Anna’s hummingbirds have adapted to live alongside people in urban areas. In fact, this is the only species of hummingbird in North America that resides year-round in the Pacific Northwest region.
These ingenious little creature takes advantage of unusual nesting spots like plant hooks, outdoor lights, electrical wires and patio decorations. They help build city dwellers’ connection to nature, providing an enchanting window into the natural world, accessible to those who take the time to notice them.
In fact, in 2017, the bird was named the City of Vancouver’s official bird following a vote by city residents.
They are one of five species of hummingbirds that can be seen in British Columbia: the Rufous, Calliope and Black-chinned species occur primarily on the west side of the Rockies, while the Ruby-throated hummingbird occurs to the east.
Anna’s hummingbirds are a new arrival in BC. Since the 1930s, they have expanded north and east from a range that was previously restricted to coastal California. They can now be seen as far north as southern Alaska. They first arrived in BC in the 1940s and over the past two decades, populations have increased dramatically. Many birds now overwinter and breed in those northern latitudes rather than flying south.
This rapid range expansion, particularly into colder regions such as the Pacific Northwest, is believed to be due to the fact that more people are providing nectar feeders and planting exotic flowers that bloom in different seasons in urban and suburban gardens.
The warming climate is also a factor. Anna’s hummingbirds may possess physiological and behavioural adaptations that allow them to withstand the extreme cold weather in Canada and may benefit from the “heat island” effect in urban centres.
While Anna’s hummingbirds appear to thrive near people—at least for now—their urban lifestyle comes with many risks: they can be caught by house cats, crash into windows or be hit by cars. They can also die from drinking out of dirty nectar feeders.
In the last 10 years, the Wildlife Rescue Association of BC saw a massive increase in the number of hummingbirds admitted for care, from 16 birds in 2010 to a record number of 322 in 2021. Hitting windows is the number one reason why hummingbirds are brought to the organization, followed by cat attacks.
Living with hummingbirds
A hummingbird that visits your garden or balcony is a special treat. You can take a few simple actions to create a welcoming and safe landscape for your tiny guests that will meet their needs for food, water and shelter.
Plant a variety of native, nectar-rich flowers on your patio, back garden or even apartment balcony. Install a moving water feature or a pond. Add high perches for the birds to rest and shrubs that serve as cover for nesting and protection from the weather. Native trees and shrubs require minimal maintenance once established and serve as food plants for the insects hummingbirds like to eat.
Hang a feeder (high enough to be safe from cats) filled with sugar water. A solution of four parts water to one part white table sugar is easy to prepare and similar to the natural nectar of flowers. Boil the mix and let it cool. Avoid other types of sugar or honey. Never add dyes and do not use commercial feeder mixes, which contain chemicals that are harmful to the birds. Feeders must be cleaned in hot water and refilled every two to three days. If hummers drink a contaminated solution, they can become ill.
Do not use pesticides and keep cats indoors. It is safer for cats and hummingbirds. Prevent deadly glass collisions by making windows visible to birds.
On a larger scale, help preserve local ecosystems and wildlife by supporting community parks, open-space preservation and wetland restoration projects. Support sustainable agricultural practices that consider biodiversity.
If you find an injured or orphaned hummingbird
A mother hummingbird rarely abandons a nest, but in some cases the chicks are left to fend for themselves if something happens to mom. She may have been hit by a car or caught by a cat. If you suspect a nest has been abandoned, you must watch continuously from a distance for at least an hour, sometimes more, to be sure mom is not returning. Don’t look away as she is quick! Feedings can be surprisingly infrequent in some stages of the chicks’ development. Contact your local wildlife rehabilitation centre for instructions.
Never try to nurse or raise a hummingbird or any other bird on your own. They are delicate creatures and can be easily injured if handled.
