Hummingbirds are one of the most beloved birds in Wisconsin. These tiny birds are known for their vibrant colors and their ability to hover in the air. They are also a sign of spring, as they are one of the first birds to arrive in the state yearly. In Wisconsin, there are several species of hummingbirds that are commonly seen. This article will explore the various species of hummingbirds that can be found in the state, their habitats, and how to attract them to your backyard. It will also provide tips on how to identify them and how to create a safe and inviting environment for them. So, if you’re looking to add a little more color and life to your backyard, read on to learn more!
Hummingbirds in Wisconsin
Read on to learn more about the 8 hummingbirds that visit Wisconsin.
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,
More Anna’s Hummingbird Facts
Broad-billed Hummingbird
- Cynanthus latirostris
- Size: 4″ (10 cm)
Identification and Color: Males are shimmery green and blue with a blue throat. Females are yellowish green on top with gray underparts and white marks above the eye. Males and females have straight long bills, males’ bills are red with a black tip, and females’ are black.
Habitat and Behavior: Present in the southern United States and Mexico. Usually stays at high elevations in streams, woodlands, and mountainous areas. Males will sometimes display in small groups and fly back and forth. Will drink nectar by inserting their bills into the flower.
Diet: Nectar and insects make up the Broad-billed Hummingbirds diet. Prefers red or orange tube-like flowers.
What Does a Broad-billed Hummingbird sound like?
Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris magicus) · song
Lauren Harter
El Pedregal Nature Lodge, Álamos, Sonora, Mexico
More Broad-billed Hummingbird Facts
Buff-bellied Hummingbird
- Amazilia yucatanensis
- Size: 4″ (10 cm)
Identification and Color: A larger hummingbird with a long tail, bill, and wings. The bill is red with a black tip at the end. They have a brassy green top, iridescent blue, and green throat with lighter underparts. Brown and black tail feathers. Males and females are similarly colored.
Habitat and Behavior: Can be seen in southern Texas and Louisiana in the United States. Prefers lowlands of forest thickets and brushland. May chase away smaller hummingbirds from food, such as sugar-water mixed feeders.
Diet: Will eat nectar from feeders and flowers. Flowers, red salvia, and Turk’s cap are preferred.
What Does a Buff-bellied Hummingbird sound like?
Buff-bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia yucatanensis) · call
Jim Holmes
Camino Vigia Chico, Quintana Roo, Mexico
More Buff-bellied Hummingbird Facts
Green-breasted Mango
- Anthracothorax prevostii
- Size: 4.5″ (12 cm)
Identification and Color: A larger hummingbird with a slightly curved bill. They have green, blue, and yellowed colored bodies with black wings and tails. Males have green and blue chests, and females have white and black speckled underneath.
Habitat and Behavior: Prefers edges of forests and tropical lowlands. They will perch high up in trees and shrubbery and visit lower feeders to eat.
Diet: The Green-breasted Mango will eat a variety of nectar from different flowering plants.
What does a Green-breasted Mango sound like?
Green-breasted Mango (Anthracothorax prevostii iridescens) · call
Andrew Spencer
Ayampe, Manabi, Ecuador
More Green-breasted Mango Facts
Mexican Violetear
- Colibri thalassinus
- Size: 4.5″ (12 cm)
Identification and Color: Also known as the Green Violetear, they are mostly green hummingbirds. They have green and blue iridescent colorings on their bodies. A blue-purple iridescent patch is found on their cheeks. Wings and tail feathers are darker.
Habitat and Behavior: Found in south-central Mexico and as far south as Panama and Bolivia. They like semi-open highlands with trees or shrubs and prefer humid areas. Will visit the United States but not breed there.
Diet: Nectar is their primary diet, but they may also eat some small insects.
What does a Mexican Violetear sound like?
Mexican Violetear (Colibri thalassinus) · song
Manuel Grosselet
Paz de las Aves, Pichincha, Ecuador
More Mexican Violetear 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 States
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 fascinating species of bird, and Wisconsin is lucky to be home to many of them. From the northern reaches of the state, where they can be found in cities like Superior and Ashland, to the southern cities of Milwaukee and Madison, these birds are a delight to observe. Their presence in Wisconsin is a reminder of the diverse geography of the state, from its lush forests to its rolling hills. Hummingbirds are a symbol of the beauty and diversity of Wisconsin, and they are a reminder of the importance of protecting our natural environment. As we continue to explore the wonders of Wisconsin, let us remember to appreciate the hummingbirds that make it their home.
Before you go, be sure to check out our other articles about birds in Wisconsin.
