Hummingbirds In Ohio: When And Which Hummingbirds To Expect

hummingbirds in ohio

Ohio is home to a variety of hummingbirds, so you can always expect some beautiful sights and sounds when these little creatures are around.

While the specific time frame and types of hummingbirds that will visit your state vary depending on the season, there are some general guidelines to follow. 

By knowing when and which hummingbirds to expect in Ohio, you’ll be able to enjoy their presence even more.

5 Hummingbirds In Ohio and When to Expect Them

1.Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common type of hummingbird in Ohio.

These birds are small and have a green back with some orange patches. The back and underside of both genders are green. The throat of males is a deep ruby red that can appear black in certain lighting.

They arrive in droves each spring from Central America, where they spend the winter. Many of them operate just one flight across the Gulf of Mexico. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are drawn to gardens with nectar feeders and flowers.


2.Allen’s Hummingbird

Allen's Hummingbird

The Allen’s hummingbird is yet another common hummingbird in Ohio.

These birds are small and have a green back with some orange patches. The males have an orangey-red throat, while females usually have a white throat with some orange spots.

They migrate later than most other hummingbirds, typically traveling to California in February or March.

Allen’s hummingbirds love nectar and are especially attracted to red flowers. They’re also known to be aggressive, so they may chase away other birds if they feel threatened. If you see one of these beautiful creatures in your yard, be sure to give them plenty of space!


3.Calliope Hummingbird

Calliope Hummingbird

The Calliope hummingbird is the tiniest hummingbird in North America. The calliope hummingbird migrates throughout Central America for the winter, then concentrates in western Canada and parts of western United States during the breeding season.

That’s a long flight, considering that the calliope is one of the smallest birds in the United States!

The throat of males has a distinctive magenta webbing that forks down the sides. Females are plain with a green tinge on the throat and peachy underparts.


4. Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna's Hummingbird

Although Anna’s are typically seen in the United States only during the summer, they can be found all year in a few of their territory’s western states, such as California and Washington.

Anna’s hummingbird is the perfect way to make your day more beautiful. It has a golden plumage with greens, blues and purples sparkling throughout its feathers which give it an appearance that can’t be found anywhere else on Earth!

Outside of their native area, Anna’s are extremely rare, although they do wander and have been reported in at least a few states in the central and eastern sectors of the United States. During the winter along the western border of Ohio, only a few sightings have been recorded.


5.Rufous Hummingbird

Rufous Hummingbird

The Rufous hummingbird is an uncommon hummingbird in Ohio. These birds are slightly larger than the Anna’s hummingbird and have a more reddish hue.

The males have an orangey-red throat and back with some green patches, while females usually have a duller throat and back.

They migrate later than most other hummingbirds, typically traveling to California in February or March.

Rufous hummingbirds love nectar and are especially attracted to red flowers. They’re also known to be aggressive, so they may chase away other birds if they feel threatened. If you see one of these beautiful creatures in your yard, be sure to give them plenty of space!

How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard?

If you want to attract hummingbirds to your yard, you should definitely try these things.

Plant Red Flowers

Hummingbirds are naturally attracted to red flowers. Planting a variety of red flowers in your yard is a great way to attract these beautiful creatures.

Some red flowers that hummingbirds love include  impatiens, petunias, zinnias, and bee balm.

Hang a Hummingbird Feeder

Another great way to attract hummingbirds to your yard is to hang a hummingbird feeder. These special feeders are designed to dispense nectar, which is a favorite food of hummingbirds.

Also, set feeders out a few weeks before hummingbirds are expected in the spring and leave them up until the birds depart for Winter. You may feed hummingbirds year-round in locations where hummers stay all year.

Keep your Feeder Clean

If you want hummingbirds to keep coming back to your feeder, it’s important to keep it clean. To clean a hummingbird feeder, simply remove the nectar and rinse the feeder with hot water. Then, refill it with fresh nectar.

It’s also important to clean your feeder on a regular basis to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Aim to clean your feeder at least once a week, or more often if needed.

Provide Shelter

In addition to food, hummingbirds also need shelter from the elements. To provide shelter for these birds, you can plant trees and shrubs in your yard. Hummingbirds also love to nest in areas that are protected from the wind and sun.

Some good trees and shrubs to plant include maple, oak, pine, spruce, and sumac.

Offer Sugar Water

One of the best ways to attract hummingbirds is to offer them sugar water. This simple mixture can be made by mixing 1 part sugar with 4 parts water.

You can offer sugar water to hummingbirds in a variety of ways, including using a feeder, spraying it on plants, or simply placing it out in a bowl. No matter how you offer it, sugar water is a great way to attract these beautiful birds to your yard.

Give Some Space

Although they are small, hummingbirds need a lot of space. To attract these birds to your yard, you should try to create an environment that is as natural as possible.

This means avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides, as well as providing plenty of plants and flowers for the birds to feed on. By creating a natural environment, you will be more likely to attract hummingbirds to your yard.

In Conclusion

Whether you’re a bird lover or just appreciate nature, there’s nothing like seeing a hummingbird in your own backyard.

These five types of hummingbirds are the most common in Ohio, so keep an eye out for them next time you’re outside.

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