Florida is home to a vast variety of wildlife, from alligators and panthers to manatees and dolphins. Among them are hummingbirds, a striking and captivating species that adds a brilliant flash of color to the Sunshine State.
These tiny birds are fiercely competitive, aggressively defending their nectar-filled territory and dazzling spectators with their aerial acrobatics. There is much to learn about these remarkable creatures, including their migratory patterns, breeding habits, and unique adaptations for survival.
This article will delve deeper into the world of hummingbirds in Florida, exploring their characteristics, behaviors, and the best places to observe them.
18 Hummingbirds Live Around Florida
If you love watching hummingbirds, you might want to visit Florida. The Sunshine State is home to 18 species of these tiny and colorful birds, more than any other state east of the Mississippi River.
Here are 51 birds that are commonly found in the Around Florida
1. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is a beautiful species belonging to the Trochilidae family. Native to western coastal regions of North America, it was named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli.
In the early 20th century, these birds bred only in northern Baja California and southern California. Still, due to ornamental plant transplanting, they can now be found across much of the Pacific Coast region.
They are medium-sized with bright emerald green feathers on their back and crowns as well as rose-red patches at the throat for males, making them quite distinguishable from other birds.
Their diet consists mainly of nectar from flowers, although they will occasionally feed on insects or spiders, making them important pollinators that help maintain healthy ecosystems.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. anna |
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2. Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s Hummingbird is a beautiful species of hummingbird that breeds in the western United States. It is only 3-3.5 inches long, and its stunningly vibrant plumage makes it an incredible sight.
The male has a green back and forehead, with rust-colored (rufous) flanks, rump, and tail, while his throat dazzles with an iridescent orange coloration.
Females are similarly colored but lack the colorful throat patch of males.
These birds feed primarily on nectar from flowers such as sagebrush, California fuchsia, or currant bushes, using their long bills and tongues to extract food deep within them.
They also eat small insects for protein, which they capture in flight like other hummingbirds.
Allen’s Hummingbird can be found near chaparral shrubland during breeding season when wildflowers abound, giving these tiny beauties plenty of sustenance.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. sasin |
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3. Black-Chinned Hummingbird
The Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is a small but widely distributed bird. It migrates to Mexico for the winter months and can be found across much of North America in summer.
The Black-chinned Hummingbird has been known to hybridize with several other species, such as Anna’s, Lucifer, Broad-tailed, and Costa’s hummingbirds.
It prefers open habitats like desert scrub or grasslands that provide plenty of nectar from flowers.
These birds are also capable flyers, reaching up to 34 miles per hour. With its dazzling plumage and impressive flying skills, the Black-chinned Hummingbird makes an intriguing sight for any nature enthusiast lucky enough to spot one in the wild.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Archilochus |
| Species | A. alexandri |
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4. Broad-Billed Hummingbird
The Broad-billed Hummingbird is a small species of hummingbird found in Mexico and the southwestern United States.
It has distinctive sexual dimorphism, with females resembling their juvenile counterparts more than males.
This bird stands out thanks to its bright colors and broad, red bill. Other common names for this species include Colibri Mexicano (Spanish) or Mexican Hummingbird.
The Broad-billed usually nests on trees or shrubs near streams but may also occupy wooded areas or gardens close to human settlements during wintertime.
They feed mainly on nectar from flowers while supplementing their diet with insects depending on the availability of prey items and seasonal changes throughout their range area.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Cynanthus |
| Species | C. latirostris |
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5. Buff-Bellied Hummingbird
The Buff-bellied Hummingbird is a species of hummingbird that belongs to the Trochilini tribe and is found in Central America and parts of the United States.
It has three subspecies: A. y. yucatanensis, A. y chalcone, and A.y cerviniventris, whose length ranges from 3.9 – 4 inches (10 – 11 cm).
The buff-bellied hummingbird’s plumage is mainly grey with greenish reflections on its back, while it sports a distinctive buff-colored belly, which gives this species its name.
