The Canyon

The hummingbird capital of the United States.

Up to fourteen species in a good year — many of them visible from our porch.

Why so many?

Ramsey Canyon sits where mountain ranges and deserts overlap, fed by a permanent spring-fed stream. That rare combination of water, elevation, and Madrean Sky Island habitat draws hummingbirds that reach the northern edge of their range right here — alongside the more familiar western species. On a single summer afternoon at the feeders it's common to see four or five species without leaving your chair.

When to visit

Hummingbirds arrive in March and build through the summer. Mid-July through August is the peak, when post-breeding migrants swell the numbers and the rarer Huachuca specialties are most likely. Anna's Hummingbird stays with us all year. If hummingbirds are the reason for your trip, aim for late spring through August and book well ahead — these are our busiest weeks.

At the Feeders

Some of our regulars.

A handful of the species you're most likely to meet in the canyon.

Rivoli's Hummingbird Eugenes fulgens Formerly the Magnificent Hummingbird — among the largest in the U.S., glittering green and violet.

Anna's Hummingbird Calypte anna Our one year-round resident; the male's crown and throat blaze rose-pink.

Broad-billed Hummingbird Cynanthus latirostris Glossy emerald with a sapphire throat and a red-orange bill.

Black-chinned Hummingbird Archilochus alexandri A common summer breeder; the male's gorget flashes violet in good light.

Broad-tailed Hummingbird Selasphorus platycercus Listen for the male's metallic wing-trill as it passes the feeders.

Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus Copper-orange and pugnacious; one of the longest migrations of any hummingbird.

Calliope Hummingbird Selasphorus calliope The smallest bird in North America, with magenta throat rays — a spring migrant.

Costa's Hummingbird Calypte costae A desert species; the male wears a vivid violet crown and a long, flaring gorget.

Blue-throated Mountain-gem Lampornis clemenciae The largest hummingbird in the U.S., with a booming chip note around the feeders.

And the rarities

In a strong year the canyon and the surrounding Huachucas host as many as fourteen species. Beyond the regulars above, this is one of the few places in the country to look for Madrean specialties that birders travel across the continent for — Violet-crowned, White-eared, Berylline, Lucifer, and even the occasional Plain-capped Starthroat among them.

Photographers: ask us about the wildlife photo blind on the property — a dedicated spot to shoot the feeders and water features up close. Reserve by the hour.

Want the wider picture? See our birding page for the full 170+ species, the eBird hotspot, and easy day trips, or read more about the canyon.

Plan your hummingbird-season stay