hummingbird are among the most fascinating bird species , known for their iridescent feathering , rapid wingbeats , and hover abilities . With over 300 metal money worldwide , North America is home to a remarkable miscellany of these midget bird . In the United States alone , you could find severaltypes of hummingbirds , each with unique colors , grading , and behaviors . From the vivacious Ruby - throated Hummingbird to the striking Anna ’s Hummingbird , these airy acrobats play a vital use in pollenation .
In this guide , we ’ll explore30 types of hummingbirdsfound in North America , help you identify them through pictures and key characteristics .
Different Types of Hummingbirds
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby - throated Hummingbird is a striking snort with a shimmering green back and a signature ruby - reddish throat in males . Found across easterly North America , it thrives in garden , woodlands , and meadows . Known for its rapid wingbeats — up to 80 multiplication per 2nd — this flyspeck fowl fuel itself by sipping nectar from flowers and feeder . Despite its little sizing , it fiercely fight back feeding territories against intruder .
During migration , Ruby - throated Hummingbirds travel solo , flying nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico . female craft finespun nests from plant fibers and spider silk , evoke two chicks per brood . Conservation efforts , like planting native flowers , help sustain their population .
Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna ’s Hummingbird is a year - rhythm resident along the Pacific Coast , famous for its vivacious magenta crown and throat in males . Unlike manyhummingbirds , it weather colder winters by enter torpidity , slow up its metabolism to conserve vigour . It primarily feeds on nectar but also consume insects for protein .
This species expand in urban parks , gardens , and coastal scrublands . Its buzzing , in high spirits - speed diving are part of an elaborate courtship video display . Named after a 19th - century duchess , Anna ’s Hummingbird continues to enchant birdwatchers with its resiliency and striking colors .
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird is renowned for its fiery orange plumage and tenacious spirit . These chick undertake one of the longest migrations proportional to their size of it , traveling from Alaska to Mexico . Males are bright coppery - Orange River , while females have green backs with rufous accents .
extremely territorial , Rufous Hummingbirds sharply chase away intruders , even larger birds . They nest in forest , meadows , and garden , favoring areas with abundantwildflowers . Their incredible survival and adaptability make them one of the most remarkable hummingbird coinage .
Allen’s Hummingbird
A coastal California native , Allen ’s Hummingbird is a small but vibrant species with a fiery Orange River throat and green back . Unlike many migratory hummingbirds , it sticks to a minute range , breeding in coastal areas before wintering in Mexico . It prefers hayfield , gardens , and chaparral habitats .
Allen ’s Hummingbirds are skilled at trap - lining , revisit specific nectar germ throughout the day . They build tiny nests from soft works material and wanderer silk , often reusing them . Though territorial , they sometimes tolerate other hummingbirds nearby .
Calliope Hummingbird
The Calliope Hummingbird holds the title of North America ’s little rearing dame , weighing less than a penny . male have strike Battle of Magenta run on their throat , while females are more low-keyed with greenish backs and white underbellies .
This tiny traveler strain in mountain meadows of the western U.S. and migrates to Mexico for winter . Calliope Hummingbirds fee on nectar and louse , often hovering at flowers too pocket-sized for big bird . Their size does n’t hinder their unbelievable migratory feats , insure thousands of sea mile each year .
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
The Broad - tailed Hummingbird is a mountain specialist , breeding in the high - altitude meadows and forests of the westerly U.S. Males have a distinctive iridescent rosiness - pink pharynx and a broad , fan - like tail that produces a trilling sound in flight . Females are immature - backed with pale underpart and whitened - tip prat plumage .
This coinage prefers wild flower - rich areas near flow , feeding on nectar and small insects . In winter , it migrate to Mexico , favour true pine and oak woodlands . Gardeners can attract Broad - trail Hummingbirds by engraft cerise cannular flowers and providing feeder .
Costa’s Hummingbird
Costa ’s Hummingbird is a desert dweller , thriving in the waterless landscapes of the southwestern U.S. and northerly Mexico . male are strike with an iridescent violet crown and flared purple throat , while females are more muffled with pale underparts and green backs .
Well - adjust to abandon life , Costa ’s Hummingbirds frequent cactus - filled habitats , juiceless lavation , and scrublands . They feed on nectar from desert efflorescence like ocotillo , agave , and chuparosa , supplementing their diet with insects . Their small , cup - shaped nest are built in shaded subdivision , often near human dwelling .
Violet-crowned Hummingbird
name for its smart as a whip violet crown , the Violet - crown Hummingbird is a salient mintage found in Mexico and parts of the southwestern U.S. Males have a bright immature back , white underpart , and a red - orange bank bill , while female person are duller with a subdued crest .
These hummingbirds favor canyons , foothills , and riparian timberland with Ficus sycomorus and agaves . They run on nectar fromtrumpet vine , coral bean , and fuchsia , also catching small insects mid - air . Their delicate nests are often placed near water sources , make them a rare but treasured sight in their northern range .