Its diet consists mostly of nectar and small insects; they often feed upon flowers near rivers or other bodies of water where their preferred food sources are plentiful.
In addition to being quite beautiful birds, these delightful creatures possess an impressive ability for hovering flight, making them one of nature’s most graceful avian wonders.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Amazilia |
| Species | A. yucatanensis |
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6. Cuban Emerald
The Cuban Emerald is a species of hummingbird found in the Bahamas and Cuba. It belongs to the Trochilini tribe, known as ’emeralds.’
This bird was formerly placed in the genus Chlorostilbon, but recent studies have shown it belonged to other emeralds.
The body of this small bird is predominantly green-colored with an iridescent blue throat patch on its chin and some purple or bronze feathers towards its tail end.
Its diet consists mainly of nectar from various flowers, although insects also form part of their daily sustenance.
They use their long curved beaks to reach deep into tubular flowers for nectar while hovering mid-air like tiny helicopters.
With no natural predators due to their quick maneuverability and powerful wings, these birds can fly up to over 50 km/h.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Riccordia |
| Species | R. ricordii |
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7. Green-Breasted Mango
The Green-breasted Mango is a medium-sized hummingbird found in tropical America. The male has an impressive green chest and black bill, while the female’s feathers are more muted with greyish-brown tones.
Both sexes have dark central tail feathers, but males also feature bright white flank patches.
They measure 11–12 cm long, with males weighing 7.2 g and females 6.8 g – making them slightly smaller than other species of hummingbirds, such as the Ruby Throated Hummingbird, which can reach up to 16 cm in length.
The scientific name of this fascinating bird commemorates French naturalist Florent Prévost – a fitting homage to its beauty.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Anthracothorax |
| Species | A. prevostii |
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8. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is a hummingbird species with an impressive migration pattern, spending the winter in Central America, Mexico, and Florida before flying to Canada and other parts of Eastern North America for the breeding season.
It’s the most common type seen east of the Mississippi River in North America.
Formally described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758, this tiny bird has bright metallic green upperparts with white underparts, a small black bill, and a red throat patch, which gives it its name; they measure around 3 inches long on average.
They feed primarily on nectar from flowers but eat insects such as flies or mosquitoes for extra protein during their migrations or when raising young chicks.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Archilochus |
| Species | A. colubris |
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9. Bahama Woodstar
The Bahama woodstar, or ‘hummer,’ is a species of hummingbird found in the Lucayan archipelago. It has a distinct sound while feeding and can easily be identified by locals.
Hummingbirds are among the most abundant avian families, with 338 recognized species.
These birds have an impressive array of colors that range from pinks and purples to greens and blues, depending on the season.
The wingspan for this particular type ranges from 4-5 inches long – making them quite small compared to other bird types.
They feed on nectar from flowers and insects, which they obtain through specialized bill shapes specifically adapted for hovering over plants efficiently so they can extract pollen grains quickly without expending too much energy during flight.
Furthermore, these tiny creatures also possess incredible migratory abilities; some travel up to 6500 miles round trip each year.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Nesophlox |
| Species | N. evelynae |
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10. Rufous Hummingbird
The beautiful Rufous Hummingbird is a small bird of 8 cm in length, with a long, slender beak. It stands out due to its extraordinary flight skills and incredible migratory transits- it can fly up to 2,000 miles.
This species was formally described by German naturalist Johann Friedric in 1788 and belongs to the genus Selasphorus.
These birds are found throughout North America and parts of Mexico during summertime while wintering in Central America or northern South America.
They feed on nectar from flowers as well as insects for protein intake. Their vibrant feathers, agile flying abilities, and fascinating life cycle make them an interesting addition to any backyard wildlife habitat.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. rufus |
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11. Calliope Hummingbird
The Calliope hummingbird is the tiniest bird native to North America, stretching from California to British Columbia.
It will travel south of Mexico and Central America in winter before returning north for breeding season.
