Missouri is home to a variety of hummingbird species. Hummingbirds are small, colorful birds with iridescent plumage that are specialized nectar feeders. Their wings beat incredibly fast, allowing them to hover in midair as they feed on flower nectar. Missouri’s central location in the United States means it is within the migratory range of several hummingbird species that breed further north and winter further south.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common and widely distributed hummingbird species found in Missouri. As its name suggests, adult male ruby-throats have a brilliant metallic red throat patch or gorget. They are bright green on the back and crown, with gray-white undersides. Females lack the red throat and are greener overall, with white undersides.
Ruby-throats are summer residents in Missouri, arriving in early spring to breed and departing in early fall to migrate south to their wintering grounds in Central America. They nest throughout the state in deciduous and mixed forests, suburban parks and backyards, and other semi-open habitats with sufficient flowers.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds prefer tubular red or orange flowers with adequate nectar. Some favorite nectar sources are bee balm, trumpet creeper, cardinal flower, coral honeysuckle, and hummingbird feeders. They also eat small spiders and insects for essential proteins.
Population and Conservation Status
Ruby-throated hummingbirds have a large population estimated at over 7 million birds. They are the sole breeding hummingbird in the eastern United States. Their numbers peaked in the mid-1900s when planting of exotic nectar flowers was prevalent. The population declined after the 1950s but stabilized by the 1990s. This common species is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Rufous Hummingbird
The rufous hummingbird is a more uncommon species that occasionally wanders into Missouri, mainly during fall migration. This species breeds in the northwestern United States and Canada. Many rufous hummingbirds pass through the Great Plains during migration along a circuitous route to reach their winter range in Mexico.
The males are unmistakable with their vivid reddish-orange plumage covering their backs, sides, belly, and throat. Females are greener overall with speckled throats. Their beaks are noticeably long and curved.
In Missouri, rufous hummingbirds are most likely found in the northwestern and west central parts of the state from August through October. They visit gardens and backyards with bright, tubular flowers and hummingbird feeders.
Population and Conservation Status
Rufous hummingbirds have experienced population declines in recent decades. Their breeding habitat in the Pacific Northwest is threatened by logging and development. Estimates place the global population at around 6 million birds. The rufous hummingbird is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
The black-chinned hummingbird is an uncommon to rare migrant in Missouri. This western species breeds across the southwestern United States and migrates on a loop route to Mexico for the winter. During migration, some individuals stray east of their typical range and turn up in states like Missouri.
Adult males are gray-green on the back with a shimmering purple throat and white breast band. Females and juveniles are less colorful with pale gray throats and green backs. Their thin dark bills distinguish them from ruby-throats.
In Missouri, black-chinned hummingbirds are most likely to be found in the southern parts of the state in spring and fall. They prefer brushy desert washes and forest edges out west. During migration, they visit suburban gardens and parks where they utilize nectar sources and hummingbird feeders.
Population and Conservation Status
With an estimated global population of over 7 million, black-chinned hummingbirds are not under major threats. Their adaptability to urban areas and seasonal movements allow the species to flourish. Black-chinned hummingbirds are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Rare and Vagrant Hummingbird Species in Missouri
In addition to the regular species, several other hummingbird species have been spotted rarely in Missouri at times. These records likely involve individual birds blown off course during migration or expanding their ranges. Rare hummingbirds that have turned up in Missouri include:
- Calliope hummingbird
- Broad-tailed hummingbird
- Rufous/Allen’s hummingbird hybrid
- Buff-bellied hummingbird
- Broad-billed hummingbird
- Violet-crowned hummingbird
These vagrant hummingbirds may go undetected among the more common ruby-throats. Some key identification features to look for include differences in bill shape, unusual plumage colors, tail shape, and gorget colors other than red or purple. Photography and documentation are necessary to confirm rare finds.
Best Locations to See Hummingbirds in Missouri
Here are some top sites in Missouri to spot migrating and breeding hummingbirds:
- Shaw Nature Reserve – Franklin County
- Rock Bridge Memorial State Park – Boone County
- Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center – St. Louis County
- Runge Conservation Nature Center – Cole County
- Hulah Lake Wildlife Management Area – Ozark County
- Berryman Conservation Area – Crawford County
These natural areas contain native meadow and forest habitats with natural food sources to attract hummingbirds. Maintaining feeders at the visitor centers increases sighting opportunities.
Best Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds in Missouri
Missouri gardeners and homeowners can attract migrating and breeding hummingbirds by landscaping with nectar-rich flowering plants. Some top options include:
| Flower | Color | Bloom Time |
|---|---|---|
| Trumpet Creeper | Orange-red | Summer |
| Bee Balm | Red | Summer |
| Butterfly Milkweed | Orange | Summer |
| Cardinal Flower | Red | Summer |
| Coral Honeysuckle | Orange-red | Spring to Fall |
Tube-shaped flowers in the red, orange, and pink color spectrum will attract the most hummingbird activity. Providing a continuous sequence of blooms from spring through early fall will provide food for both residents and migrants as they move through Missouri.
When to See Hummingbirds in Missouri
Here is an overview of when various hummingbird species pass through or reside in Missouri over the course of the year:
Spring Migration
– Ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive in Missouri in early April. Males precede females by up to a couple weeks. Some black-chinned and rufous hummingbirds may pass through during this time frame.
Breeding Season
– Ruby-throats nest and raise their young from May through July across Missouri.
Fall Migration
– Ruby-throats depart Missouri starting in August. Rufous and black-chinned hummingbirds pass through during August and September.
Winter
– Missouri winters are too harsh for hummingbirds. Ruby-throats overwinter in southern Mexico and Central America. Rufous hummingbirds overwinter along the Pacific coast of Mexico.
Weather patterns can shift migration timing. Using nectar feeders and landscaping with late-blooming flowers extends the viewing period in spring and fall. Observing and documenting hummingbird activity contributes to understanding their movement patterns through the state.
Conclusion
Although small, hummingbirds play a vital role in pollinating flowers and adding color and energy to backyards and natural environments. Missouri’s central location within North America enables several species to pass through or nest in the state. The ruby-throated hummingbird is the undisputed hummingbird champion of Missouri. But rufous and black-chinned hummingbirds also grace the state with their presence, along with occasional rarities. Attracting these aerial jewels by growing favorite flowers and providing nectar feeders allows Missourians to appreciate the beauty and diversity of hummingbirds.
