We have mixed observations and opinions based on our own experiences and perspectives. The information below is what the USFWS reported in 2025 from data on various species and regions.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Hummingbird Trends
Hummingbirds are ecologically important pollinators and indicators of ecosystem health, but recent data show mixed and concerning population trends across North America.
Overall declines in some species
The 2025 U.S. State of the Birds report found that Allen's hummingbird populations have declined by 80% between 1968 and 2019, placing it on the "Red-Alert" list for urgent conservation action Birds and Blooms<https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/birding-basics/state-of-birds-report/>. The rufous hummingbird is also at risk, listed as "Orange-Alert" Birds and Blooms<https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/birding-basics/state-of-birds-report/>. These declines are linked to threats such as collisions with buildings, predation by outdoor cats, and habitat loss Birds and Blooms<https://www.birdsandblooms.com/birding/birding-basics/state-of-birds-report/>.
Contrasting trends among species
Long-term Breeding Bird Survey data (1970–2019) show that Allen's, rufous, and broad-tailed hummingbirds have all declined since 1970, with faster declines after 2009 pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov<https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8443710/>. In contrast, ruby-throated hummingbirds in eastern North America have declined since about 2004 across most of their breeding range pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov<https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8443710/>. On the other hand, Anna's hummingbird populations have increased dramatically in western North America since 1970 pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov<https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8443710/>.
Why trends differ
These contrasting patterns suggest that while some species are thriving in certain regions (e.g., Anna's in California and the Pacific Northwest), others are facing steep declines due to habitat loss, climate change, and human disturbance pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov<https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8443710/>+1<https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8443710/>. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service notes that hummingbirds are vital for pollination and ecosystem balance, but their small size and high energy needs make them vulnerable to environmental changes U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service<https://www.fws.gov/story/hummingbirds-north-america>.
