Ready for some positive news, fellow Washingtonians? We thought so. Thousands of hummingbirds are making their way up north for their spring migration, and it won’t be long before we’re seeing them here – if you’re not already spotting them, that is. Hummingbird migration in Washington is a splendid time of year, isn’t it? Get ready by setting up the best hummingbird feeders for the avian visitors heading your way. Here’s what to expect and how (and where!) to find adorable hummingbirds in Washington. So, when do hummingbirds come back to Washington? Read on to find out!

Washington's mountain ranges, valleys, and forests make it an appealing place to hummingbirds, who tend to enjoy mountainous areas.
Jim Culp / Flickr
We even have a species of hummingbird that is native and calls Washington home all year long. However, it's both migration and mating season in the spring, which will bring more birds to town. Thousands of birds, in fact. Increasingly, hummingbirds are migrating back to the United States earlier because of overall warmer temperatures. Weather and access to food are the primary factors in hummingbird migration.
Anna's Hummingbirds are vibrant and beautiful.
Doug Greenberg / Flickr
They're also the most common species found in Washington, and since they're native, you'll find them here all year. Aren't they stunning? For this bird alone, it makes sense to leave your feeder out year round to make sure these beautiful birds are well fed.
Anna's Hummingbirds tend to stick to Western Washington in the colder months, but during spring and summer, you'll find them all over the state.
Mick Thompson / Flickr
They are also the most vocal hummingbirds in the United States! So, you're just as likely to hear them as you are to see them. Nothing says spring like the sweet notes of birdsong in the morning.

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Rufous Hummingbirds tend to arrive in early March and stay through April.
Tom Benson / Flickr
Like many Washingtonians, they're just out there looking for love. Some of them keep heading north, but others stick around until August when they head south. Spring and summer are breeding season for hummingbirds and when they head south again in late summer and early fall, they'll have their offspring with them.
Calliope Hummingbirds can be spotted here from March until August, although they tend to stick to the mountains.
Tom Benson / Flickr
But they'll also be enticed by your backyard feeder if you live in a mountainous area.
Alana Sise / Flickr
If you've had a feeder for a few years, you may even be serving repeat visitors. Hummingbirds are creatures of habit and often stop at the same feeders year after year. You could have had lifelong bird friends this whole time and never known it!

You can easily attract these sweet little hummingbirds with a feeder, although they are also particular to red, purple, pink, and orange flowers. Make them a meal of cane sugar and water (no food coloring) and they’ll be your new best friends.

Ready to see some hummingbirds? Follow their migration north.

And if you’re looking forward to spring in Washington, be sure to put these beautiful spots on your bucket list for the upcoming season! And, if you love birdwatching like we do, check out these delightful backyard birding cards from REI.

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Hummingbirds In Washington

CC | February 24, 2023

What types of hummingbirds are in Washington?

Although Anna’s Hummingbird is the one you’ll spot most often in Washington (and year-round), you may also see some of these other species of hummingbird around the state this spring.

  • Broad-tailed hummingbird
  • Black-chinned Hummingbird
  • Calliope Hummingbird
  • Allen’s Hummingbird
  • Anna’s Hummingbird
  • Ruby throated Hummingbird
  • Rufous Hummingbird

 

When is the best time to leave out hummingbird feeders in Washington?

Feel free to keep your feeder out year round to ensure the Anna’s Hummingbirds are well fed. Often people set up their feeders in the spring when the bulk of the birds migrate towards Washington. No matter what you choose, be sure to set out the best hummingbird feeders for your visitors.

Is it safe to feed hummingbirds in Washington?

Yes! It is very safe to feed hummingbirds in Washington. These tired birds will need a good meal on their journey.

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