Black-chinned Hummingbird
The Black - chinned Hummingbird is a widespread species in the westerly U.S. , easily identified by the dark purple - black throat piece in males . female lack the blue mentum and have pale greyish underparts with light-green back .
Adaptable and resilient , this hummingbird breed in various habitats , from canyons and brushy area to suburban gardens . It feeds on ambrosia from tubular flush like Indian paintbrush and penstemon , using its extendible clapper to reach deep into blossoms . Males do impressive aerial display , diving in loops to move potential mates .
Lucifer Hummingbird
The Lucifer Hummingbird is a rarefied , jewel - toned species inhabiting the dry flock side of northerly Mexico . Males shimmer with gold - green plumage , a spectacular reddish blue pharynx , and a curving bill , while females are more subdued in colouring .
These hummingbirds prefer oak tree and pine - oak timber , often nest in unconscionable canon slopes . They trust on nectar from daybreak glory , honeysuckle , and agave , contributing to pollination in their ecosystem . Their migration co-occur with the monarch butterfly ’s journey to Mexico , showcasing nature ’s interconnect rhythms .
Berylline Hummingbird
The Berylline Hummingbird is an refined species found in Mexico and the southwestern U.S. , known for its yellowish underparts and striking orange handbill . Males have an iridescent green crown , bluff white middle stripes , and greyish blue parts , while female are duller with a more muted typeface shape .
favor pine - oak woodland and mountain canyon , these hummingbirds trust on nectar from agaves and inflorescence shrubs . They also frequent hummingbird feeders . nest along forested stream , they build tiny cup nest from works fibers . Habitat loss threatens their population .
Buff-bellied Hummingbird
The Buff - bellied Hummingbird is a vibrant species native to Mexico and Guatemala , easily identified by its buff - colored underside . Males feature an iridescent aqua - unripened pharynx , while female have stipple throats and metal tip .
These territorial chick defend flowering trees and shrubs in forest , scrublands , and garden . They exhaust nectar from century works and Salvias , as well as little insects . scant - distance migrant , they move between breeding and wintering grounds . Deforestation poses a threat to their habitat .
White-eared Hummingbird
The White - eared Hummingbird is a outstanding species of Mexico and Central America ’s pine - oak forests , recognise for its sheer white ear tussock . male person expose an emerald green body , a reddish blue pharynx , and a cerise peak tipped in calamitous . female are paler with whitish undersurface and unripened dorsum .
belligerent defenders of nectar - rich plant , these birds feed on tube-shaped flowers such as Esperanza and Salvias . They also migrate short distances within montane regions . Habitat loss is an increase concern for this species .
Magnificent Hummingbird
The Magnificent Hummingbird is one of North America ’s largest hummingbirds , well recognized by its iridescent rose - pinkish throat and crown . Males are dark green with long bottom , while female have grey underpart and lack the pictorial pinkish gorget .
Breeding in mountain timberland and meadows , these hummingbirds migrate to Mexico ’s coastal regions in winter . Known for their sheer nature , they fiercely defend feeding territories . They favorred red-hot pokers , penstemons , and agaves for nectar and can reach speeds of 50 miles per hour . Though vulgar , habitat loss menace their future .
Xantus’ Hummingbird
The Xantus ’s Hummingbird is a small westerly species bring up after Hungarian zoologist John Xantus . Males have an iridescent majestic - immature pharynx and cap , a white titty band , and green flanks . Females miss the hopeful throat while and are more grayish - bloodless underneath with greenish cover .
This species breed in the arid scrublands of the Baja California Peninsula and winters on the Mexican mainland . It thrives in dry washes , desert scrub , and oases make full with agaves and ocotillos . Xantus ’s hummingbirds produce a immediate , nick call and defend territories around ambrosia - fertile flora like Fairy Duster and Desert Lavender .
Long-billed Starthroat
The Long - billed Starthroat is a heavy hummingbird with an exceptionally prospicient , neat bill , found from Mexico to Costa Rica . male have a purplish throat border by iridescent blue ear patches , a straight bill , and a unornamented top , while females are more European olive tree light-green above and lack the bright pharynx patch .
Preferring lower wad slopes and open woodland , thesehummingbirds feed on nectarfrom tubelike bloom like Calliandra and orchids . Males perform aeriform displays , flying up to 130 foundation while producing a shrill staccato “ chip ” call . Though vulgar , habitat loss could impact their populations .
Plain-capped Starthroat
The Plain - crest Starthroat is a medium - sized hummingbird with a long , square bill and sleek shape , range from Mexico to Costa Rica . Males have a glittering violet - blue throat patch and crown , a lily-white breast , and a plain crownwork , while female person miss the bright pharynx patch .
They inhabit tropic deciduous forests , forest edge , and gardens , eat on nectar from plants such as firecracker plants and coral vine . Their sharp “ chip ” call is used for territory defense . These shuttlecock build small cup nests overhanging stream and remain usual , though home ground personnel casualty is a concern .
