Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds found in North America. Their tiny size, dazzling iridescent colors, and incredible flying abilities make them a joy to observe. Hummingbirds are found only in the Western Hemisphere, with most species residing in Central and South America. However, over a dozen species regularly breed in North America and are commonly seen during summer months. The range of hummingbird species stretches across the continent from Alaska to Florida, and as far inland as the Rocky Mountains. Read on to learn more about the habitats hummingbirds occupy and their range across different regions of North America.
Preferred Habitats of Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are found in a variety of habitats across North America as they have adapted to thrive in diverse environmental conditions. Here are some of the habitats hummingbirds commonly occupy:
Woodlands and Forests
Many hummingbird species are found along the edges of forests and woodlands where flowering plants, shrubs, and trees provide nectar. The canopy in shaded forest areas provides protection, and openings allow sunlight to nourish flowers. Ruby-throated, Black-chinned, and Rufous Hummingbirds frequent these wooded areas.
Meadows and Grasslands
Hummingbirds will visit open meadows and prairies where wildflowers like columbine and trumpet vine grow. Broad-tailed and Rufous Hummingbirds especially like foraging in mountain meadows of the western states.
Deserts and Scrublands
Several species inhabit the arid desert regions of the southwest U.S. and Mexico. They are attracted to flowering cacti, agave plants, and other drought-resistant blooms. Costa’s and Anna’s Hummingbirds are common desert-dwellers.
Parks and Gardens
Hummingbirds are drawn to the flowers and nectar sources provided by ornamental plantings, flower beds, and feeders in suburban parks and backyards. Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds are frequent summer visitors to gardens.
Mountain Areas
Higher elevation mountain zones with meadows, pine forests, and scrubby vegetation provide ideal habitat for species like Calliope, Broad-tailed, and Rufous Hummingbirds.
Range of Hummingbirds by Region
The diversity of hummingbirds found in different regions of North America depends on the preferred habitat, elevation range, and migration patterns of each species. Here is an overview of common hummingbirds across key areas:
Eastern North America
In eastern North America, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird migrates north to breed in a range stretching from Florida to southeastern Canada. It inhabits forests, meadows, and especially gardens.
| Species | Range |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Eastern U.S. up to southern Canada |
Southeastern Coastal Region
Several tropical species reach the northern limit of their range along the Gulf Coast. Mangrove forests and citrus groves support Buff-bellied and Black-chinned Hummingbirds.
| Species | Range |
|---|---|
| Buff-bellied Hummingbird | Coastal Texas and Louisiana |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | Coastal Texas and Louisiana |
Southwestern Desert Region
Desert species like Costa’s and Anna’s Hummingbirds thrive in the arid scrublands of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. Bee plants and ocotillo are important food sources.
| Species | Range |
|---|---|
| Costa’s Hummingbird | Deserts of California, Arizona, New Mexico |
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Deserts of California, Arizona, Nevada |
Rocky Mountains and West Coast
A diversity of hummingbird species occupy the mountains, meadows, and Pacific coastline. Rufous and Allen’s Hummingbirds migrate north to breed here during summer.
| Species | Range |
|---|---|
| Rufous Hummingbird | Pacific Northwest and Rocky Mountains |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | California coast and mountains |
| Calliope Hummingbird | Mountain meadows of western states |
Pacific Northwest
Anna’s and Rufous Hummingbirds thrive in the forests and meadows along the Pacific Coast. Flowering shrubs like Indian plum provide sustenance.
| Species | Range |
|---|---|
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Pacific coast from California to British Columbia |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Pacific Northwest coastal regions |
Alaska
Only the hardy Rufous Hummingbird migrates as far north as Alaska for the breeding season. It occupies coastal areas and boreal forests.
| Species | Range |
|---|---|
| Rufous Hummingbird | Coastal and interior regions of Alaska |
Ideal Habitat Features
When providing habitat to attract hummingbirds, these features are ideal:
- Native plants providing nectar through the season
- Flowers of different colors like red, orange, and purple
- Tubular shaped flowers preferred by hummingbird beaks and tongues
- Protected spots for nesting such as trees and shrubs
- Running water from sprinklers, fountains, or streams
- Elevated perches for resting and preening
- Feeders providing supplemental nectar
By landscaping yards and gardens with diverse flowering plants, shrubs, and trees, homeowners can provide vital habitat for hummingbirds across North America.
Migration Patterns
Most hummingbirds that breed in North America migrate south in fall to spend the winter in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands. A few species like Anna’s and Rufous Hummingbirds may overwinter in balmy southern regions of the U.S. by finding adequate food sources. In spring, the hummingbirds follow flowering plants and resource availability as they fan out across North America to return to breeding grounds. Some key migration routes include:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds along the Eastern Seaboard and Mississippi River Valley
- Rufous Hummingbirds through the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Northwest
- Allen’s and Anna’s up the California coast
- Costa’s and Black-chinned between Mexico and the Desert Southwest
Banding stations and birders track the migration arrival and progress each year as climate change alters patterns and timing.
Threats and Conservation
Although hummingbirds are currently common across North America, they face a variety of threats that require habitat conservation:
- Pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides reduce insect populations that hummingbirds rely on for food and can poison the birds
- Habitat loss from development, logging, and agriculture destroys native flowering plants and nesting areas
- Climate change alters flowering schedules and migration patterns, limiting food availability
- Window collisions, outdoor cats, and other unnatural hazards take a toll
Ways to support hummingbird conservation include:
- Providing native plants and sustainable gardens
- Avoiding use of toxic chemicals
- Keeping cats indoors
- Participating in citizen science surveys
- Supporting habitat preservation through land trusts and parks
With a little help, these energetic, shimmering jewels can continue to thrive across North America.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds have adapted to make spectacular use of diverse habitats across North America. Their range extends from subtropical coasts to high mountain peaks, in forests, meadows, and deserts. Providing the right plant life, water sources, shelters, and feeders in yards or gardens can attract these tiny dynamos. As we learn more about the specific migratory routes and needs of each unique species, opportunities abound for conservation to ensure hummingbirds continue brightening our summers for generations to come. The more we understand about where different hummingbirds live throughout the year, the better chance we have to provide the essential habitat features they require. With intelligent land management and gardening practices, we can keep North America a welcoming home for these tiniest of powerhouse pollinators.
