In this article, we’re putting together great pictures of different types of hummingbirds and some solid information about the different hummingbird types. When people ask how many types of hummingbirds are there in the United States, it can be difficult to say exactly because there are a few southern species that come and go. So in this article, we’ll take a look at:
- 15 species of hummingbirds that you’re most likely to encounter
- Which states you can find different species in
- The habitats where hummingbirds are found
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15 Types Of Hummingbirds In The United States
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1. Calliope Hummingbird
At a little over 3 inches in length, the Calliope Hummingbird holds the title of the smallest of all the types of hummingbirds in the United States. These tiny creatures are hummingbirds of the west. They are small birds that travel big distances, migrating from the northwest of the United States, down into Mexico, and back each year.
The male Calliope Hummingbird has a beautiful purple throat and he is very aggressive for his size, chasing much larger birds in the breeding season. These tiny birds love hummingbird feeders.
2. Buff-bellied Hummingbird
The Buff-bellied Hummingbird is a year-long resident in southeast Texas, but they can also be seen further east in Louisiana outside the breeding season. These pretty little hummingbirds can be identified by their red bills, green backs, and buffy bellies.
3. Allen’s Hummingbird
These stunning little hummingbirds have a pretty restricted range in the United States and they can only be seen in a narrow belt along the coast of Oregon and California. Most Allen’s Hummingbirds migrate south each year into Mexico, although some birds love it so much in California that they stay all year long.
These birds love chaparral and coastal scrub habitats at low altitudes. If you live in the same area as these lovely little birds, you might be lucky enough to attract some to your feeders because they certainly do love nectar.
4. Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbirds are aggressive little birds of the west that breed in the pacific northwest, Canada and Alaska, migrating south into Mexico. Unfortunately, populations of these special little birds have declined quite significantly over the last 50 years.
The males are particularly colorful little birds, adorned in bright orange and coppery red shades. Females, while also attractive, are much less colorful and have greenish backs.
5. Broad-tailed Hummingbird
These little hummingbirds prefer high mountain country and have an amazing ability to survive freezing cold nights. Unfortunately, they don’t stick around through the winter months so if you’d like to see one of these amazing creatures in the United States, summer is the time to look.
They can be seen in central and southwestern states like Utah, Arizona, Colorado, or New Mexico. Both males and females have beautiful metallic green plumage, and the male also has a reddish-purple throat.
6. White-eared Hummingbird
Although the White-eared Hummingbird is much more common south of the border in Mexico, these pretty birds are regularly seen in the Southern United States, in southern Arizona and New Mexico. Although it is possible to see them there, this is probably the rarest of all the types of hummingbirds in Texas.
7. Costa’s Hummingbird
Costa’s Hummingbirds can be found in the American Southwest in states like California, Nevada, and Arizona. There you can look for these adaptable birds in coastal scrub and hot, dry desert environments.
The males of this species have some pretty impressive purple plumage around their faces that they can extend during fascinating courtship displays. When courting, the effect looks very strange, almost like an octopus with its arms held out!
8. Anna’s Hummingbird
Annas Hummingbird is yet another western species, but one that birdwatchers in the area are very familiar with. These exquisite little jewels of the bird world are easy to find, and they love to drink nectar from hummingbird feeders.
These are solidly built little hummingbirds that have beautiful iridescent green backs. The males also have bronzy pink throats. These birds can be seen in all sorts of habitats, including suburban areas and parks. Look out for Annas Hummingbirds in states like California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Nevada.
9. Black-chinned Hummingbird
The black-chinned hummingbird is a slim and trim little hummer from the central and western parts of the United States. They are not limited to the USA, however, they can also be found in southern Canada and Mexico.
Although they do have metallic green backs, these are not the most colorful of hummingbirds, with males having a black and purple throat as well. These birds aren’t too fussy about habitat, and they love visiting backyard hummingbird feeders.
10. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
For bird watchers in the east, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only breeding hummingbird around. They are a widespread species that overwinter in Mexico and migrate as far north as Canada through the central and eastern United States.
These much-loved birds are crazy about backyard nectar feeders and can get really tame. So if you haven’t already put one up, get yourself a hummingbird feeder and set it out in time for the spring arrival of the beautiful Ruby-throated hummingbird.
11. Lucifer Hummingbird
In the United States, this little beauty can only be seen in the desert areas of the extreme southwest in the states of Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico. They are only present there in the summer though and migrate to central Mexico in the winter.
Only the male of this species has an iridescent purple throat and neck but both sexes have shiny green backs. They are a tiny species that measure just 3.5 inches long and weigh 0.1 oz.
12. Rivoli’s Hummingbird
This large species is also known as the Magnificent Hummingbird. Unfortunately, they can only be found in parts of southern Arizona and New Mexico. They are one of the most richly colored hummingbird species and the males, in particular, are quite a sight.
They have iridescent green backs, purple foreheads and caps, a black belly and face, and a shining blueish throat. These birds feed on insects and the nectar from flowers, and they love visiting hummingbird feeders too.
13. Blue-throated Mountain-gem
The Blue-throated Mountain-gem is pretty big for a hummingbird at about 4.5 inches long. In the US, these birds are restricted to the extreme south where they breed in southwestern Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona.
These birds love visiting bird feeders but can also be looked for wherever there are lots of wildflowers.
14. Violet-crowned Hummingbird
Unfortunately, the stunning Violet-crowned Hummingbird is not a common bird in the United States. They do breed in the south of Arizona and New Mexico, however.
These are very recognizable birds with brown backs, white bellies, purple crowns, and red bills. Like other types of hummingbirds, these birds feed on nectar and insects and will happily visit backyard nectar feeders in their range.
15. Broad-billed Hummingbird
This southwestern species is one of the most colorful types of hummingbirds in the United States of America. These hummingbirds are visitors to the states of Arizona and New Mexico, but they spend the winter to the south in Mexico.
If you happen to live in that area, you might well be lucky enough to attract these hummingbirds to your backyard feeders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many types of hummingbirds in California?
California is a great state for looking for Hummingbirds. At least 7 different types of hummingbirds can be seen in the state.
Do you get hummingbirds in every state?
Hummingbirds can be seen in every state in the continental United States. They are, however, less common in the northern central states. If you’re counting hummingbird species by state, the southern states of Arizona and New Mexico stand out as hotspots for hummingbirds.
What time of year can you see hummingbirds?
Depending on where you live, you might be able to see hummingbirds all year round. Most species in the United States are migratory and are more likely to be seen in the warmer months of spring and summer.
Final Thoughts
With so many different types of hummingbirds in the United States, these birds make great birds to go out and look for. These tiny birds have big personalities, great colors, and fascinating behaviors. Now that you know more about these wonderful creatures, I hope you can get out there and have some great sightings. Happy bird watching!
Saw a hummingbird this morning. It was medium sized and completely black with a band of red and light colored checks around its neck area. What kind?
Based on the description provided, it is likely that the hummingbird seen was a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird, which are medium-sized and have black feathers with a bright red throat patch or band. However, without a clear photo or additional information, it can be difficult to confirm the exact species.