Virginia is home to a variety of hummingbirds, with some of the most common species being the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the Rufous Hummingbird, and the Black-chinned Hummingbird. These birds can be found throughout the state, from the coastal cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach to the mountainous regions of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Virginia’s diverse geography provides a wide range of habitats for these birds to thrive in, from the lush forests and wetlands of the coastal plains to the rocky cliffs and high peaks of the Appalachian Mountains. This article will explore the different species of hummingbirds found in Virginia, their habitats, and the best places to spot them.
Hummingbirds in Virginia
Read on to learn more about the 7 hummingbirds that visit Virginia.
Allen’s Hummingbird
- Selasphorus sasin
- Size: 3.5″ (9 cm)
Identification and Color: A deep orange and green color overall. Females are bronze-green and paler orange with bronze spots on the throat. Small and stocky at about 3.5 inches in length. Their bill is straight and long.
Habitat and Behavior: Common to the west coast of the United States and Mexico. Prefers somewhat open areas of brushy canyons and coastal forests. Males will show off by flying in wide arcs. Allen’s Hummingbirds will quickly move between flowers and catch some insects from plants.
Diet: Enjoys a diet of insects and nectar. Favors red tube-like flowers like a paintbrush or scarlet sage.
What does Allen’s Hummingbird sound like?
Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin) · flight call
Paul Marvin
Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge visitor center, Imperial Beach,
More Allen’s Hummingbird Facts
Anna’s Hummingbird
- Calypte anna
- Size: 4″ (10 cm)
Identification and Color: Growing to only 4 inches in length, Anna’s Hummingbird is on the stocky side. They have a short, straight bill and long tail. Mostly green and grey, but males have iridescent pink around their heads. Both sexes have white on their undersides.
Habitat and Behavior: Found on the west coast year-round. Will visit feeders in gardens or parks. Can be located in open woods or by streams and rivers. They are very fast and can be hard to see while in motion. Will stop and hover over a flower or feeder to eat.
Diet: Anna’s Hummingbird diet consists of nectar and tiny insects.
What does Anna’s Hummingbird sound like?
Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) · call
Thomas Magarian
2310 North Wygant Street, North Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, United
More Anna’s Hummingbird Facts
Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Archilochus alexandri
- Size: 3.25″ (8.25 cm)
Identification and Color: A small and slender hummingbird. They have a metallic green head and tail that is not shiny. Males have a black throat with an iridescent purple stripe around it. Females have a paler throat. Has a long, black, narrow bill.
Habitat and Behavior: Found in the western United States and Mexico. Found in various areas like river groves, forests, and semi-arid locations. Males will display during the breeding season by diving steeply in the air. They will dart around flowers and eat insects on vegetation or in the air.
Diet: The Black-chinned Hummingbird enjoys nectar from flowers or hummingbird feeders. Will also eat tiny insects.
What does a Black-chinned Hummingbird sound like?
Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) · call, song, wing sound
Thomas G. Graves
Embudo Trail, Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico, United States
More Black-chinned Hummingbird Facts
Calliope Hummingbird
- Selasphorus calliope
- Size: 3″ (8 cm)
Identification and Color: A very small hummingbird between 3 and 3.5 inches in length. Males and females are green-yellow on top and white underparts. Males have magenta-purple lines on their throats. They have short wings, tails, and slender bills.
Habitat and Behavior: Located in the western United States and Mexico. The Calliope Hummingbird likes mountain meadows, thick glades, and canyon areas. Males will display by making dives in the air. These birds will forage low to the ground.
Diet: Will eat tiny insects from the ground. Enjoys nectar from flowers or feeders primarily.
What does a Calliope Hummingbird sound like?
Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope) · call
Bruce Lagerquist
Liberty, Kittitas County, Washington, United States
More Calliope Hummingbird Facts
Rivoli’s Hummingbird
- Eugenes fulgens
- Size: 5.5″ (14 cm)
Identification and Color: Rivoli’s hummingbird is one of the two biggest species of hummingbirds with males generally bigger than females. Males have a blue-green throat. Has a tall, straight to slightly decurved black bill. Has iridescent plumage but both male and female appear dark.
Habitat and Behavior: Found from the southwestern United States to Central America. Seen in a variety of habitats but is most frequently found in dry pine-oak forests, specifically above 5,000 feet. Not as aggressive as other hummingbirds but will defend its territory near flowers or feeders when challenged. Will fly to catch insects in mid-air.
Diet: Feeds on nectar from flowers or hummingbird feeders. Also enjoys tiny insects.
What does a Rivoli’s Hummingbird sound like?
Rivoli’s Hummingbird (Eugenes fulgens) · call
Manuel Grosselet Georgita Ruiz
Oaxaca, San Augustin Etla, terreno de Golf, Mexico
More Rivoli’s Hummingbird Facts
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Archilochus colubris
- Size: 3.5″ (8 cm)
Identification and Color: The Ruby-throated Hummingbird has a brilliant green color on the tops of their heads and bodies and a grey to white underpart. The males have a red throat that can appear dark in poor lighting. A small bird between 2 and 3.5 inches in length. They also have very short wings. A long, slender slightly curved bill.
Habitat and Behavior: In the summer they are found throughout the midwest and the eastern United States but almost all leave for the winter. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird prefers open woodlands, meadows, and gardens. They can fly very fast and will forage from flowers or feeders.
Diet: Mostly nectar from flowers but will eat some small insects.
What does a Ruby-throated Hummingbird sound like?
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) · uncertain
Brian Hendrix
Hendrix Habitat – Fairview, Williamson County, Tennessee, United Sta
More Ruby-throated Hummingbird Facts
Rufous Hummingbird
- Selasphorus rufus
- Size: 3″ (7.5 cm)
Identification and Color: A smaller hummingbird with short wings, tapered tail feathers, and a straight bill. Males are bright orange with an iridescent red throat and white underparts. Females are green on top with duller orange colors.
Habitat and Behavior: Commonly breed and migrates to the western United States but may also spend winter months in the southeast. Exceptionally fast flyer and will often chase away other hummingbird species from food. Prefers open areas like yards, gardens, or edges of forests.
Diet: Prefers red tube-like flowers for nectar. It also eats tiny insects like spiders.
What does a Rufous Hummingbird sound like?
Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) · call, shuttle display, wing whirr
Eric DeFonso
Twin Spruce Rd area, Jefferson County, Colorado, United States
More Rufous Hummingbird Facts
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are a beloved species in Virginia, and their presence is a reminder of the beauty of nature. Their vibrant colors and graceful flight have captivated many, and their presence in the state is a reminder of the importance of conservation. As Virginia continues to protect its natural habitats, hummingbirds will continue to thrive in the state. With the help of conservation efforts, Virginia can ensure that hummingbirds will remain a part of its natural landscape for generations to come.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other articles about birds in Virginia.
