There are several species of hummingbirds that have white bellies. The white belly is a distinguishing feature that helps identify these hummingbird species. Some of the most common hummingbirds with white bellies found in North America include the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, Costa’s Hummingbird, and Calliope Hummingbird. Keep reading to learn more about these white-bellied hummingbird species.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is one of the most widespread and common hummingbird species in eastern North America. The male Ruby-throated Hummingbird has a metallic green back and head, black wings, and a ruby red throat. The female lacks the ruby red throat patch and is instead white underneath with greenish upperparts.
Both male and female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have white bellies. The white belly extends from the bottom of the throat down to the undertail coverts. When in flight, the white undertail coverts are especially visible. The bold white color contrasts sharply with the darker wings and back.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird breeds across most of eastern North America. It is found from Nova Scotia west to Minnesota and south to Florida and eastern Texas. These hummingbirds migrate south to spend the winter in Mexico or Central America. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are commonly seen visiting backyard feeders as well as flowering gardens, meadows, and forests.
Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) is a medium-sized hummingbird found along the Pacific Coast and some inland areas of western North America. The male Anna’s Hummingbird has iridescent rose-pink gorget (throat feathers) and crown. The female and juvenile birds lack the pink coloring and are instead gray-green on top with a pale gray underside and white tips on the tail feathers.
Both male and female Anna’s Hummingbirds have predominantly white underparts from the lower throat down through the belly. Sometimes the lower belly and undertail coverts may show a pale grayish color. However, the majority of the underparts on an Anna’s Hummingbird are bright white. This provides a sharp contrast between the darker wings and back and the pale underparts.
Anna’s Hummingbirds are year-round residents along coastal California and the Pacific Northwest. Some birds may migrate inland or to higher elevations in winter. They frequent gardens, parks, and other habitats rich in nectar-producing flowers.
Costa’s Hummingbird
Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae) is a small hummingbird found in the arid deserts and scrublands of the southwestern United States and northwest Mexico. The male Costa’s Hummingbird has a purple crown and gorget. Females and juveniles are dull gray-green above and pale gray below, with white tips on the outer tail feathers.
The most obvious field mark on the Costa’s Hummingbird is its bright white underside. The belly and undertail coverts are snowy white. This provides stark contrast from the gray-green back and wings. The white belly is useful for identifying females and young birds that lack the colorful crown and gorget feathers.
Costa’s Hummingbirds are found year-round in the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts. They are quite common in desert oases, washes, and canyons with flowering plants. Costa’s Hummingbirds also readily visit feeders when available. They sometimes wander north and east after breeding.
Calliope Hummingbird
The Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope) is the smallest breeding bird in North America. Males have colorful magenta throats, crowns, and tails. Females lack the iridescent coloring and are more subtly patterned in green, gray, and white. Both sexes have extensive white underparts.
On the Calliope Hummingbird, the white coloring covers the chin, throat, breast, belly, and undertail coverts. This field mark creates a bright canvas that contrasts with the otherwise modest plumage hues. The white belly is an important identifier, especially on the females, immatures, and winter-plumaged males that lack flashy colors.
Breeding habitats for the Calliope Hummingbird range from mountains to shrublands across western North America. Some birds migrate as far south as Mexico for winter. They frequent mountain meadows, foothills, canyons, and valleys decorated with colorful wildflowers. Calliope Hummingbirds are also attracted to feeders.
Other Hummingbirds with White Bellies
While the Ruby-throated, Anna’s, Costa’s, and Calliope are some of the most widespread hummingbirds with white bellies in North America, they are not the only species to exhibit this trait. Here are a few other hummingbirds that may display varying amounts of white on their undersides:
– Rufous Hummingbird: The female and juvenile Rufous Hummingbirds have pale white undertail coverts that contrast with the rufous-colored back and tail.
– Allen’s Hummingbird: Females and juveniles have white-tipped tail feathers and pale gray undertail coverts when viewed up close.
– Broad-billed Hummingbird: Males lack extensive white, but females and juveniles have white undertail coverts and whitish edges on the outer tail feathers.
– White-eared Hummingbird: As the name suggests, White-eared Hummingbirds of both sexes display bold white “ear” patches and white tips to the tail.
– Violet-crowned Hummingbird: Females and young birds have pale white edges on the outer tail feathers that flash in flight.
– Buff-bellied Hummingbird: This species shows variable amounts of buffy white on the undertail coverts and belly.
Identifying Hummingbirds by Their White Bellies
When trying to identify a hummingbird species, the white belly can be a useful clue:
– Size – Consider the bird’s overall size in addition to the belly. Larger hummingbirds like the Ruby-throated tend to have more extensive white belly patches than tiny species such as the Calliope.
