Natural Hummingbird Habitats

The smallest bird in the world, hummingbirds are tiny powerhouses of energy. Hummingbirds are known by bird watchers as acrobats, flying backward and forward in dizzying patterns. The American continents offer opportunities to observe these birds in their natural habitats.

  1. Geography

    • Hummingbirds are found in North America, Central America and South America.

    Types

    • There are more than 340 species of hummingbirds, with the heaviest concentration in the more tropical regions of Central and South America. Fewer than 20 hummingbird species live north of Mexico.

    Features

    • Although thriving in southern climes, hummingbirds can adapt to and flourish in a wide variety of land and temperature types, from forests to deserts to mountains.

    Characteristics

    • Hummingbirds are attracted to bright flowering plants from which they extract nectar as a food source. Hummingbirds also feed on insects, so plentiful supplies of both are critical to hummingbird habitats.

    Considerations

    • Hummingbirds are attracted to areas with a flowing water source such as a stream or waterfall.