Top 5 Hummingbird Species in the U.S. and How to Identify Them
The top five species commonly spotted across the country are the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird, and Broad-tailed Hummingbird. Each species has unique characteristics that make identification easy with a bit of knowledge.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is perhaps the most widely recognized, especially in the Eastern U.S. Males are easily identifiable by their bright red, iridescent throat, or "ruby" throat, while females are slightly more subdued, with greenish feathers and a white belly.
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is primarily found in the Southwestern U.S. and can be recognized by the glossy, black throat of the male, which gives this species its name.
The female and juveniles have a white underbelly and a faint line of black on their chins, making them a bit harder to spot.
The Rufous Hummingbird, a migratory species, is another common bird in the Western U.S., especially during the warmer months.
Its fiery orange-red plumage on the back and belly, along with a bright iridescent throat in males, sets it apart from others.
The Anna's Hummingbird is a favorite in the Southwestern and Western regions, known for its vibrant, shimmering magenta throat and crown on males, which contrasts sharply with the more muted green body.
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird, found mainly in the mountainous areas of the West, is distinguishable by its long, iridescent tail feathers, which appear broad and pointed.