwestern areas just like the Gila River Valley and Guadalupe Canyon, particularly throughout summer season. A captivating word: the Broad-billed Hummingbird typically flares its tail whereas hovering, flashing white tail suggestions as a part of territorial or courtship conduct.

Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)

Allen’s Hummingbird is an in depth relative of the Rufous Hummingbird and is notoriously tough to tell apart within the discipline resulting from comparable coloring. Males sport a vibrant orange-red throat and rusty physique with a inexperienced again, whereas females are inexperienced above with pale underparts and a noticed throat. They’re small, solely about 3 inches in size, however very daring and lively.

These hummingbirds are recognized for his or her fast, darting flight and intense territorial conduct. They carry out a particular courtship dive that ends in a pointy buzzing sound generated by their tail feathers. Allen’s Hummingbirds feed totally on nectar and small bugs, typically visiting native crops like fuchsia, columbine, and penstemon.

Whereas they’re primarily discovered alongside the California coast, vagrant people are often noticed in New Mexico, notably throughout migration. Most sightings happen in southern areas or in gardens with plentiful nectar sources. A enjoyable truth: Allen’s Hummingbird is called after Charles A. Allen, the primary individual to explain the species within the late Nineteenth century.

Violet-crowned Hummingbird (Leucolia violiceps)

The Violet-crowned Hummingbird is a singular and stylish species with a clear, crisp look. Adults have a superb violet-blue crown, white underparts, inexperienced again, and a straight pink invoice with a black tip. In contrast to many hummingbirds that show iridescent throats, this species is acknowledged by its daring coloration and sleek posture.

These hummingbirds want oak woodlands, canyons, and riparian habitats, notably within the borderlands of southern New Mexico. They feed on nectar from native flowers and are additionally frequent guests to yard feeders. Their flight is swift however clean, and they’re recognized to be much less aggressive than another hummingbird species.

In New Mexico, the Violet-crowned Hummingbird is most reliably seen within the far southwest nook, notably across the city of Portal and the encircling canyons. A enjoyable truth: regardless of being comparatively uncommon within the U.S., this species is sort of frequent in western Mexico, making New Mexico among the best states to see it throughout the nation.

White-eared Hummingbird (Hylocharis leucotis)

The White-eared Hummingbird is a placing species with daring facial markings and a choice for mountainous forested habitats. Adults function a inexperienced physique, white underparts, and a particular white stripe behind the attention that offers the species its title. Males have a vibrant pink invoice with a black tip and generally present a little bit of iridescent violet on the throat. Females are comparable however barely duller and fewer vibrant general.

This hummingbird tends to favor pine-oak woodlands and forest edges at larger elevations, typically close to flowing water and flowering crops. It feeds on nectar and small bugs and is extra regularly seen at pure flower sources than feeders. Although shy and fewer aggressive than different hummingbirds, it defends feeding areas when wanted.

In New Mexico, the White-eared Hummingbird is taken into account uncommon and native, often discovered within the excessive southwestern canyons resembling these close to the Peloncillo Mountains. A enjoyable truth: this species is extra frequent in Mexico and Central America, however New Mexico is among the few U.S. states the place birders have the prospect to identify it within the wild.

Magnificent Hummingbird / Rivoli’s Hummingbird (Eugenes fulgens)

Among the many largest hummingbirds present in the USA, the Magnificent Hummingbird—now also known as Rivoli’s Hummingbird—is a showstopper. Males are notably eye-catching with a metallic inexperienced physique, iridescent violet crown, and bluish-green throat. Females are duller with inexperienced upperparts and grayish underparts, however nonetheless bigger than most hummingbird species.

This species prefers shady, high-elevation coniferous or combined woodlands and is commonly seen close to mountain streams and canyon thickets. It’s recognized for its deep, thrumming wingbeat and talent to hover for prolonged durations whereas feeding. Magnificent Hummingbirds are extra solitary than different hummingbirds and fewer vulnerable to squabbling over feeders.

In New Mexico, Rivoli’s Hummingbirds are sometimes discovered within the southwestern mountains, such because the Gila Wilderness and adjoining areas. A enjoyable truth: the species was initially named in honor of the Duke of Rivoli, a Nineteenth-century Italian nobleman and hen fanatic.

Blue-throated Mountain-gem (Lampornis clemenciae)

The Blue-throated Mountain-gem is the biggest hummingbird species native to the U.S., and it lives as much as its title with a vibrant blue throat that shimmers in males when seen in good gentle. Each sexes have grayish underparts, a inexperienced again, and a definite white stripe behind the attention. Its massive measurement and powerful, direct flight make it stand out even amongst different hummingbirds.

This species is usually present in shaded mountain canyons and alongside streams at elevations between 5,000 and 9,000 ft. In contrast to smaller hummingbirds, it’s much less flitty and might perch extra calmly for lengthy durations. It’s vocal and produces a loud, chipping name that may be heard from a distance.

In New Mexico, the Blue-throated Mountain-gem is discovered within the southwestern mountains and canyons, particularly within the Chiricahua and Peloncillo ranges. A enjoyable truth: their nests are generally reused in a number of seasons, typically being strengthened and rebuilt reasonably than completely discarded.

