5 Beautiful hummingbirds in Kentucky [Pictures + IDs]

Kentucky is home to a diverse range of bird species, including several types of hummingbirds. These small and vibrant birds are known for their unique flying abilities and are a favorite of birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of hummingbirds found in Kentucky, their habitats, behaviors, and conservation status.

From the common and colorful Ruby-throated Hummingbird to the rare and elusive Rufous Hummingbird, we’ll explore the fascinating world of these tiny creatures and their roles in Kentucky’s ecosystems. We’ll also provide tips on how to spot and identify hummingbirds in the wild, as well as resources for further reading and exploration.

Whether you’re an experienced birdwatcher, a nature lover, or simply curious about the wildlife in your area, we invite you to join us on a journey to discover the incredible hummingbirds of Kentucky.

5 Types of Hummingbirds in Kentucky

1. Rufous Hummingbird
2. Black-Chinned Hummingbird
3. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
4. Mexican Violetear
5. Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna’s Hummingbirds

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• Scientific name: Calypte anna
• Lifespan: Up to 10 years in the wild
• Weight: 3.5 to 6 grams
• Size: 9 to 11 cm (3.5 to 4.3 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 12 to 13 cm (4.7 to 5.1 inches)
• Origin: Found on the western coast of North America, from southern Alaska to Baja California

Little Anna’s Hummingbirds are mostly green and grey in color. The female’s neck is grey with spots of red whereas the male’s head and throat are iridescent reddish-pink.

Anna’s Hummingbird is the most common non-migratory hummingbird along the Pacific Coast. The males do a stunning dive performance during mating, climbing as high as 130 feet in the air before plummeting back to the earth while making a loud noise with their tail feathers.

While they may also be found in scrub and savannah, Anna’s hummingbirds prefer the backyards and parks with, vibrant flowers and nectar feeders.

The nests of Anna’s hummingbirds are located high in trees, between 6 and 20 feet above, and they often have two to three broods each year.

Rufous Hummingbird

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• Scientific name: Selasphorus rufus
• Lifespan: 3 to 5 years in the wild
• Weight: 2.7 to 4.3 grams
• Size: 7 to 9 cm (2.8 to 3.5 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 11 cm (4.3 inches)
• Origin: Found in western North America, from Alaska to Mexico

Rufous Hummingbirds are bright orange on the back and belly, have a white patch below the neck, and have an iridescent red throat. The females have a pale belly and a back that is greenish-brown and rusty in color.

As compared to their size, rufous hummingbirds have one of the longest migration routes, covering up to 4000 kilometers on each trip. They move south to Mexico and the Gulf Coast to spend the winter after breeding in northwest Alaska.

In the spring, they go north along the Pacific Coast, and in the late summer and autumn, they pass past the Rocky Mountains.

The main sources of food for rufous hummingbirds are nectar from vibrant tubular flowers and insects including gnats, midges, and flies. As they climb higher into the trees, they utilize spider webs and soft plant down to bind their nest together. They deposit one or two tiny, white, 0.5-inch (1.3-centimeter) eggs.

They are aggressive and will attack any hummingbird, even larger or resident during migration. They’re short-lived during migration and frequently hunt other hummingbirds. Mountain meadows and winter forests are their home.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

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• Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
• Lifespan: 3 to 5 years in the wild
• Weight: 2.5 to 4 grams
• Size: 7 to 9 cm (2.8 to 3.5 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 8 to 11 cm (3.1 to 4.3 inches)
• Origin: Found throughout eastern North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, as well as in some parts of Central America during migration.

The male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have an iridescent red throat, and both sexes have bright green throats and back with gray-white undersides. Female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have white undersides, greenbacks, and brownish crowns and sides.

The only hummingbird species that breeds in eastern North America is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, which subsequently migrates farther south to Central America. Some travel across Texas along the coast or over the Gulf of Mexico. For breeding, they begin to arrive in the deep south in February and may not reach the northern states and Canada until May. They go south In September and August.

