8 Types Of Hummingbirds In Michigan

types of hummingbirds in michigan

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Hummingbirds are some of the most beloved and iconic birds in North America. Michigan is home to different types of hummingbirds, all with unique characteristics. From ruby-throated hummingbirds that are often seen sipping nectar from backyard feeders to the rarer Black-chinned Hummingbird, these delicate creatures can provide a delightful addition to any outdoor space.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the eight species of hummingbirds found in Michigan and learn more about their behaviors and habits. So let’s dive into what makes each type of Michigan hummingbird so special!

8 Types Of Hummingbirds In Michigan

  1. Ruby-throated hummingbird
  2. Selasphorus
  3. Rufous Hummingbird
  4. Anna’s hummingbird
  5. Broad-billed Hummingbird
  6. Mexican violetear
  7. White-eared hummingbird
  8. Berylline hummingbird

types of hummingbirds in michigan

Learn More: 8 Types Of Hummingbirds In Utah

1. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is Michigan’s most commonly seen species of hummingbird, and it is the only species of hummingbird that breeds in the state. These tiny birds are emerald green on top with white underparts, making them easily distinguishable from other hummingbirds. They also have a ruby-throated patch on their throats and white-tipped tail feathers that give off an iridescent glow in the light.

Habits And Behavior

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can be found visiting backyard feeders or sipping nectar from flowers during the breeding season in Michigan (May through August). During this time, males will establish territories by singing and chasing away other hummingbirds. These birds are very territorial and will fiercely defend their feeding areas from other hummingbirds and even larger birds such as hawks, crows, and jays.

2. Selasphorus Hummingbird

The Selasphorus Hummingbird is a rare visitor to Michigan, but it has been recorded in small numbers across the state for over a century. This species is smaller than other hummingbirds and is characterized by its bright yellow-green upper parts, white underparts, and long black tail with white tips.

Habits And Behavior

Selasphorus Hummingbirds feed on insects as well as nectar from flowers and hummingbird feeders. They often prefer open habitats such as fields or meadows instead of dense forests. Females typically lay two eggs in small cup-shaped nests made from plant fibers and covered with lichen for camouflage.

3. Rufous Hummingbird

The Rufous Hummingbird is another rare visitor to Michigan, but it has been recorded in small numbers across the state. These birds are easily recognizable due to their unique rufous coloration (brownish-orange) and white throat patch. They also have long, straight bills and square tails with white tips.

Habits And Behavior

Rufous Hummingbirds prefer open habitats such as grasslands or meadows, which makes them more commonly seen in southern states than in Michigan. During the breeding season, they feed on insects as well as nectar from flowers and hummingbird feeders. Males are highly territorial and will fiercely defend their territories against other hummingbirds.

Learn More: Do Hummingbirds Mate For Life?

4. Anna’s Hummingbird

The Anna’s Hummingbird is a rare visitor to Michigan, but it has been recorded in small numbers across the state. These birds are easily recognizable due to their distinctive rose-red throats and white-tipped tails. They also have long straight bills and greenbacks with a gray wash on their wings and tail.

Habits And Behavior

Anna’s Hummingbirds prefer open habitats such as grasslands or meadows, which makes them more commonly seen in southern states than in Michigan. During the breeding season, they feed on insects as well as nectar from flowers and hummingbird feeders. Males are highly territorial and will fiercely defend their territories against other hummingbirds. They are also very acrobatic, often performing looping dives and high-speed chases during courtship displays.

Anna’s Hummingbirds can be seen throughout the state of Michigan in small numbers during spring and summer migration (May through August). They are occasionally spotted at backyard hummingbird feeders, but they are more commonly seen visiting flower beds or gardens in search of nectar-rich flowers.

Learn More: Do Hummingbirds Like Petunias?

5. Calliope Hummingbird

The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest hummingbird in North America and a rare visitor to Michigan. These birds are easily recognizable due to their distinctive orange-pink throats, white-tipped tails, and short straight bills. They also have green backs with a gray wash on their wings and tail.

Habits And Behavior

Calliope Hummingbirds prefer open habitats such as grasslands or meadows, which makes them more commonly seen in western states than in Michigan. During the breeding season, they feed on insects as well as nectar from flowers and hummingbird feeders.

types of hummingbirds in michigan

6. Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is a rare visitor to Michigan, but it has been recorded in small numbers across the state. These birds are easily recognizable due to their distinctive ruby-red throats and white-tipped tails. They also have green backs with a gray wash on their wings and tail.

Habits And Behavior

Broad-tailed Hummingbirds prefer open habitats such as grasslands or meadows, which makes them more commonly seen in western states than in Michigan. During the breeding season, they feed on insects as well as nectar from flowers and hummingbird feeders. Males often perform courtship displays involving high-speed dives and looping chases while emitting

Learn More: 8 Types Of Hummingbirds In Maryland

7. The White-Eared Hummingbird

The White-eared Hummingbird is an exotic hummingbird species found mainly in Mexico but can also be seen in Michigan sometime. Its unique marking and bright colors have made it a favorite amongst hummingbird watchers.

Habits And Behavior

During mating season, male hummingbirds display their white stripe around the neck, which inspired its common name. When courting, males hover in place and strut back and forth while singing. Females are typically more passive, often choosing to stay close to a nearby tree perch until a suitable mate appears. Their small size enables them to feed on the nectar of many native plants in Mexico as hummingbirds play an important role in pollinator activities throughout these lands. With the right habitat protection and conservation measures, the White-eared Hummingbird can continue to enchant viewers with its acrobatic displays for years to come!

8. Berylline Hummingbird

The Berylline hummingbird is a species of hummingbird found in Central America, and Mexico and rarely visits Michigan. It has glossy, green-black feathers with a bright emerald chest and belly known as the gorget. This beautiful hummingbird visits nectar-rich flowers and hummingbird feeders to give it energy, especially in the fall as they gorge themselves before migrating south for winter.

Habits And Behavior

When mating season arrives, hummingbirds display spectacular acrobatic flight displays in their quest for mates. These courtship rituals include wing beat displays like looping mid-air dives, zooming side-to-side among branches, hovering upside down, and vibrating their tail feathers quickly! Once pairs are formed during this process, Berylline hummingbirds will build cup-shaped nests out of fine vegetable matter bound together with spiderweb silk in dense shrubs or trees up to 50 feet off the ground.

Learn More: 8 Types Of Hummingbirds In Idaho

Conclusion

Hummingbirds are some of the most beautiful and interesting birds in North America. From their colorful plumage to their unbelievable acrobatic flight skills, these charming creatures never fail to bring joy and wonder. With the right habitat conservation efforts in place, we can ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy these feathered wonders for years to come.

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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