Hummingbirds are some of the most beautiful and fascinating birds in the world. Known for their iridescent plumage, ability to hover in midair, and rapid wing beats, hummingbirds captivate bird enthusiasts everywhere. But where are the most striking and colorful hummingbird species found?
North America
North America is home to over 300 hummingbird species, many of which stand out for their vibrant plumage. Some of the most beautiful North American hummingbirds include:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is one of the most widespread and commonly seen hummingbirds in North America. As the name suggests, the males have a glittering ruby red throat. Their emerald green backs and gray-white undersides also make them very striking. Ruby-throats breed across Eastern North America and migrate south to Mexico and Central America for winter.
Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s Hummingbirds are year-round residents along the Pacific Coast and some inland southwestern states. The males have iridescent rose-pink throats and crowns, with emerald green backs. The females lack the pink coloring but have distinctive grey crowns and green spotting on their throats and undersides.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird has bright orange plumage on its back, sides, and belly. The males also have vivid orange-red throats. Rufous Hummingbirds breed in northwest forests and migrate long distances to Mexico and the Gulf Coast for winter.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Breeding primarily in the Rocky Mountains and southwestern states, Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are aptly named for their wide, rounded tails. The males are unmistakable with their bright iridescent red bodies contrasting sharply with their metallic green wings and back.
Allen’s Hummingbird
The small breeding range of Allen’s Hummingbirds is limited to coastal California and southern Oregon. Males have brilliant orange-red throats, a rufous back, and characteristic narrow outer tail feathers. Females have green spotted throats and lack a rufous back.
Central America
Central America’s tropical forests, savannas, and mountain ranges provide ideal habitat for over 160 hummingbird species. Here are some of the most vibrant:
White-necked Jacobin
This large hummingbird inhabits lowland tropical rainforests from southern Mexico to Panama. The males are unmistakable with their snow white breasts contrasting sharply with their emerald heads, brilliant blue crowns and throats, and jet black tails.
Violet-crowned Woodnymph
True to its name, the male Violet-crowned Woodnymph has a radiant violet crown that stands out against its emerald body. It inhabits forests from Guatemala to Colombia. The female has a pale blue crown and more white mottling on the throat and underparts.
Green-crowned Brilliant
As one of the most aptly named hummingbirds, the Green-crowned Brilliant literally sparkles in the light. Males have a vibrant green crown and conspicuous white leg puffs, contrasting with a primarily dark green body. Females have a more subtle pale green throat and crown.
White-bellied Mountain-gem
Living up to 13,000 feet in the Andes Mountains, the male White-bellied Mountain-gem has an electric blue crown and gorget, rufous underparts, and bold white breast band. The more subtle female has green and white markings on the head and throat.
South America
South America claims over 1,300 dazzling hummingbird species, more than any other continent. The tropical Andes of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia boast particularly high hummingbird diversity. Jewel-like species include:
Sparkling Violetear
Widespread in Andean cloud forests, the Sparkling Violetear is aptly named for its prominent violet ear patch bordered by iridescent turquoise. Males also have a glittering turquoise crown.
Giant Hummingbird
As its name suggests, the Giant Hummingbird is the largest hummingbird species at over 8 inches long. Found in Chile and Argentina, males are unmistakable with their iridescent coppery-red crowns and throats, contrasting with their white breast bands.
Rainbow-bearded Thornbill
This aptly named species has a bright rainbow-colored iridescent throat patch with a spiky beard-like fringe. It inhabits grassland and scrub across much of central South America.
Sword-billed Hummingbird
With an extra-long bill measuring over 4 inches, the Sword-billed Hummingbird has the longest bill relative to its body of any bird. Found in the northern Andes, males have bronze-green crowns and throats with a violet tinge.
Long-tailed Sylph
The incredibly long, streaming tail feathers give the Long-tailed Sylph its name. The males are resplendent in emerald green and violet iridescence, with two long tail feathers that can exceed 8 inches.
Unique Hummingbird Adaptations
Hummingbirds have evolved some fascinating anatomical and physiological adaptations that enable their distinctive lifestyles, including:
Rapid Wing Beats
Hummingbirds have the ability to beat their wings up to 80 times per second, enabling them to precisely hover and fly in any direction.
Specialized Tongues
Hummingbirds have slender tongues that extend to capture nectar. Their tongues even have forked tips lined with fringed tubes ideal for lapping up liquid.
Swift Metabolism
Hummingbirds have very rapid heart rates and metabolisms in order to meet their high energy needs from sugary nectar. Their heart rates can reach over 1,200 beats per minute.
Migratory Abilities
Some hummingbird species migrate remarkably long distances each year. For their tiny size, they have amazing endurance, navigational skills, and physiological adaptations to support these epic journeys.
Where to See Wild Hummingbirds
Here are some top destinations for seeing dazzling hummingbirds in their natural habitats:
| Location | Key Species |
|---|---|
| Southeastern Arizona | Broad-billed, Violet-crowned, and Rufous Hummingbirds |
| Southwestern United States | Anna’s, Costa’s, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds |
| Texas Hill Country | Ruby-throated, Black-chinned, and Buff-bellied Hummingbirds |
| Florida Everglades | Ruby-throated Hummingbird |
| Ecuadorian Andes | Sword-billed, Great Sapphirewing, and Booted Racket-tail Hummingbirds |
| Amazon Rainforest | Rufous-crested Coquette, White-chinned Sapphire, and Fork-tailed Woodnymph Hummingbirds |
| Costa Rican Highlands | Green-crowned Brilliant, Violet Sabrewing, and Scintillant Hummingbirds |
| Chilean Lake District | Chilean and Andean Emeralds, White-sided Hillstar |
Conclusion
With over 350 dazzling species, hummingbirds showcase an incredible diversity of radiant plumage and remarkable adaptations. While colorful hummingbirds can be found throughout the Americas, hotspots like the tropical Andes of South America, Central American cloud forests, and American southwest offer some of the most stunning species and easiest birdwatching opportunities. Whether you seek Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in your own backyard or embark on an exotic birding adventure to see hummingbirds, enjoying these captivating birds is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.
