International Hummingbird Society

International Hummingbird Society Our mission: educating people about hummingbirds and working internationally to protect them.

Currently we are helping fund efforts to save a critically endangered hummingbird, the Marvelous Spatuletail found in norther Peru. We are working in partnership with the American Bird Conservancy on a project that will help this species thrive.

08/24/2026

There are over 300 species of hummingbirds, their weights varying slightly from species to species. The smallest hummingbird species, the Bee hummingbird, weighs around 1.6 to 2 grams, while other species, such as the Anna’s depicted here, can weight upward to 4.5 grams! Their light weight aids their unique lifestyle, and extreme flight capabilities.

Things at IHS that we think are kinda chic✨✨📸Photo credits: Hilary Morejon | , Anthony Lujan | @.anthony.lujan , Alice ...
08/19/2026

Things at IHS that we think are kinda chic✨✨

📸Photo credits: Hilary Morejon | , Anthony Lujan | @.anthony.lujan , Alice Madar

08/17/2026

Let’s talk about hummingbird fat!

As hummers prepare for migration, they must rapidly gain weight- doubling their own mass to fuel their long journeys. Gaining this weight, and keeping it, is a challenge for these birds as they have incredibly fast metabolisms.

So then how DO they keep weight?
Hummingbirds enter a state of torpor at night where they reduce their own metabolism by lowering their body temperature.

What we are looking at: The fat is visibly accumulated beneath the skin where his neck joins the body, and can be easily viewed in contrast to the red muscular flesh

Every week we are highlighting hummingbird species from around the globe- this week we are recognizing the Green-crowned...
08/12/2026

Every week we are highlighting hummingbird species from around the globe- this week we are recognizing the Green-crowned Plovercrest!

The Green-crowned Plovercrest is endemic to southeastern Brazil in the understory of lowland and Atlantic forests, and light woodlands. It is a full, monotypic species (not split into subspecies). Males have a glittering iridescent green/turquoise crest, with a deep blue/violet blue throat that extends down the belly, flanked in gray. Females have a less pronounced crest with green upperparts, and mostly gray to whitish underparts, and a more prominent white spot behind the eyes. Their name is derived from their brilliant green crest, and the plover‑like shape of the raised crest.

(Male Green-crowned Plovercrest | 𝘚𝘵𝘦𝘱𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘹𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪)

📸Photo credits: Cayce Jehaimi |

08/11/2026

After processing a bird, one of the most important steps is to feed and release them. We always offer the hummers a drink after the banding process to replenish their energy, as they typically feed every 10-15 minutes. Due to their frequent feedings, hummingbirds will consume up to half of their body weight daily from both nectar and small insects.

This week at our banding site we had 26 amazing visitors come out to watch the banding process. In the span of 5 hours w...
08/10/2026

This week at our banding site we had 26 amazing visitors come out to watch the banding process. In the span of 5 hours we processed 5 Anna’s Hummingbirds, and 27 Black-chinned Hummingbirds, for a total of 32 birds! As our season is winding down we are looking forward to hopefully getting a Rufous or two at our last couple of sessions.

♡As always, a big thank you to our volunteers who help make running this site possible!

-Slide 1: Juvenile male Anna’s
-Slide 2: Adult male Anna’s
-Slide 3: IHS Executive Director Alice Madar releasing a juvenile male Anna’s
-Slide 4: Adult male Black-chinned
-Slide 5: Adult male Black-chinned getting released

We are wrapping up our 2026 banding season here at IHS! Feel free to stop by to learn more about hummingbird banding, an...
08/04/2026

We are wrapping up our 2026 banding season here at IHS! Feel free to stop by to learn more about hummingbird banding, and the birds themselves.

Native flowering plants are the best food source for hummers, but feeders provide extra energy and allow you to enjoy hu...
07/30/2026

Native flowering plants are the best food source for hummers, but feeders provide extra energy and allow you to enjoy hummingbirds up close.

Remember:
-Only use white granulated sugar in your feeders. Do not use food coloring, organic sugars, or any other sweeteners such as honey.
-Clean your feeders everyday when temperatures are above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and every other day when in the 80's. Use hot water, white vinegar, a bottle brush, and spooly brush for the port holes and tight corners. Rinse thoroughly until you can no longer smell the vinegar.

Proper feeder maintenance leads to happy and healthy hummers!

Address

2756 W State Route 89A, Suite 1
Sedona, AZ
86336

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 2pm
Tuesday 10am - 2pm
Wednesday 10am - 2pm
Thursday 10am - 2pm
Friday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+19282842251

Website

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