Texas is home to a diverse array of hummingbirds. With its variable climate and range of habitats, from pine forests to desert scrublands, the state provides suitable living conditions for numerous hummingbird species. Of the 17 species of hummingbirds found in the United States, 8 are considered regular inhabitants of Texas.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the most widespread and commonly seen hummingbird in Texas. It is found throughout eastern parts of the state, wherever there are flowers to provide nectar. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are small, with metallic green upperparts, white undersides, and adult males have a brilliant ruby red throat. They are migrants, arriving in Texas in February and departing by October to winter in Mexico and Central America. Ruby-throats nest in the state, with females building tiny cups of plant fibers secured to downward-hanging branches.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
The Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is another common species found across most of Texas. It prefers wooded habitats and can be identified by its green back, grayish underside, dark throat with a thin band of iridescent purple-black feathers (on the adult male), and white tips on the outer tail feathers. Black-chins arrive in Texas in mid-March and their breeding season lasts from April to July. They feed on nectar and small insects.
Buff-bellied Hummingbird
The Buff-bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia yucatanensis) inhabits the southern Rio Grande Valley and coastal areas of south Texas. True to its name, it has a distinctive buff-colored underside. Other features include a straight black bill, green back, blue-green throat, and white tips on the outer 3-4 tail feathers. Buff-bellied Hummingbirds are year-round residents in the warm subtropical climate of far southern Texas. They breed between March and July.
Calliope Hummingbird
The tiny Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope) is the smallest breeding bird in North America. It is an uncommon summer resident and breeder in the piney woods of northeast Texas. Males are brilliantly iridescent with colorful throats that appear reddish-pink. Females and juveniles lack the flashy throat and are more difficult to distinguish. Calliopes feed on flower nectar and small insects. They arrive in Texas in April and depart by September to winter in Mexico.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a hummingbird of western Texas. Adult males are unmistakable with bright cinnamon-rufous coloring on their backs, sides, throats and tails. Females and juveniles are greener overall with small amounts of rufous coloring. Rufous Hummingbirds breed in northwestern parts of the state. Though most migrate north to breed, some may remain in Texas year-round. Their diet consists of flower nectar and small insects and spiders.
Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin) is a rare vagrant in western Texas, particularly around El Paso and the Davis Mountains. Adult males have a bright orange-red throat, green back, rufous sides and tail feathers. Females and juveniles are similar to the Rufous but have narrower outer tail feathers with rounded tips. Allen’s Hummingbird breeds along the Pacific Coast and normally winters in Mexico.
Broad-billed Hummingbird
The Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) inhabits scrublands, deserts, and mountains in the Trans-Pecos region of far western Texas. As its name suggests, it has a wide, flattened bill adapted for feeding on agave flowers and other desert blooms. The Broad-billed Hummingbird does not breed in Texas but migrates through the state in spring and fall between its breeding grounds in Mexico and wintering range in Mexico and Central America.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus) passes through the Panhandle region of Texas during migration. It breeds in mountain meadows further north and west of the state. Adult males are brilliantly colored with a metallic green back, bright pink throat feathers, and broad, white-tipped tail. Females and young birds are duller in appearance. Some individuals wander east to Texas during the nonbreeding season.
Other Species
Rarely, other western hummingbird species may turn up in Texas as vagrants. These include Costa’s Hummingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, Lucifer Hummingbird, and Violet-crowned Hummingbird. However, these are considered accidental species and not regular inhabitants of the state.
Ideal Habitats
With the diversity of hummingbirds native to Texas, the state offers excellent habitats for these tiny, flying jewels of color. Some of the best places to spot hummingbirds in Texas include:
- Flower gardens, parks, and backyards in east Texas for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
- Canyons and mountain areas of west Texas for species like Black-chinned, Broad-tailed, Rufous, and Calliope Hummingbirds
- Riparian areas along spring-fed creeks in the Edwards Plateau for Black-chins and Ruby-throats
- Subtropical gardens and woodlands of south Texas for Buff-bellied Hummingbirds
- Higher elevation meadows and pine forests for Calliope Hummingbirds
Flowers and Feeders
Hummingbirds are attracted to both native wildflowers and nonnative ornamental plants. Some of their favorite nectar sources in Texas include:
- Native honeysuckles
- Columbine
- Trumpet creeper
- Cardinal flower
- Indian paintbrush
- Firewheel
- Salvia
- Petunias
- Fuchsias
- Lantana
People can also lure hummingbirds to their gardens and yards by providing nectar feeders, especially during migration and in winter when natural food sources are limited. Feeders should be cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent disease transmission between birds.
Migration
Most hummingbirds that breed in Texas migrate south in fall to spend the winter in Mexico or Central America. Migration begins as early as July for some species but peaks in August-September as food availability declines. Hummingbirds migrate independently rather than in flocks. Preferential winds and availability of food along the Gulf Coast influence their route southward. Returning north in spring, the birds time their arrival to coincide with flower blooming. Arrival in Texas ranges from February to May depending on the species, with males preceding females by up to two weeks.
Unique Adaptations
Hummingbirds have many remarkable anatomical and physiological adaptations that enable their unique lifestyle, including:
- Compact, lightweight body with long wings for agile flight
- Long slender bills adapted for accessing flower nectar
- Hinged feet that can tightly grip branches and feeders
- A rapid heart rate and breathing rate
- High-energy burning metabolism to power hovering and the exertion of migration
- Ability to enter a nighttime torpor to conserve energy
- Tongues with forked tips adapted for nectar-lapping
Threats and Conservation
The major threats facing hummingbirds in Texas include:
- Habitat loss from development and agriculture
- Climate change disrupting flowering schedules and migration timing
- Pesticide use reducing insect prey
- Free-roaming cats preying on hummingbirds
Ways to help hummingbird conservation include:
- Planting native flowers and providing nectar feeders
- Avoiding pesticide use
- Keeping cats indoors
- Supporting habitat conservation of natural areas
- Advocating for climate change action
Conclusion
Texas is a prime destination for hummingbird enthusiasts, with 8 regular species breeding across diverse habitats in the state. Providing habitat through native plants and feeders can attract these remarkable birds. Careful stewardship of the land helps ensure Texas hummingbirds have the migratory and breeding grounds they need to thrive.
