There are several types of hummingbirds that can be found in Wisconsin throughout the year. The most common hummingbird species seen in the state are the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, and Calliope Hummingbird. While most hummingbirds migrate south for the winter, some do overwinter in Wisconsin or may arrive very early in spring.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most widespread and commonly observed hummingbird in Wisconsin. This small, bright green hummingbird has irridescent red throat feathers (called a gorget) on the males. Females lack the red throat patch. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird breeds across Eastern North America and migrates through Wisconsin each spring and fall as it travels between its wintering grounds in Central America and breeding grounds in the United States and Canada.
In Wisconsin, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird arrives in early May and starts breeding activities. They prefer open areas, forest edges, gardens, and parks where they can find nectar-producing flowers and small insects to eat. Some key identifying features of the Ruby-throat:
Size and Shape
– Length: 2.8-3.5 in (7-9 cm)
– Wingspan: 3.1-4.3 in (8-11 cm)
Small and compact, with a short straight bill and tapered body. Females may be slightly larger than males.
Color Pattern
Males:
– Bright emerald green feathers on back and crown
– Gray-white underside
– Metallic reddish-orange throat (gorget)
Females:
– Pale white underside
– Greenish upperparts
– White tips on tail feathers
Behavior
– Makes a buzzing wing sound in flight
– Very territorial, will chase away other hummers
– Hovers in front air while feeding on flowers
– High energy, drinks nectar every 10-15 minutes
Habitat
Found in open meadows, gardens, parks, yards, forest edges. Attracted to flower beds with suitable nectar plants.
Nesting
The nest is made of soft plant down and spider webs. It is about 1 inch across and blends in well with surroundings. The female lays two pea-sized white eggs and cares for the young on her own. Nest placement is 10-20 feet up in trees.
Range in Wisconsin
Observed statewide in summer. Most abundant in southern counties, less common in far north. The bulk migrate through the state in May and August-September. A few may overwinter in sheltered areas.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird is a rare but regular visitor to Wisconsin, mainly during fall migration in August and September. This feisty western species shows up along the north shores of Lake Superior annually as vagrants. Somesuccessfully overwinter in the state as well.
The males are unmistakable with their bright coppery-orange plumage covering their backs and sides. Females are greener overall with small orange spots on the throat and base of the tail. Key identification features include:
Size and Shape
– Length: 2.8-3.5 in (7-9 cm)
– Wingspan: 4.3 in (11 cm)
Compact, round body shape. Very small with a medium length needle-like bill. Broad rufous base on tail.
Color Pattern
Males:
– Orange-red throat, crown, back, and tail
– White breast
– Green tips on wings
Females:
– Green crown and back
– Pale throat with a few orange spots
– Dark green tail with rufous base
– Buffy white underside
Behavior
– Aggressive, chases other hummers
– Makes a loud, buzzy wing sound
– Hovers and darts rapidly when feeding
– High energy, feeds every 10-15 minutes
Habitat
In migration and winter found at feeders or flowering vines, shrubs, and trees. Prefers openings and edges.
Nesting
Does not nest in Wisconsin, too far north of breeding grounds. Breeds in the Pacific Northwest and western Canada.
Range in Wisconsin
Most sightings occur along Lake Superior’s northern coastline. Also rarely observed inland, mainly in fall migration but a few overwinter on rare occasions. Peak sightings are August-October.
Calliope Hummingbird
The smallest breeding hummingbird in the United States, the Calliope Hummingbird, is an accidental visitor to Wisconsin. There are a handful of reports, predominantly in fall and early winter when vagrants wander east.
Males are decorated with iridescent throats streaked with magenta bands. Females and young are more nondescript with a wash of pale cinnamon below. Distinctive features include:
Size and Shape
– Length: 2.75-3.25 in (7-8 cm)
– Wingspan: 4.1-4.3 in (10.5-11 cm)
Tiny bodied with a very short, straight bill. Shortest tailed of North American hummers.
