Some hummingbirds will embark on their fall migration, a move tracked by birdwatchers nationwide who are eager to spot these tiny birds fluttering in their gardens or to their feeders.
But Californians are lucky in that some hummingbird species can be spotted in the state year-round, so a fall or spring migration isn’t the only time you can see these colorful birds.
For the migrating hummingbirds, some spend their winters in Mexico and Central America, according to the National Audubon Society and Hummingbird Central, traveling distances that seem so in contrast with their size.
So, which can you see in California? Here’s what to know, including how to keep track of hummingbirds in your area.
Which hummingbirds are in California?
Seven hummingbird species can be spotted in California, Camila Bautista with Audubon California previously told the Desert Sun:
Anna’s hummingbird: The males of this species have a rose-red throat and gray feathers and varying amounts of green on their bodies, according to Hummingbird Central.
Costa’s hummingbird: The adult males have an iridescent purple coloring around their throats. In contrast, the females have a greenish coloring with somewhat white underparts and a white eyebrow stripe, according to All About Birds.
Rufous hummingbird: The males are a “brilliant orange,” whereas the females are green and orange, according to All About Birds.
Black-chinned hummingbird: The males have a black throat with a thin, iridescent purple base, while females have a pale throat, according to All About Birds.
Allen’s hummingbird: Allen’s hummingbirds are a coppery orange and green, according to All About Birds.
Calliope hummingbird: The males have a magenta-streaked throat.
Broad-tailed hummingbird: Adult males have a rose-magenta throat and some green coloring on its body, according to All About Birds.
See hummingbird map for fall migration 2025
Hummingbird Central has tracked sightings of hummers nationwide, with the help of user submissions, for years. Sightings are already being reported nationwide for the late summer and fall on a map found on hummingbirdcentral.com. Viewers can see the type of hummingbirds spotted, where, and when.
"While some hummingbirds begin their fall migration as early as late July, most don't start their journey south [until] August or September," according to Hummingbird Central.
A Rufous hummingbird was spotted in Truckee and Monrovia this month, according to Hummingbird Central's map. In Tulare, several hummingbird species were spotted in August. Meanwhile, an Allen’s hummingbird was seen in Orcutt, and Anna’s hummingbirds have been spotted in Granada Hills and Yucaipa.
What to put in a hummingbird feeder
Bautista previously recommended that people look up which hummingbird species they’re most likely to see in their region and determine the sugar-to-water ratio. But don’t add in food coloring or use honey in feeders, Bautista said.
How much does a hummingbird weigh?
A hummingbird weighs less than a nickel, on average, according to the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. A nickel weighs 0.176 ounces, or five grams, according to the U.S. Department of Treasury.
For example, a ruby-throated hummingbird weighs about as much as a penny, while the bee hummingbird weighs less than a dime, according to the National Audubon Society.
Is it true that hummingbirds fly backward?
Yes, hummingbirds can fly backward (and forward, of course). These birds can also hover, flapping their wings 20 to 80 times a second, according to the National Audubon Society.
Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Californians, see hummingbird sightings map for fall 2025
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