8 Types Of Hummingbirds In Missouri

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Did you know that Missouri is home to eight types of hummingbirds?

These little birds are fascinating to watch but are difficult to identify if you don’t know what you’re looking for. In this blog, we will discuss the types of hummingbirds in Missouri.

We’ll provide pictures and information on each specie, so you can start spotting them yourself!

8 Types Of Hummingbirds In Missouri

Missouri is a haven for Hummingbirds!

Eight species of hummingbirds call our state home; the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Black-Chinned Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Broad-Tailed Hummingbird, Anna’sHummingbird, Buff-BelliedHumminbged, and Allen’s Hummingbirds.

A wide variety of North American hummingbirds are attracted to Missouri due to its ample food sources including nectar from flowers and small insects.

Types Of Hummingbirds In Missouri

Missouri is home to over 6 species of hummingbirds!

These tiny, fascinating birds can be seen in various parts of the state and are worth any bird lovers’ time.

Most commonly spotted are the Black-chinned Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, and Calliope Hummingbird.

These vibrant birds primarily eat nectar from flowering plants and trees with an occasional insect or spider webs thrown in.

types of hummingbirds in Missouri

Rufous hummingbirds, another species known to visit Missouri, are particularly impressive since they migrate long distances and typically fly higher than other types as well.

All kinds of these magical flying beings usually arrive for mating season in April or May and linger through September or October before heading back south.

Most Common Hummingbird In Missouri

Missouri is a haven for these tiny birds, with over 16 hummingbird species documented throughout the state.

The most common hummingbird seen in Missouri is Allen’s Hummingbird, which is a small and beautifully adorned species that might just be the tiniest bird you’ve ever seen. Calliope hummingbirds are medium-sized hummingbirds.

Unlike other hummingbirds that can only be found in certain areas of the state, this tiny marvel has been spotted throughout Missouri – from St Louis to Kansas City!

They’re especially drawn to gardens with plenty of flowers thanks to their sweet tooth for nectar and insects, making them quite an amazing addition to your outdoor space if you’re a nature enthusiast.

How Do I Identify A Hummingbird?

Identifying a hummingbird doesn’t have to be a daunting task!

The most obvious feature of the small birds is their size, as they are typically three to five inches in length.

Moreover, their wings beat very quickly in an elliptical pattern, allowing them to hover and fly backward!

Furthermore, these birds often have long beaks that curve downwards, specifically adapted for the flowers from which they drink nectar.

Additionally, you may notice the vibrant colors found on their throats and heads; depending on species they can range from iridescent green or blue-green to shades of orange or red.

Rarest Color Of Hummingbirds

One of the most fascinating creatures on earth is the hummingbird, whose vibrant colors are impossible to ignore.

types of hummingbirds in Missouri

Of all the brilliant hues we’ve seen amongst these amazing birds, one of the rarest is the Purple-throated Carib. It’s native to Central American regions such as Costa Rica, Panama, and Trinidad & Tobago.

With a metallic green throat and a dramatic purple chest and crown, you can see why this stunning species stands out from its peers!

Identifying Missouri Hummingbirds

Identifying only hummingbirds in Missouri can be an exciting endeavor for bird watchers of all ages and skill levels, regardless of their experience.

Depending on the time of year and geographic location, you’ll have a chance to see several species in the state.

Perhaps the most iconic is the rubythroat, which boasts a vibrant red throat and distinctive forked tail making them fairly easy to spot among other birds.

Also commonly found in Missouri are rufous hummingbirds – small birds with rich green coloring and rusty orange under their chin and throat that are a joy to study up close.

In fact, during summer months, several species of black-chinned hummingbirds may coexist in certain areas of Missouri!

Rufous Hummingbirds

Rufous hummingbirds are truly amazing!

These little birds are barely larger than a penny, yet they have one of the longest migrations in the bird world.

They travel from as far north as Alaska down to Mexico and back every year, a feat that requires them to traverse thousands of miles between their wintering and summering grounds.

Rufous hummingbirds’ brilliant feathers make them stand out against other species – the males have deep reddish-brown backs, heads, and throats with bright orange on their throats and vibrant green on their sides and tail.

You can attract hummingbirds to your home by providing them with a food source such as nectar and sugar water, as well as plenty of covers such as plants and trees.

Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna’s Hummingbird is one of the most popular bird species in North America, particularly in the Western United States.

Unsurprisingly, this tiny creature has become quite beloved, with its vibrant green and pink-toned feathers that capture the eye of many.

This hummingbird is especially important to our ecosystem – they help pollinate numerous plants and flowers, while simultaneously helping to keep bugs like mosquitoes away.

