Species of Hummingbirds Mid-Atlantic [A Complete Overview]
The mid-Atlantic region of the United States is known for its rich and diverse wildlife, including a wide variety of hummingbirds. These beautiful and colorful birds can be found in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, and the District of Columbia.
The mid-Atlantic region is home to a total of seventeen species of hummingbirds, each of which has unique characteristics. One of the most common hummingbirds in the Mid-Atlantic region is the ruby-throated hummingbird.
These birds are small, but they are mighty! They weigh less than a penny but can fly up to 60 miles per hour. Another hummingbird type found in the Mid-Atlantic region is the rufous Hummingbird. I’ll explore some species of hummingbirds which are common in the Mid-Atlantic.
Several Unique Hummingbird Species in Mid-Atlantic
This region of the United States is home to a wide variety of hummingbird species. From colorful ruby-throated hummingbirds to the more elusive black-chinned hummingbird, these birds are a joy to watch as they flit from flower to flower.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Mid-Atlantic region of the United States is home to several unique hummingbird species, including the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. This species is easily recognized by its vibrant, ruby-red throat.
It is the only hummingbird that breeds in the eastern United States and is the most widely distributed of all North American hummingbirds. During the summer months, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can be seen flitting around gardens and backyard feeders.
Length: 7 to 9 cm
Wingspan: 8 to 11 cm
Weight: 3-4 gm
Diet: Nectar and insects
Allen’s Hummingbird
This species is one of the smallest bird types and is highly prized for its colorful plumage and impressive aerial acrobatics. The male Allen’s Hummingbird can be identified by its unique greenback and rufous-tipped tail feathers, while the female is distinguished by her slightly duller green coloring and white-tipped tail feathers.
Length: 7.5 to 9 cm
Wingspan: Up to 11 cm
Weight: 2-4 gm
Diet: Nectar and insects
Black-chinned Hummingbird
The tiny Black-chinned Hummingbird is an enchanting species found in the mid-Atlantic region. This remarkable bird is a medium-sized species, measuring around 3-4 inches in length.
Its vibrant plumage features a glossy green back, white underparts, and a dark throat patch with a white collar. The male’s throat patch is glittering purple, while the female is gray.
Length: Up to 9 cm
Wingspan: Up to 11 cm
Weight: 2.3-4.9 gm
Diet: Nectar and insects
Anna’s Hummingbird
This species is easily identified by its iridescent green back, bright magenta throat, and white-tipped tail feathers. Anna’s Hummingbird is also known for its shrill call composed of short, high-pitched notes alternating with a longer trill.
These birds are found mainly in the western United States and Canada, but in recent years have been seen increasingly in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Length: 9.9 to 10.9 cm
Wingspan: Up to 12 cm
Weight: 2.8-5.7 gm
Diet: Nectar and insects
Calliope Hummingbird
The beautiful Calliope Hummingbird has a distinctive, vibrant plumage characterized by a glittering green back, a white lower belly, and a striking magenta throat. This species often hovers mid-air as it feeds on small insects and nectar from flowers.
Length: 8 to 9 cm
Wingspan: 10.5 to 11 cm
Weight: 2.3-3.4 gm
Diet: Nectar and insects
Rufous Hummingbird
One such species is the rufous hummingbird, a small, colorful bird easily identifiable by its bright orange-red color and distinctive call. This species is generally found in western North America, although some individuals have been spotted in the mid-Atlantic region in recent years.
Length: 7 to 9 cm
Wingspan: Up to 11 cm
Weight: 2-5 gm
Diet: Nectar and insects
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
This hummingbird species has a distinctive, broad tail and is easily identifiable by its metallic green back and crown and distinctive, black-streaked throat. This hummingbird species is found in high-elevation habitats, such as mountain meadows and alpine forests, where they can forage for nectar from various flowers.
Length: Up to 10 cm
Wingspan: Up to 13 cm
Weight: around 3.6 gm
Diet: Nectar and insects
Broad-billed Hummingbird
One of the most unique hummingbird species in the mid-Atlantic region is the Broad-billed Hummingbird. This species is particularly distinguishable by its bright green and blue colors, though its defining characteristic is its broad bill.
It is found in various habitats, from deserts to tropical forests, though it is most commonly seen in the mid-Atlantic region.
Length: 8-10 cm
Wingspan: Up to 12.7 cm
Weight: 3-4 gm
Diet: Nectar and insects
Green-Breasted Mango
Several unique species of hummingbirds call the Mid-Atlantic states home, including the green-breasted mango. This species of hummingbird is especially remarkable in its beauty and charm.
