These are fiercely territorial birds and rufous hummingbirds will regularly dive at and chase intruders near their nests or preferred feeding sites. Summer range extends east to western Montana and west to eastern and central Washington and Oregon. Scientific name: Calypte annaRange in North America: Year-round resident along the western coast of North America from southern British Columbia to southern California. or Sphinx Moth, Although not a member of the hummingbird family, it hovers and hums like a hummingbird, See enlarged photo, size, distribution and features. This desert hummingbird prefers areas with plentiful agave and ocotillo plants, though they can also be found along the fringes of mountain canyons. These hummingbirds are common in backyards and regularly visit nectar feeders, where they will flip and fan their tails while feeding. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and for our, How to Free a Hummingbird Trapped Indoors. Scientific name: Anthracothorax prevostiiRange in North America: Rare visitor to southern Texas along the Gulf Coast. They also eat many insects, often hawking to catch prey in flight. These birds are relatively common in their limited range, and they can be found in open woods and suburban gardens. Selasphorus sasin, See photos, hummingbird size, distribution and features, Annaâs The lower abdomen is buff to whitish-gray, and the undertail covers can show a rufous tinge. Both genders have a bold white spot behind the eye that is easily visible. Scientific name: Amazilia violicepsRange in North America: Uncommon summer resident in extreme southeastern Arizona and southwestern corner of New Mexico. While feeding, they wag and fan their tails. Buff-bellied hummingbirds regularly visit gardens and nectar feeders, and they can often be found in orchards and citrus groves as well as along woodland edges. Archilochus alexandri, See more photos, hummingbird size, distribution and features, Blue-throated Isolated summer populations also found in central California and along the southern California coast. Close inspection, however, shows a much greener back and head on Allen’s hummingbirds, as well as more extensive orange on the flanks. Females are similar but paler on the underside and lack the extensive gorget, but may show some red or pink spotting on the throat. The males are aptly named for their vibrant strawberry-red gorget, set off by a contrasting white collar on the throat. Broad-billed hummingbirds are also substantially smaller than magnificent hummingbirds, though size can be difficult to judge. They will also nest regularly in backyards. Many hummingbirds spend the winter in Central America or Mexico, and migrate north to their breeding grounds in the southern U.S. as early as February, and to areas further north later in the spring. Hummingbirds are among the smallest types of birds and can only be found naturally in the Americas. These birds are also easily recognized by their size, with a 5” length that is larger than most other hummingbirds. Males are easily identified by the iridescent purple band at the bottom of a dark gorget contrasting with a white collar, though the purple color is only seen in the best light. They can be aggressive birds and will chase other hummingbirds away from feeders. Stellula calliope, Costaâs Females have green upperparts and white underparts, and they may show faint streaking on the throat. When sighted, these hummingbirds are often seen at feeders. To use this list, compare the most noticeable characteristics of hummingbirds you see with the notes to help eliminate species from the identification possibilities. Hummingbird Hawk Moth Allenâs The face is marked by a white whisker and a white line behind the eyes, and a white patch is also visible on the back and at the base of the wings. Males have dark green bodies with brighter blue gorgets and violet crowns. Wintering populations may spread along the Gulf Coast as far as Louisiana. Broad-tailed hummingbirds prefer meadows and other open habitats in the lower elevations of the mountains, though during migration they will regularly visit nectar feeders. In contrast, the long, rounded tail is brightly rufous and can be a better field mark than the buff underparts. These birds prefer low flowers for feeding and can be found regularly in mountain meadows. Scientific name: Archilochus alexandriRange in North America: Summer breeder throughout the mountainous west from eastern Washington and Oregon through Idaho and as far south as southwestern Texas. Scientific name: Archilochus colubrisRange in North America: Summer breeder in the eastern and central United States and the southern edge of eastern and central Canada. Hummingbird, any of about 320 species of small, often brightly colored birds of the family Trochilidae, usually placed with the swifts in the order Apodiformes but sometimes separated in their own order, Trochiliformes. The green violet-ear has iridescent green plumage marked by a triangular blue or purple ear patch and a similarly colored chest patch. Anthracothorax prevostii, Green Violet-ear Selasphorus rufus, Violet-crowned Females have similar markings but lack the blue throat. Scientific name: Hylocharis leucotisRange in North America: Rare summer visitor to west Texas and year-round resident in southeastern Arizona. Females have bright green upperparts and gray underparts, with less extensive red on the bill and white post-ocular stripe. Calypte anna, Berylline They are not regularly found in urban areas, though they may venture into backyards on the edges of the suburbs. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Calothorax lucifer, Rivoli's Amazilia beryllina, See enlarged photo, hummingbird size, distribution and features, Black-chinned