Hummingbirds are known for their tiny size, rapid wing beats, and ability to hover in midair. They are found only in the Americas. Of the over 300 hummingbird species, several have plumage with vibrant red coloring around the neck. When people ask “What hummingbird has red around its neck?”, there are a few likely candidates.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is one of the most widespread and familiar hummingbird species in North America. As the name suggests, the adult male Ruby-throated Hummingbird has brilliant metallic red plumage on its throat, forming a patch shaped like a tie. This ruby red throat is how the Ruby-throated Hummingbird gets its common name. The female lacks the red throat patch and is identifiable by white spots on the tail feathers.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird breeds across Eastern North America and migrates south to Mexico and Central America for the winter. During summer months, these hummingbirds are common visitors to gardens and backyard feeders in the Eastern United States and Canada. When someone in this region asks about a hummingbird with a red neck, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is undoubtedly the species in question.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird is another small hummingbird endowed with brilliant red plumage around the neck. The adult male has an iridescent coppery-red throat patch and a few red feather tufts along the neck. This rufous-colored plumage lends itself to this species’ common name.
The Rufous Hummingbird breeds in northwestern North America from Alaska down to California and migrates remarkably thousands of miles to Mexico for winter. Though less common than the Ruby-throated, Rufous Hummingbirds also visit backyard hummingbird feeders during migration across Western North America. An observer in the West asking “What hummingbird has red around its neck?” may well be seeing a Rufous Hummingbird.
Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s Hummingbird is a large, year-round resident hummingbird of the Pacific Coast region. The male has an iridescent crimson throat and crown. When the light hits just right, these red crown feathers have a distinctive “starburst” pattern. Anna’s Hummingbird males use their dazzling red throats in courtship displays to attract females.
Originally a resident of California and northern Mexico, Anna’s Hummingbird has expanded its range north to western Canada and inland to Arizona. This range expansion is attributed to greater availability of nectar sources from ornamental nonnative plants and hummingbird feeders. For those on the West Coast wondering “What hummingbird has red around its neck?”, Anna’s hummingbird is a likely answer.
Other Hummingbirds with Red on the Neck
While Ruby-throated, Rufous, and Anna’s are the most commonly encountered red-necked hummingbirds in North America, they are not the only species that fit this description:
- Allen’s Hummingbird – Occurs along the Pacific Coast and has a red throat.
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird – An uncommon but widespread western species with a bright red throat in males.
- Magnificent Hummingbird – Found in mountains of Arizona and New Mexico. Males have an iridescent purple-red gorget.
Other tropical hummingbird species found farther south like the Crimson-collared Woodstar display vibrant red necks or throats as well. However, most people asking “What hummingbird has red around its neck?” are observing one of the more common species described in detail above.
Conclusion
In summary, the most likely hummingbirds with red plumage around the neck in North America are:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird in the East
- Rufous Hummingbird in the West
- Anna’s Hummingbird along the Pacific Coast
There are a number of other less common species that may also have red feathers on the neck and throat. But the Ruby-throated, Rufous, and Anna’s hummingbirds are by far the most abundant and widespread species in their respective regions that display brilliant red coloration around the neck.
So if you see a tiny, zippy, hovering bird at your hummingbird feeder or flower garden and notice red coloring on its throat or neck, it likely is one of these hummingbirds. Though small, they add a splash of color and beauty to backyards across North America.
Tables Comparing Ruby-throated, Rufous, and Anna’s Hummingbirds
Appearance
| Species | Male Throat Color | Female Throat Color | Other Distinctive Plumage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Metallic red | White | Forked tail |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Coppery red | White with dark speckles | Rufous flanks |
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Iridescent crimson | Grey-green | Red crown with starburst pattern |
Range and Habitat
| Species | Breeding Range | Wintering Range | Habitat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Eastern North America | Mexico, Central America | Forest edges, meadows, backyards |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Pacific Northwest through Rocky Mountains | Mexico | Open woodlands, chaparral, scrub |
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Pacific Coast, Southwest | Pacific Coast, Southwest | Suburban areas, gardens, chaparral |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Ruby-throated Hummingbird get its name?
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is named for the adult male’s bright metallic red throat, which looks like a tiny ruby red patch or tie.
Where can I see Rufous Hummingbirds?
Rufous Hummingbirds breed across the northwestern United States and western Canada during summer. They can be spotted along migration routes across the western half of North America in spring and fall, and they winter in Mexico and the southwestern United States.
What is unique about Anna’s Hummingbird?
Anna’s Hummingbird is the only common hummingbird species that doesn’t migrate. Instead, populations are year-round residents along the Pacific Coast and inland Southwest. Males also have an iridescent red crown with a distinct starburst pattern.
How many species of hummingbirds display red on the neck?
There are over a dozen hummingbird species in North America that exhibit some red coloring around the neck or throat, primarily observed in adult males. However, the Ruby-throated, Rufous, and Anna’s account for most red-throated hummingbirds seen in backyards.
What plants attract hummingbirds with red necks?
Good nectar plants to attract Ruby-throated, Rufous, Anna’s and other hummingbirds include tubular flowers in colors like red, orange, and pink, including salvias, cardinal flower, bee balm, and native honeysuckles. Providing hummingbird feeders with nectar (1 part sugar to 4 parts water) will also draw in these birds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the primary hummingbird species in North America with brilliant red plumage around the neck and throat are the Ruby-throated Hummingbird of the East, the Rufous Hummingbird of the West, and Anna’s Hummingbird along the Pacific Coast. While other less common species also showcase red feathers, these three varieties stand out due to their wide distribution and common presence in backyards, making them the likely subject when someone asks “What hummingbird has red around its neck?”. Their flashes of crimson provide a spark of color and life to gardens across the continent.