Color Pattern
Males:
– Purple throat with parallel streaks
– Green crown, back, and wings
– Cinnamon sides, white belly
Females:
– White underside with cinnamon wash
– Olive green upperparts
– Buffy white tips on tail
Behavior
– Fast, darting flight
– Aggressive at feeders, will chase other birds
– Hovers in front of flowers to feed
– High pitched thin call sounds like “pit”
Habitat
Open meadows, grasslands, pine forests, swamps, parks, and gardens. Visits nectar flowers and feeders.
Nesting
Does not breed in Wisconsin or anywhere in the Midwest. Nest sites very far west.
Range in Wisconsin
Rare and accidental visitor. Less than 10 records known, predominantly along Lake Michigan counties in fall.
Other Hummingbird Species in Wisconsin
In addition to the main species already covered, there are a few other hummingbird species that may show up rarely in the state:
Broad-tailed Hummingbird – A few winter records along the Lake Michigan coast, mainly between December and February. The males have an iridescent red-pink throat and whistling wings.
Buff-bellied Hummingbird – Accidental in fall and winter, few accepted eBird reports. Breeds in south Texas. The male has a bright green back and reddish bill with buff underparts.
Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird – Occasional reports likely involve one of these western look-alike species, which are very difficult to distinguish in the field.
Anna’s Hummingbird – A winter vagrant to the state, with sightings increasing in recent years as far east as the Great Lakes. The male has striking magenta head and throat.
Best Time to See Hummingbirds
While a few hummingbird species may overwinter in Wisconsin or turn up in spring, late summer and early fall offer the best chance to observe them. Here are the peak viewing times:
– July – Ruby-throated Hummingbirds finish breeding and start migrating south.
– August-September – Peak migration period for Ruby-throated. Rufous and Calliope sightings increase.
– October – Some Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds arrive along Great Lakes and remain into winter.
– May – Earliest returning Ruby-throated Hummingbirds show up by mid-May.
The most active hummingbird months in Wisconsin are August and September. However, provide nectar feeders and plenty of flowers from May through early November to attract the greatest diversity.
How to Attract Hummingbirds in Wisconsin
Here are some tips to create an attractive backyard habitat for hummingbirds visiting or migrating through Wisconsin:
Provide hummingbird feeders and nectar
Get a feeder specifically designed for hummingbirds and fill it with sugar-water nectar (1 part sugar to 4 parts water). Place in a visible location and clean/refill regularly. Have it up by early May and leave until late October.
Plant native flowers
Grow tubular red flowers that provide nectar, such as bee balm, cardinal flower, trumpet honeysuckle, and native columbine. Also grow salvias, impatiens, and petunias.
Offer water
Have a shallow fountain, mister, or bird bath for the hummingbirds to drink and bathe in. Place near flowers and feeders.
Avoid pesticides
Hummers feed on tiny insects too, so using organic gardening methods allows them to find food in your yard.
Put up a shelter
In winter, a sheltered box or covered feeder protects hummingbirds from the cold while offering nectar.
Be patient
It may take a few years for hummingbirds to discover your yard. But they will remember and return. Keep feeders and flowers available annually.
Hummingbird Spotting Locations in Wisconsin
Some top places to look for hummingbirds in Wisconsin include:
Northern Wisconsin
– Apostle Islands National Lakeshore – Rufous migrants along the shore.
– Bayfield and Washburn – Towns by Lake Superior with past rare hummer sightings.
– Superior and Long Island – Hotspots on Wisconsin’s northern border.
Central Wisconsin
– Hartman Creek State Park – Diverse gardens to attract hummers.
– 1000 Islands Environmental Center – Hummingbird festival held in September.
– Buckhorn State Park – Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in the woods.
Southern Wisconsin
– Madison Audubon Society’s Goose Pond Sanctuary – Open prairie with flowers.
– Ridges Sanctuary (Door County) – Trumpet honeysuckle vines grown to attract hummers.
– Kohler-Andrae State Park – Woodland gardens along Lake Michigan.
Anywhere with flowers, feeders, and habitat should attract hummingbirds during migration. Watch for them in your backyard!
