If you’ve ever wondered what kind of hummingbirds live in Florida, you’re in luck! There are 8 types of hummingbirds found in Florida, and they come from all over the world. From the tiny Ruby-Throated Hummingbird to the rare White-Eared Hummingbird, there are a variety of unique species that can be spotted throughout the state. Let’s explore 8 types of hummingbirds found in Florida.
8 Types Of Hummingbirds In Florida
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird
- Buff-bellied Hummingbird
- Bahama Woodstar Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
- Broad-tailed Hummingbirds
- Blue-throated mountain gem
- Costa’s Hummingbird
Learn More: What Are Bee Guards For Hummingbird Feeders? (And 5 Tips To Avoid Bees)
1. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
One of the most common and easily recognizable species of hummingbirds in Florida, the male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have an eye-catching iridescent green throat. They are found mainly in woodlands and gardens and can be attracted to feeders by using a sugar water solution with a ratio of four parts water to one part sugar. Males also have distinctive red streaks on their throats that stand out against their feathers.
2. Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbirds are medium-sized hummingbirds with bright red-orange underparts. These birds typically migrate south into Florida during winter months, making them easy to spot even among other hummingbird species. To attract them to feeders, make sure to use a sugar-water solution as well as supplement with live insects like ants.
3. Buff-Bellied Hummingbird
The Buff-bellied Hummingbirds are medium-sized hummingbird that has a reddish belly and white throat with black spots around the sides. The male has a green head and back that are accented with an iridescent purple color. These birds are very adaptable and can often be seen at backyard hummingbird feeders or visiting flowers for nectar. Make sure to keep your feeders filled with a four parts water to one-part sugar mixture in order to attract these beautiful birds.
4. Bahama Woodstar Hummingbird
The Bahama Woodstar is a small hummingbird that is found in the Florida Keys. These birds have bright green upperparts and iridescent orange-red throats, making them easily identifiable. To attract these hummingbirds to your backyard, make sure to put out a feeder with the correct mixture of sugar water as well as native flowers like Scarlet Sage and Lantana.
Learn More: How Can You Protect Hummingbird Feeders From Pests?
5. Calliope Hummingbird
The Calliope Hummingbird is one of the smallest species of hummingbirds in North America and can often be spotted visiting feeders or hovering around flowers for nectar. Males have an iridescent pink throat patch that stands out against their green feathers while females lack this feature but still have beautiful coloration. Both sexes love to drink from hummingbird feeders filled with a solution of four parts water to one part sugar.
6. Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are some of the most easily recognizable species in Florida, with their distinctive metallic blue throats and bright green bodies. These birds can also be identified by their long wings and unique chirp-like call. Attracting these birds is fairly easy as they prefer nectar from flowers, so make sure to put out native plants like Lantana, Evening Primrose, and Agastache for them to visit.
7. Blue-Throated Mountain Gem
The Blue-throated Mountain Gem is a medium-sized species found in western Florida that has an iridescent blue throat patch that stands out against its bright green feathers. They are attracted to feeders filled with a sugar water solution and love to drink from native flowers like Zinnias, Turk’s Caps, and Sunflowers. Males also have a unique call that can be heard during the mornings.
8. Black-Chinned Hummingbird
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is one of the most common species in Florida, with their distinctive black chins and iridescent green throats making them easy to identify. These birds can often be seen hovering around flower patches or visiting hummingbird feeders for nectar. Make sure to put out a four parts water to one-part sugar solution as well as native trees and shrubs to attract hummingbirds.
Learn More: How To Hand Feed Hummingbirds
9 Tips On How To Make Your Garden Hummingbird-Friendly?
If you’re looking to attract hummingbirds to your garden, you’ve come to the right place. With a few simple steps, you can create an inviting space for these delicate birds. Whether you’re an avid gardener or just getting started, there is something here for everyone!
Let’s explore how to make your garden hummingbird friendly.
1. Plant Flowers That Attract Hummingbirds
Planting flowers that attract hummingbirds is the best way to get them flocking to your garden. Some of the best flowers for attracting these graceful birds are bee balm, cardinal flower, columbine, and petunias. All of these flowers have bright colors that will draw hummingbirds from far away. Be sure to choose plants that bloom at different times throughout the year so that they have nectar available all season long.
2. Add A Water Feature
Adding a water feature such as a birdbath or fountain can be another great way to attract more hummingbirds into your garden. The sound of running water will act as a natural magnet for these birds and provide them with a source of fresh drinking water as well as places to bathe and clean their feathers after long flights.
3. Provide Shelter
Providing shelter for the hummingbirds in your yard is essential if you want them to stay around all season long. Set up birdhouses or hang bird feeders near trees and bushes where they can safely hide from predators like cats and hawks while also providing them with food sources in the form of seeds or nectar-rich feeders full of sugar water solution.
Learn More: How To Hand Feed Hummingbirds
4. Keep Pesticides Away
Always avoid using pesticides in your garden when trying to attract hummingbirds since they can be very toxic for these birds if ingested accidentally while feeding on insects or drinking nectar from flowers sprayed with chemicals. Instead opt for natural alternatives such as crushed garlic, neem oil, or hot pepper spray which are much safer and still effective against unwanted pests in the garden without harming any wildlife in the process.
5. Provide Nutritious Food Sources
You should also supplement their diet by providing nutritious food sources such as high-quality seeds or suet cakes which are filled with proteins and fats that help them stay healthy during migration periods when food is scarce. This type of food should be provided only during colder months when natural sources may not be available due to bad weather conditions.
6. Plant Native Plants
Planting native plants can also bring more pollinators into your garden which will help increase insect populations which in turn will provide more food sources for the visiting hummingbirds. Native plants not only provide nectar but also caterpillars which make up an important part of their diet during nesting season.
7. Hang Feeders Near Windows
Placing feeders near windows will allow you to observe hummingbird activity all year round from inside your home. This way you won’t miss out on any action and will get a chance to admire their beautiful flight patterns close up.
8. Avoid Loud Noises
As gentle creatures, loud noises can easily scare away any visiting hummingbirds so it’s important that you minimize noise levels near areas where they like to congregate such as feeders or flowering plants.
9. Keep Cats Away
Lastly, always keep cats away from areas where there are likely hummingbird visitors since even indoor cats can quickly hunt down unsuspecting birds if given access outdoors – even if it’s just once!
Learn More: How To Catch A Hummingbird
Conclusion
Attracting hummingbirds to your garden can be a rewarding experience and with the right steps, you can create an idyllic environment that will draw these beautiful creatures in. Just remember to keep your garden pesticide free, provide ample food sources, add shelter and water features, and plant flowers that attract hummingbirds.
With all of these tips in mind, you’ll soon have a vibrant backyard oasis filled with the cheerful songs of our feathered friends! Happy gardening!
