The vibrant and mesmerizing beauty of hummingbirds has captured our hearts for centuries.
These tiny birds with their dazzling colors and lightning-fast movements are truly a wonder of nature.
But have you ever heard of the 13 different types of blue hummingbirds found in North America?
These feathered jewels not only add a pop of color to the landscape but also showcase the incredible diversity and adaptability of these magnificent creatures.
So, get ready to embark on a journey through the world of blue hummingbirds and discover their unique characteristics and habitats.
| Image | Name |
|---|---|
 | Rufous Hummingbird |
 | Broad-tailed Hummingbird |
 | Costa Hummingbird |
 | Calliope Hummingbird |
 | Anna’s Hummingbird |
 | Black-chinned Hummingbird |
 | Blue-throated Hummingbird |
 | Black-chinned Hummingbird |
 | Magnificent Hummingbird |
 | Violet-crowned Hummingbird |
 | Blue-throated Mountain-gem |
 | Rivoli's Hummingbird |
 | Broad-billed Hummingbird |
Types of Blue Hummingbirds in North America
1. Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus Rufus) is one of the most common types of Blue Hummingbirds found in North America.
It is a small, average-sized hummingbird that is easily recognized by its bright orange-red throat and chest.
It has a short, straight bill and a short tail.
The Rufous Hummingbird prefers to live in open areas, such as deserts, grasslands, and mountain slopes.
It can be found in the western United States, Canada, and Mexico.
2. Broad-tailed Hummingbird
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus) is another type of Blue Hummingbird found in North America.
It is slightly larger than the Rufous Hummingbirds and has iridescent green and blue feathers on its back and wings.
It has a long, curved bill and a long tail. The Broad-tailed Hummingbird prefers to live in open areas, such as deserts and grasslands.
It can be found in the western United States and Canada.
3. Costa Hummingbird
A beautiful iridescent purple neckband and a purple crest distinguish the Costa’s Hummingbird, a species of hummingbird found mostly in desert environments.
They have green backs and white abdomens having green stripes.
The undersides of female Costa’s Hummingbirds seem to be more white than purple.
Costa’s Hummingbirds may be found across southwestern Arizona, Baja California, and southern California.
They spend the winter months along the Pacific Mexico coast and then go north to breed in states like southern Nevada, Arizona, California, and southern Utah.
Costa’s Hummingbirds may be found in a wide variety of plant communities, including those found in sandy scrub, chaparral, and deciduous woodland.
They might raise two broods each year and construct their nests just 3 to 7 feet from the ground in dense bushes.
4. Calliope Hummingbird
The Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope) is the smallest of all the Blue Hummingbirds found in North America.
It has gray-green feathers on its back and wings and a bright pink throat.
It has a short, straight bill and a short tail.
The Calliope Hummingbird prefers to live in open areas, such as deserts, grasslands, and mountain slopes.
It can be found in the western United States, Canada, and Mexico.
5. Anna’s Hummingbird
The Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) is a medium-sized hummingbird with striking, iridescent green and blue feathers on its back and wings.
It has a long, straight bill and a long tail.
Anna’s Hummingbird prefers to live in open areas, such as deserts, grasslands, and mountain slopes.
It can be found in the western United States, Canada, and Mexico.
6. Black-chinned Hummingbird
The Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is a medium-sized hummingbird with iridescent green and blue feathers on its back and wings.
It has a long, curved bill and a long tail.
The Black-chinned Hummingbird prefers to live in open areas, such as deserts, grasslands, and mountain slopes.
It can be found in the western United States, Canada, and Mexico.
7. Blue-throated Hummingbird
The Blue-throated Hummingbird (Lampornis clemenciae) is a medium-sized hummingbird with iridescent green and blue feathers on its back and wings.
It has a long, curved bill and a long tail.
The Blue-throated Hummingbird prefers to live in open areas, such as deserts, grasslands, and mountain slopes.
It can be found in the western United States and Mexico.
8. Black-chinned Hummingbird
On the outside, Black-chinned Hummingbirds are a dreary metallic greenish, while on the inside, they are a drab grayish white.
To distinguish themselves from men, females possess a paler neck and white edges on their tail plumage, while males possess a black neck with a short, vivid purple foundation.
In the summertime, Black-chinned Hummingbirds may be seen breeding in the interiors of western states ranging between British Columbia through Baja California.
