What hummingbird is in NH?

There are a few species of hummingbirds that can be found in the state of New Hampshire. Hummingbirds are small, colorful birds that are specialized nectar feeders. Their long beaks and tongues allow them to access nectar deep within flowers. Hummingbirds are native to the Americas and several species migrate through or breed in New Hampshire each year. The most common hummingbird species seen in New Hampshire include the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the Rufous Hummingbird, and the Black-chinned Hummingbird.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most widespread and commonly observed hummingbird species in New Hampshire. This hummingbird breeds across eastern North America and is the only breeding hummingbird species found east of the Great Plains.

Some key facts about the Ruby-throated Hummingbird:

• Small, with males having an iridescent ruby-red throat
• Nests in New Hampshire during the summer breeding season
• Most migrate to Central America for the winter
• Feed on flower nectar and small insects
• Known for their lightning-fast wing beats

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird arrives in New Hampshire in May to breed and normally departs by September to its southern wintering grounds. During summer, it can be found in a variety of habitats including meadows, backyards, gardens, and forest edges. Males perform aerial courtship displays to attract females. Females build a tiny cup-shaped nest out of plant down, spider silk, and lichens on the branch of a tree or shrub.

Identifying the Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Identifying the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is straightforward thanks to the vibrant red throat of adult males. Females lack the red throat and are more dull green above with white below. Juveniles resemble adult females. Other key identification features include:

• Length: 2.8-3.5 inches
• Wingspan: 3.1-4.3 inches
• Bill length: Up to 1.1 inches
• Green backs with some small white spotting
• Forked tail feathers

In flight, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird displays rapid wingbeats and can hover in place as it accesses flowers. It produces a quiet chipping call. No other hummingbird species regularly breeds in eastern North America, so during summer, any hummingbirds detected likely are Ruby-throated.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Behavior

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have specialized behaviors related to their diet, breeding, migration, and adaptations for feeding.

Diet:

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds feed on flower nectar and small insects and spiders. Their long, bifurcated tongue allows them to lap up nectar. They favor tubular flowers with lots of nectar including columbines, cardinal flowers, beebalms, and trumpet vines. To get adequate nutrition, they also capture insects midair and glean them from flowers and branches.

Breeding:

Males arrive in breeding areas in spring ahead of females and establish breeding territories which they aggressively defend from intruders. Their courtship display consists of aerial maneuvers and dives to impress females. Females build nests in trees using soft plant down wrapped together with spider silk. They lay 2 pea-sized white eggs and incubate them for 2 weeks. Chicks fledge in about 3 weeks.

Migration:

Ruby-throats make a remarkable migratory journey each year between breeding areas and Central American wintering grounds. They fly 500 miles nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico! Their migration north in spring happens earlier than many other migratory birds.

Feeding Adaptations:

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have specially adapted feet to grip flowers, wings that can beat up to 50 times per second, and a long tongue to access nectar. They also have a curved bill ideally shaped for probing flowers. To conserve energy, they can enter a hibernation-like state called torpor at night.

Rufous Hummingbird

The Rufous Hummingbird is another species that can be found in New Hampshire, though less commonly than the Ruby-throated. This species breeds in northwestern North America and migrates through the eastern United States in spring and fall. Some Rufous Hummingbirds spend the full summer in New Hampshire, but breeding remains unconfirmed.

Key facts about the Rufous Hummingbird:

• Males are bright rufous (reddish-brown) in color with some green on back
• Females are green above with rufous sides and white below
• One of the longest migratory journeys of any North American bird
• Prefers open meadows and pine forests while in New Hampshire
• Attracted to tubular red flowers and hummingbird feeders

The Rufous Hummingbird migrates northwards through the Great Plains and Eastern states in spring, arriving in New Hampshire in May. Fall migration occurs July through September. Peak sightings are late April to mid-May and mid-August in New Hampshire. Though a few may remain all summer, there is no confirmed breeding in the state.

