Anna's Hummingbirds in New Mexico
When Anna's hummingbirds are present in New Mexico, when they nest, which native New Mexico plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4b–9a yard.
- Status in New Mexico
- Winter visitor
- Nesting window
- Does not typically nest here
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4b–9a
When to expect Anna's hummingbirds in New Mexico
In New Mexico, Anna's hummingbirds are winter visitors rather than breeders. Cold nights and sunny days; many desert and mountain birds move to lower elevations. While here they rely on winter-blooming manzanita and feeders.
Arid to semi-arid, with Chihuahuan desert in the south and mountain forest above 7,000 ft.
Native New Mexico plants that attract Anna's hummingbirds
Of the regional native plants we track for New Mexico, these 8 provide food or cover Anna's hummingbirds use:
Scarlet late-summer spikes; a hummingbird magnet in moist soil.
Tubular flowers for hummingbirds and seed heads for finches.
Early yellow flowers for hummingbirds, then summer fruit.
Nectar-rich in summer, seed for finches in fall.
Red trumpets for Broad-tailed and Rufous hummingbirds.
Blue-violet spikes favored by Broad-tailed Hummingbirds.
Orchid-like flowers through summer for hummingbirds and orioles.
Red spring flower spikes timed to hummingbird and oriole migration.
Feeding Anna's hummingbirds through the New Mexico year
Anna's stay year-round and nest in winter; in freezing weather, keep one feeder thawed.
- Best foods: Sugar water: 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.
- Avoid: Red dye, honey and artificial sweeteners.
- In New Mexico's winter: Cold nights and sunny days; many desert and mountain birds move to lower elevations.
Full diet breakdown for Anna's hummingbirds · Best feeder for Anna's hummingbirds
Frequently asked
Are Anna's hummingbirds in New Mexico year-round?
No. Anna's Hummingbirds are winter visitors in New Mexico and do not typically nest there.
What native plants attract Anna's hummingbirds in New Mexico?
Cardinal flower, Wild bergamot, Golden currant, Rocky Mountain bee plant, Scarlet gilia, Rocky Mountain penstemon, Desert willow, Ocotillo are native plants in New Mexico that provide food or cover for Anna's hummingbirds.
Anna's Hummingbirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in New Mexico
Sources
- Anna's Hummingbird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Anna's Hummingbird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Anna's Hummingbird — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — New Mexico
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.