They are mostly green on top and white on the bottom, with a yellow-orange patch on their throat and an iridescent green patch on the lower throat.
Length: 11 to 12 cm
Wingspan: Up to 15.8 cm
Weight: 6.8-7.2 gm
Diet: Nectar and insects
What Are the Dietary Habits of Hummingbirds in the Mid-Atlantic?
If you’ve ever seen a hummingbird zipping around your backyard, you may have wondered what these little creatures eat. Hummingbirds are constantly on the move and need to eat much food to fuel their high metabolism. So what do these tiny birds eat?
Hummingbirds primarily eat nectar from flowers. They have long beaks that reach deep into flowers to sip sweet nectar. While feeding, they also collect pollen on their tongues, which they spread to other flowers as they provide, helping with pollination.
In addition to nectar, hummingbirds will eat small insects or spiders they find while flying. This protein helps them grow and maintain their energy levels. You can attract hummingbirds to your yard by planting native plants that produce lots of nectar.
You can also put out a hummingbird feeder filled with sugar water. Be sure to clean the feeder regularly so the sugar water doesn’t spoil, and make sure there is no honey in the mix, as love can be dangerous for hummingbirds.
How Do Hummingbirds Play Roles in Mid-Atlanta’s Ecosystem?
Hummingbirds play an essential role in mid-Atlanta’s ecosystem, providing vital services to the environment and other organisms. As pollinators, they aid in the reproduction of many plant species, helping to maintain the balance of the local habitat.
They help to control insect populations that may otherwise become pests. They also play a vital role in the food chain, providing sustenance to larger animals, such as hawks and owls, and smaller animals, such as shrews and frogs.
Their presence can also improve the overall health of the local ecosystem, as the birds utilize resources such as nectar and insects and help spread the seeds of plants, promoting biodiversity in the area.
How To Protect Hummingbirds’ Population?
Many of these tiny birds are beloved, but their numbers have declined over the past few decades. Fortunately, some steps can be taken to help protect hummingbird populations and ensure their long-term survival.
Avoid The Use of Pesticides
One of the main ways that we can help protect hummingbirds is by avoiding the use of pesticides. Pesticides can harm hummingbirds and other wildlife, as they can poison the food sources that these birds rely on.
To ensure that hummingbirds remain abundant and healthy, we must reduce our use of pesticides as much as possible.
Provide An Adequate Source of Food
Another important step you can take to protect the population of hummingbirds is to provide a good food source. Hummingbirds rely on nectar to survive, so providing a food source rich in nectar is essential for their health and well-being.
You can do this by planting nectar-rich flowers and shrubs in your gardens, avoiding pesticides, and offering hummingbird feeders filled with nectar.
Discourage Cats and Other Predators
An effective way to protect hummingbirds is to discourage cats and other predators from near their nesting areas. Planting native shrubs and trees near their nesting sites can help provide shelter and food sources and camouflage from predators.
Migratory Habits of Hummingbirds
Which Species of Hummingbirds Can I Find in Canada?
Canada’s varied landscapes harbor a diverse range of hummingbird species in canada’s provinces. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird dominates the eastern regions, flaunting its vibrant plumage. In western Canada, the Rufous Hummingbird steals the show with its fiery feathers. The Anna’s Hummingbird can be spotted in British Columbia. Meanwhile, the Calliope Hummingbird, Canada’s smallest resident, resides in the mountains of Alberta. These charming feathered creatures add a touch of enchantment to the Canadian wilderness.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are a delightful sight to see here in the Mid-Atlantic. Their vibrant feathers and quick movements are a beautiful addition to the wildlife in our region.
While they may not be as common as in other parts of the country, it’s worth keeping an eye out during the summer months to see if you can catch a glimpse of one of these fantastic birds.
These birds feed on flowers for nectar and insects for proteins and consume a variety of tree sap, berries, and even tiny frogs. By understanding their dietary habits and providing a variety of food sources, you can ensure the hummingbirds in your area have what they need to thrive.
Resources:
- https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/plants_wildlife/Ruby-throated_Hummingbird.aspx
- https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2020/08/01/marylands-ruby-throated-gems-colorful-hummingbird-makes-annual-trek/
- https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/pollinators/documents/HummingbirdBrochures/HummingbirdGuideAK.pdf