Berylline Hummingbird (Saucerottia beryllina)

The Berylline Hummingbird is a uncommon however radiant customer to New Mexico, characterised by its shiny inexperienced physique and rusty-colored wings. Men and women look fairly comparable, with a shimmering emerald plumage that sparkles in daylight and a considerably straight darkish invoice. The wings seem chestnut or cinnamon-brown in flight, giving the hen a singular look in comparison with different hummingbirds.

Berylline Hummingbirds inhabit oak and pine-oak woodlands, typically alongside streams and mountain slopes. They feed on nectar from native flowers and also will catch small bugs mid-air. Whereas sometimes solitary, they are often aggressive at feeding stations when challenged.

In New Mexico, sightings are most frequent in the summertime throughout the excessive southwestern canyons close to the Arizona border. A enjoyable truth: although hardly ever seen within the U.S., this species is frequent within the highlands of western Mexico, making New Mexico one of many few U.S. states the place it often seems.

Inexperienced Violet-ear / Mexican Violetear (Colibri thalassinus)

The Inexperienced Violet-ear, typically referred to as the Mexican Violetear, is a medium-sized hummingbird with sensible emerald inexperienced plumage and violet patches on the edges of its neck. Men and women look comparable, each shimmering in varied shades of inexperienced with flashes of blue-violet after they catch the sunshine. In addition they have a barely notched tail edged with black and violet.

This species is usually present in humid forests and montane woodlands in Mexico and Central America, however people often wander far north into the southwestern United States. They’re robust, quick fliers and infrequently vocal, producing a fast and repeated metallic “tzilick” name. They feed on each nectar and small bugs, and can readily go to feeders.

In New Mexico, the Inexperienced Violet-ear is taken into account a uncommon vagrant however has been recorded a number of instances, notably in late summer season. A enjoyable truth: this species is thought for its unpredictable migratory conduct, generally exhibiting up tons of of miles outdoors its typical vary, making every sighting in New Mexico a particular occasion for birders.

Cinnamon Hummingbird (Amazilia rutila)

The Cinnamon Hummingbird is a warm-colored, tropical species that’s solely hardly ever seen in New Mexico. It contains a bronze-green again, cinnamon-colored underparts, and a barely decurved pink invoice with a black tip. Each men and women share this coloration sample, which makes the species straightforward to acknowledge if encountered.

This hummingbird is primarily a resident of coastal and inland tropical areas in Mexico and Central America. It prefers dry forests, woodland edges, and gardens with loads of flowering shrubs. Although it hardly ever migrates lengthy distances, people have often wandered into the southwestern United States, together with New Mexico, doubtless following monsoonal flower blooms.

Sightings in New Mexico are exceptionally uncommon however have been documented within the southwestern desert canyons. A enjoyable truth: not like most hummingbirds, the Cinnamon Hummingbird could also be extra tolerant of open, drier environments and might generally be seen perched for lengthy durations, exhibiting off its cinnamon-colored chest.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the long-lasting hummingbird of the japanese United States however is barely an occasional customer to New Mexico. Males are simply recognized by their iridescent ruby-red throat, emerald inexperienced again, and white underparts. Females are much less colourful, with a pale throat and inexperienced upperparts.

This species is a long-distance migrant, flying nonstop throughout the Gulf of Mexico to wintering grounds in Central America. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds feed closely on nectar and bugs, visiting gardens and wildflowers alongside their route. Although they’re very territorial on the breeding grounds, their presence in New Mexico is extra fleeting and sometimes solitary.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are generally noticed in japanese or central New Mexico throughout migration, particularly in areas with dependable nectar sources or feeders. A enjoyable truth: this species can beat its wings over 50 instances per second and might keep in mind the situation of flowers on its earlier migration route.

Buff-bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia yucatanensis)

The Buff-bellied Hummingbird is a uncommon vagrant in New Mexico, extra generally discovered within the Gulf Coast of Texas and northeastern Mexico. It has a placing look with metallic inexperienced upperparts, a buffy-colored stomach, and an extended pink invoice with a darkish tip. Each sexes look comparable, and their measurement is barely bigger than many frequent U.S. hummingbirds.

This hummingbird prefers subtropical scrub, woodland edges, and gardens with flowering crops. It’s recognized for being extra adaptable than some species, and is commonly discovered close to human habitation. Buff-bellied Hummingbirds are additionally recognized for his or her loud, sharp vocalizations, which assist them defend feeding territories.

In New Mexico, sightings are extraordinarily uncommon however have occurred, notably within the southeastern a part of the state. A enjoyable truth: the Buff-bellied Hummingbird is thought to overwinter farther north than most hummingbirds, generally staying year-round in components of southern Texas.

Inexperienced-fronted Hummingbird (Ramosomyia viridifrons)

The Inexperienced-fronted Hummingbird is a tropical species often discovered within the woodlands of Mexico and Central America, however uncommon people have often been reported within the southwestern U.S., together with New Mexico. Males present vibrant inexperienced plumage with a shimmering entrance and pale underparts, together with a straight pink invoice tipped in black.

