Sierra Vista: The hummingbird Capital of the U.S

Sierra Vista has earned itself a very unique title over the years. It is considered the Hummingbird Capital of the United States. The city has become a sanctuary for dozens of hummingbird species, with a large river, and lush canyons that the hummingbirds call home. Every spring and summer, the sky's shimmer with tiny wings and beautiful colors, drawing in bird lovers from all over the world.

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Hummingbird Lovers

Hummingbirds are a unique type of bird that is small, quick, and relies on nectar to survive. They are natural pollinators and are important for hundreds of species of vegetation across the world. Even the largest species of hummingbirds are small, and their wings are barely the size of a human thumb. 

People in Cochise County love hummingbirds, and many places celebrate them with festivals and educational seminars. Many areas surrounding Sierra vista such as the San Pedro River Riparian, fight hard to ensure the hummingbirds in the area can continue to come back year after year. These little creatures play a big role, and they love Sierra Vista.

The Perfect Landscape

Sierra Vista and the Huachuca Mountains have an elevation of roughly 4000-5000 feet. The elevation, mixed with the warm climate and bustling vegetation, make this city a hummingbird sanctuary. The Huachuca Mountains and surrounding canyons offer the perfect habitat for hummingbirds to fly, eat, and rest with plenty of places to stay safe from predators.

The mountains aren't the only place that you can find hummingbirds. The San Pedro River Riparian is full of hummingbirds due to the nectar rich flowers and insect populations that thrive in the area. Not only that, but the cottonwood trees also that line the river provide the perfect place for hummingbirds to rest and nest.

RELATED: Top 3 Diverse Biomes in Arizona

Migration Routes

Sierra Vista sits directly along a major hummingbird migration route. According to the City of Sierra Vista, there are over roughly 15 species of hummingbirds whose migratory routes are right over the city. Some of these species include Berylline, Blue-throated Mountain-gem, Broad-billed, and roughly a dozen other species.

Between the months of April to September, hummingbirds of all shapes and sizes stop by Sierra Vista as they migrate. Each season brings new hummingbirds, making Sierra Vista and Cochise County a hotspot for breeding birds. 

READ: Sierra Vista Hummingbird Capital of the World

Sierra Vista stands out from the rest of the U.S due to its unique climate and wildlife. Because of this, hummingbirds flock here like nowhere else. It's no wonder Sierra Vista is considered the hummingbird capital!

CONTINUE READING: What Makes Cochise County A Birdwatching Paradise?