Colorado is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including 8 distinct species of hummingbirds. These tiny birds help pollinate flowers and bring beauty to Colorado’s landscapes and gardens with their colorful feathers and mesmerizing flight patterns. In this article, we will explore the eight types of hummingbirds that can be found in Colorado so you can learn more about these enchanting creatures. Read on to discover the different characteristics of different types of hummingbirds in colorado and where they can typically be found in the state.
8 Types Of Hummingbirds In Colorado
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
- Broad-billed hummingbird
- Ruby-throated hummingbird
- Anna’s hummingbird
- Blue-throated mountain gem
- White-eared hummingbird
Learn More: 6 Best Hummingbird Feeders To Keep Bees Away
1. Black-Chinned Hummingbird
Black-chinned hummingbirds are among the most common species of hummingbirds in Colorado, and they can be identified by their striking black chin and throat which set them apart from other hummingbird species. They typically have greenish upper parts with a blue back and white breasts. Male black-chinned hummingbirds also possess a forked tail with reddish sides.
To attract these birds to your garden or backyard, you should hang up a hummingbird feeder filled with sugar water or nectar feeders that specifically target this species. You may also see spider webs used by male ruby-throated hummingbirds to help catch insects on the wing.
2. Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous hummingbirds are known for their small size and bright orange-red feathers. Males can be identified by the rust color on their throats, while females have an overall greenish body with white throats. Rufous hummingbirds prefer a variety of habitats such as coniferous forests, mountain meadows, desert regions, and suburban backyards. To attract these birds to your area, you should hang up a nectar feeder or two filled with sugar water as well as provide them with some roosting places.
3. Calliope Hummingbird
Calliope hummingbirds are the smallest species of bird in North America and can be identified by their iridescent green backs, white underparts, and distinctive red throat. male calliope hummingbirds also have a red crown and chin, while females possess an all-green head. They are found in mountainous regions from British Columbia to northern California and often inhabit open meadows and dense coniferous forests. To attract these birds, you should hang up hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water or nectar feeders specifically designed for calliope hummingbirds.
4. Broad-Billed Hummingbirds
Broad-billed hummingbirds can be identified by their iridescent green backs and white underparts which distinguish them from other species of hummingbirds in Colorado. The males have a reddish spot near the base of their bills as well as some orange shading on the back of their heads. They inhabit semi-open habitats such as grassy fields, meadows, and chaparral. To attract these birds to your backyard or garden, you should hang up hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water or nectar feeders specifically designed for broad-billed hummingbirds.
Learn More: 8 Types Of Hummingbirds In Illinois
5. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the most common species of hummingbird in Colorado and can be identified by their green backs, white underparts, and distinctive red throat patch on the males. They inhabit open woodlands, parks, gardens, and residential areas. To attract these birds to your area you should set up a nectar feeder or two filled with sugar water as well as provide them with roosting areas.
6. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbirds are one of the most common species of hummingbirds in Colorado and can be identified by their bright green backs and white underparts as well as a distinctive rosy-red crown on the males. They inhabit a variety of habitats including open woodlands, parks, gardens, and residential areas. To attract these birds to your backyard or garden, you should hang up hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water or nectar feeders specifically designed for anna’s hummingbirds.
7. Blue-Throated Mountain Gem
Blue-throated mountain gems are rare but spectacularly colored birds that can be found in semi-open habitats throughout Colorado. They have green backs, white underparts, and a metallic blue throat patch on the males. To attract these birds to your area, you should hang up hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water or nectar feeders specifically designed for this species. You may also see spider webs used by male blue-throated mountain gems to help them catch insects on the wing.
Learn More: When To Change My Hummingbird Feeder
8. Black-Chinned Hummingbird
Black-chinned hummingbirds are found throughout Colorado and can be identified by their iridescent green upper parts, white throats, and black chins on the males. They inhabit a variety of habitats such as open woodlands, parks, gardens, and residential areas. To attract hummingbirds to your backyard or garden, you should hang up hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water or nectar feeders specifically designed for black-chinned hummingbirds.
Intrusting Facts About Humming Birds
Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating creatures on our planet. Not only do they have the ability to fly at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour, but they can also hover in mid-air and even fly backward! Here are some other incredible facts about these tiny birds that you might not know.
They Have The Highest Metabolism Of All Animals
Hummingbirds have one of the highest metabolisms of any animal in the world. This means that they need to eat a lot more food than other animals their size. In fact, hummingbirds must consume up to half their body weight in food every day in order to survive! To put this into perspective, if a human ate this much, it would be like eating over 20 hamburgers a day.
Learn More: How To Clean Hummingbird Feeder
They Are Expert Builders
Hummingbirds are expert builders when it comes to creating nests for themselves and their young. Female hummingbirds will construct their nests using moss, spider webs, lichens, and plant down from plants like cattails and thistles. They are so good at building with such delicate materials that even a light breeze won’t disturb them!
Hummingbirds Can Fly Long Distances
Hummingbirds have an amazing ability to fly long distances without getting tired. In fact, some species of hummingbird migrate hundreds or thousands of miles each year between breeding grounds in North America and wintering grounds in Mexico or Central America! This is an incredible feat considering how small these birds are and how much energy it takes them to fly just short distances.
Learn More: When Should The Hummingbird Feeder Be Put Out?
Conclusion
Colorado is home to eight different species of hummingbirds, each with its own unique characteristics and habitats. To attract these birds to your backyard or garden, you should hang up hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water as well as provide them with some roosting places. For certain species, such as the calliope and broad-billed hummingbirds, you should use nectar feeders specifically designed for them.
Additionally, be sure to keep your feeders clean by regularly replacing the sugar water or nectar. With the right setup, you can enjoy watching hummingbirds flit around in your backyard all year long!