Hummingbird Population Trends in Wisconsin
The common Ruby-throated Hummingbird remains the widespread and familiar hummingbird of Wisconsin. However, citizen science databases show increasing observations of western and southern species statewide.
According to the Breeding Bird Survey, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds declined by 2.4% per year from 1966 to 2015 in Wisconsin. However, eBird checklists show higher numbers reported in recent years, mainly during fall migration.
Rufous Hummingbirds are also being reported more regularly along Wisconsin’s northern counties, particularly Ashland and Bayfield which border Lake Superior. These western wanderers are becoming annual fall migrants.
Rare species like Calliope, Broad-tailed, and Buff-bellied Hummingbirds are turning up more often as winter vagrants. Their increasing reports may be related to more birders as well as warmer winters and added feeding stations.
Unique Hummingbird Behavior
Here are some interesting facts about the unique traits and behaviors of hummingbirds:
Feeding
– Have specially adapted tongues to slurp nectar
– Prefer red tubular flowers adapted to their shape
– Feed every 10-15 minutes consuming up to half their weight daily
– Double heartbeat rate to 200 bpm while feeding
Flight and Speed
– Beat wings 12-80 times per second
– Only birds able to fly backwards and upside down
– Dive display speeds clocked at 60 mph
– Ruby-throats make a 500 mile nonstop Gulf crossing
Metabolism and Size
– World’s smallest bird species is the Bee Hummingbird
– Have an extremely fast metabolism with a high body temperature
– High calorie nectar diet provides energy for hovering
– Consume 50% of weight in sugar daily and starve in a few hours
Migration
– Some species migrate thousands of miles between breeding and wintering grounds
– Use mental map and landmarks for navigation during travels
– Can get caught in Gulf Coast storms during trans-Gulf migrations
– Young birds instinctively know to migrate and fly south
Hibernation
– Manage to survive cold winters by lowering their metabolic rate
– May enter torpor, a short-term hibernation state at night
– Choose sheltered roosts protected from wind, rain, and snow
Aggressiveness
– Fiercely protective of favorite nectar sources and feeders
– Males chase other males out of their territory
– Known for fearlessly buzzing and diving at humans, dogs, and cats
Courtship
– Males perform elaborate dive displays to attract females
– No partnership, the female builds a nest and raises chicks alone
– Some males attract multiple mates during a breeding season
– Most species are polygamous with no long-term pairing
Threats and Conservation
The major threats facing hummingbirds include:
– Habitat loss – Logging, agriculture, and development reduces breeding areas.
– Pesticides – Chemicals reduce insect food supplies and nectar plants.
– Climate change – Alters flower blooming and nectar availability during migration. Extreme weather impacts migration.
– Collisions – Window strikes and vehicles take a toll during migration. Communication towers are another hazard.
– Predators – Hawks, falcons, and snakes prey on hummingbirds. Exotic cats are also a risk.
Ways to help hummingbird conservation:
– Plant native flowers and gardens free of pesticides.
– Install hummingbird feeders, water drips, and shelters.
– Make windows bird safe using deterrents to prevent collisions.
– Educate others to create more backyard hummingbird habitat.
– Support organizations like Audubon that protect bird habitats.
– Reduce contribution to climate change by conserving energy.
With suitable habitat and food sources provided, hummingbirds will continue brightening our landscapes with their beauty and energetic activity. These diminutive migrants complete amazing journeys crossing desserts and oceans along their travels. Providing stopover sustenance in backyards helps them successfully continue their extraordinary life cycles.
Conclusion
In summary, Wisconsin hosts breeding Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in summertime across the state, along with rare migrants like Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds during fall migration, particularly along the shores of Lake Superior. With the right mix of tubular flowers, sugar-water feeders, and habitat free of pesticides, you can attract these tiny dynamos to your yard as they dart through the state migrating between their summer and winter homes. Watch for them hovering at blossoms or buzzing by in a blur of color. Once you have hummingbirds visit your garden, they will remember the location and seek it out again year after year along their route.
