Hummingbirds are among the most fascinating birds in North America, captivating birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts with their iridescent plumage, remarkable hovering ability, and incredible energy. The United States is home to over a dozen hummingbird species, each with distinct physical characteristics, behaviors, and regional distributions. This comprehensive guide provides a complete list of hummingbird names found in the US, along with identification tips, range information, and practical advice for observing these remarkable birds.
What Are Hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are small birds in the family Trochilidae, known for their ability to hover in place by rapidly flapping their wings up to 80 times per second. They are found exclusively in the Americas, with the greatest diversity in tropical regions. In the United States, approximately 17 species of hummingbirds have been documented, though not all are regular breeders. These birds play crucial roles in ecosystems as pollinators and serve as indicators of environmental health. Their diminutive size, with most species measuring between 3 and 5 inches in length, makes them challenging but rewarding subjects for bird watchers of all experience levels.
Complete List of Hummingbird Species Found in the US
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the most widespread hummingbird in eastern North America. Males display a brilliant ruby-red throat gorget that appears black in poor lighting, contrasting with a white breast and greenish back. Females lack the red throat, instead showing a pale breast with faint streaking. This species breeds throughout the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, migrating to Central America for winter. Ruby-throated hummingbirds measure approximately 3 inches in length and weigh around 0.1 ounces, making them one of the smallest breeding birds in North America.
Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) has expanded its range significantly in recent decades and is now a common resident along the Pacific Coast. Males feature a distinctive rose-pink or fuchsia crown and throat that can appear dark from certain angles. This species is unique among North American hummingbirds in that some populations do not migrate, remaining year-round in mild climates. Anna’s hummingbirds are medium-sized, reaching about 4 inches in length, and are known for their bold territorial behavior, often attacking much larger birds that enter their territories.
Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is the western counterpart to the Ruby-throated, breeding throughout the western United States. Males have a black throat with a thin band of iridescent purple at the base. Females lack the dark throat, displaying a pale breast and faint eyeline. This species is known for its adaptability, inhabiting diverse environments from coastal gardens to mountain meadows. Black-chinned hummingbirds are accomplished migrants, with some individuals making non-stop flights across the Gulf of Mexico during migration.
Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is famous for its remarkable long-distance migration, breeding as far north as Alaska. Males display a brilliant orange-red throat and rusty upperparts, while females show greenish backs with varying amounts of orange on the throat. This species has one of the longest migrations of any hummingbird, traveling up to 4,000 miles round trip between breeding and wintering grounds. Despite their small size, Rufous hummingbirds are known for their aggressive demeanor, frequently dominating feeders and other hummingbirds.
Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna) deserves additional attention as the only hummingbird species with a year-round population in the continental US. Males have a striking iridescent rose-pink crown and gorget that appears black unless light catches at the right angle. This species has adapted well to suburban environments and is commonly found in gardens from southern British Columbia to Baja California. Their nesting season spans from December through May in coastal areas, making them one of the earliest nesting birds in western North America.
Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae) is a desert specialist found throughout the southwestern United States and coastal California. Males develop distinctive elongated gorget feathers that project downward past the breast, creating an elegant appearance when displayed. Both sexes have a pale chest and whitish eyepatch that aids in identification. Costa’s hummingbirds are adapted to arid environments and obtain much of their moisture from flower nectar and insect prey. They are among the smallest hummingbirds in North America, weighing as little as 0.07 ounces.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus) is a high-elevation species found in mountain meadows throughout the western United States. Males have a rose-red throat and a broad, rounded tail with distinctive white tips on the outer feathers. The species gets its name from its relatively wide tail feathers compared to other Selasphorus hummingbirds. Broad-tailed hummingbirds are known for the distinctive wing-whistling sound produced by males during flight, creating a musical quality to their presence in mountain habitats.
Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope) holds the distinction of being the smallest breeding bird in North America. Males display elongated purple-red throat feathers that can be raised or compressed during displays. This tiny hummingbird breeds in mountainous terrain from British Columbia to California and migrates to Mexico for winter. Despite its minute size, the Calliope Hummingbird undertakes impressive migrations, crossing the Gulf of Mexico twice yearly.
Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin) has a limited breeding range restricted to coastal California and southern Oregon. Males featurerufous or orange-red plumage with a green back that can appear dark in poor lighting. This species faces significant conservation concerns due to its restricted range and loss of coastal habitat. Allen’s hummingbirds are nearly identical in appearance to female Rufous hummingbirds, requiring careful observation of tail feathers and range for accurate identification.
Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) is a southwestern species with a distinctive broad, slightly curved bill. Males display brilliant turquoise-blue plumage on the head and throat, with greenish upperparts. This species reaches the northern limit of its range in southern Arizona and New Mexico during summer breeding season. Broad-billed hummingbirds are year-round residents in portions of Mexico and the southern border regions of the US.
Violet-crowned Hummingbird (Leucolia violiceps) is a rare but regular visitor to the southwestern United States. As the name suggests, adults have a distinctive violet-purple crown that appears dark from most angles. This species has expanded its range northward in recent decades and now breeds occasionally in Arizona. The Violet-crowned Hummingbird is one of the larger North American species, reaching over 4 inches in length.
Buff-bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia yucatanensis) is primarily a Mexican species that reaches the US Gulf Coast. Males and females have a buff-colored belly that gives the species its name, along with greenish upperparts and a reddish bill with a dark tip. This species is a year-round resident in southern Texas and occasionally breeds in the US. The Buff-bellied Hummingbird has expanded its range northward in recent decades.
Rivoli’s Hummingbird (Rivulinae egregia) was recently recognized as a separate species from the Magnificent Hummingbird. This large western hummingbird displays iridescent green plumage with a purple crown in good lighting. Males have a long, slightly curved bill and are among the larger hummingbird species in North America. Rivoli’s hummingbirds breed in mountain habitats from southern Arizona through Central America.
Blue-throated Mountain-gem (Lampornis clemenciae) is one of the larger North American hummingbird species. Males display a distinctive blue throat that appears black from most angles, with a white stripe behind the eye. This species is restricted to higher elevations in the mountains of the southwestern US and northern Mexico. The Blue-throated Mountain-gem is known for its relatively calm demeanor compared to smaller hummingbird species.
Lucifer Hummingbird (Calothorax lucifer) is a desert species with a highly decurved bill adapted for feeding from specific desert flowers. Males have a distinctive iridescent purple-green throat with a pale breast. This species breeds in the Chihuahuan Desert region and migrates to central Mexico for winter. Lucifer hummingbirds are among the most specialized hummingbird species in North America in terms of bill morphology and habitat preferences.
Plain-capped Starthroat (Heliomaster constantii) is a rare visitor to the southwestern United States from tropical Mexico. This species has a relatively plain appearance compared to other hummingbirds, with a dark cap and long, slightly decurved bill. While uncommon in the US, this species has been documented breeding occasionally in Arizona. The Plain-capped Starthroat is named for its relatively subdued plumage compared to the colorful trochilids.
Xantus’s Hummingbird (Basilinna xantusii) is a species endemic to the Baja California Peninsula that occasionally appears in southern California. Males display a distinctive white stripe behind the eye and greenish plumage. This species is named after John Xantus, a Hungarian naturalist who worked in California. While rare in the US, vagrant individuals are reported almost annually in southern California.
How to Identify Hummingbirds
Identifying hummingbirds requires attention to several key field marks that vary by species and sex. The most reliable identification features include throat color in adult males, overall body size, tail and wing shape, bill length and curvature, habitat, and geographic location. Male hummingbirds typically display the most diagnostic plumage features, while females of many species can be more challenging to distinguish. Photography with proper lighting can greatly aid identification, as the iridescent throat patches (called gorgets) that appear black or dark in poor lighting reveal their true colors when the bird tilts toward the sun.
Behavioral characteristics also provide important identification clues. Wing-whistling produced by males during display flights is distinctive in Broad-tailed Hummingbirds. Territorial aggression levels vary by species, with Rufous and Anna’s hummingbirds among the most aggressive at feeders. Nesting habitat preferences differ significantly among species, from sea-level coastal areas to high-elevation meadows. Seasonal timing of arrival at breeding territories varies by species and can aid identification when multiple species are present.
Geographic range serves as one of the most useful initial identification filters. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds dominate eastern North America, while Anna’s and Black-chinned hummingbirds represent the most common species in western regions. Some species have restricted ranges: Allen’s Hummingbird breeds only in coastal California and Oregon, while the Buff-bellied Hummingbird is essentially restricted to the Gulf Coast. Understanding the expected species for your region eliminates many identification challenges before they arise.
Best Places to Observe Hummingbirds
The southwestern United States offers the richest hummingbird diversity, with up to a dozen species possible in suitable habitat areas. Southeastern Arizona, particularly the Huachuca and Santa Rita Mountains, hosts the greatest species diversity in the continental US. The Madrean Sky Islands region supports species found nowhere else in the US, including Blue-throated Mountain-gem and Lucifer Hummingbird. The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area near Sierra Vista, Arizona, consistently produces sightings of multiple uncommon species.