Black-chinned Hummingbird

The Black-chinned Hummingbird is an incredibly fascinating species of bird. Its small size makes it difficult to spot, but its unique black chin which gives it its name makes up for its diminutive stature.

Found in western North America, this hummingbird can often be seen hunting around flowers and hummingbird feeders filled with sugary nectar that they love to consume.

They also enjoy small insects and spiders, which make up a large part of their diet.

Allen’s Hummingbird

Allen’s Hummingbird is one of the smallest hummingbirds in the United States, weighing only 3-4 grams – about the same as a paperclip!

Each fall they migrate south and gather in flocks of up to 1,000 individuals. Their vivid, sparkling green backs and metals make them stand out among other birds. Austere white fringes decorate their faces and their tail feathers, contributing to their beauty.

Found primarily in California and southwestern parts of the U.S., Allen’s Hummingbird can also be spotted in many gardens fluttering around flowers and searching for nectar as they pollinate different plants.

Rivoli’s Hummingbird

Rivoli’s Hummingbird is an impressive species native to Central Mexico and parts of Southwest Texas.

These small birds are characterized by the vibrant ruby red throat feathers covering their exquisite emerald green bodies.

Noted for their carefree nature and quick movements, it’s no wonder these stunning creatures have become so popular with bird watchers.

Calliope Hummingbird

The Calliope Hummingbird is one of nature’s most stunning marvels, easily recognized by its small size and distinct crimson throat.

Residing exclusively in the western United States from Canada down to Mexico, this tiny bird has a wingspan that rarely exceeds three inches!

Its vibrant plumage combined with its iridescent throat gives the Calliope Hummingbird an impressive look that attracts people from far and wide.

Ruby-Red Throated Hummingbirds

Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds are one of the most remarkable migratory birds of North America.

Besides their dazzling, vibrant color, they possess an impressive set of abilities too. Its wings can beat up to 85 wings a second and it can hover in midair like no other bird.

It has a truly unique talent – it can fly up to 500 miles nonstop during its migratory journey.

By utilizing its innate navigational skills, the Ruby-Throat Hummingbird can traverse the overwhelming majority of its life on the wing.

These tiny gems are true powerhouses; small in size yet monumentally mighty!

Broad-tailed Hummingbirds

Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are one of nature’s wonders, with stunning deep green feathers and ruby red throats.

These birds are found in Mexico and throughout the United States, charming observers with their wings fluttering at up to 53 beats per second!

Broad-tailed Hummingbirds deliver an important ecological service— they collect nectar from flowers to pollinate plants, thereby playing an important part in our environment’s cycle of life.

Observing these incredible creatures is a treat for any wildlife enthusiast; they may even become a part of your garden if you’re lucky.

Broad-billed Hummingbirds

Broad-billed hummingbirds, with their vibrant colors and long beaks, are often a sight to behold!

These hummingbirds can be found in the deserts of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, as well as in open scrubby woodlands.

They build their sugar bag-size nests close to the ground which provides an excellent viewing experience if you’re lucky enough!

They feed on small insects such as mosquitoes and other small bugs, but they rely heavily on nectar from flowers and nectar feeders for sustenance.

If you decide to attract these beauties, make sure you’re providing them with extra water during the hotter months and relocate your feeder if necessary – it’s easy to forget how hot the skies can become during summertime so try to keep a watchful eye!

Accidental Vagrant Hummingbirds

Accidental Vagrant Hummingbirds are birds that have found themselves in a location far from home.

Typically, these hummingbird migration patterns have been disrupted due to changing climates or severe weather.

As humans, we must ensure these birds can thrive in their new environment and not be distressed.

We can create feeders to ensure that the hummers remain healthy during their forced stay, so never fear if an unexpected hummingbird stops by your garden!

Seasonal Migrant Hummingbirds Of Missouri

Missouri is one of the luckiest states when it comes to hummingbird watching.

During the spring and summer months, several rare hummingbird species from Central America migrate to Missouri in search of sweet nectar sources.

Among these migrants are the Black-chinned, Calliope, Broad-tailed, Rufous, and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.

Some residents report sightings of as many as three different hummingbird species at one time!

For all hummingbird fanatics out there, don’t miss your chance to marvel at the sparkling colors and effortless grace of these impressive little birds during their migration period.

Dawn Caffrey

Dawn Caffrey

Hummingbirds just make me happy - in fact, I read somewhere that they represent happiness in Native American totems.
Let me tell you what I found about feeders from treating the hummingbirds in my back yard.

About Me

Hummingbirds just make me happy – in fact, I read somewhere that they represent happiness in Native American totems.
Let me tell you what I found about feeders from treating the hummingbirds in my back yard.

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