Types of Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are small, nectar-feeding creatures usually found in the tropical regions of North and South America. They're often recognized for their relatively small size, thin legs and feet and unusually long beaks. Hummingbirds can hover for extremely long periods and can change direction almost instantaneously. Although there are over 350 recognized hummingbird species across the globe, there are five species especially common in North America.

  1. Allen's Hummingbird

    • Allen's hummingbirds, whose scientific name is Selasphorus sasin, spend the summer in Central Mexico and the winter along the West Coast of North America, especially California and Oregon. These birds prefer habitats such as coastal brushlands and redwood forests. Allen's hummingbirds have a straight black bill, a green backside, red throat and white belly. These birds eat tree sap, nectar, insects and spiders on a regular basis.

    Rufous Hummingbird

    • Rufous hummingbirds, also known as Selasphorus rufus, spend the warmer seasons from the coasts of Southern Alaska to California and the winter from Colorado to Northern Mexico. They are medium-sized hummingbirds compared with others found in North America. These birds are mostly brown with white breasts, black tails, green shoulders and orange necks. Rufous hummingbirds survive on insects and plant nectar.

    Anna's Hummingbird

    • Anna's hummingbirds, or Calypte anna, spend the summer months along the Western coast of North America and the cold season in the Southern states through Mexico. These are are medium-sized hummingbirds and live in brushlands and oak forests. The majority of these birds' bodies is green with grey underparts. Anna's hummingbirds also have bright red throats, white-circled eyes and black-rimmed tails. These birds prefer tree sap, nectar, small insects and spiders for food.

    Costa's Hummingbird

    • Costa's hummingbirds, whose scientific name is Calypte costae, live year round in the Western region of the United States and along the Baja California Peninsula of Mexico. Also medium-sized, these birds prefer habitats with Joshua trees and cacti. Their feathers are mostly green with bright purple plumage covering the front of their heads. Costa's hummingbirds also have long, straight black bills, legs and feet. The Costa species feeds on nectar and insects.

    Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

    • Ruby-throated hummingbirds, or Archilochus colubris, populate Eastern North America and Canadian prairies during the summer and Southern Mexico in the winter. These hummingbirds have green upper parts and grey-colored plumage on their undersides. These birds are known for their bright red necks and black chins. The Ruby-throated species also has a forked tail and flies with rapid wing beats. Most of these birds prefer nectar over other types of food.