Quick answer
Yes, there are several species of hummingbirds that can be found in Gulf Shores, Alabama throughout the year. The most common species seen in the area are the Ruby-throated Hummingbird which breeds in the area in summer, and the Rufous Hummingbird which winters along the Gulf Coast.
Overview of hummingbird species in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Here are some of the hummingbird species that may be spotted in Gulf Shores, Alabama:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the most widespread and commonly observed hummingbird in eastern North America. This bright green and red hummingbird breeds throughout the eastern United States and Canada during summer, and migrates to Central America for winter.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only breeding hummingbird species found east of the Mississippi River. In Alabama, these hummingbirds arrive in spring to breed, typically from late March through May. They normally depart by late September to migrate south.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are attracted to tubular red, orange, and pink flowers, as well as feeders with sugar-water mixes. They build tiny cup-shaped nests on small tree branches.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a small, compact bird with bright orange plumage on the back and belly. The males are especially vibrant in color. This species breeds in northwestern North America and migrates through the Gulf Coast region in winter, typically from November to March.
In Alabama, Rufous Hummingbirds may be seen on the Gulf Coast, with peak sightings from mid-January through February. These energetic, territorial birds visit gardens and feeders with sugar water mixes and red tubular flowers.
Other potential visitors
While less common, other western hummingbird species that may show up along the northern Gulf Coast during winter include:
– Allen’s Hummingbird
– Calliope Hummingbird
– Broad-tailed Hummingbird
These vagrants from the far west follow flowering plants and feeders south and east during migration and sometimes overwinter in the region. They are rare but exciting finds for Alabama birders when spotted.
Best places to observe hummingbirds in Gulf Shores, Alabama
Here are some top sites in and around Gulf Shores to spot hummingbirds:
Local parks and gardens
Gulf State Park – This extensive park along the coast has natural areas, gardens, and feeders that attract hummingbirds.
Municipal Park – Gardens in this Gulf Shores park draw in hummingbirds.
Bodenhamer Recreation Center – Hummingbird feeders are set up around the center’s landscaping.
Tacky Jack’s restaurants – Many of these local restaurants have feeders that bring in hummingbirds.
Backyard feeders
Residential yards and gardens throughout the Gulf Shores area provide habitat, flowers, and feeders that hummingbirds rely on, especially during migration/winter. Placing feeders along wooded edges or trees helps attract hummingbirds in your own backyard.
Dauphin Island
Dauphin Island is a barrier island south of Gulf Shores known for great birding. Migrating and wintering hummingbirds can be seen in island gardens and at feeders. The island also hosts bird banding operations that capture and tag hummingbirds.
Best times to see hummingbirds in Gulf Shores, Alabama
While a few Ruby-throated Hummingbirds may be spotted in spring and summer around Gulf Shores, the peak viewing is during the fall, winter, and early spring months when migrant and wintering hummingbirds move through the northern Gulf Coast.
Fall migration
August – November: Rufous, Calliope’s, and other western species pass through during fall migration. Peak migration is typically late September through late October.
Wintering grounds
November – February: Rufous, Calliope’s, Allen’s and other species overwinter along the Gulf Coast. Numbers peak from January to early February.
Spring migration
February – April: Wintering western hummingbirds depart the Gulf Coast to head north and west towards breeding areas. A few early Ruby-throated Hummingbirds may arrive by early April.
Flowers and plants to attract hummingbirds
Here are some good options for flowers, plants, and trees that can attract hummingbirds to your Gulf Shores landscape:
Native plants
– Coral honeysuckle
– Crossvine
– Columbine
– Cardinal flower
– Trumpet creeper
– Bee balm
Native trees
– Red buckeye
– Eastern redbud
Ornamental flowers
– Petunias
– Cannas
– Impatiens
– Hollyhocks
– Fuchsias
– Lantana
Having a variety of tubular red, orange, pink, and purple blooms from spring through fall will provide nectar for hummingbirds. Avoid modern hybrid flowers without adequate nectar.
