If you’re looking for an exciting way to explore the great outdoors, why not take a look at some of the hummingbirds that call Utah home? There are eight species of hummingbirds in Utah, each one just as beautiful and fascinating as the next. Let’s take a closer look at eight of the common types of hummingbirds in Utah.
Utah Hummingbirds
Nestled in the southwestern United States, Utah is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse recreational activities. From skiing to rock climbing, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful state. But while you’re out exploring, don’t forget to take a few moments to admire the hummingbirds that call Utah home. Costa’s hummingbird, Rufous hummingbird, Broad-tailed hummingbird, Calliope hummingbird, Black-chinned hummingbird, and Anna’s Hummingbird are the most common species in Utah.
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8 Types Of Hummingbirds In Utah
With 8 types of hummingbirds living and migrating through the state, there’s a lot to learn about these amazing birds from their vibrant colors and behaviors to their migration patterns.
1. Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is a mid-sized hummingbird with a metallic green back and head, white underparts, and rufous flanks. They tend to migrate in large numbers before breeding season and can be found near rivers, lakes, or mountain meadows in the springtime.
Behaviors:
Broad-tailed hummingbirds feed on a variety of nectar and insects. They are often seen hovering around flowers while gathering food or perched atop tall plants, as they prefer higher perches than other species. This species has an extraordinary courtship display where the males soar in circles while their wings create a distinct buzzing noise.
2. Black-Chinned Hummingbird
As the name suggests, this magnificent hummingbird has a black chin and throat and is usually found in arid climates across the western United States. They tend to be smaller than other species of hummingbird and have an olive-green back with white spots on their wings and tail.
Behaviors:
Black-chinned hummingbirds feed on nectar from flowers and small insects like gnat larvae. During mating season, males perform elaborate courtship displays by flying up high into the air, then diving down while producing a buzzing sound with their wings. The females also use unique behaviors to deter intruders from their nesting area.
3. Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird is the smallest hummingbird in Utah and has an olive-green back, white underparts with a rufous-colored throat. They are often seen visiting feeders or perched on high branches near flowers. Found throughout the western part of North America, they migrate south to Mexico and Central America during winter.
Behaviors:
Rufous hummingbirds feed on nectar from flowers and small insects like gnat larvae. They are also an aggressive species that will defend their territory vigorously against other hummingbirds.
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4. Anna’s Hummingbird:
Anna’s Hummingbird is a medium-sized hummingbird found mainly in the western United States. They have an iridescent green back and crown, a pinkish throat and breast, and white underparts. Anna’s hummingbirds are often seen at backyard feeders or perching on high branches near flowers. This type of hummingbird is quite common in Utah and can be easily identified by its iridescent bronze-green back and rosy pink gorget.
Behaviors:
Anna’s hummingbirds feed mainly on nectar but will also eat small insects like gnat larvae. They are quite aggressive and will defend their territory against other birds, including intruders to their nesting area.
5. Calliope Hummingbird
This type of hummingbird is one of the smallest species in North America and can be identified by its white throat and faint greenback. Found mainly in western North America, they often migrate south to Mexico and Central America during the winter months. Male calliope hummingbirds also have a unique courtship display where they fly in circles with their wings producing a distinctive buzzing sound.
Behaviors:
Calliope hummingbirds feed on nectar from flowers and small insects like gnat larvae. They are quite aggressive and will defend their territory against other birds, including intruders to their nesting area.
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6. Costa’s Hummingbirds
Costa’s hummingbirds are found mainly in the deserts of the southwestern United States. They have an iridescent green back and crown, a purplish-red throat and breast, and white underparts. Found mainly in Arizona and California but also found in Utah year-round, they can be seen in a variety of habitats like deserts and open grasslands.
Behaviors:
Costa’s hummingbirds feed mainly on nectar from flowers but will also eat small insects like gnat larvae. Territorial to the core, they aggressively defend their nesting area against interlopers of all shapes and sizes – even other birds.
7. Violet-Crowned Hummingbird
This type of hummingbird is easily identifiable by its green back and white underparts, as well as its violet crown which has faint reddish spots along its edges. Found in western North America, they migrate south to Mexico and Central America during the winter months.
Behaviors:
Violet-crowned hummingbirds feed mainly on nectar from flowers and small insects like gnat larvae. They are quite aggressive and will defend their territory against other birds, including intruders to their nesting area. During mating season, males perform elaborate courtship displays by flying up high into the air, then diving down while producing a buzzing sound with their wings.
8. Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a unique species, identifiable by its stunningly vibrant greenback, impeccable white underparts, and glowing red throat. Found mainly in the eastern part of North America, they migrate south to Mexico and Central America during winter.
Behaviors:
Ruby-throated hummingbirds feed mainly on nectar from flowers and also small insects like gnat larvae. Captive to human activity, they will often come to backyard feeders and show little fear of humans. Despite this, they are still quite territorial and will actively defend their nesting area against other birds and intruders.
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Wrap Up
Hummingbirds are brightly colored, fascinating birds that can be found all over North America. Each species has its own unique characteristics and behaviors, such as different feeding habits and courtship displays. Hummingbirds can also migrate to different areas during the winter months in order to find food sources. No matter what type of hummingbird you encounter, it’s sure to be a memorable experience!
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