The violet-crowned hummingbird, also known as the purple hummingbird, is primarily found in Mexico. Its range extends from the central and southern parts of the country, including the states of Veracruz, Oaxaca, Chiapas, and Yucatan. This beautiful species is known for its vibrant colors and distinctive violet crown, which sets it apart from other hummingbirds.
However, there is also a small population of violet-crowned hummingbirds that can be found in the United States. Specifically, they can be seen in southeastern Arizona and adjacent areas of New Mexico. These areas provide suitable habitat for the hummingbirds, with a combination of suitable vegetation, water sources, and nesting sites.
One interesting aspect of the violet-crowned hummingbird’s presence in the United States is its increasing tendency to overwinter in the region. In the past, these hummingbirds were primarily considered as summer visitors, breeding in Mexico and then migrating north for the warmer months. However, with the prevalence of feeders maintained by humans in well-known hummingbird locations within this region, the violet-crowned hummingbirds have been encouraged to stay year-round.
This change in behavior can be attributed to the availability of food sources provided by the feeders, which ensure a consistent supply of nectar throughout the year. As a result, some individuals of the species have chosen to remain in their breeding range or even expand their territories into new areas.
The presence of violet-crowned hummingbirds in the United States is a testament to the adaptability of these remarkable creatures. It is also a testament to the role that humans play in shaping the behaviors and distributions of wildlife. By providing resources such as feeders, we have inadvertently influenced the behavior of these hummingbirds and altered their natural patterns.
The primary range of the violet-crowned hummingbird is in Mexico, but it can also be found in southeastern Arizona and adjacent New Mexico in the United States. The increasing prevalence of feeders in these regions has encouraged some individuals of this species to overwinter, marking a change in their traditional migratory patterns. The presence of these beautiful purple hummingbirds in the United States is a testament to their adaptability and the impact of human-provided resources on their behavior.