Hummingbirds are a popular and beloved backyard bird throughout the state of Indiana. Their diminutive size, stunning iridescent plumage, and energetic behavior make them a joy to observe. Of the over 300 different hummingbird species found worldwide, southern Indiana is primarily home to three main species – the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, and Black-chinned Hummingbird.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the most common and widespread hummingbird species found in Indiana. As their name suggests, adult male Ruby-throats have a vibrant red throat patch or gorget. The back and crown are an iridescent green, while the underside is white. Females lack the red throat and are more uniformly greenish-gray above with a pale whitish underside.
Ruby-throats are native breeding birds in Indiana and can be found statewide during the summer months. They typically arrive in southern Indiana in early April and remain until late September/October when they migrate south to their wintering grounds in Central America.
Ruby-throats are small, only 3 to 3.5 inches long, and have an average weight of 2 to 6 grams. They have the fastest wingbeat of any bird which allows them to hover in place and fly forwards, backwards, and upside down. Their wings beat approximately 50 times per second.
These agile flyers have long slender bills adapted for reaching nectar at the base of long tubular flowers. Some favorite nectar sources are native wildflowers like trumpet vine, cardinal flower, bee balm, and columbine. Ruby-throats will also visit feeders, preferring a clear sugar-water solution.
Male Ruby-throats are territorial and will chase other males from their feeding areas. They perform elaborate courtship displays, flying in loops and diving to impress females. Nests are tiny, made of plant down and spider silk, and often built on small tree branches. Females lay 2 pea-sized white eggs and incubate them alone for about 2 weeks. The eggs then hatch and the young hummingbirds will fledge in another 3 weeks.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a less common species that sometimes wanders into Indiana during spring and fall migration. As their name indicates, adult Rufous Humms are boldly colored with an iridescent reddish-orange back, rump, and flanks. The belly is white and the bill is slender and slightly curved. The male has an additional large orange throat patch. Females lack the bright orange throat and are more greenish on the back and sides.
Rufous Hummingbirds breed primarily in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska during the summer months. They migrate incredible distances to reach their southern wintering grounds in Mexico and the Gulf Coast. During migration, some Rufous Humms get off track and wander east into Indiana between the months of April and June in spring, or August and October in fall.
These hummingbirds are feisty and remarkably cold-hardy. There are regular sightings in Indiana during late fall and even into December when flowers and insects are scarce. Homeowners who provide feeders with sugar-water may help sustain an off-course Rufous during their journey south.
At just 3 to 3.5 inches long, Rufous Hummingbirds are one of the smallest birds found in North America. They have short wings which allow them to hover while feeding and perform aerial stunts. Their hooked bill is adapted for extracting nectar from flowers. Insects and tree sap are also important food sources.
The males perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females, flying in fast horizontal figure 8 patterns and dive displays up to 60 miles per hour. Tiny nests of plant down are built low in trees and shrubs. The female alone incubates the 2 tiny eggs and cares for the chicks as they grow.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
The Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is an uncommon summer visitor in Indiana that is most likely to be found in the southern half of the state. As their name suggests, adult males have a prominent black throat bordered by an iridescent purple gorget. The back is green and the underparts are grayish-white. Females lack the dark throat and are more uniformly greenish-gray above with whitish undersides.
Black-chins breed primarily in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Some birds migrate north after breeding and a few wander into Indiana between April and October. The highest numbers are usually seen in fall migration between August and September.
These energetic hummingbirds visit both flowers and feeders for nectar. They have a particular preference for red-colored tubular flowers and will readily come to feeders filled with a red sugar-water solution. Some favorite natural nectar sources include cardinal flower, bee balm, and trumpet creeper.
At about 3.25 inches long, Black-chinned Hummingbirds are very small birds with a slender downcurved bill and short wings providing great mid-air agility. The male has an elaborate courtship ritual where he climbs up to 130 feet in the air and then dives down past the watching female in a stunning display.
Tiny lichen covered nests are built on tree branches. The female incubates the 2 tiny eggs for about 2 weeks until they hatch. She alone cares for the chicks. In just 3 more weeks, the young hummingbirds are ready to fledge from the nest. By 6 or 7 weeks of age, they are already competent flyers.
Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Backyard
Here are some tips to create an inviting habitat for hummingbirds in your southern Indiana yard:
- Provide nectar feeders – Use a clean hummingbird feeder filled with a 4:1 ratio of water to white refined sugar. Do not use any food coloring, honey, or artificial sweeteners. Clean and refill feeders at least once a week.
- Include bright tubular flowers – Plant native flowers and exotic hummingbird favorites that provide nectar through the season like bee balm, cardinal flower, trumpet vine, coral honeysuckle, and canna lilies.
- Offer insects – Hummingbirds get protein from eating small insects and spiders. Let some flowering plants go to seed and avoid using pesticides.
- Supply water – Drippers, misters, and small fountains provide drinking and bathing opportunities.
- Strategic feeder placement – Situate feeders in open areas sheltered from wind. Near flowers, bushes, or low tree branches allows quick escape from predators.
- Avoid competition – Bees can overtake hummingbird feeders. Use bee guards or place feeders at least 5 feet from flowers.
- Minimize threats – Keep cats indoors and discourage jays or squirrels with feeder placement away from trees and fences. Use wire mesh guards if needed.
Attracting these energetic tiny birds to your yard provides enjoyable opportunities to study their behavior up close. Once you gain their trust, hummingbirds may even feed while hovering within inches of your face! Just a few simple enhancements to your garden can invite these flying jewels in to sparkle.
Conclusion
Southern Indiana’s late spring through summer hummingbird residents are primarily the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, along with some Rufous and Black-chinned Hummingbirds as uncommon visitors. These tiny, energetic birds flourish through the region during nesting season and provide an exciting pop of color and motion in backyards that invite them with flowers, feeders, and safe habitat. Improving your garden with a few strategic hummingbird-friendly plantings and features can bring their flashy iridescence up close for your viewing enjoyment. By supporting their needs for nectar, insects, water, and shelter from predators, you may be rewarded with a stunning aerial show. So pull up a chair and watch the magic unfold as these tiniest of birds hover and zip around your yard!
