Are there any hummingbirds in New Jersey?

Quick Answer

Yes, there are several species of hummingbirds that can be found in New Jersey. The most common hummingbird species spotted in the state are the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the Rufous Hummingbird, and the Allen’s Hummingbird. Hummingbirds are present in New Jersey primarily during spring and summer months.

Overview of Hummingbirds in New Jersey

New Jersey provides suitable habitat for hummingbirds with its mix of forests, meadows, and gardens supplying the nectar flowers these tiny birds need. The three hummingbird species commonly seen in New Jersey are:

• Ruby-throated Hummingbird – This is the only breeding hummingbird in eastern North America. Ruby-throats migrate through New Jersey in spring and fall, and some stay to nest during summer.
• Rufous Hummingbird – Most Rufous Hummingbirds pass through New Jersey in spring and fall during migration between breeding grounds in the Pacific Northwest and wintering grounds in Mexico. Some may linger in the state especially along the coast.
• Allen’s Hummingbird – Rare but regular in New Jersey, mainly along the coast. Most sightings are during fall migration and winter periods.

Other hummingbird species such as the Calliope Hummingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, and Black-chinned Hummingbird have been sighted on rare occasions in New Jersey as well. Avid birders in the state keep a close watch for these vagrant species.

Best Times to See Hummingbirds

The season and timing are key factors for sighting hummingbirds in New Jersey:

• Spring migration – Mid-March through May
• Breeding season – Late April through mid-August
• Fall migration – Mid-August through November
• Winter – November to early March for species like the Rufous and Allen’s that sometimes overwinter along the coast

The Ruby-throated hummingbird is the main breeding hummingbird in the state. Females arrive first in April, and males come through by early May as they move north to breeding grounds. Nesting and raising young occurs from May through July.

Fall migration starts up in August as the Ruby-throats depart for their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. Other species like the Rufous and Allen’s pass through or linger during fall migration months.

Where to See Hummingbirds in New Jersey

Some of the top spots in New Jersey to view hummingbirds include:

• Cape May Peninsula – Migration hot spot with hummingbird feeders at many gardens and nature centers.
• Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge – Extensive wildflower meadows attract hummingbirds.
• Palmyra Cove Nature Park – Wooded trails and gardens with many flowering plants.
• Rancocas State Park – Varied habitat with meadow and forest areas.
• Wildwoods – Coastal gardens and neighborhoods get western hummingbird migrants.
• Private yards – Houses with abundant flowers and multiple hummingbird feeders may get regular hummer visitors.

Other sites such as nature preserves, parks, gardens, and coastal areas with naturalized or cultivated flowers provide good habitat. Adding hummingbird feeders and pollinator-friendly plantings to your own yard can also help attract them.

Plants for Attracting Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds rely on nectar as their main food source and are attracted to tubular, brightly colored flowers. Some favorite flower varieties that will entice hummingbirds to your yard in New Jersey include:

Provide bright red, orange, and pink blooms, tubular in shape, and you’ll have the best chances of hummingbirds visiting your garden.

Providing Feeders

While hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from flowers, clean nectar feeders can provide an excellent supplemental food source. Follow these tips for successful hummingbird feeders:

• Use a feeder made specifically for hummingbirds – narrow feeding ports and perches positioned for their body shape.
• Make nectar with 4 parts water to 1 part white granulated sugar only. Do not use honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners.
• Clean feeders thoroughly every 2-3 days to prevent mold.
• Use boiling water to sterilize feeders at least once a week.
• Position feeders in partially shaded spots near flowers and shrubs to provide cover.
• Hang multiple feeders around your yard to reduce competition.
• Consider types designed to keep bees out with specialized feeding ports.
• Bring feeders inside by early November so hummingbirds don’t get dependent on them during migration.

With the right feeders and nectar, you can provide fuel for hummingbirds stopping by your garden. Observe them up close as they hover and feed!

Identifying Hummingbirds in New Jersey

If you spot a hummingbird in your yard or garden in New Jersey, here are tips for identifying which species it may be:

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

• 4 inches long with a wingspan around 3 inches
• Metallic green back and crown, gray underside
• Adult males have an iridescent ruby-red throat
• Females and juveniles have all white underparts
• Straight, thin bill
• High-pitched monotonous call sounds like “chip”

This is the only eastern hummingbird that breeds in New Jersey. Males passing through in spring and fall are unmistakable. Females and young can look similar to Rufous but usually have a greener back.

