Have you ever been outside in Pennsylvania and noticed a tiny bird flitting around, hovering in the air with its wings beating so quickly that they look like a blur? If so, chances are you have spotted one of the eight species of hummingbirds that live in this state. Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds in the world with their small size and unique ability to hover. Before jumping on to the 8 types of hummingbirds in Pennsylvania, let’s have a little regional overview.
Pennsylvania Region
Pennsylvania is steeped in history and culture – from its colonial heritage to the industrial revolution that changed America forever. The state is home to many historical sites and museums, such as Gettysburg National Military Park and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You can also visit any number of Revolutionary War-era sites throughout the region or take a step back in time with a trip to Amish country. Pennsylvania has different species of hummingbirds in different parts of the state. To attract hummingbirds to your garden, you must understand the range of species that live in the area.
Read more: When To Change My Hummingbird Feeder
8 Types Of Hummingbirds In Pennsylvania
Let’s take a look at the 8 types of hummingbirds found in Pennsylvania.
1. Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus Colubris)
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is probably the most well-known species of hummingbird found in Pennsylvania. It is easily recognized by its green back and white underparts, as well as its ruby-red throat patch. These birds can be seen hovering near flowers or feeders looking for nectar to eat. Nectar feeders are ideal for attracting Ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Features:
• Length: 3.5 inches
• Weight: 0.1-0.2 ounces
• Wingspan: 4-4.75 inches
• Coloration: Greenback, white underparts, and ruby throat patch
• Range: All of Pennsylvania except for the extreme southwestern corner
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2. Rufous Hummingbirds (Rufous Hummingbird Scientific Selasphorus Rufus)
The Rufous Hummingbird is another common species found throughout Pennsylvania. This species has an orange-red throat patch, as well as orange back and tail feathers with white undersides. They tend to move around more than other hummingbirds, but will also hover near flowers or feeders looking for nectar.
Features:
• Length: 3.75-4 inches
• Weight: 0.1-0.2 ounces
• Wingspan: 4-5 inches
• Coloration: Orange back and tail, white undersides, and orange throat patch
• Range: Found in the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh
3. Broad-Tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus Platycercus)
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is a smaller species with a green back and white undersides. It also has a red throat patch, as well as long tail feathers that are tipped with white spots. These birds tend to stay close to their nesting areas, making them difficult to spot outside of these areas.
Features:
• Length: 3.5-4 inches
• Weight: 0.1 ounces
• Wingspan: 4-4.75 inches
• Coloration: Greenback and white undersides, red throat patch, long tail feathers with white spots
• Range: Found in the southeastern corner of Pennsylvania near Philadelphia
4. Calliope Hummingbirds (Stellula Calliope)
The Calliope Hummingbird is one of the smallest hummingbird species found in Pennsylvania, measuring only about 3 inches long from bill to tail tip! Despite its small size, it can still be identified by its bright green back and crown, reddish face patch, and white underparts. These birds are usually found near coniferous forests or open meadows where they can find insects to eat along with nectar from flowers or feeders. Male calliope hummingbirds have a loud, buzzing call they use to attract mates.
Features:
• Length: 2.75-3 inches
• Weight: 0.06-0.08 ounces
• Wingspan: 3.5-4 inches
• Coloration: Bright green back and crown, reddish face patch, white underparts
• Range: Found in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania near Erie
5. Broad-Billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus Latirostris)
The Broad-billed Hummingbird has blue-green feathers on its back and head along with light grayish underparts. It also has a black bill that curves downward at the tip – hence the name “broad-billed” – which helps it reach into flowers for nectar more easily than other hummingbirds can do. These birds usually stay close to their nesting areas, so they are not as common to see as other species.
Features:
• Length: 3-3.5 inches
• Weight: 0.1 ounces
• Wingspan: 4-4.75 inches
• Coloration: Blue-green back and head, light grayish underparts, black bill that curves down at the tip
• Range: Found in the northern part of Pennsylvania near Wilkes-Barre
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6. Black-Chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus Alexandri)
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is another species found throughout Pennsylvania with an easily recognizable black chin and throat patch. It also has a green back and white undersides, but its tail feathers are tipped in dark gray. They can be seen hovering around flowers or feeders looking for nectar to eat.
Features:
• Length: 3.5-4 inches
• Weight: 0.1 ounces
• Wingspan: 4-4.75 inches
• Coloration: Greenback, white undersides, black chin and throat patch, tail feathers tipped in dark gray
• Range: Found throughout Pennsylvania except for the extreme southwestern corner
7. Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus Sasin)
The Allen’s Hummingbird is one of the rarest hummingbirds found in Pennsylvania, but it can sometimes be seen near the southeastern part of the state. It has green feathers on its back and head, as well as a red throat patch and white undersides. These birds 
tend to stay close to their nesting areas, making them hard to spot outside of these areas.
Features:
• Length: 3.5-4 inches
• Weight: 0.1 ounces
• Wingspan: 4-4.75 inches
• Coloration: Greenback and head, red throat patch, white undersides
• Range: Found in the southeastern corner of Pennsylvania near Philadelphia
8. Broad-Billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus Latirostris)
The Broad-billed Hummingbird is similar in size and shape to the Calliope Hummingbird but has a shorter bill. It also has blue-green feathers on its upper parts and light grayish underparts with a black bill that curves downward at the end – this helps it reach into flowers for nectar more easily than other hummingbirds can do. This species is usually found near coniferous forests or open meadows where they can find insects and nectar from flowers.
Features:
• Length: 3-3.5 inches
• Weight: 0.1 ounces
• Wingspan: 4-4.75 inches
• Coloration: Blue-green back and head, light grayish underparts, black bill that curves down at the tip
• Range: Found in the northwestern corner of Pennsylvania near Erie
Learn more: What Is The Best Bee-Proof Hummingbird Feeder?
Conclusion
Pennsylvania is a great state for hummingbird watching. With eight species of hummingbirds found in the state, from the tiny Calliope to the rare Allen’s Hummingbird, there are many opportunities for birders to catch sight of these beautiful birds in action. Whether you’re visiting Pennsylvania or already calling it home, be sure to keep an eye out for these tiny avian jewels.
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