Species of Hummingbirds Mid-West Region: Explore the Tiny Birds
Hummingbirds are renowned as one of the most captivating creatures on the planet. Their bright plumage, diminutive size, and swift movements have captivated people for generations.
Various species of hummingbirds can be found in the Midwest of the United States, all with their peculiarities and habits, offering a great opportunity for viewing and studying.
Some common species of hummingbirds in the mid-west include Anna’s hummingbird, Costa’s, and Rufous hummingbirds. While these birds are all different sizes and colors, they all have one thing in common: a love for nectar!
You’re most likely to spot a Calliope out west – they make their homes in mountainous regions from Alaska down through California.
Different Types of Hummingbird Species in the Mid-West
They are remarkable for their small size and incredible agility, as well as their vibrant colors and cheerful songs. Living in the United States Midwest, you may be fortunate to spot some fascinating creatures!
Anna’s Hummingbird
The mid-West is home to various hummingbird species, and one of the most common in the region is Anna’s Hummingbird. This species is easily recognizable due to its iridescent green feathers and reddish-pink throat patch.
Anna’s Hummingbird is most often found in the western states of the United States and parts of Mexico and Canada.
Length: 9.9 to 10.9 cm
Wingspan: Up to 12 cm
Weight: 2.8-5.7 gm
Diet: Nectar and insects
Calliope Hummingbird
This tiny bird is the smallest species in the western hemisphere, typically measuring between three to five inches in length and weighing less than a tenth of an ounce.
It is easily identified by its unique array of vibrant colors, including a reddish stripe on its crown and a greenback. They are also known for their long, pointed wings and forked tail.
Length: 8 to 9 cm
Wingspan: 10.5 to 11 cm
Weight: 2.3-3.4 gm
Diet: Nectar and insects
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The mid-west of North America is home to many different species of hummingbirds, including the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. This hummingbird species is the only species found east of the Mississippi River and one of the most common in the mid-west.
They have a bright iridescent red throat, with its back and wings mostly greenish-brown. This hummingbird species can be found in woodlands, gardens, and even urban parks in the mid-west.
Length: 7 to 9 cm
Wingspan: 8 to 11 cm
Weight: 3-4 gm
Diet: Nectar and insects
Rufous Hummingbird
It is one of the many hummingbirds in the United States mid-west. This hummingbird is easily recognizable due to its bright orange-red coloration and aggressive behavior. The Rufous Hummingbird is a migratory bird found in the mid-west from April through early October.
Length: 7 to 9 cm
Wingspan: Up to 11 cm
Weight: 2-5 gm
Diet: Nectar and insects
Costa’s Hummingbird
The midwest region of the United States is home to many different species of hummingbirds. One of the most prominent species in the area is Costa’s Hummingbird. This small bird is found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico deserts.
It is characterized by its small size and the brilliant greenback, offset by a bright rufous-colored chest and throat. In addition to its unique coloration, this hummingbird species is also known for its long, thin bill and white eye-ring.
Length: Up to 9 cm
Wingspan: Up to 11 cm
Weight: 2-3 gm
Diet: Nectar and insects
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
This species is found in the western half of the United States and is most common in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado mountains. These small birds have brilliant green-bronze backs and bright red throats and are prized for their unique and colorful plumage.
They are often seen flitting among the flowers of gardens and meadows in search of nectar and small insects, which they consume in midair using their long, pointed bills.
Length: Up to 10 cm
Wingspan: Up to 13 cm
Weight: around 3.6 gm
Diet: Nectar and insects
Broad-billed Hummingbird
The Mid-West region of the United States is home to a wide variety of hummingbird species, including the Broad-billed Hummingbird. This small but spectacular species is easily identified by its vibrant green and blue plumage, black legs and feet, and distinctive, needle-like bill.
It is primarily found in the western and southwestern parts of the United States and parts of Mexico but can occasionally be spotted in the Midwest.
Length: 8-10 cm
Wingspan: Up to 12.7 cm
Weight: 3-4 gm
Diet: Nectar and insects
What Do Hummingbirds Consume?
Hummingbirds, renowned for their agility, vibrancy, and distinctive anatomy, require an equally exclusive diet to sustain their active lifestyle. Generally, their primary source of sustenance is nectar, yet they also partake of insects and sap from trees.
Nectar
These birds primarily rely on nectar as a food source, as it furnishes them with the sugars and energy required to sustain their high metabolic rate. They can acquire nectar from various flowers, and their long, slim beak is ideally suited for accessing the nectar embedded within the flower’s petals.
Insects
Hummingbirds rely on consuming nectar and insects to fulfill their dietary needs, as insects provide essential proteins and other essential nutrients for survival. Typical insect prey for hummingbirds includes spiders, gnats, and fruit flies.
Tree Saps
Certain species of hummingbirds can make use of tree saps as a means of sustenance. These saps, rich in energy and sugar, can be accessed through their pointed beaks to penetrate the bark of trees. This offers a valuable solution during times when the availability of nectar is limited.
Best Time to Watch Hummingbirds in Mid-West
The midwest is a great place to watch hummingbirds! With their vibrant colors and amazing acrobatics, these birds captivate any bird watcher. The best time to watch hummingbirds in the mid-west is typically from late April to early September, when most are present in the area.
During this period, you can expect to see a variety of species, including the ruby-throated hummingbird, the rufous hummingbird, and the black-chinned hummingbird. To get the most out of your hummingbird-watching experience, we suggest heading out early in the morning or late in the evening.
The Rufous Hummingbird is a common resident in the region and can often be seen in gardens and parks.
How Can You Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard?
Attracting hummingbirds to your yard can be a rewarding experience. Hummingbirds are beautiful and fascinating creatures and can be a delight to watch in your backyard.
The key to attracting hummingbirds is understanding their needs and providing the right environment for them to live and thrive. First and foremost, you need to provide a reliable source of food. Hummingbirds are attracted to sweet things, so set up feeders with sugar water or specialized hummingbird food.
Ensure the feeders are kept clean and filled daily, especially during the summer when they need more sustenance. Planting flowers like columbine, bee balm, salvia, and petunia can also provide a natural source of nectar for the birds.
Exploring the World of Hummingbirds
Are There any Overlapping Hummingbird Species in Both the Mid-West and New England Regions?
Yes, there are tiny hummingbirds in new england, but there is no evidence of overlapping species in both the Mid-West and New England regions. These small birds are known for their vibrant feathers and incredible flying abilities. However, their distribution tends to be geographically specific, varying from region to region.
Conclusion
The most common species in this region are Anna’s Hummingbird and Costa’s Hummingbird. Anna’s Hummingbird is a small bird with greenish-grey plumage and white breasts.
The Costa’s Hummingbird is slightly larger than the Anna’s Hummingbird and has iridescent green plumage. Both species are found in open habitats such as deserts, mountains, and forests.
Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers that have nectar, which they use as food. They also eat insects, which they capture in mid-air. They are also one of the few bird groups that can hover in place and fly backward.
Several ways to attract hummingbirds to your yard include planting native plants that produce nectar, hanging hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water, and providing perches for them to rest on.
Resources:
- https://mdc.mo.gov/blogs/discover-nature-notes/pint-sized-hummingbird
- https://education.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/link/all-about-birds-ruby-throated-hummingbird
- https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/hummingbirds-in-the-garden/