This hen sometimes inhabits oak and pine-oak forests, feeding on nectar from native flowers in addition to catching bugs in flight. It isn’t typically seen at feeders however might often go to them when flowering sources are restricted. Its conduct is much less aggressive than species like Rufous or Allen’s Hummingbird, and it’s typically quiet and deliberate in motion.

In New Mexico, it’s thought-about a really uncommon vagrant, with only a handful of information within the far south of the state. A enjoyable truth: the Inexperienced-fronted Hummingbird was beforehand thought-about a subspecies of the Violet-crowned Hummingbird, however has since been acknowledged as a definite species resulting from variations in vary and coloration.

Mexican Violetear (Colibri thalassinus)

The Mexican Violetear, additionally recognized merely because the Inexperienced Violetear, is a medium-sized hummingbird with shimmering inexperienced feathers and a violet patch on each the cheek and chest. Men and women look alike, making it one of many few hummingbird species with out robust sexual dimorphism. Its name is a sequence of fast “tzilick” notes, typically given whereas flying or perched.

This species is native to the highlands of Mexico and Central America however is known for wandering extensively. Whereas not a daily resident of the U.S., the Mexican Violetear often travels far north, generally showing in surprising places resembling Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico.

In New Mexico, sightings happen sporadically, typically throughout late summer season in mountainous or forested areas. A enjoyable truth: this species is among the most unpredictable hummingbirds when it comes to migration, with some people recorded 1000’s of miles outdoors their regular vary, making any sighting in New Mexico a prized expertise for birders.

FAQs about Hummingbirds in New Mexico

When is the perfect time to see hummingbirds in New Mexico?

One of the best time to watch hummingbirds in New Mexico is from late March by means of early October, with peak exercise throughout late summer season, particularly August and early September. This era coincides with southbound migration and late blooming of native flowers. Some species, just like the Broad-tailed and Black-chinned Hummingbirds, arrive in spring to breed, whereas rarer species are extra doubtless noticed in late summer season.

The place can I see hummingbirds in New Mexico?

Hummingbirds might be seen statewide, however the perfect viewing spots are often in mountainous areas, riparian corridors, and southern desert canyons. Places just like the Gila Wilderness, Sandia Mountains, Bosque del Apache, and Guadalupe Canyon are famend for hummingbird variety, particularly throughout migration. Yard feeders in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Silver Metropolis additionally entice many species.

Do all hummingbirds in New Mexico migrate?

Most hummingbirds in New Mexico do migrate, heading south to Mexico or Central America for winter. Some, just like the Anna’s Hummingbird, might overwinter often in southern areas, although that is uncommon. Migration patterns fluctuate by species—Rufous, Calliope, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are particularly notable for long-distance journey.

How can I entice hummingbirds to my yard in New Mexico?

To draw hummingbirds, plant native nectar-rich flowers like penstemon, columbine, bee balm, and salvia. Use pink hummingbird feeders stuffed with plain sugar water (1 half sugar to 4 components water—no dye). Preserve feeders clear, particularly in sizzling climate, and supply shade, perching spots, and water options to make your yard extra inviting.

Are there uncommon hummingbirds in New Mexico?

Sure, New Mexico is thought for internet hosting uncommon and vagrant species, together with Lucifer, White-eared, Berylline, Mexican Violetear, and Buff-bellied Hummingbirds. These species sometimes seem in southern canyons or mountains, typically in late summer season, and entice birdwatchers from throughout the nation when noticed.

What number of species of hummingbirds are present in New Mexico?

A complete of 20 hummingbird species have been documented in New Mexico. Whereas not all are common guests, a number of are breeding residents, others are migratory, and a few are occasional or uncommon vagrants. New Mexico’s location on the fringe of the desert Southwest and mountainous areas makes it a major hotspot for hummingbird variety.

Do hummingbirds combat over feeders?

Sure, hummingbirds might be extraordinarily territorial, particularly males. Species just like the Rufous Hummingbird are notably aggressive and infrequently thrust back others from feeders or flowers. Offering a number of feeders spaced aside can assist cut back battle and permit extra people to feed peacefully.

Are hummingbirds lively at night time in New Mexico?

Hummingbirds are diurnal and don’t feed at night time. At sundown, they search shelter in bushes or shrubs and enter torpor, a sleep-like state that helps preserve vitality. You may even see them once more early within the morning, typically on the identical flowers or feeders they visited the day earlier than.

What ought to I keep away from feeding or planting for hummingbirds?

Keep away from utilizing pink dye in nectar, as it may be dangerous. Additionally keep away from non-native crops that produce little or no nectar, or these handled with pesticides. Some backyard facilities promote hummingbird meals with components, which ought to be averted in favor of a home made, pure sugar-water resolution.

Are hummingbirds essential to the ecosystem in New Mexico?

Completely. Hummingbirds are important pollinators for a lot of native crops in New Mexico’s forests, deserts, and meadows. Their interplay with flowers helps preserve biodiversity and helps different wildlife. Their presence additionally signifies wholesome ecosystems and makes them key figures in native conservation efforts.