These little birds fly from one nectar source to another, catching insects in the air or on the webs of spiders. They will sometimes rest on a tiny branch, but because of their short legs, they can only shuffle along a perch and can’t walk.

The best locations to look for them outside in the summer are flowering gardens or forest margins. They are very widespread in urban areas, particularly around nectar feeders.

Male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are aggressive in the protection of feeders and flowers. After mating, they do not stay around for very long and may migrate by early august.

Ruby-throated females make their nests on thin branches out of thistle or dandelion down that are bound together by spider silk. They lay 1-3 eggs that are only 0.6 inches in diameter (1.3 cm)

Mexican Violetear

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• Scientific name: Colibri thalassinus
• Lifespan: Up to 8 years in the wild
• Weight: 6 to 7 grams
• Size: 9 to 10 cm (3.5 to 3.9 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 12 to 14 cm (4.7 to 5.5 inches)
• Origin: Found in montane forests of Mexico and Central America.

Mexico Violetears are medium-sized hummingbirds that have violet spots on the sides of their heads and breasts and are metallic green overall.

Mexican Violetears may be found as far south as the highlands of Bolivia and Venezuela. They breed in forests in Mexico, Central America, and Nicaragua. In particular in Central and Southern Texas, non-breeding Mexican Violetears have been seen to travel northward into the United States.

Black-chinned Hummingbird

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• Scientific name: Archilochus alexandri
• Lifespan: Up to 10 years in the wild
• Weight: 3 to 3.5 grams
• Size: 8.5 to 10.5 cm (3.3 to 4.1 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 11 to 13 cm (4.3 to 5.1 inches)
• Origin: Found in western North America, from the western United States to northern Mexico.

Black-chinned Hummingbirds have grayish-white undersides and dull metallic green backs. The females have a light neck and white tail feather tips, while the males have a black throat with a thin, iridescent purple base.

Most black-chinned hummingbirds breed inland in western states and winter in western Mexico and the Gulf Coast.

They eat nectar, tiny insects, and spiders. While consuming nectar, their tongues can lick 13–17 times per second.

Black-chinned Hummingbirds nest two white, 0.6-inch eggs in plant down and spider silk (1.3 cm).

Black-chinned Hummingbirds regularly return to their usual perch on short, bare branches of dead trees. They may be found among shaded oaks on the Gulf Coast or by canyons and rivers in the Southwest.

Conclusion

Kentucky has wonderful hummingbird viewing. Their unusual behavior and vivid colors make these little, lively birds fun to watch. Kentucky residents may attract hummingbirds by growing native flowers, utilizing a feeder, and avoiding chemicals. Create a pleasant setting to see these wonderful birds up close. Kentucky is a great place to see hummingbirds in their native environment, whether you’re an expert birdwatcher or new to the hobby. Next time you’re in Kentucky’s environment, look for these interesting and gorgeous hummingbirds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When is the best time to see hummingbirds in Kentucky?

A: The best time to see hummingbirds in Kentucky is spring and summer, typically from late March to early October.

Q: What is the preferred habitat for hummingbirds in Kentucky?

A: Hummingbirds prefer habitats that have a lot of nectar-producing plants, such as gardens, meadows, and forests.

Q: How can I attract hummingbirds to my backyard in Kentucky?

A: Kentucky hummingbirds may be attracted to your garden by growing nectar-producing flowers and bushes, hanging feeders, and providing water.

Q: Do hummingbirds migrate from Kentucky?

A: Yes, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds that breed in Kentucky will migrate to Central and South America during the winter months, while other species may migrate to other parts of the southwestern United States.

Q: Can I touch or hold a hummingbird?

A: No, touching or holding a hummingbird may injure it and violate wildlife protection rules.

Q: Are hummingbirds endangered in Kentucky?

A: The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is not endangered in Kentucky, although habitat loss and other factors may reduce its numbers. Other species, such as the Rufous Hummingbird, are considered threatened or endangered in some parts of their range.