Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds in the world. There are over 300 different species of hummingbirds, but only a handful of those live in the United States. Of the hummingbirds found in the US, several species make their home in Florida for at least part of the year. With their glittering plumage and lightning-fast movements, hummingbirds bring joy and wonder wherever they are found. For birders and nature enthusiasts visiting or living in Florida, seeing these tiny dynamos can be a high point. But where exactly should you go to find hummingbirds in the Sunshine State?
What kinds of hummingbirds can be found in Florida?
There are four species of hummingbirds commonly seen in Florida:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
Of these, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most widespread and frequently spotted. But Florida also lies within the migration or wintering range of the other three species. The best times to see hummingbirds in Florida are during spring and fall migration, but some birds stick around for the winter rather than making the long trek further south. Let’s take a closer look at each of the hummingbird species commonly found in Florida.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only breeding hummingbird in eastern North America. This species winters in Central America, traveling through Florida in spring and fall to reach breeding grounds as far north as Canada. The male Ruby-throated Hummingbird has an iridescent ruby-red throat, giving the bird its name. Females lack this colorful patch. Ruby-throats are feisty and territorial, chasing off other hummingbirds from feeders and flowers.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird is a western species that migrates through Florida during its fall and spring migrations between breeding grounds in the Pacific Northwest and wintering grounds in Mexico. The males are brightly colored with rufous (reddish-brown) plumage on their backs and sides. Rufous Hummingbirds are common migrants and winter residents in Florida, especially in the Panhandle region.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Another western migrant, the Black-chinned Hummingbird can be found in Florida during migration and winter. Males have a dark, thin band below their lower mandible, surrounded by an iridescent purple throat patch. Females and immature males lack the dark chin stripe and have more muted plumage. Black-chinneds are common in western Panama and they tend to be seen in the Florida Panhandle, though they may turn up anywhere in migration.
Calliope Hummingbird
The smallest breeding hummingbird in the United States, the Calliope Hummingbird is a rare visitor to Florida, mainly seen in the Panhandle during winter and migration. Males have colorful throats decorated with long streaks of magenta and purple. Calliope Hummingbirds are often attracted to specialty nectar feeders with small perches, as they prefer a sweeter nectar mixture than other hummingbird species.
When can you see hummingbirds in Florida?
Here is a breakdown of when each species is most likely to be present:
| Species | Spring Migration | Breeding Season | Fall Migration | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | March – May | March – August | August – October | Rare |
| Rufous Hummingbird | March – May | Elsewhere | August – November | Common |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | March – May | Elsewhere | July – November | Common |
| Calliope Hummingbird | April – May | Elsewhere | September – November | Rare |
As the table shows, the non-Ruby-throated hummingbird species can be seen primarily during fall, winter, and spring in Florida as they pass through on migration. Ruby-throats are most common in spring and summer during the breeding season. But dedicated birders may be able to spot one of the less common species during any season with some persistent looking.
Where can you find hummingbirds in Florida?
The best places to look for hummingbirds in Florida depend in part on the time of year:
Spring migration
During March through May, migrating hummingbirds move through the entire state. Some key places to spot them include:
- South and Central Florida gardens, parks, and rural areas
- Panhandle and North Florida parks, gardens, and nature preserves
- Southwest Florida preserves and beaches
Popular spots that see many migrant hummingbirds in spring include St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Summer breeding season
In summer, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds nest throughout Florida wherever flower-rich habitats provide nectar. Watch for them in these areas:
- Central and North Florida gardens
- Flowering meadows and woodland clearings
- Panhandle pitcher plant bogs
Some prime summer hummingbird locations include Ochlockonee River State Park, Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve, and Hope Ranch in Central Florida.
Fall and winter migration
As the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds depart Florida in August and September, migrating Rufous and Black-chinned Hummingbirds start to arrive. The birds concentrate along the Gulf Coast and North Florida during fall migration from September through November. Wintering hummingbirds can be found anywhere in the state, but southwest Florida and the Panhandle are most reliable from December through February. Excellent sites include St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Apalachee Regional Park, Fort De Soto Park, and Honeymoon Island State Park.
Rare and vagrant species
While unusual, several other western hummingbird species have turned up in Florida such as Anna’s, Broad-tailed, Allen’s, and Costa’s. These vagrants are most likely along the Gulf Coast, but birders statewide should keep an eye out, especially at nectar feeders.
Tips for finding hummingbirds in Florida
To increase your chances of seeing these flying jewels on a Florida trip, consider these tips:
- Visit hotspots during peak migration and wintering times
- Look in gardens and parks with abundant nectar flowers and feeders
- Watch tree canopies and forest edges where hummers hawk insects
- Listen for high-pitched chipping calls and wing trills
- Use binoculars and move slowly to observe their behaviors
- Have patience! Hummingbirds move fast and can be tricky to spot
With excellent timing and a bit of luck, you’ll soon delight in watching these energetic hummingbirds buzzing around Florida’s gardens, coasts, and natural areas on their migratory travels.
Conclusion
Florida provides the perfect winter home and migration stopover for several species of gorgeous hummingbirds. Throughout the state, prime spots to look from September through May include botanical gardens, nature preserves, parks, and backyards with plentiful flowers and nectar feeders. Pay particular attention to southwest Florida, the Panhandle, and anywhere south of I-4 in spring and fall. Use caution not to disturb actively nesting birds in summer. With care and preparation, observers can experience the magic of seeing Ruby-throats, Rufous, and other hummingbird species shimmering through the Sunshine State. The next flittering jewel you spot may just brighten your whole day!
