Ohio is a great place to spot various types of colorful and fascinating hummingbirds. There are eight species of tiny birds that can be found in Ohio during different parts of the year. Some stay for only part of the season while others have made their home in Ohio more permanent. These birds add beauty to the landscape and can bring joy to birdwatchers and homeowners alike by visiting backyard feeders. Here are 8 types of hummingbirds in Ohio you may encounter:
8 Types Of Hummingbirds In Ohio
1. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
These beautiful ruby-throated hummingbirds with glowing red throats are the most commonly seen hummingbird species in Ohio and the only type of hummingbird that breeds here. The female ruby-throated hummingbirds sport green feathers with some grey or yellowish markings on the back, while male ruby-throated hummingbirds have a deep iridescent red throat. You can attract these birds to your backyard by adding nectar feeders with bright red flowers to lure them in.
2. Rufous Hummingbird
The rufous hummingbirds are another common summer visitor to Ohio. These birds are known for their bright orange-red body and long tail feathers that fan out like a train. Both males and females have the same coloring, but female rufous hummingbirds often have more speckled breast feathers. They love the nectar from flowers and hummingbird feeders, so make sure to add plenty of brightly colored options in your backyard if you want to attract these birds.
Learn More: 6 Best Hummingbird Feeders To Keep Bees Away
3. Calliope Hummingbirds
The calliope hummingbird is one of the smallest species of hummingbirds and also one of the most vibrant! These tiny birds have a metallic bronze-green with an iridescent orange-red throat and head. They can be easily identified by their short tail feathers which are usually spread out like a fan. Calliope hummingbirds typically migrate south for the winter months but can often be found in Ohio during the breeding season. Put up some bright flowers near your feeders to draw them in!
4. Anna’s Hummingbird
These stunning birds have an iridescent green back and redhead, with a black line running through their throat. Anna’s hummingbirds are year-round residents in Ohio and can often be found visiting backyards with flowering plants or hummingbird feeders. Male anna’s hummingbirds also have large purple-green patches on the sides of their heads during courtship season. If you want to attract more of these beautiful birds, make sure to provide them with plenty of nectar sources throughout the year!
5. Allen’s Hummingbird
The Allen’s hummingbirds are another species that migrates south for the winter months but can be seen in Ohio during the breeding season. These birds are known for their bright green head and back, with white bellies and red sides. They love to visit hummingbird feeders and can often be seen hovering around the area in search of nectar. Providing plenty of flowers and feeders near your home is sure to draw these beautiful birds in!
6. Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
The broad-tailed hummingbirds are a summer resident of Ohio that have an iridescent green body and deep ruby throat. Females also have small spots on the breast feathers which males do not possess. You can attract these birds by providing them with several nectar options as well as spider webs they like to use while building their nests.
Learn More: What Is The Best Bee-Proof Hummingbird Feeder?
7. Black-Chinned Hummingbird
The black-chinned hummingbirds are another summer resident of Ohio that can sometimes be seen during the winter months if the weather is mild. These birds have a grey-green back and wings, with a black chin and throat. Males also have an iridescent purple patch on their throats, while females do not. They love visiting nectar feeders, so make sure to put out plenty of options for them in your backyard!
8. Mexican Violetear
The Mexican Violetear is a unique species of hummingbird that can rarely be seen in Ohio. This bird has an iridescent green-blue back with a white belly and a violet ear patch. They feed on small insects like mosquitoes and can often be found hovering around wet, marshy areas near rivers or ponds. If you want to attract these birds to your backyard, it’s best to provide them with plenty of water sources such as bird baths or shallow dishes.
Learn More: What Is The Best Hummingbird Feeder? (To Attract Hummingbirds To Your Backyard)
How To Attract These The Humming Birds Into The Garden?
Hummingbirds are gorgeous creatures that can bring life and joy to any outdoor space. If you’re wondering how to attract these graceful birds into your garden, there are several steps you can take. Let’s explore the basics of creating a hummingbird-friendly garden.
1. Planting Flowers
The most important step in attracting hummingbirds is to plant flowers that will provide them with food and shelter. Some of the best plants for hummingbirds include columbine, coral bells, foxglove, honeysuckle, petunias, salvia, and violets. For an extra boost of color and nutrition for your feathered friends, try planting some nectar-rich flowers like bee balm or lupines.
Learn More: What Do Baby Hummingbirds Look Like?
2. Provide Water Sources
Hummingbirds love water just as much as they love nectar, so it is important to provide them with a source of fresh drinking water. A shallow birdbath or fountain will do the trick! Not only will this be a great source of hydration for them, but it will also give them a place to bathe and preen their feathers.
3. Add Perches
Adding perches to your garden is another great way of attracting hummingbirds. Perches provide a safe resting spot for the birds while they feed on nectar or take a break from flying around all day long. You can create natural perches by placing branches in trees or hanging items such as wind chimes around your garden area.
Creating a hummingbird-friendly garden is simpler than you may think! By focusing on providing these beautiful birds with plenty of flowers, water sources, and safe places to rest and feed, you can easily transform your outdoor space into an attractive habitat for hummingbirds! So why not get started today? With just a few simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to attracting these delicate creatures into your backyard paradise!
Learn More: How Often Do Hummingbirds Eat?
Conclusion
If you’re looking to attract hummingbirds to your backyard in Ohio, there are many species you can draw in! From the Rufous Hummingbird with its bright orange-red body and long tail feathers to the Mexican Violetear with its iridescent green-blue back, there’s a wide variety of birds that will make for an interesting and colorful addition. Put out plenty of nectar sources like flowers and feeders, as well as water sources like bird baths or shallow dishes to help bring these birds closer to you!
