National Hummingbird Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May each year. For 2023, National Hummingbird Day falls on May 20th.
When was the first National Hummingbird Day?
The first National Hummingbird Day was celebrated in 2009. It was created by the National Hummingbird Society to celebrate these tiny, colorful birds that play an important role in pollinating flowers and plants.
Why do we celebrate National Hummingbird Day?
National Hummingbird Day celebrates these smallest of birds and raises awareness about their conservation. Hummingbirds are a favorite backyard bird that people enjoy watching at feeders. This special day reminds us to put out nectar feeders and plant flowers that attract hummingbirds.
Here are some key reasons we celebrate these special birds:
- Highlight hummingbird conservation – Many hummingbird species are threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and pesticides.
- Appreciate their beauty – Hummingbirds are known for their vibrant, iridescent feathers.
- Enjoy their flying skills – Hummingbirds can fly forwards, backwards, upside down with amazing agility.
- Thank them for pollination – Hummingbirds play a key role in pollinating wildflowers and gardens.
- Inspire people to support them – Getting people to put out feeders & plants helps hummingbirds thrive.
How many hummingbird species are there?
There are over 300 different hummingbird species in the world. Most hummingbirds live in Central and South America with over 140 species found in Brazil alone. Here are the numbers of hummingbird species per region:
| Region | Number of Hummingbird Species |
|---|---|
| South America | 151 species |
| Central America | 93 species |
| North America | 17 species |
| Caribbean Islands | 35 species |
As you can see, South America and Central America are the most diverse regions for hummingbirds with over 240 species calling these regions home. The Andes Mountains of South America and cloud forests of Central America provide ideal habitat.
What are the most common hummingbirds in North America?
While there are over 300 hummingbird species worldwide, only 17 regular species are found in the United States and Canada. Here are the 5 most common hummingbird species seen at backyard feeders in North America:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most widespread and frequently observed hummingbird in Eastern North America. The male has an iridescent red throat and metallic green upperparts. They are found in woodlands, gardens, and meadows.
Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird has a rose-pink throat and crown. The male has an iridescent emerald-green back. It is a year-round resident along the Pacific Coast and the most common backyard hummingbird in states like California.
Rufous Hummingbird
The rufous hummingbird is known for its beautiful coppery-orange plumage. The males are especially bright orange. They breed farther north than any other hummingbird species.
Allen’s Hummingbird
The Allen’s hummingbird is green on the back with an orange throat and rust-colored flanks. They are common in coastal California and the Pacific Northwest in summer.
Calliope Hummingbird
The tiny calliope hummingbird has bright purple feathers on the throat. The male has an iridescent green back. They breed in the Rocky Mountains and northwest U.S. and winter along the Pacific coast.
How can you attract hummingbirds to your yard?
Here are some tips to make your yard attractive for hummingbirds to visit and feed:
- Put out nectar feeders – Use a nectar ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Don’t use food coloring.
- Plant native flowers – Choose tubular flowers in red, orange, pink, or purple.
- Add a water feature – Hummingbirds bathe and drink, so add a mister or fountain.
- Avoid pesticides – Chemicals can be harmful to hummingbirds, so go organic.
- Add perches – Have small branches or feeder perches for resting spots.
Following these tips will create an enticing environment that hummingbirds will flock to all summer long!
Conclusion
National Hummingbird Day provides a special opportunity to appreciate the beauty, diversity, and value of hummingbirds. From their glittering feathers to their incredible flight, they are captivating birds. This day reminds us to support hummingbirds by providing nectar, flowers, and safe habitats in our communities. Honoring them on this day can inspire daily actions to ensure these smallest of birds continue to brighten our lives for generations to come.