Backyard feeders remain one of the most reliable observation opportunities, particularly for common species like Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in the East and Anna’s Hummingbirds along the Pacific Coast. Setting up feeders with a solution of four parts water to one part white sugar provides an excellent attractant. Feeders should be cleaned and refilled every few days, especially in warm weather, to prevent harmful mold growth. Native flower gardens that provide natural food sources support healthy hummingbird populations and offer photographers excellent opportunities.
Coastal California and the Desert Southwest offer year-round hummingbird viewing opportunities due to mild climates and resident populations. Point Reyes National Seashore in California provides excellent viewing opportunities for Black-chinned and Anna’s Hummingbirds. The Davis Mountains in Texas host a remarkable diversity of hummingbird species during migration seasons. Banding studies have revealed that individual hummingbirds often return to the same feeders and territories year after year.
Conservation Status and Threats
Most North American hummingbird species remain widespread and abundant, though several face conservation concerns. Habitat loss represents the primary threat to many species, particularly those with restricted breeding ranges. Climate change poses emerging challenges by altering the timing of flower blooms and insect hatches that hummingbirds depend upon during migration. Window collisions kill significant numbers of hummingbirds annually in urban environments.
The ruby-throated hummingbird, despite its large population, faces potential challenges from declining insect availability and habitat fragmentation along migratory routes. Allen’s Hummingbird has lost significant coastal habitat to development and is considered a species of concern in California. Western species that breed at high elevations face potential impacts from changing precipitation patterns and drought frequency. window strikes in particular are a cause for concern and can be easily mitigated through blinds or other preventative measures.
Individual actions can significantly impact hummingbird conservation. Planting native flowers that provide natural food sources supports migrating and breeding populations. Reducing or eliminating pesticide use helps maintain healthy insect populations that provide essential protein. Installing window treatments on homes and buildings reduces collision mortality. Participating in citizen science programs like eBird contributes to our understanding of hummingbird distribution and population trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common hummingbird in the United States?
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most widespread and abundant species in eastern North America, while Anna’s Hummingbird dominates the Pacific Coast. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds number in the tens of millions and are the species most likely to visit backyard feeders in the eastern half of the country. Their range extends from Canada to the Gulf Coast during breeding season.
How many hummingbird species live in the US?
Approximately 17 hummingbird species have been documented in the United States, though only about a dozen are regular breeders. The remaining species are rare visitors, vagrants, or occasional breeders at the edges of their ranges. Arizona and California host the greatest species diversity due to their proximity to tropical regions.
Do hummingbirds migrate?
Yes, most North American hummingbird species are migratory. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds make an impressive non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico twice yearly, traveling up to 500 miles over open water. Rufous Hummingbirds have the longest migration of any North American hummingbird, traveling from Alaska to Mexico. Some Anna’s Hummingbird populations are year-round residents in mild climates.
What should I feed hummingbirds?
A simple mixture of four parts water to one part white granulated sugar closely mimics natural flower nectar. This solution should be changed every few days, especially in warm weather, to prevent fermentation or mold growth. Red food coloring is unnecessary and may be harmful; the red coloring on many commercial feeders is sufficient to attract birds. Honey solution should never be used as it can promote dangerous bacterial growth.
How can I attract hummingbirds to my yard?
Planting native flowers that produce nectar is the most effective long-term strategy. Trumpet vine, salvia, cardinal flower, and bee balm are excellent choices. Providing feeders with sugar water attracts many species. Native plantings also support the insect populations that hummingbirds need for protein. Avoiding pesticides helps maintain healthy insect communities. Positioning feeders near windows with decals or in areas with some protection from predators improves hummingbird survival.
Why do hummingbirds disappear from feeders?
Hummingbirds may temporarily abandon feeders due to nesting behavior, migration timing, or the presence of aggressive dominant individuals. Female hummingbirds disappear during nesting as they spends most of their time incubating eggs and brooding chicks. Migration timing varies by species, with adult males typically departing first followed by females and juveniles. Aggressive individuals may temporarily dominate feeders, though other hummingbirds usually return once the dominant bird moves on.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds represent one of nature’s most remarkable achievements, combining diminutive size with extraordinary capabilities that continue to inspire birdwatchers and scientists alike. Understanding the diverse hummingbird names and species found in North America enhances appreciation for these tiny marvels and improves our ability to observe and conserve them. Whether you are fortunate enough to host Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at your backyard feeder or plan a dedicated trip to the southwestern mountains to seek out rarer species, the world of hummingbirds offers endless opportunities for discovery and wonder. By supporting habitat conservation, participating in citizen science, and creating hummingbird-friendly spaces in our own yards, we can help ensure that future generations will continue to experience the joy of watching these remarkable birds hover, feed, and thrive across the landscapes of North America.
