Hi there! If you’re a bird enthusiast in Connecticut, you might be interested in learning about the six different types of hummingbirds that can be found in this region.
These tiny birds are a joy to watch with their iridescent feathers and rapid wingbeats.
In this article, I’ll be discussing each of the six species of hummingbirds that are known to visit Connecticut, including their appearance, behavior, and where you might be able to spot them.
So, whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just starting out, keep reading to discover these fascinating creatures.
| Image | Name |
|---|---|
 | Ruby-Throated Hummingbird |
 | Broad-Billed Hummingbird |
 | Calliope Hummingbird |
 | Rufous Hummingbird |
 | Black-Chinned Hummingbird |
 | Mexican Violetear |
Types of Hummingbirds in Connecticut
1. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
These fashionable birds will possess green metallic backs, grayish-white stomachs, and almost black wings.
At fully grown, the bill of a Ruby-throated hummingbird is approximately 0.78 inches in length.
It is long, extremely thin, and straight.
This species of hummingbird, the ruby-throated, is sexually dimorphic, meaning that the sexes look different from one another.
A mature male’s gorget consists of a ruby red neck area with a faint velvety black bar around the top.
One distinguishing feature is the violet sheen that appears on their black, forked tails when exposed to sunlight.
The female Ruby-throated hummingbird is distinguished by a hooked tail and outer plumage that are patterned in greenish, black, and white.
There is a white patch on their neck that is normally unmarked but sometimes has dusty stipples or lines.
These stunning creatures are the most abundant hummingbirds in Connecticut, however, visitors won’t get them throughout the year since they move south for the wintertime.
To escape the harsh winters, ruby-throated hummingbirds go to warmer climates in places like Mexico, Central America, Canada, and Florida.
Among North American hummingbirds, this one has the widest known distribution.
Males will quit the female to raise the young and will not stick around to create a breeding pair.
Their diet consists mostly of nectar from blooming trees and native nectar-filled blooms, but they also consume tiny insects and spiders.
The adult hummingbird relies on this little organism as a primary supply of protein as well as a source of important vitamins and minerals.
2. Broad-Billed Hummingbird
Little hummingbirds called broad-billed hummingbirds have long, brilliant red bills that taper to a dark black tip.
The bird’s dorsal feathers are metallic greenish, transitioning to a less vibrant shade on the bird’s head and crest.
Sexes of this hummingbird vary in appearance due to sexual dimorphism.
Dark green plumage, white under-tail coverts, and a bluish throat are distinguishing features of the male of this species.
The male has a wide tail that is a dark blackish-blue tint and brownish-gray flying feathers.
The female possesses a white line at the rear across each eye, a white or gray abdomen, and white tips on her tail feathers.
The young birds are a close match in appearance to the adult females, but the males undergo a dramatic shift in appearance when they reach sexual maturity.
Seven months of age is when a bird usually starts to grow its adult feathers.
These birds like to hang out in dense forests along streams, namely among Fremont Cottonwoods, Arizona Sycamores, and Mesquite bushes.
Planting some of these plants or trees and focusing on giving them their preferred food source is the key to attracting these birds to your hummingbird habitat.
I was wondering, however, what exactly it is that Broad-billed hummingbirds like.
Insects and nectar from flowers and blooming trees make up the bulk of these hummingbirds’ diets, with a particular fondness for the nectar of blooms of the yellow and red spectrum.
Hummingbirds will prefer both prepared nectars from a high-quality feeder and water supplies.
3. Calliope Hummingbird
The abdomen of Calliope hummingbirds is white, while their backs and heads are shiny green.
Unlike females, males possess a distinctive pattern of wine-red stripes on their magenta necks, greener sides, and dark-colored tails.
The female is patterned similarly to the youngsters; both have black lines on their necks and darker tails having white ends.
Unlike the vast majority of its hummingbird counterparts, the Calliope displays no signs of sexual dimorphism.
The calliope hummingbird, the tiniest native bird throughout Canada and the USA travels south for the wintertime.
Specifically, what kind of Connecticut environment does this hummingbird call home?
These hummingbirds spend the winter in Connecticut, and during that time, they hide out in dense lowland vegetation.
While in the region, these little birds will receive the protein they need by sipping nectar from tube flowers or snacking on small invertebrates.
4. Rufous Hummingbird
Both sexes of this hummingbird, male and female, exhibit vivid plumage, making it one of the most attractive species.
The male possesses a white breast and a brown or reddish-colored cheek; his flanks and tail have the same shade as his orange-red neck, which has a gorget and a white spot underneath it.
Both males and females will possess green on their backs and heads.