Providing hummingbird feeders
To supplement natural food sources, you can attract hummingbirds by providing commercial nectar feeders with sugar water mixes. Here are some tips:
– Use a 4:1 sugar-water ratio (4 cups sugar boiled in 1 cup water)
– Avoid red dye, use clear sugar water
– Change nectar every 2-3 days to prevent spoilage
– Clean feeders thoroughly before refilling
– Place near trees/shrubs for perching
– Start in early spring and keep feeders up through fall
Other feeder tips
– Guard against ants with water moats/grease
– Use more feeders to accommodate territorial birds
– Provide rain covers to keep nectar dry
– Consider specialized hummingbird feeder styles
Following these best practices will help provide healthy, safe supplemental food sources for hummingbirds.
sheltering
Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds will not remain year-round but migrating hummingbirds looking for food and shelter may stop briefly in the Gulf Shores area. Providing habitat can help them rest and refuel.
Water sources
A mister, dripping faucet, or small water feature gives hummingbirds a place to drink and bathe.
Trees and shrubs
Trees like oak, pine, and maple and shrubs like willow and alder provide protected perching spots.
Night roosts
Hummingbirds go into a state of torpor at night to conserve energy. Dense trees, tall shrubs, and shelters help provide safety from predators.
Key behaviors and characteristics of Gulf Coast hummingbirds
Understanding how hummingbirds behave can help you spot and identify them:
| Behavior | Description |
|---|---|
| Feeding | Visits flowers and feeders multiple times per hour for nectar |
| Small size | 2.5-4 inches long, heartbeat up to 1,200 bpm |
| Flight | Can fly 25-30 mph, wings beat up to 75 times per second |
| Hovering | Ability to hover in place aids feeding |
| Aggression | Males defend feeding territories, Chase intruders |
| Vocalizations | Squeaks, chirps, buzzing sounds |
Watch for these behaviors when observing Gulf Coast hummingbirds. Aggressive males defending territory are often the easiest to spot. Listening for their distinct, high-pitched vocalizations can also alert you to their presence.
FAQs about hummingbirds in Gulf Shores
What is the best way to attract hummingbirds in Gulf Shores, Alabama?
Providing nectar feeders, planting native flowers and trees that bloom through the season, and supplying other food sources like small insects will help draw hummingbirds to your Gulf Shores property. Water misters and drips also help attract them.
What time of year do hummingbirds appear in Gulf Shores?
Most hummingbirds will be present from August through early April in Gulf Shores. Ruby-throats can occasionally be seen in summer, while Rufous and other western species predominate in winter. Migration peaks in September-October and February-March.
What plants and flowers will attract hummingbirds in Gulf Shores?
Some great options are native plants like coral honeysuckle, bee balm, cardinal flower, and crossvine. Ornamental flowers that appeal include fuchsias, cannas, petunias, and more. Have a variety of tubular, red, orange, and pink blooms.
Do I need a special feeder to attract hummingbirds?
Specialized hummingbirds feeders with nectar reservoirs and feeding ports are recommended to provide supplemental food. Choose feeders that are easy to clean and fill. Have multiple feeders spread around to accommodate territorial behavior.
What is the best food mix for hummingbird feeders?
A basic 4:1 sugar-to-water ratio is best. Boil 1 cup water, then stir in 4 cups white granulated cane sugar until dissolved. Let cool before filling feeders. Avoid artificial coloring, only use clear nectar.
Conclusion
The vibrant Ruby-throated Hummingbird graces the Gulf Shores area during summer nesting season, while the orange and green Rufous Hummingbird migrates through the northern Gulf Coast for winter. These energetic birds bring beauty and animation with their hovering flight and buzzing wings. Attracting them to your landscape with feeders, flowers, and habitat will allow you to enjoy their presence and behavior, especially during the key fall and spring migration periods along the Alabama Gulf Coast. With a little effort to provide food, water and shelter sources, observing hummingbirds can become a regular part of the seasonal experience for residents and visitors in areas like Gulf Shores.
