5 Most Common Hummingbird Species Found in North America

Hummingbirds are among the most fascinating and beloved birds in North America, captivating observers with their vibrant colours, incredible flying abilities, and unique feeding habits. While there are numerous hummingbird species across the continent, some are more frequently spotted than others.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the 5 most common hummingbird species found in North America, exploring their characteristics, habitats, and behaviours.

Which Hummingbird Species Are Most Common in North America?

The most common hummingbird species in North America include the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, and Broad-tailed Hummingbird.

These species are widely distributed across various regions of the continent and are frequently observed by bird enthusiasts and casual observers alike.

1. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is arguably the most well-known and widely distributed hummingbird species in eastern North America[1]. These tiny marvels are easily recognisable by the male’s brilliant ruby-red throat, which contrasts beautifully with their emerald-green back and white underparts.

Key characteristics:

• Length: 7-9 cm
• Wingspan: 8-11 cm
• Weight: 2-6 g
• Distinctive ruby-red throat patch on males
• Green back and crown, with greyish-white underparts

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are known for their impressive migration, travelling up to 2,000 km from their breeding grounds in eastern North America to their wintering areas in Central America. They are often seen hovering around flower gardens, feeding on nectar from tubular flowers and small insects.

Related Post: Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Migration Map.

2. Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)

The Rufous Hummingbird is a feisty and widespread species found primarily in western North America[2]. Known for their aggressive behaviour, these small but mighty birds are easily identified by their rusty-orange plumage.

Key characteristics:

• Length: 7-9 cm
• Wingspan: 11 cm
• Weight: 2-5 g
• Distinctive rufous (reddish-brown) colouration
• Males have an iridescent orange-red throat patch

Rufous Hummingbirds are remarkable for their long-distance migration, travelling from Alaska to Mexico and back each year. They are adaptable feeders, often visiting a wide variety of flowers and are known to remember and revisit reliable food sources year after year.

3. Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna)

Anna’s Hummingbird is a common year-round resident along the Pacific Coast of North America[2]. These charming birds are known for their striking iridescent green and rose-pink plumage.

Key characteristics:

• Length: 9-10 cm
• Wingspan: 11-12 cm
• Weight: 3-6 g
• Males have iridescent rose-pink head and throat
• Green back and greyish underparts

Unlike many other hummingbird species, Anna’s Hummingbirds are non-migratory and can be found in their range throughout the year. They are highly adaptable and have successfully expanded their range in recent decades, partly due to the increased availability of garden feeders and non-native plants.

4. Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)

The Black-chinned Hummingbird is widely distributed across western North America, from southern British Columbia to northern Mexico. These small hummingbirds are known for their adaptability and can be found in a variety of habitats.

Key characteristics:

• Length: 8-9 cm
• Wingspan: 11-12 cm
• Weight: 2-4 g
• Males have a black chin with a thin, iridescent purple band
• Green back and pale grey underparts

Black-chinned Hummingbirds are versatile feeders, visiting a wide range of flowers and readily adapting to hummingbird feeders. They are known for their ability to thrive in both natural and urban environments, making them a common sight in gardens and parks across their range.

5. Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus)

The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is a common species found in the mountainous regions of western North America[4]. These high-altitude specialists are well-adapted to cooler temperatures and are often seen in subalpine meadows and mountain forests.

Key characteristics:

• Length: 9-10 cm
• Wingspan: 13 cm
• Weight: 2-4 g
• Males have an iridescent rose-red throat patch
• Green back and pale underparts

Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are known for their distinctive wing trills, produced by the males during courtship displays and territorial defence. They play a crucial role in pollinating wildflowers in their mountain habitats and are important contributors to the ecosystem.

Hummingbird Behaviour and Adaptations

Hummingbirds are renowned for their unique adaptations and behaviours that set them apart from other bird species. Here are some fascinating aspects of hummingbird biology:

1. Hovering flight: Hummingbirds are the only birds capable of sustained hovering flight, thanks to their ability to rotate their wings in a figure-eight pattern[2].
2. High metabolism: To support their energetically demanding lifestyle, hummingbirds have incredibly high metabolic rates, requiring them to feed frequently throughout the day.
3. Torpor: Many hummingbird species can enter a state of torpor at night, lowering their body temperature and slowing their metabolism to conserve energy.
4. Feather moult: Hummingbirds undergo regular feather moult, which can temporarily affect their flight performance. Research suggests that there can be a drop of more than 20% in lift production during the early stages of moult[2].
5. Altitudinal migration: Some hummingbird species engage in altitudinal migration, moving to different elevations seasonally to take advantage of food resources[3].

Conservation and Threats

While many hummingbird species are currently stable, they face various threats that could impact their populations in the future:

• Habitat loss due to urbanisation and agricultural expansion
• Climate change affecting the timing of flowering plants and migration patterns
• Competition with non-native species for food resources
• Pesticide use impacting insect populations, an important food source for hummingbirds

Conservation efforts focus on preserving natural habitats, promoting native plant species, and educating the public about the importance of these tiny pollinators in maintaining ecosystem health.

Final Thoughts

These five most common hummingbird species in North America offer a glimpse into the incredible diversity and adaptability of these remarkable birds. From their unique hovering abilities to their important role as pollinators, hummingbirds continue to captivate and inspire both casual observers and dedicated ornithologists alike.

As we continue to learn more about these fascinating creatures, it’s crucial that we take steps to protect their habitats and ensure their survival for future generations to enjoy.

Before we conclude, here’s a question for you; have you had the opportunity to observe any of these hummingbird species in your area?

I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments section below. If you found this article helpful, please consider sharing it with fellow bird lovers. Thank you for reading!