Identifying the Rufous Hummingbird

The bright rufous plumage of adult males makes Rufous Hummingbirds hard to confuse during the spring migration period. Females and juveniles are greener and resemble female Ruby-throats, but can be distinguished by rufous flanks, tail feather shafts, and base of tail. Other identification features include:

• Length: 2.8-3.5 inches
• Wingspan: 4.3 inches
• Bill length: Up to 1.1 inches
• Greenish back
• White tips on outer tail feathers

Rufous Hummingbirds produce a distinct trill call and are aggressive at feeders, chasing off other hummingbirds. They prefer more open, rural areas than Ruby-throats. Their feisty personality and orange color make them a favorite among hummingbird enthusiasts.

Black-chinned Hummingbird

The Black-chinned Hummingbird is a western species that rarely wanders into New Hampshire during migration or the breeding season. It breeds across western North America and winters in Mexico. Vagrant Black-chinned Hummingbirds account for some of the rare summer hummingbird sightings in northern New England when Ruby-throats are normally the only species present.

Some facts about Black-chinned Hummingbirds:

• Males have a dark, forked tail and namesake black chin
• Females and juveniles lack the dark chin
• One of the most common backyard hummingbirds in the western US
• Rare summer reports in New Hampshire likely wanderers from the west
• Attracted to tubular purple and red flowers

There are only a handful of documented records of Black-chinned Hummingbirds in New Hampshire, mostly occurring between June and August. Possible sightings should be carefully documented and reported to eBird or state rare bird alert programs.

Identifying the Black-chinned Hummingbird

Distinguishing vagrant Black-chinned Hummingbirds from Ruby-throated and Rufous can be challenging. The dark chin of adult males is diagnostic. Females and juveniles require closer study of tail patterns and feather edges to separate them from lookalike species. Keys to identification:

• Length: 3.5 inches
• Wingspan: 4.3 inches
• Bill length: Up to 1.3 inches
• Narrow outer tail feathers with rounded tips
• Green back with few markings
• Males have dark tail fork; females do not

Any possible sightings of Black-chinned Hummingbirds in New Hampshire should be carefully documented and studied to confirm the identification. Photographs and video are helpful for experts to review. Though rare, some Black-chinned do wander east during migration and summer.

Attracting Hummingbirds in New Hampshire

To attract migrating and breeding hummingbirds to your New Hampshire property, follow these tips:

• Set up hummingbird feeders with a nectar solution of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Avoid food dyes.
• Change nectar every 2-3 days to prevent spoilage.
• Supplement feeders with hummingbird-friendly flowers like bee balms, trumpet vines, and columbines.
• Avoid pesticides which can harm hummingbirds.
• Position feeders in visible locations with some shade coverage.
• Keep cats indoors so they do not prey on visiting hummingbirds.
• Provide small perches for hummingbirds to rest.
• Consider special high-framerate cameras to capture hawk-like hummingbird behaviors.

With the right habitat and nectar sources, you may attract up to a half dozen hummingbird species over the course of a New Hampshire summer.

How to Report Hummingbird Sightings

Here are some options for reporting hummingbird sightings in New Hampshire to contribute to research and records:

• eBird – Online citizen science database managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society.
• iNaturalist – Citizen science network and app for reporting wildlife observations.
• New Hampshire Audubon Rare Bird Alert – For reporting rare bird sightings in NH.
• New Hampshire eBird Review List – Expert birders review and confirm rare sightings.
• Banding Stations – Consider visiting a local hummingbird banding station during migration.

Photos, video, or audio recordings are extremely helpful for documenting unusual hummingbird reports. Detailed location, date, and time information aids researchers as well. Submitted records help improve knowledge of hummingbird movements and distribution.

Hummingbird Species Identification Guide

Use this table for a quick overview of the main hummingbird species reported in New Hampshire, their key identification features, and when they are most likely to be found in the state:

This table provides a quick reference to compare the main identifiable features and occurrence periods of New Hampshire’s hummingbird species. The Ruby-throated is the dominant summer species while Rufous and Black-chinned are less common migrants or vagrants.

Conclusion

While the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the iconic and widespread hummingbird species found breeding across New Hampshire in the summer, several other species may pass through the state during spring and fall migrations. With increasing observations, the Rufous and Black-chinned are now regular rare visitors. By providing nectar feeders, flowers, and reporting sightings to databases like eBird and iNaturalist, residents can help track and study hummingbird activity in the state. If you are lucky, you may spot several types of these tiny, feathered dynamos visiting your backyard on their migratory journeys.