Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds found in nature. Their ability to hover mid-air and fly backwards sets them apart from other avian species. Of the hundreds of hummingbird species found worldwide, several call western New York home each summer.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the most common and widely distributed hummingbird in eastern North America. In western New York, ruby-throats arrive in mid-May after migrating north from their wintering grounds in Central America. Male ruby-throats have a brilliant metallic red throat, black chin, gray-white breast, and forked tail. Females lack the red throat patch and are duller overall. Ruby-throats prefer open fields, meadows, and forest edges where they can flit between nectar sources.
Here are some key facts about ruby-throated hummingbirds:
- Length: 2.8-3.5 in
- Wingspan: 3.1-4.3 in
- Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz
- Lifespan: 3-12 years
- Diet: Nectar, tiny insects
- Nest: Tiny cup of plant down bound with spiderwebs on a downward limb
Ruby-throats have the largest breeding range of any North American hummingbird. They thrive in towns, suburbs, parks, meadows, and will visit nectar feeders. In western New York, most ruby-throats depart by mid-October for their overwintering grounds.
Rufous Hummingbird
The rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a small, compact hummingbird with an orange-red throat in the males. It is a western species that occasionally wanders into western New York as a vagrant. Rufous hummingbirds breed farther north than any other hummingbird species. They nest in northwestern North America and migrate down the Pacific Coast to winter in Mexico.
Here are some quick facts about rufous hummingbirds:
- Length: 2.8-3.5 in
- Wingspan: 4.3 in
- Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Diet: Nectar, small insects
- Nest: On a conifer branch with moss and covered in lichens
In western New York, rufous hummingbirds are rare and sporadic visitors. They have been spotted between April and October, but most records are from late summer and fall when vagrant juveniles appear after dispersing from their core range. Rufous hummingbirds are feisty and chase other hummers from feeders.
Calliope Hummingbird
The calliope hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope) is North America’s smallest bird species. It has an extensive breeding range across western North America and the Rocky Mountains. Vagrant calliopes may turn up in western New York in fall and winter after wandering east.
Fun facts about calliope hummingbirds:
- Length: 2.75-3.25 in
- Wingspan: 4.25 in
- Weight: 0.06-0.1 oz
- Lifespan: 3-12 years
- Diet: Nectar, small spiders and insects
- Nest: Compact cup on evergreen tree branch
In New York, calliope hummingbirds are considered accidental visitors. Most reports come between September and November. These tiny hummingbirds have a white breast streaked with green and weigh less than a nickel! Calliopes are easy to attract to feeders with nectar mixes.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
The broad-tailed hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus) is aptly named for its wide, rounded tail. It is a western hummingbird that breeds across mountain meadows and forested areas from Mexico to Wyoming. In the east, vagrant broad-taileds occasionally reach western New York in late summer and fall.
Broad-tailed hummingbird traits:
- Length: 3.1-3.5 in
- Wingspan: 4.3 in
- Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz
- Lifespan: 3-12 years
- Diet: Nectar, spiders, insects
- Nest: On a horizontal branch covered in lichens
In New York, broad-tailed hummers are considered rare and accidental visitors. They occasionally stray east of their typical range following breeding season. Due to this species’ tendency to wander, broad-tails may turn up at nectar feeders in western New York between August and October on rare occasions.
Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna) is a large, striking hummingbird named after a 19th century duchess. It is a western species that has expanded its breeding range north to Vancouver and sometimes wanders east as a vagrant. An individual Anna’s hummingbird spent the winter of 2017-2018 in Rochester, NY due to an avid birder providing nectar.
Cool facts about Anna’s hummingbirds:
- Length: 3.9-4.3 in
- Wingspan: 4.7 in
- Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz
- Lifespan: 3-12 years
- Diet: Nectar, tree sap, spiders, insects
- Nest: Small cup nest on branches
Anna’s hummingbirds breed along the Pacific Coast and are scarce vagrants in the east. They are large, aggressively territorial hummers. Males have iridescent rose-pink throats and crowns. In New York, Anna’s hummers are considered casual visitors and turn up every few years. Offer nectar feeders to attract them during winter months.
Attracting Hummingbirds in Western New York
Here are some tips to attract hummingbirds to your yard in western New York:
- Set up nectar feeders – Use a 4:1 ratio of water to white sugar and change nectar weekly
- Get red feeders – Red attracts hummingbirds
- Add flowering plants – Hummers love native flowers like bee balm, cardinal flower, and columbine
- Don’t use pesticides – Provide a safe habitat
- Put up a bird bath – Hummers bathe and drink water
- Install a hummingbird garden – Plant a variety of nectar sources
- Avoid honey or food coloring – Just use sugar and water
- Provide small perches – Give hummers a place to rest near feeders
By providing nectar feeders, water sources, native plants, and a safe habitat, you can attract hummingbirds to your yard in western New York. Pay attention to rare hummers like calliope, broad-tailed, Anna’s, and rufous hummingbirds in late summer and fall.
Conclusion
Western New York hosts hummingbird species like the ruby-throated, rufous, calliope, broad-tailed, and Anna’s hummer. Ruby-throats are the most widespread and commonly observed. But keep an eye out for vagrant western hummingbirds drawn to feeders in late summer or fall. With a welcoming habitat that includes nectar sources and feeders, you’ll be rewarded by a dash of hummingbird magic visiting your yard.
