Which hummingbirds come to Louisiana?

Louisiana’s warm climate and abundance of flowers make it an attractive destination for many species of hummingbirds. In total, 10 species of hummingbirds have been spotted in Louisiana throughout the year. The most common visitors are Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, which nest in Louisiana during the summer. Other species such as Rufous Hummingbirds and Calliope Hummingbirds pass through the state during spring and fall migrations. Rare vagrants like Anna’s Hummingbird occasionally make appearances as well.

Common hummingbird species in Louisiana

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most widespread and common hummingbird in Louisiana. An estimated 3.5 million Ruby-throated Hummingbirds nest in the eastern United States each summer, with many breeding in Louisiana’s forests and gardens.

Male Ruby-throats have a bright red throat and iridescent green feathers on their head and back. Females lack the red throat and are duller in color. Ruby-throats arrive in Louisiana in early spring to establish breeding territories and build small cup-shaped nests out of plant down and spider silk. They typically raise two broods per summer.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds get most of their food from nectar, visiting tubular flowers like bee balm, trumpet creeper, and cardinal flower. They also eat lots of small insects for protein. In winter, most Ruby-throats migrate to Mexico and Central America, though some may overwinter along the Gulf Coast.

Rufous Hummingbird

The Rufous Hummingbird is a common spring and fall migrant in Louisiana. They breed in the Pacific Northwest and Canada during the summer, then migrate incredible distances to spend the winter in Mexico and the Gulf Coast.

Adult male Rufous Hummingbirds have bright orange feathers on their backs, tails, and flanks. Females and juveniles are greener in color. These hummingbirds stop by Louisiana backyards and wooded areas to refuel on their migratory journeys.

Rufous Hummingbirds are very territorial and aggressive. They often chase other hummingbirds away from nectar sources. While not breeding in Louisiana, some Rufous Hummingbirds may overwinter in protected microclimates along the Gulf Coast.

Black-chinned Hummingbird

The Black-chinned Hummingbird is an uncommon visitor to Louisiana, mostly spotted during spring migration in April and May. Their breeding range centers on the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Male Black-chins have a dark, shimmering purple throat patch and a thin black line below their white cheeks. Females lack the flashy throat coloring and are more difficult to distinguish.

In migration, Black-chins can turn up anywhere across Louisiana where tubular flowers and feeders are found. But they are not routine every year and should be considered a rare treat for birders. Very few Black-chinned Hummingbirds remain in Louisiana through the summer.

Uncommon and rare hummingbird visitors

Calliope Hummingbird

The smallest breeding bird in North America, the Calliope Hummingbird is a rare spring and fall migrant in Louisiana. They nest in the mountains of the northwestern U.S. and western Canada.

Male Calliopes have colorful streaks of magenta on their throats and white-tipped tails. They are even smaller than Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Calliopes pass through Louisiana briefly in April and May, and again in late summer heading south.

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are uncommon migrants from the mountainous western U.S. that occasionally stop by Louisiana. They may be seen in spring and fall, especially along the northwestern border of the state.

Males have an iridescent reddish-pink throat patch and emit a distinctive buzzy trill. Females lack any red on their throats. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds breed in forest meadows and pine-oak forests of the Rocky Mountains and visit mountain wildflowers like columbine and larkspur. Louisiana represents the eastern edges of their migration route.

Rufous/Allen’s Hummingbird

Rufous Hummingbirds and Allen’s Hummingbirds look very similar. Some experts now consider them to be the same species. They are uncommon visitors to Louisiana, but some individuals likely pass through during migration along with the Rufous.

Adult male Allen’s Hummingbirds have an orange throat, green back, and rufous sides like a Rufous. They are most reliably distinguished by their shorter tail with rounded corners. Female Allen’s are very difficult to distinguish from female Rufous in the field.

Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna’s Hummingbird is a rare vagrant to the eastern United States and Louisiana. A handful of sightings occur most years as these western hummingbirds stray far off course.

The male Anna’s Hummingbird has a striking magenta crown and throat with gray underparts. Females have green crowns and lack the male’s colorful throat patch. Normally year-round residents along the Pacific Coast, Anna’s Hummingbirds sometimes wander east during fall migration.

Costa’s Hummingbird

Costa’s Hummingbird is a rare winter vagrant to Louisiana from its normal desert breeding range in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. Only a few records exist for this species in Louisiana.

Male Costa’s have iridescent purple crowns and throats. Their most distinctive field mark is a prominent purple “goatee” marking under their chin. Females lack the flashy purple plumage. Costa’s Hummingbirds are attracted to feeders in winter across the Gulf States.

When to see hummingbirds in Louisiana

The best times to observe hummingbirds in Louisiana are during the spring and fall migrations from April to May and August to September. However, a few species may be spotted during the winter and summer as well:

Spring migration

– Mid March to early May
– Species such as Rufous, Calliope, Broad-tailed pass through the state

Summer months

– Ruby-throats nest and breed between May and July
– Rufous and Allen’s occasionally summer in Louisiana

Fall migration

– Mid August through September
– Southbound migrants like Rufous, Black-chinned stop to feed

Winter

– A few Rufous and Anna’s may overwinter along the Gulf Coast
– Rare wintering Calliope, Broad-tailed, Costa’s possible

Where to see hummingbirds in Louisiana

Some of the best places to observe migrating hummingbirds in Louisiana include:

Abita Springs

The Abita Springs Bird Sanctuary attracts spring migrating warblers and hummingbirds to its preserved forest habitats near the Abita River.

Baton Rouge

The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center offers trails, gardens, and feeders that attract hummingbirds during migration.

Lafayette

The Lafayette Science Museum coordinates a Hummingbird Celebration each spring, inviting the public to watch their feeders for migrants.

New Orleans Botanical Garden

In the heart of New Orleans, this botanical garden provides nectar flowers and feeders to entice migrant hummingbirds.

Saline Bayou Wildlife Management Area

Hardwood forests laced with wildflowers in this southwest LA wildlife area draw in migrating and breeding hummingbirds.

Conclusion

Louisiana’s gardens, forests, and wildlife habitats attract a nice diversity of hummingbirds throughout the year. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds nest in the state during summer, while migrants such as Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds pass through in spring and fall. By providing nectar sources and feeders, Louisiana residents have chances to spot these energetic, glittering birds in their yards or at nature parks. Careful observation of their unique plumages, behaviors and wing beats will help identify the different species that may buzz through. With a little luck, vagrant western species like Anna’s or Costa’s Hummingbird might make a rare appearance as well!