White-bellied Emerald
The White - belly out Emerald is a vivacious hummingbird with a brilliant cherry-red bill and a distinct whistle call . aboriginal to tropic forests in Central and South America , it thrives in forest edge , second - growth bush , and garden .
Males have brilliant unripe upperparts and white underparts , while females have shorter , all - black bills . They sip nectar from bloom like Heliconia and gingerroot plants and establish lichen - covered nests near streams . Though still far-flung , home ground red threatens some populations .
Green-breasted Mango
The Green - breasted Mango is an exotic - looking hummingbird with a calendered light-green boob and a striking purple cap . Males have a black - masked nerve and a deeply forked purple - black nates , while female person apportion similar features but with less intense coloring .
Found in tropic forests and second - maturation areas from Mexico to South America , these hummingbirds fee on nectar from deep corolla flush like Heliconia . They sharply defend feeding dominion and do striking wooing flights . Although coarse , habitat wipeout poses a scourge to this stunning metal money .
Amethyst-throated Hummingbird
The Amethyst - throated Hummingbird is a fulgurant jewel of the forest in Costa Rica and westerly Panama . Males boast a shimmering amethyst - purple throat and crown , contrasted with black ear patches and an iridescent green back . Females , in contrast , have unripe plumage with pallid underpart . This species face severe threats from habitat devastation and illegal capture for the pet trade .
prefer the dense canopy of lowland rainforests , these hummingbird seldom descend to footing layer . They trust on epiphytic plant bloom and ambrosia - rich trees for sustentation . While some populations hang in in protect reserves , illegal trapping remains a fear , contribute to their continued downslope .
Bahama Woodstar
The Bahama Woodstar is a miniature hummingbird endemic to the Bahama Islands . Measuring just 2.5 in , it is the belittled rearing bird in the region . male feature a long , straight greenback , an opalescent reddish blue - blue crown and throat , and a short , forked posterior with white underparts . Females are more subdued , with white - tipped stunned tooshie feathers .
These bird thrive in pine forest , Rhizophora mangle , and gardens , feeding on ambrosia from tubular flowers like Firebush , Turk ’s Cap Cactus , and Brazilian Pepper . Despite their petite size , they fiercely defend their feeding areas , emit luxuriously - pitched twittering cry . Habitat loss due to development and storm threatens their selection .
Sapphire-spangled Emerald
The Sapphire - spangle Emerald is a vibrant dismal - green hummingbird found along the Caribbean coasts of Central America . Males display superb turquoise upperparts , white undersurface , and blue - tipped tail feather . Females are a more hushed fleeceable with white tail plume tips .
This species inhabits coastal bush , mangrove edges , and gardens , where it feed on ambrosia from flower such as Firecracker plant and Coral Vine . The male ’s iridescent feather get a spectacular cerulean and emerald photoflash in flight . With a circumscribed range , habitat demolition from touristry and coastal development threaten this species .
The White - eared Hummingbird thrive in high - altitude tropical forests . Rarely breed in the U.S. , males weigh around 3.6 grams , while females average 3.2 grams .
male person display a purplish crown , blue - dark-green chin , and a distinctive Edward D. White ear stripe , along with a red banker’s bill with a opprobrious tip . female person have a green back and crown , blanched underparts streaked with unripe , and a similar ear stripe . Their preferred home ground admit pine - oak timber and montane forests , where they feed on nectar and insects .
Green Violet-ear
The Green Violet - ear is a striking hummingbird with vivacious unripe feather and classifiable violet ear piece . Males shimmer with depressed - reddish blue throats and ear spell , while females have a dull immature coloration with grayish underparts . These razzing are line up in tropic lowland rainforests and forest edge from Mexico to Panama .
Green Violet - ears choose the canopy , feeding on ambrosia from epiphytes and other in high spirits - grow flowers . Unlike many hummingbirds , they cling vertically to bloom clustering while feeding . Their seasonal elevational migrations follow blooming cycle , but disforestation threatens their habitat .
Long-billed Hermit
The Long - bill Hermit is a unequaled hummingbird recognized by its exceptionally long , slightly arch bill . feel from Mexico to Bolivia , this forest - dwell mintage has velvety unripened upperparts , a dreary - violet patch below the eye in male , and buffy underparts in females .
Their specialized greenback permit them to express ambrosia from thick , tube-shaped flowers like passionflower vine and leret blossoms . They cohere to bloom while fertilise using their arc claw . prefer the dark woods understory , these nonsocial skirt are at risk of exposure due to deforestation .
Saw-billed Hermit
The proverb - billed Hermit is a rare Central American hummingbird distinguish by the serrated edge of its bill . Males have a promising red - orange circular , while females have a strongly hooked bootleg throwaway . This coinage inhabit subtropic evergreen plant forests and mass oak tree woodlet in Costa Rica and Panama .
Using their specialised bill , byword - placard hermit pry get to the base of farseeing tubular flowers like Heliconia to access ambrosia . They also append their diet with small insects . Little is know about their genteelness habits , but home ground loss continues to peril their special range . The species is separate as Near Threatened due to its slump population .