Rufous Hummingbird

• 3.5 inches long with a 4 inch wingspan
• Overall greenish-brown plumage
• Cinnamon-colored underparts
• Males may have an orange throat
• Slightly downcurved bill
• Distinctive buzzy trill call

Rufous hummingbirds breed farther north and west. They migrate through New Jersey spring and fall but are rare in summer. The bold rust color on the flanks and belly distinguish them.

Allen’s Hummingbird

• 3.5 inches long with 4 inch wingspan
• Green back with rusty orange tail
• Pale underparts with green spots on the flanks
• Males have bright orange-red throat, females all white
• Slender straight bill
• High-pitched twitter calls

This species breeds on the Pacific coast and normally winters in Mexico. Rare sightings occur in New Jersey mainly during fall/winter but identification can be tricky.

Using field guides and online resources can help confirm unusual hummingbird species passing through the state.

Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Garden

Here’s a handy checklist for turning your yard into a hummingbird haven:

• Plant a variety of tubular flowers in different colors including red, orange, pink, and purple
• Choose both annuals and perennials to provide nectar spring through fall
• Add flowering shrubs and trees such as butterfly bush, azalea, and trumpet vine
• Include pollinator favorites like bee balm, cardinal flower, and coral honeysuckle
• Set up 2-3 clean hummingbird feeders with fresh nectar solution
• Position feeders near flowers, trees, and shrubs away from direct sun
• Provide a water feature like a mister or small fountain for drinking and bathing
• Avoid using pesticides and herbicides which can harm the birds
• Supply woody plants and dense shrubs for perching and nesting
• Consider adding native wildflowers which provide habitat for hummingbird food – insects

Creating an inviting habitat with food, water, shelter and nesting sites will help attract these energetic pollinators to your backyard!

Interesting Hummingbird Facts

Hummingbirds are captivating to watch and fascinating creatures. Here are some cool facts about these tiny birds:

• Hummingbird hearts beat up to 1,200 times per minute while in flight and up to 250 times per minute while resting.
• Their wings can beat up to 80 times per second allowing sustained hovering and instant acceleration.
• They have the fastest metabolic rate of all warm-blooded animals which requires constantly feeding.
• A hummingbird’s need for high energy nectar means they visit 1,000 to 2,000 flowers per day.
• Hummingbirds are the only birds that can fly backwards as well as upside down.
• Their migratory routes are among the longest in the animal kingdom relative to their tiny body size.
• There are over 300 species found only in the Western Hemisphere with most living in Central and South America.
• Hummingbirds utilize a range of specialized tactics like traplining to efficiently feed across multiple patches.
• They have incredibly sharp vision able to see ultraviolet light reflections from flowers.
• Hummingbirds have the largest brain relative to their overall body size of all birds.

From physiological adaptations to unique behaviors, hummingbirds continue to provide fascinating insights into nature!

Conservation of Hummingbirds

While hummingbirds may seem abundant when visiting feeders, many species face increasing threats and declining populations:

• Habitat loss from development destroys natural food sources and nesting sites
• Pesticide use reduces insect prey populations the birds depend on for protein
• Climate change disrupts timing of critical food supplies on migratory routes
• Some species like the Rufous Hummingbird have declined more than 50% in recent decades
• Nectar-rich native plants are often replaced with exotic flowers with less nutrition
• Diseases and parasites spread more rapidly at crowded feeders
• Outdoor cats kill millions of hummingbirds each year

There are steps we can all take to support these important pollinators:

• Plant native flowers, trees and shrubs that provide nourishing nectar and habitat
• Avoid pesticide use which reduces insect food sources
• Properly clean feeders to reduce disease transmission
• Limit free-roaming cats through collars, bells, keeping indoors
• Participate in citizen science efforts like the Hummingbird Migration Project to expand knowledge
• Support conservation groups working to preserve critical habitats
• Educate others on how they can help protect hummingbirds

With small actions, we can collectively make a difference in sustaining hummingbird populations.

Conclusion

Hummingbirds hold a special fascination and delight people across New Jersey when they arrive each spring. Attracting these shimmering jewels to your yard or garden is easier than you may think. By providing nectar-rich flowers, clean feeders, and safe habitat, you can welcome hummingbirds and support their presence in local environments. Keep an eye out for visiting hummers and the fleeting magic they bring. With some planning and care, you may find yourself regularly entertained by their dazzling aerial maneuvers and endless energy.