Sedona names the Anna's hummingbird its official city bird after months of advocacy

The Sedona City Council on July 14 adopted a resolution designating the Anna's hummingbird as the official bird of Sedona following a presentation by the International Hummingbird Society and public testimony from birding and conservation advocates.

Alice Madar, introduced by a council member as the Hummingbird Society's representative, told the council the Anna's hummingbird ‘‘uniquely combines beauty, charisma, prevalence and visibility’’ and argued the designation would promote ecotourism and community pride. ‘‘Let's make it Anna's and pass the resolution,’’ Madar said during her presentation.

The proposal drew supporters at the podium and from the dais. Richard Armstrong of the Northern Arizona Audubon Society described the Anna's as a year‑round resident of the Verde Valley and said the species is ‘‘the perfect logical bird for the Sedona City bird.’’ Several councilors praised the petition and community outreach that accompanied the request.

Council discussion focused less on the species and more on procedure. Multiple councilors said they were uncomfortable adopting a standing city program for designating official objects without a clear process. Councilor Pete (first name used in the record) urged postponing a codified program until the council sets formal rules; others said petitioners had done the groundwork and the designation could proceed as a one‑time resolution. Staff clarified that a future resolution could reverse an earlier resolution if council wished.

Councilor Melissa (first name in record) made the motion to approve the resolution, seconded on the floor; the motion carried and Mayor Ploeg announced the Anna's hummingbird as Sedona's official bird.

The resolution itself (moved on the record as “Resolution 2026‑10, designating the Anna's hummingbird as the official bird of Sedona”) does not impose costs or require changes to the city seal or official materials, according to the packet and presenters. Supporters said the designation is intended to boost off‑peak ecotourism and encourage native planting for pollinators.

The council directed staff to schedule a separate discussion about creating a formal process for future city object designations, so the city can determine whether to treat such requests as one‑offs or as part of an established program.

Action and next steps: The council voted to adopt the resolution at the July 14 meeting. No implementation tasks or funding were attached to the measure; staff will return with a procedural recommendation if council requests one.