It’s true that the female of this species has a little different appearance than the male, yet not sufficient for the two sexes to be called separate species.
Females are distinguished from males by their darker, rufous-colored tails having white ends and by the white, greenish, and rusty spots in the middle of their spotted necks.
The Rufous hummingbird is renowned for its exceptional flying abilities; during its annual migration, this little bird covers a distance of about 2,000 miles.
These birds are extremely protective of their territory and will drive away more powerful birds from their nectar feeders.
When compared to males, female hummingbirds are significantly bigger.
These hummingbirds avoid laying eggs in the state of Connecticut because they are more comfortable nesting in remote, forested areas.
From May through September, the Rufous hummingbird will make its way across Connecticut and other lowlands in search of nectar from the abundant wildflowers.
There is evidence that adult males. Rufous hummingbirds migrate ahead of females and young birds.
5. Black-Chinned Hummingbird
There is no sexual dimorphism in this hummingbird, therefore, both sexes seem similar as adults.
Beautiful shiny green covers the backs of adults, who also possess white bellies and greenish flanks.
The beak of this bird is long and straight and extremely thin.
The male of this species may be distinguished from the female by its black neck and face, a shiny purple bar across the neck, and dark, forked tail feathers.
Female Black-chinned hummingbirds are distinguished by their black, rounded tails with white ends and the absence of purple on the neck.
Hummingbirds may be seen across Connecticut during the summer months since this little migratory bird has a wide variety of habitats and travels as far southern parts as Mexico for the winter season.
Hybrids between this hummingbird and Anna’s hummingbird are so prevalent that they have been given their own scientific name, Trochilus violajugulum.
The Anna’s Lucifer hummingbird, the Broad-tailed hummingbird, and Costa’s hummingbird are just a few of the species with which it is documented to hybridize.
You may expect to see this beautiful hummingbird in your winter garden since it is so widespread throughout the country.
6. Mexican Violetear
The Mexican Violetear’s straight black bill is between 0.74 and 0.96 inches in length and possesses a small bend at the tip.
The male and female of this hummingbird species appear identical, hence it is not sexually dimorphic.
These hummingbirds are iridescent all throughout; their backs are a vivid green, and the bands of violet feathers on each side of their necks sparkle in the light.
The neck and chest are a dazzling green, and the abdomen is green as well, albeit not as brightly as the other parts of the body.
Finally, the Hummingbirds’ tails have a glossy green-blue tint with some bronzy-colored middle feathers and a very conspicuous subterminal line that is black.
Stunning in appearance and rather small in size, the Mexican Violetear Hummingbird was once classified with the Smaller Violetear, mostly in Green Violetear species.
Nonetheless, they were only recently classified as two separate subspecies.
Like the white-collared swift, this bird is closely linked to the swift family.
They are both classified as Apodiformes, which is an order of birds characterized by small, feeble feet because of the majority of their time spent in the air.
It is found in subtropical clearings and meadows, as well as in secondary woods, shrubs, and temperate woodlands.
To escape the harsh winters, the Mexican violetear travels north.
These hummingbirds feed mid- to high-up in the canopy, where they may get their fill of insects and plant nectar.
Indeed, they do congregate more often around blossoming trees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Connecticut is home to six different species of hummingbirds, each with its unique characteristics and behaviors.
From the ruby-throated hummingbird, which is the most commonly spotted species, to the rare and elusive rufous hummingbird, these tiny birds are a wonder to behold.
If you’re a bird enthusiast or just enjoy spending time in nature, keep an eye out for these beautiful creatures during their migration season.
With their vibrant colors and rapid movements, hummingbirds are a true delight to observe, and learning about their different species can add a whole new level of appreciation to your birdwatching experience.
So, get outside and see if you can spot these incredible birds in their natural habitat.
FAQ
Which is the most common hummingbird species in Connecticut?
The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most commonly spotted hummingbird species in Connecticut.
When is the best time to see hummingbirds in Connecticut?
The best time to see hummingbirds in Connecticut is during their migration season, which typically occurs from late April to early October.
Where can I spot hummingbirds in Connecticut?
Hummingbirds can be spotted in a variety of habitats, including gardens, parks, and woodland areas. Look for brightly colored flowers and feeders to attract hummingbirds.
How can I attract hummingbirds to my yard in Connecticut?
Planting brightly colored flowers, hanging hummingbird feeders, and providing a water source can all help attract hummingbirds to your yard in Connecticut.
Are there any rare or unusual hummingbird species that can be found in Connecticut?
The rufous hummingbird is a rare and unusual species that has been spotted in Connecticut during migration season. Keep an eye out for this beautiful bird!
Last Updated on May 8, 2023 by Lily Aldrin