– Range – Think about the species’ expected range and distribution. For example, in the eastern U.S., a white-bellied hummingbird is most likely a Ruby-throated. In the Southwest, it is more likely to be a Costa’s or Anna’s.
– Other Markings – Take note of any other distinctive markings, like gorgets, crowns, tail patterns, or throat stripes that point towards certain species. The white belly works best as an identifier when combined with other features.
– Lighting – The color and extent of the white belly can appear slightly different based on lighting conditions. Look at the bird in various positions to get the best view.
With practice, the white belly can serve as a key marker to help distinguish tricky female and juvenile hummingbirds that lack the flashy colors of adult males.
Why Do Some Hummingbirds Have White Bellies?
Displaying white feathers on the belly and undertail area is thought to have some important functions for hummingbirds:
– Camouflage – When hummingbirds perch in shaded vegetation, the white belly helps them visually blend in by breaking up their outline. This improves hiding from predators.
– Communication – The abrupt color contrast between the darker back and bright white belly is believed to play a role in intra-species communication and display in some hummingbird species.
– Thermoregulation – By exposing their dark backs to sunlight and their white bellies towards shade, hummingbirds may achieve a type of temperature regulation. The theory has yet to be definitively proven though.
– Mimicry – In at least one case, the Virginia’s Warbler, displaying white undertail feathers is thought to mimic toxic Dendroica warblers and thereby avoid predation. This defensive advantage may apply to some white-bellied hummingbirds too.
– Gender Differences – Having drab white underparts allows the vibrant male gorgets and crowns to better stand out, improving their chances to attract mates.
So in summary, the selective advantage of bold white belly patches remains open to debate. But several hypotheses suggest the coloration is beneficial for survival, communication, thermoregulation, mimicry, or sexual display.
Best Places to See White-Bellied Hummingbirds
Here are some top sites across North America for viewing hummingbirds with white bellies:
Southeastern States
In the Southeast, white-bellied Ruby-throated Hummingbirds abound. They readily come to feeders and nectar plants in backyards, gardens, parks, and other habitats. Good locations include:
– Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Abundant summer breeding habitat.
– Blue Ridge Mountains – Nesting habitat continuing up the Appalachian chain.
– Cape May, New Jersey – Major migration hot spot along the Atlantic coast.
– Highlands, North Carolina – Known for its natural gardens attracting hummingbirds.
– Louisiana, Alabama Gulf Coast – Wintering grounds for migrants.
Southwest Deserts
Anna’s, Costa’s, and other desert-dwelling hummingbirds with white undersides frequent arid environments of the Southwest. Prime areas are:
– Saguaro National Park – Stands of giant saguaro cacti in Arizona.
– Ramsey Canyon Preserve – A birding mecca in the Huachuca Mountains.
– San Diego County – Parks, gardens, and feeders around urban San Diego.
– Santa Catalina Island – A California Channel Island hosting Anna’s Hummingbirds.
– Chiricahua Mountains – Known for its outstanding hummingbird diversity.
West Coast
Both Anna’s and Rufous Hummingbirds breed along the Pacific Coast. Some top sites include:
– Point Reyes, California – Rufous Hummingbirds on migration at this national seashore.
– Mount Rainier, Washington – Wildflower meadows with breeding Anna’s Hummingbirds.
– Butterfly Gardens, Victoria, British Columbia – Amazing migratory hot spot on Vancouver Island.
– Portland, Oregon – Urban parks and gardens with year-round Anna’s Hummingbirds.
– Pacific Grove, California – Winter destination for Anna’s Hummingbirds on the Monterey Peninsula.
Rocky Mountains
A diversity of small white-bellied hummingbirds occupy the Rocky Mountains and intermountain west. Great locations to see them include:
– Glacier National Park – Summer breeding grounds for Calliope Hummingbirds.
– Banff National Park – A major migratory corridor in the Canadian Rockies.
– Grand Teton National Park – Meadows and willow thickets hosting hummingbirds.
– Rocky Mountain National Park – Population of Broad-tailed and Rufous Hummingbirds.
– Mount Evans, Colorado – One of the highest elevations to see Calliope and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds.
Conclusion
In summary, white-bellied hummingbirds make up a significant portion of North America’s trochilid diversity. The white underside serves as a helpful identifier while also likely carrying advantages for hummingbird survival. Though small, a glimpse of hummingbirds like the Ruby-throated, Anna’s, Costa’s, or Calliope flashing their bright white undersides remains a delightful sight for birders across the continent. Targeting prime habitats and seasons will up the odds of observing these beautiful and nimble nectar-feeding birds dazzling watchers with their namesake humming wingbeats and snow-white bellies.
