Anna's Hummingbird

Anna’s Hummingbird

Species: Calypte anna
Type: Bird
Range: Western U.S. (primarily Pacific Coast); rare visitor to Texas, especially in winter
Typical Size: 3.9 to 4.3 inches in length, wingspan about 4.7 inches
Plumage Colors: Males have iridescent emerald green backs and a dazzling rose-pink throat and crown; females and juveniles are green above and grayish below with bits of pink on the throat
Habitat Needs: Open woodland edges, gardens, coastal scrub, and suburban yards
Activity Period: Diurnal
Diet: Nectar from flowers, tree sap, and small insects
Song/Call Description: A buzzy, scratchy song from males; sharp chip notes and mechanical chirps during flight displays

Bird Behavior

Notable Behaviors: Males perform dramatic “J”-shaped courtship dives with an audible tail-feather chirp; fiercely territorial around feeders
Nesting Habits: Tiny cup nests made of plant down and spider silk, usually in shrubs or trees
Attracts To Garden By: Red tubular flowers and nectar feeders
Migration Patterns: Mostly non-migratory in the West Coast range; sightings in Texas are rare and typically seasonal wanderers or winter visitors

Favorite Plants Or Features

Favorite Trees/Shrubs: Oak, willow, sycamore for nesting; shrubs for cover
Favorite Flowers/Grasses: Salvia, penstemon, trumpet vine, Turk’s cap
Shelter Choices: Dense shrubs and small trees with good visibility for defending feeding territory

Notes

Interaction with Pets: Generally avoids pets; may aggressively buzz humans and animals near feeders
Special Notes: Rare but increasingly observed in Texas during fall/winter; likely expanding range eastward

Description

Anna’s Hummingbird is a small but bold jewel of a bird, with males shimmering like living rubies when sunlight hits just right. Unlike other hummingbirds seen only in summer, Anna’s has been known to show up in Texas during fall and winter months, possibly due to shifting climate patterns and garden feeders. Their aerial acrobatics and territorial nature make them lively backyard guests. Their buzzy vocalizations and explosive dive displays are surprisingly loud for their size, adding drama to even the quietest winter garden.