Geographical distribution

Geographical distribution (Size: 14.13 kb)

In the New World only

Hummingbirds are found only in the New World. They can be found from Alaska to Terra del Fuego at the southern end of the Americas. By far the majority of species nest between latitudes 10º N and 25º S. People living at the equator can observe over 160 species, more than in any other location.

Forest vault, Trinidad Credit: Jean Léveillé (Size: 141.72 kb)

As long as there are flowers

Hummingbirds are adapted to various types of habitats, from sea level to altitudes up to 4500 metres above sea level, but they must have access to flowers. The majority of species live in the mountains. In equatorial regions, different species live at different elevations in the forest.

Rufous Hummingbird Selasphorus rufus Credit: Jean Léveillé (Size: 37.81 kb)

In North America

In North America, 21 hummingbird species can be observed, but only 16 species reproduce here. The Rufous Hummingbird is the species that travels the farthest to the North, being found as far north as the southern coast of Alaska.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris Credit: Jean Léveillé (Size: 56.83 kb)

In Canada

Two hummingbird species are regularly seen in Canada, the Rufous Hummingbird in the West and the Ruby-throated Hummingbird from the Prairies to the Maritimes. The latter is the most common in North America. Anna's Hummingbird is sometimes observed on the southern coast of British Columbia. The Black-chinned Hummingbird and the Calliope Hummingbird nest in rare locations in the mountains in Western Canada.

To learn more about hummingbirds in Canada, follow this link.