Following the mating season, they might relocate to flower-rich alpine regions before making the long journey south to spend the winter across southern California, the Gulf Coast, or western Mexico.
Black-chinned Hummingbirds typically migrate between March and September.
They can sip nectar from a flower 13 to 18 times per second, and their diet also includes spiders and tiny insects.
Two tiny white eggs, measuring just 0.7 inches in length, are laid by Black-chinned Birds in their nests built of plant waste and spider webs.
Black-chinned Hummingbirds typically revisit the same place at the apex of a tree stump, where they sit on a bare, tiny limb.
They frequent canyon bottoms, riverbanks, and shaded oak groves.
9. Magnificent Hummingbird
The Magnificent Hummingbird (Eugenes spectabilis) is a large hummingbird with iridescent green and blue feathers on its back and wings.
It has a long, curved bill and a long tail.
The Magnificent Hummingbird prefers to live in open areas, such as deserts, grasslands, and mountain slopes.
It can be found in the western United States and Mexico.
10. Violet-crowned Hummingbird
The Violet-crowned Hummingbird (Amazilia violiceps) is a large hummingbird with iridescent green and blue feathers on its back and wings.
It has a long, curved bill and a long tail.
The Violet-crowned Hummingbird prefers to live in open areas, such as deserts, grasslands, and mountain slopes.
It can be found in the western United States and Mexico.
11. Blue-throated Mountain-Gem
The Blue-throated Mountain-gem (Lampornis clemenciae) is a large hummingbird with iridescent green and blue feathers on its back and wings.
It has a long, curved bill and a long tail.
The Blue-throated Mountain-gem prefers to live in open areas, such as deserts, grasslands, and mountain slopes.
It can be found in the western United States and Mexico.
12. Rivoli’s Hummingbird
Rivoli’s Hummingbirds are huge hummingbirds that stand out from the crowd thanks to their brilliant purple head and olive green dazzling throat in males.
The males are a darker green, while the females appear green on top and have a drab gray underside.
Some Rivoli’s Hummingbirds travel to the United States over the winter from their native range across Central America and Mexico.
They prefer pine-oak woodlands in the mountains, although they will come to feeders if provided.
They often roost on treetops.
13. Broad-billed Hummingbird
Broad-billed Even among hummingbirds, the hues of a hummingbird are striking.
The males are a deep metallic greenish throughout with a blue chest and neck.
Both sexes have broad, red beaks which are capped in black, and both have a paler underside than the males.
Broad-billed Central Mexico and the Pacific coast of Mexico are year-round home to hummingbird populations.
During March and September, certain birds make the long journey north through into mountain valleys of New Mexico and southern Arizona to mate, while others choose to spend the winter along the Mexican border.
Broad-billed Hummingbirds prefer feeding among alpine meadows and mountain streams, although they frequently use garden feeders.
As a result, nests are constructed just a few feet from the ground, often next to running water.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 13 types of blue hummingbirds found in North America are a testament to the extraordinary beauty and diversity of nature.
From the majestic Blue-throated Hummingbird to the elusive Violet-crowned Hummingbird, each of these tiny birds has its unique charm and characteristics.
Despite their small size, they play a significant role in the ecosystem, and their presence adds a splash of color and joy to our surroundings.
So, the next time you spot a blue hummingbird hovering around your garden, take a moment to appreciate the wonder of nature and the magic of these incredible creatures.
FAQ
Are blue hummingbirds endangered?
While some species of hummingbirds are considered to be at risk due to habitat loss and other factors, none of the 13 types of blue hummingbirds found in North America are currently considered to be endangered.
Do all blue hummingbirds have a blue throat?
No, not all blue hummingbirds have a blue throat. While some, like the Blue-throated Hummingbird, do have a blue throat, others may have blue markings on their head or body, or be predominantly blue in color.
What is the difference between a male and female blue hummingbird?
In many species of hummingbirds, the males have more vibrant colors and markings than the females. However, the differences can be subtle and vary depending on the species.
Can blue hummingbirds be attracted to feeders?
Yes, blue hummingbirds can be attracted to feeders filled with sugar water. Just be sure to clean the feeder regularly and use a solution of four parts water to one part sugar, without any coloring or additives.
What is the migration pattern of blue hummingbirds?
Migration patterns of blue hummingbirds can vary depending on the species and location. Some may be year-round residents, while others may migrate seasonally to different areas in North America.
Last Updated on March 22, 2023 by Lily Aldrin
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