Hummingbirds are a common sight in many parts of Florida, captivating people with their tiny size, speedy flight, and ability to hover in midair. But what areas of Florida have the largest populations and diversity of hummingbird species? Let’s take a look at the key regions and habitats that attract these magical birds.
South Florida
South Florida, including the Everglades region and the Florida Keys, is a major hotspot for hummingbirds. South Florida has a subtropical climate perfect for nectar-rich flowers that draw in hummers. Some southern regions of Florida even have wintering hummingbirds that escape colder climates up north to stay here during the winter months.
South Florida is home to common species like the ruby-throated hummingbird and rufous hummingbird. But it also has more unique species such as the magnificent hummingbird, Cuban emerald, and white-necked jacobin. The diversity of hummingbirds is linked to South Florida’s proximity to the Caribbean and tropical locales that host rare vagrants and non-migrating exotic species.
Key areas to spot hummingbirds in South Florida include:
- Everglades National Park
- Big Cypress National Preserve
- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
- Florida Keys parks and refuges
- Mangrove forests and hammocks
- Coral gables backyard feeders
These environments provide the nectar plants, flowers, and thickets that hummers thrive in. Mangroves and hammock forests are especially prized as they offer shade and protection.
Central Florida
Central Florida hosts vibrant hummingbird populations, especially along the Atlantic coast. During spring and fall migration, a wide range of hummingbird species passes through central Florida’s parks, preserves, and backyards.
Central Florida is an important rest stop for ruby-throated hummingbirds making their long journey across the Gulf of Mexico. Backyard feeders in places like Orlando, Tampa, Daytona Beach, and Titusville attract waves of migrant hummers each season.
Other species that can be spotted in central Florida include:
- Rufous hummingbird
- Allen’s hummingbird
- Calliope hummingbird
- Broad-tailed hummingbird
The varied habitats of central Florida such as wetlands, scrub, and coastal areas all support hummingbirds. Some top sites include:
- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Ocala National Forest
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
North Florida
The panhandle and northern interior regions of Florida also have seasonal hummingbird populations. Inland parks and preserved forests offer important nesting grounds for species that pass through in migrations or stay in the summer.
Pine forests, cypress swamps, and meadows with honeysuckle provide habitat for hummers in north Florida. Backyards with feeders in places like Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Pensacola attract migrating ruby-throats and rufous hummers in spring and fall.
Other species occasionally spotted in far northern Florida include:
- Black-chinned hummingbird
- Anna’s hummingbird
- Costa’s hummingbird
Some top hummingbird sites in North Florida:
- Ochlockonee River State Park
- Apalachicola National Forest
- Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
- Tall Timbers Research Station
When to See Hummingbirds in Florida
While hummingbirds can be found year-round in Florida, some key times maximize your chances of seeing these speedy birds.
- February – April: Spring migration starts in February in South Florida, spreading northward into March and April. Diverse species pass through the state.
- March – May: Spring nesting season peaks from March to May as ruby-throats and residents build nests and raise chicks.
- July – September: Some northern species like rufous hummingbirds arrive for the summer in North Florida.
- September – November: Fall migration brings wintering birds to South Florida and sees northern species passing back through on their southward journeys.
- December – February: South Florida hosts many overwintering hummingbird species finding refuge from the cold.
Planting nectar-rich colorful flowers will attract migrating and residential hummingbirds to your yard. Using feeders can further supplement their diet. Avoid pesticides which can be harmful to hummingbirds. Providing small water features will also draw in hummingbirds looking to bathe and drink.
Top Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds in Florida
To bring more hummingbirds into your Florida yard, incorporate these top nectar plants and flowers into your landscape:
- Trumpet Vine – Vigorous blooms March to frost.
- Coral Honeysuckle – Climbing vine with tubular blooms.
- Firebush – Red fall and winter blooms.
- Crossvine – Spring blooms on climbing vine.
- Cardinal Flower – Tall red summer blooms.
- Wild Columbine – Red tubular spring flowers.
- Begonia – Plentiful summer into fall blooms.
- Fuchsia – Prolific dangling flowers much of the year.
- Impatiens – Constant flowers in shady spots.
- Salvia – Sturdy spikes of red or orange flowers.
Choosing a variety of flowering plants that bloom in different seasons ensures a constant nectar supply. Utilize native plants when possible, as hummingbirds co-evolved with them. Don’t forget to include shrubs and vines that provide protection and nesting spots too.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are one of the most delightful features of Florida’s nature and landscapes. From the sweeping Everglades to backyard oases, Florida offers diverse habitats that attract over a dozen species annually. Though tiny, hummingbirds bring joy and wonder with their aerial displays, energetic personalities, and shimmering colors. By landscaping with hummingbird-friendly flowers and plants, you can help support these special birds on their seasonal migrations and as year-round residents.
