Anna’s Hummingbird Range, Habitat + Distribution

While not the smallest or most widespread of the more than 350 species of hummingbird, the Anna Hummingbird (geranium) is a particularly striking bird with iridescent plumage and (if male) its distinctive bright red head.

But where exactly do Anna’s hummingbirds live, and where are the best places to spot these lively little birds? Read on to discover the answers to these questions and more.

Once restricted to the scrubby scrublands of California and northwestern Mexico since the 1960s, the Anna hummingbird’s range has expanded northward and is now found along the northwestern coast of the United States and into southern Canada.

During the non-breeding season, some individuals have been found as far east as northern Alaska and as far east as southern Louisiana. However, the species is mainly concentrated in and around California, where it lives year-round.

To learn more about migratory habits and find out where you are most likely to catch a glimpse of these crimson-crowned birds, keep reading!

Anna’s hummingbirds are found along the northwestern coast of the United States all the way to southern Canada

What is the distribution range of the Anna Hummingbird?

The Anna Hummingbird has the most northerly range of all hummingbird species and is usually found along the west coast of North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico.

Where in the United States does Anna’s hummingbird live?

The Anna hummingbird’s range is restricted to a narrow strip along the western edge of the United States, concentrated around California. However, Anna’s hummingbirds are increasingly occurring as a resident species in the Pacific Northwest.

In which states do Anna’s hummingbirds live?

Since the 1960s and 1970s, Anna’s hummingbirds have colonized farther inland than the West Coast states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Since the early 2000s, breeding populations have spread eastward into southern and central Arizona and into Nevada, Utah, and Texas.

Occasional sightings have been reported in the Far East in Louisiana, New York, and Florida, and non-breeding birds have also been frequently reported as visitors to Alaska.

Where does Anna’s hummingbird live in Canada?

Southern British Columbia is home to a small number of breeding Anna hummingbirds, and the species is also sometimes found farther inland, with rare sightings reported in Saskatchewan and even as far east as Newfoundland.

Male Anna’s Hummingbird perched on a branch

What is the habitat of the Anna Hummingbird?

Preferred habitats for the Anna hummingbird include woodlands, savannas, parks, and urban and suburban environments that are home to a range of nectar-rich flowering plants.

Traditionally popular shrubby landscapes in the California jungles are popular with males as their breeding grounds, as well as hardwood woodlands. Female Anna hummingbirds tend to nest in oak woodland.

How rare is it to see anna hummingbirds?

It is not uncommon to spot Anna hummingbirds in their usual range. Estimated to number between 500,000 and 5 million individuals, this species is a frequent visitor to backyard nectar feeders, as well as foraging for nectar-producing flowers.

Female Anna’s Hummingbird feeding on Crocosmia

Where is the best place to see Anna Hummingbirds?

The easiest places to see Anna hummingbirds are at purpose-built nectar feeders in backyards, especially in California, where they are believed to be the most common hummingbird species in the state. Sightings are particularly common in the western and southern parts of the state.

In spring, you may see foraging hummingbirds admiring the large, bright flowers, especially near eucalyptus trees, or in gardens planted with a variety of exotic flowers.

When is Anna’s Hummingbird coming out?

The peak feeding times for Anna hummingbirds were recorded as early morning and early evening, just before sunset.

Exotic and nectar-rich flowers are the best way to attract anna hummingbirds and nectar feeders

Will Anna’s hummingbirds stay in one place?

Anna’s hummingbirds are partial migrants, meaning some populations stay in their homelands year-round while others temporarily migrate south until the weather returns to milder conditions.

During the 20th century, as Anna’s hummingbird populations were restricted to California and northwestern Mexico, their homelands provided year-round suitable conditions and migration was not necessary.

As the species expanded further north, it established itself in areas that experienced harsher winter conditions, although some birds have developed hardiness and can stay put during the coldest months, relying on backyard nectar to feed Organisms, but other birds escape temporarily to warmer southern regions, then return the following year to breed.

Anna’s hummingbirds may also do some post-breeding “roaming,” heading to higher elevations and briefly deep inland in the fall before retreating to lower temperate regions when winter arrives.

Close up portrait of Anna Hummingbird

Where do Anna’s hummingbirds live in winter?

Many hummingbird populations in South Anna remain in their homes year-round because it provides a constant temperature and abundant natural food sources, complemented by backyard nectar feeders.

Anna hummingbirds that breed in more extreme northern regions like southern Canada or the Pacific Northwest may head to lower elevations as winter approaches.

How do Anna’s hummingbirds survive the winter?

Anna’s hummingbirds also adapt by entering a state of torpor in which they slow their heart rate and metabolism, a type of ‘overnight hibernation’ which means their body temperature drops and they need less energy to survive .

Unlike many other hummingbird species, Anna’s hummingbirds are found year-round in North America and have adapted to survive when temperatures drop. Until the 1960s and 1970s, the northern limit of the species’ range was Southern California, meaning they were not exposed to particularly harsh conditions.

However, as their range expanded north into the US Pacific Northwest and Canada, Anna’s hummingbirds were exposed to harsh winters where temperatures plummeted.

The addition of year-round backyard nectar feeders helps support these hardy little birds when flowering vegetation is lacking.

Anna’s hummingbird resting on a branch

Where do Anna’s hummingbirds live in the summer?

The nesting period for Anna Hummingbirds is from December at the earliest to June at the latest. After the breeding season ends, some anna hummingbirds may briefly leave their breeding grounds for higher terrain.

This “post-breeding dispersal” opens up more possibilities for different flowers and vegetation to forage, and once the colder temperatures start to creep in, the birds return to their breeding grounds.

Anna’s hummingbird (female) at the backyard hummingbird feeder

Are Anna’s hummingbirds flocking?

Anna hummingbirds are notoriously not sociable birds, they do not live in groups or even in pairs. They are very territorial and will show very visible signs of aggression if their territory is overrun by another hummingbird.