Did you know that there are eight types of hummingbirds in Wisconsin? Believe it or not, these little birds can be found all over the state.
Each type of hummingbird has unique characteristics, and it can be fun to try and identify them all.
This blog post will discuss the different types of hummingbirds in Wisconsin. We will also provide some tips on how to identify each one.
So, if you’re interested in learning more about these fascinating creatures, keep reading!
8 Types Of Hummingbirds In Wisconsin
Wisconsin is home to eight different types of hummingbirds, all members of the Trochilidae family.
These birds include the calliope hummingbird, the ruby-throated hummingbird, the rufous hummingbird, the black-chinned hummingbird, the broad-tailed hummingbird, Allen’s hummingbird, Anna’s hummingbird, and Costa’s hummingbird.
All eight species are in Wisconsin during some part of the year; some migrate several times per year while others stay in distinct areas throughout the year.
To attract hummingbirds, plant a hummingbird feeder and nectar feeders.
They endure long journeys and visit cities across Wisconsin each summer to breed before returning to warmer climates during winter.
Buff-bellied Hummingbird
The Buff-bellied Hummingbird is the only species with a special avian delight!
Native to the South-Central and Southeastern regions of the United States, this species stands out with its unique greenish-black head feathers and chestnut-colored tail.
The bird’s long and pointed bill makes it easy to catch tiny insects and get to all kinds of nectar sources.
Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s Hummingbird is a species of small bird endemic to the west coast of North America.
It’s one of the most common hummingbirds in urban and suburban backyards, frequently coming to feeders stocked with nectar.
With their unique wingspan of only 4-5 inches, these tiny creatures have amazing abilities such as flying forwards, backward, and hovering in midair while looking for food.
Broad-billed hummingbirds
Broad-billed hummingbird is a colorful and fascinating birds, sporting an eye-catching metallic iridescent green and purples just off their bill.
Native to Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, the broad-billed hummingbird is considered a year-round resident of Arizona and New Mexico, but can also be seen in western Texas during the cold months.
Besides its vibrant color, its diet sets it apart from other species as it prefers sap from saguaro cactus to nectar from flowers like chuparosa and tree tobacco.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Ruby-throated hummingbirds may look small and delicate but don’t let that fool you – these birds are mighty adventurers!
Every year in the late spring, these tiny neon creatures journey from as far south as Mexico up to Canada, traveling up to 500 miles at a time!
They rely on their wings for perfect navigational feats, beating their wings about fifty times per second to fly.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird has a unique physical characteristic, which is its ruby-red throat.
This vibrant and eye-catching color is hard to miss when it zooms around the flowers in our gardens, looking for sweet nectar to feed on.
But these acrobatic little birds don’t just linger around the garden. They can migrate up to 3,000 miles each year in their quest to find warm climates and food necessary for their survival.
Green-breasted Mango
The green-breasted mango is a stunning and vibrant bird native to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
This species of hummingbird has gorgeous iridescent feathers that range in colors from blues to purples along its back, while also boasting a brilliant emerald color on its beautiful chest.
It prefers to feed in gardens, orchards, and parks, where it will gather flower nectar for sustenance.
Green Violetear Hummingbird
The Green Violetear hummingbird is an absolute delight to observe.
This species of hummingbird is native to most parts of Central and South America and has, in recent times, been spotted as far north as Arizona.
The hummingbird can be identified by its colors and its small size, usually ranging from 4-5 inches in length with a wingspan that rarely exceeds four inches in width.
One of their most remarkable features is how they fly; hummingbirds can flap their wings up to 80 times per second!
Mexican Violetear
One of the most vibrant members of the hummingbird family is the Mexican Violetear hummingbird.
These brilliantly colored birds are found throughout Central and South America, with males boasting vivid bluish-purple plumage and females sporting an overall green hue.
Though they may appear small at just three to four inches in size, they have big appetites and feed on up to five times their body weight daily!
Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s Hummingbird is a tiny but mighty bird that is found throughout the western United States.
This ruby-throated hummingbird’s bright iridescent “necklace” and orange gorget offer a colorful sight amongst North America’s avian wildlife.
These tiny birds are adept at hovering in place to assist with drinking nectar and consuming small insects which they often catch while suspended in midair!
They can also reach air speeds of up to 45 miles per hour in short bursts while flying during mating season, making them one of the fastest birds around.
How Many Types Of Hummingbirds Are In Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is home to four main species of hummingbirds, each unique and unique in its way.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only type to nest in Wisconsin, certainly making them the most common to sight.
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are also known to traverse through Wisconsin and have distinct broad tail feathers compared to other species.
To cap it off, Calliope Hummingbirds have been sighted on occasion as well.
These minuscule creatures showcase brilliant colors and marvel at backyard feeders during the summer months.
Are Hummingbirds In Wisconsin In 2022?
One of the first questions many people ask is whether these tiny birds will be in Wisconsin in 2022.
Unfortunately, this is a difficult question to answer definitively because several factors can influence when certain species of hummingbirds choose to migrate.
One thing we do know for sure is that hummingbird migration patterns have shifted significantly due to climate change and increased development.
In Wisconsin specifically, observations suggest that the variety of hummingbird species present at any time has been increasing over recent years.
Wisconsin Hummingbird Feeders
Wisconsin is a perfect place to hang hummingbird feeders, as the state is known for its wide array of plant and bird life.
During the summers, small but vibrant hummingbirds can be spotted from backyard feeders, full of any combination of sugar water, nectar, and honey.
Feeders vary in size, color, and price; choosing one that will attract and please your feathered friends should be fun!
Unique Features Of Wisconsin Hummingbird
The Wisconsin hummingbird stands out from other species of its kind due to some of its unique features.
For starters, the Wisconsin hummingbird is the world’s largest migratory population, able to travel up to 5,000 miles each year.
Uniqueness Of Wisconsin Hummingbirds
It has attractive breeding behavior and can be heard for miles with its loud chirping mating call.
Additionally, the hummingbird’s wings appear more diagonal than most hummingbirds’, which gives it a distinct appearance in flight.
This species is also known for its incredible stamina and determination: they’ll fly circles around their predators to protect themselves and their young!
