Yes, Massachusetts does have hummingbirds. There are several species of hummingbirds that can be found in the state during certain times of the year. The most common hummingbird species seen in Massachusetts are the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the Rufous Hummingbird, and the Black-chinned Hummingbird.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most widespread and frequently observed hummingbird in Massachusetts. This species breeds in the state and can be found from April through October. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a small, slender hummingbird with metallic green upperparts, a gray-white underside, and an iridescent ruby-red throat in the male. Females lack the ruby red throat and are duller in coloration. Ruby-throats feed on the nectar from flowers using their long, extendable tongues. They also eat small insects and spiders. Their wings beat 55 times per second, allowing them to hover in place or fly forwards, backwards, and upside down with great agility. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate through Massachusetts in spring and fall, traveling between Central America and breeding grounds further north.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird is a rare but regular visitor to Massachusetts, mainly during fall and winter months. This species breeds in the Pacific Northwest and migrates east across North America in a clockwise loop each year. In Massachusetts, Rufous Hummingbirds are most likely to be encountered from October through March. They are often attracted to feeders. Adult males are bright coppery orange on the back and belly. Females and immature birds are greenish above, rufous on the flanks, and whitish below. Rufous Hummingbirds are feisty and highly territorial, defending nectar feeders from other hummingbirds and even larger birds. They eat nectar, tree sap, and small insects and spiders. While unusual, a few Rufous Hummingbirds may attempt to overwinter in Massachusetts during mild winters.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is an uncommon migrant and summer visitor to Massachusetts. They breed across the western United States and portions of southern Canada, migrating to Mexico for winter. Increasingly in recent decades, some Black-chinned Hummingbirds have wandered east during migration and a few now summer in Massachusetts each year. Most sightings in the state occur between April and October. Adult males have a black chin and throat, an iridescent purple forehead and gorget feathers, and a dark forked tail. Females lack the bold black chin and have a lighter throat with speckles. Both sexes have pale whitish plumage below. Like other hummingbirds, Black-chinneds feed on flower nectar and small insects. They are attracted to nectar feeders and brightly colored tubular flowers.
When and Where to See Hummingbirds in Massachusetts
The best times to spot hummingbirds in Massachusetts are during spring migration in May, during summer breeding months, and through early fall migration in September and October. Popular places to observe hummingbirds include:
- Backyard nectar feeders
- Parks and gardens with native plants and flowers
- Nature preserves that protect hummingbird habitat
- Areas along the Atlantic migratory flyway
Some top sites include:
- Cape Ann
- Cape Cod
- Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge
- Connemara Conservancy in Boston
- Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary in Hampden
- Callendar Estate in Lenox
The vibrant ruby-red throat of male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and the bright coppery feathers of Rufous Hummingbirds make them stand out. Listen for the persistent buzzing sound of hummingbird wings. Look for blurry dashes of color at nectar sources. Hummingbird activity increases as temperatures warm in the day. Arrive early in the morning or patrol flowers late in the day to maximize sightings. Having nectar feeders, plenty of flowers, and habitat like meadows and woodland edges will also help attract hummingbirds.
Plants That Attract Hummingbirds in Massachusetts
Hummingbirds rely on nectar as their main food source. Here are some flowering plants that attract hummingbirds to yards and gardens in Massachusetts:
| Plant | Color | Bloom Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bee balm | Red | Summer |
| Cardinal flower | Red | Summer |
| Columbine | Red, yellow | Spring |
| Coral honeysuckle | Red, orange | Summer |
| Foxglove | Pink, purple | Summer |
| Hosta | Lavender | Summer |
| Petunia | Pink, purple | Summer |
| Trumpet creeper | Orange, red | Summer |
| Weigela | Pink, white | Spring |
Seek out native plants whenever possible, as these evolved alongside hummingbirds and cater to their needs. Avoid modern hybrid flowers that may have less accessible nectar. Plant a diversity of colorful, tubular flowers that bloom through the season to provide a constant nectar source.
Providing Habitat for Hummingbirds
In addition to nectar sources from flowers and feeders, hummingbirds rely on trees, shrubs, and meadows to provide habitat for nesting, roosting, and finding insect prey. Here are some tips for making your yard more hummingbird-friendly:
- Let dead trees stand, as cavities provide nest sites
- Keep shrubs and small trees that hummingbirds can perch in
- Allow native grasses and wildflowers to grow
- Avoid pesticides that reduce insect populations
- Set up a water bath, mister, or fountain for drinking and bathing
- Supplement with nectar feeders
- Place feeders near cover for protection from predators
Maintaining a natural, pesticide-free landscape will encourage hummingbird activity by supporting their complete habitat needs.
Unique Hummingbird Behavior
Here are some interesting facts about hummingbird behavior that you may observe in Massachusetts:
- Ultra-fast wing beats enabling precise hover positioning
- Flying backwards or upside-down to reach nectar
- Making rapid vertical dives during displays
- Males performing mating dives and passes to impress females
- Aggressively defending nectar feeders from intruders
- Females building tiny cup nests on branches
- Migration by lonely individuals across the Gulf each fall
- Entering torpor-like states to conserve energy overnight
- Sunning behavior by perching and orienting spread tails
Watching hummingbirds can reveal many fascinating behaviors. Their agility, speed, and feistiness belie their very small size.
Threats and Conservation
Major threats to hummingbirds in Massachusetts include:
- Habitat loss from development
- Pesticides reducing insect food supplies
- Climate change disrupting migration and flower blooming
- Collisions with buildings and towers during migration
To help protect hummingbirds, people can:
- Plant native flowers and conserve natural areas
- Avoid pesticides and provide insect-friendly habitats
- Keep cats indoors to reduce predation
- Reduce collisions by using UV-reflecting glass
- Provide artificial nectar sources when flowers are scarce
Joining conservation groups like the Audubon Society and supporting parks and nature sanctuaries also helps protect hummingbird habitat.
Conclusion
Massachusetts provides important habitat for breeding, migrating, and wintering hummingbirds. With three regular species, the Ruby-throated, Rufous, and Black-chinned hummingbirds can be observed across the state during spring, summer, and fall. These tiny, energetic birds add sparkle and motion to backyards and gardens as they visit flowers and feeders. Providing nectar plants, habitat, and reducing threats can help sustain hummingbird populations in Massachusetts for people to enjoy.
