West Virginia is home to several species of hummingbirds that breed and reside in the state throughout the spring and summer months. The most common hummingbird species found in West Virginia are the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the Rufous Hummingbird, and the Ruby-throated x Rufous hybrid hummingbird.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the most widespread and commonly seen hummingbird in West Virginia. This species breeds throughout the eastern United States and Canada during the summer months before migrating to Central America for the winter. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only breeding hummingbird species found east of the Mississippi River.
Some key facts about the Ruby-throated Hummingbird:
- Males have a bright red throat, females have a pale throat with some speckling
- Length: 2.8-3.5 inches
- Wingspan: 3.1-4.3 inches
- Weight: 2-6 grams
- Lifespan: 3-12 years
- Diet: Nectar, tree sap, small insects
- Nesting: Female builds a small cup nest out of plant down and spider silk on a tree branch
In West Virginia, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrive in early spring to establish breeding territories. They are present throughout the summer across the state and depart in late summer/early fall for their wintering grounds. The highest populations occur in the eastern mountain regions of the state.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a western species that breeds in the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains. However, some Rufous Hummingbirds migrate east along the Gulf Coast during the winter and get pushed inland by spring storms, reaching as far east as the Atlantic Coast.
Key facts about the Rufous Hummingbird:
- Males have a bright orange throat, females have a green throat
- Length: 2.8-3.5 inches
- Wingspan: 4.3 inches
- Weight: 2-5 grams
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Diet: Nectar, small insects and spiders
- Nesting: Female builds a cup nest out of plant fibers often high up in a conifer tree
In West Virginia, Rufous Hummingbirds are most likely to be seen during spring and fall migration, but some individuals stick around to breed during the summer months. They are more common in the higher elevation areas of the eastern mountains.
Ruby-throated x Rufous Hybrid
In areas where Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Rufous Hummingbirds are both present during the breeding season, hybrids between the two species sometimes occur. These hybrid hummingbirds exhibit physical features and behaviors that are intermediate between the parent species.
Characteristics of Ruby-throated x Rufous hybrids:
- Males have orange on the throat that is duller than a Rufous but brighter than a Ruby-throat
- Females have speckled throats that appear intermediate between the parent species
- Exhibit aggressive territorial behavior typical of Rufous Hummingbirds
Sightings of hybrid hummingbirds peak during spring migration and breeding season. Reports of hybrids come from locations across West Virginia, but they seem to be more prevalent in the higher elevation regions where pure Rufous Hummingbirds are regular.
Other Species
In addition to the resident species, several other hummingbird species may show up rarely in West Virginia as vagrants outside their normal range:
- Anna’s Hummingbird
- Allen’s Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird
However, sightings of these species are very uncommon in West Virginia and may represent a once-in-a-lifetime observation for an observer. They should not be considered expected species in the state.
Best Places to View Hummingbirds in West Virginia
Here are some top sites in West Virginia to spot native and migrant hummingbird species:
- Canaan Valley – A mountain valley with extensive flower meadows
- Blackwater Falls State Park – A state park with plenty of flowers and feeders
- Hawk’s Nest State Park – Riverside habitat attracts hummingbirds
- Dolly Sods Wilderness – High elevation meadows with many flowers
- Cacapon Resort State Park – Managed gardens and hummingbird feeders
When to See Hummingbirds in West Virginia
| Season | Timeframe | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Migration | April – May | Arrival of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and early Rufous Hummingbirds |
| Breeding Season | May – July | Ruby-throats and Rufous establish territories and nest |
| Fall Migration | August – September | Ruby-throats depart, peak of westward migrating Rufous |
| Winter | October – March | No hummingbirds expected over winter |
Late April through mid-September is the key time to observe hummingbirds in West Virginia, with May through July being the peak breeding and nesting season when birds are most active and territorial.
Conclusion
In summary, West Virginia hosts breeding populations of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and Rufous Hummingbird, along with hybrids between these species. The Ruby-throated is present in the summer across the state, while the Rufous occurs primarily in higher elevations. Other vagrant western species may be observed rarely. Prime areas to observe hummingbirds are the mountain meadows and valleys in the eastern half of the state during spring and summer. With an abundance of flowers and feeders, West Virginia is a great destination for people looking to enjoy these small, energetic birds.
