Hardy may not be the first word that comes to mind when thinking about Anna’s hummingbirds, but don’t let their small stature and colorful pink and green feathers fool you. They may only weigh as much as a nickel, but these little birds are tough.  

Unlike other species of Pacific Northwest hummingbirds, Anna’s do not migrate. Instead, they survive snow and freezing temperatures by entering a deep sleep or mini-hibernation called “torpor.” While in torpor, their body temperature drops, and their breathing slows down so much that they may appear dead or frozen. This behavior saves energy and allows them to sleep through severe cold weather periods. If you find a hummingbird in torpor, please don’t disturb it! 

Why would these birds choose to stay here in the cold instead of flying to Mexico with the other hummingbirds? Unlike other resident hummingbirds, Anna’s have only lived in the area since the 1960s. Originally from California, Anna’s hummingbirds expanded north to take advantage of exotic plants and urban gardens. It may be that Anna’s haven’t lived here long enough to establish a safe migration route, and it is less dangerous for them to stay put than to risk starving trying to fly south. 

There are fewer resources for Anna’s hummingbirds in the winter, but they supplement their diet with insects and sap. Hummingbird feeders aren’t required for their survival but do make life easier for them.