5 Beautiful hummingbirds in North Dakota [Pictures + IDs]

North Dakota is home to a few different species of hummingbirds, including the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, and Rufous Hummingbird. While these tiny birds may not be as common in North Dakota as they are in other parts of the country, they can still be spotted throughout the state during their annual migrations.

In this post, we will explore the different types of hummingbirds found in North Dakota, their habitats, behaviors, and conservation status. We’ll also provide tips on how to spot and identify these birds in the wild, as well as some resources for further reading and exploration.

Whether you’re an experienced birdwatcher or simply curious about the wildlife in your area, join us on a journey to discover the fascinating world of hummingbirds in North Dakota!

5 Types of Hummingbirds in North Dakota

1. Rufous Hummingbird
2. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
3. Black-Chinned Hummingbird
4. Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
5. Calliope 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.

Calliope Hummingbird

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• Scientific name: Selasphorus calliope
• Lifespan: 3 to 5 years in the wild
• Weight: 2 to 2.5 grams
• Size: 7 to 8 cm (2.8 to 3.1 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 11 cm (4.3 inches)
• Origin: Found in western North America, from southern Canada to Mexico

The Calliope Hummingbird, the tiniest bird in America with the size of a ping pong ball, travels more than 5000 miles annually from Mexico to Canada and back. Moreover, they fight valiantly to protect their territory and even pursue Red-tailed Hawks.

Male Calliope Hummingbirds have shiny green backs and sides, brilliant magenta throats (known as the gorget), and black tails. The underside of females is more pinkish-white than white, unlike that of males, who have iridescent throats.

They migrate in spring from the Pacific Coast to breeding grounds in California, Colorado, and up to northern states and Canada, They migrate pretty early and arrive between the middle of April and the beginning of May.

Their nests are often found on evergreen trees and may be reused or built over an older nest.

Broad-billed Hummingbird

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• Scientific name: Cynanthus latirostris
• Lifespan: 3 to 5 years in the wild
• Weight: 3 to 4 grams
• Size: 9 to 10 cm (3.5 to 3.9 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 12 cm (4.7 inches)
• Origin: Found in the southwestern United States and Mexico

Broad-billed hummingbird has bright colors even among the hummingbirds. The males have a deep metallic green color throughout, and their blue throats reach down to their breasts. Females have light bellies and both males and females have red beaks that are black-tipped and broad toward their heads.

Broad-billed can be found in central Mexico and along the Pacific coast of Mexico throughout the year. Some birds spend the whole year close to the Mexican border, while others travel north to breed in mountain valleys in southern Arizona and New Mexico.

Broad-billed Hummingbirds prefer to forage in canyon streams and alpine meadows, although they will also visit garden feeders. They build their nests around streams at a relatively low height of about 3 feet.

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. They use soft plant down and spider webs to keep their nest together as they make it high up in the trees. They lay two or three very little, white eggs that are 0.5 in (1.3 cm) long.

They are quite hostile and will attack any other hummingbirds that appear, even bigger ones or those who are resident during migration. They won’t stay around for very long during migration and will often chase off other hummingbirds if they have the opportunity. They inhabit mountain meadows and, during the winter, woodlands, and woods.

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)

Conclusion

hummingbirds are a unique and fascinating bird species that can be found in North Dakota. Despite their small size, these birds are known for their agility and vibrant colors, making them a joy to watch. If you want to attract hummingbirds to your yard, consider planting native flowers, using a hummingbird feeder, and avoiding the use of pesticides. By creating a welcoming environment, you can witness the wonder of these amazing birds up close. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or just starting to explore the world of hummingbirds, North Dakota provides an excellent opportunity to observe these tiny, yet mighty, creatures in their natural habitat. So, next time you’re out exploring nature in North Dakota, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these fascinating and beautiful hummingbirds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When do hummingbirds arrive in North Dakota?

A: Hummingbirds typically arrive in North Dakota in May and depart by September.

Q: What types of hummingbirds can be found in North Dakota?

A: The most common hummingbird in North Dakota is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, although other species such as the Rufous Hummingbird may occasionally be seen.

Q: What is the best way to attract hummingbirds to my backyard in North Dakota?

A: Planting a variety of native flowers and providing a hummingbird feeder filled with sugar water can help attract hummingbirds to your backyard in North Dakota.

Q: Can hummingbirds survive North Dakota’s cold winters?

A: No, hummingbirds do not typically survive North Dakota’s cold winters. They migrate to warmer climates in the fall and return to North Dakota in the spring.

Q: What are some other birds commonly found in North Dakota that may be mistaken for hummingbirds?

A: Some birds that may be mistaken for hummingbirds in North Dakota include the Yellow Warbler, Cedar Waxwing, and House Wren, as they are small and fast-moving. However, these birds do not have the distinctive hovering and buzzing flight of hummingbirds.