Common Hummingbirds in Georgia

With its warm climate and many flower species, the state of Georgia has plenty of ideal habitats for hummingbirds, which are among the smallest birds in the world. Famous for their ability to hover and fly in reverse, hummingbirds have a wing beat speed of between 40 to 80 beats per second. Georgia has a number of local species found throughout the state, and others have been seen in the area but are native to nearby states.

  1. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

    • The ruby-throated hummingbird is one of the East Coast's most common varieties and is widespread in Georgia. They grow up to 3.5 inches in length and weigh around 3.5 g. Their plumage is emerald green with a white stomach and throat, except for the males, which have a red patch on the neck. Normal flight speed for the species is 30 mph, and they have been registered, while in a dive, at 64 mph. The main diet of the species consists of wildflower nectar, small insects and tree sap.

    Black-Chinned Hummingbird

    • The black-chinned hummingbird is found commonly in many U.S. states, including Georgia. Male birds weigh around 3.09 g, with the females larger at 3.42 g. The males are the most colorful with a metallic-green plumage on their backs, head and stomach and a black ring around the throat. Females are a duller green on the back and mainly white on the stomach and throat. The species is considered one of the least colorful of all the native U.S. species. As well as insects, the species require high-energy foods such as nectar and tree sap.

    Anna's Hummingbird

    • Anna's hummingbird can be found on both the East and West Coasts and commonly in Georgia. They are a larger species, with males weighing up to 4.31 g and females slightly smaller at 4.07 g. Both sexes have a green back and the males are more metallic in color, with whitish-gray stomachs. Males have a bright red face and throat area, compared to the females, which are grayish-white with a few red spots. The hummingbird feeds on the high-sugar nectar of flowers, tree sap and a range of small insects.

    Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

    • The broad-tailed hummingbird is found widely in the eastern states, especially Georgia. It is one of the longest living species of hummingbird, with a female specimen holding the record at 12 years old. The males weigh around 3.16 g with the females being heavier at 3.6 g. Male birds have metallic-green backs and heads with a white stomach and rose-colored throat. Females are a duller green on the back and with a white chest and throat covered with black spots. The demands of rapid wing beats require the energy supplied by high-energy flower nectar, tree sap and insects.