It was previously thought to be the only member of its genus Stellula but recently has been reclassified under Selasphorus due to genetic similarities with other birds in that group.
Its bright colors are an unmistakable sight, and they love sipping on nectar from flowers or sugar water feeders placed outside windows.
They’re a popular delight among wildlife photographers and amateur bird enthusiasts.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. calliope |
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12. Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
The Broad-tailed hummingbird is a beautiful medium-sized bird found in highland regions from the western United States and Western Canada to Mexico and Guatemala.
It has an overall length of 4 inches (10 cm) with a wingspan of 5.25 inches (13.3 cm). Its weight ranges around 3.6 grams(0.13 oz), with females slightly larger than males on average.
This tiny marvel boasts vibrant green upperparts, pinkish underparts, a white throat patch, a forked tail tipped with black feathering, and colorful glossy gorget feathers that vary across the sexes; males are iridescent red, while females are buffy orange or yellow coloration.
The broad-tailed hummingbird feeds mainly on nectar but consumes small insects to supplement its diet, providing it with the much-needed protein content necessary for growth and development during the migration season.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Selasphorus |
| Species | S. platycercus |
13. Costa’s Hummingbird
Costa’s hummingbird is a species of the Trochilidae family. It inhabits arid regions in the southwest United States and northwest Mexico, migrating to western Mexico for wintering purposes.
This bird was named by French ornithologist Jules Bourcier in 1839 after honoring François Coste, who had sent specimens to him from North America.
Costa’s hummingbirds are small birds averaging 3-3.5 inches (7–9cm) long with typically green feathers on their back and tail. At the same time, underparts are usually greyish or sometimes white with purple highlights around the throat area, giving them an iridescent appearance when light hits them at the right angle.
Males also have red patches on their forehead, which they use as part of courtship display behavior, and sing distinctive “whoop” sounds during mating season.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Calypte |
| Species | C. costae |
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14. Blue-Throated Mountain gem
The Blue-throated Mountaingem is a species of hummingbird found in Mexico and the United States. It’s distinctively known for its blue throat, which stands out against its green body feathers.
The bird was once placed into several genera before settling in the early 20th century with its dedicated genus – Cyanolaem.
This small bird has an impressive wingspan of 6 inches and weighs less than 1 ounce.
Its stunningly colored plumage makes this one of the most beautiful birds in North America, making it popular amongst avid bird watchers who seek out its unique beauty.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Lampornis |
| Species | L. clemenciae |
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15. Rivoli’s Hummingbird
Rivoli’s hummingbird is a beautiful species of bird found in Central and North America. It belongs to the family Trochilinae, also known as “mountain gems.”
The male has an impressive iridescent purple-blue head and throat with a greenish back, while the female has a more subdued coloring.
One unique feature of this species is its long tail feathers, up to twice its body length.
This amazing bird feeds on nectar from flowers and insects such as midges, mosquitoes, spiders, and moths; they even feed on tree sap.
Rivoli’s Hummingbirds are active during the day when their spectacular colors shine brightest, making them easy to spot among other birds.
These tiny yet fascinating creatures provide us with endless hours of entertainment – it’s no wonder they have been so adored over time.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Eugenes |
| Species | E. fulgens |
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16. Mexican Violetear
The Mexican Violetear is a gorgeous bird with metallic green feathers and a unique violet ear patch. It belongs to the order Apodiformes, which includes hummingbirds and swifts such as the white-throated needletail.
Native to Mexico, Nicaragua, and several other Central American countries, it can typically be found in forested areas.
The species was once considered conspecific with another hummingbird called the lesser violetear but has since been identified separately by scientists.
These birds are medium-sized and feed on nectar from flowers that they access using their long curved bills – a trait shared by many members of this family of birds.
They also eat small insects for extra energy during migration or nesting season when food sources may become scarce.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Colibri |
| Species | C. thalassinus |
17. White-Eared Hummingbird
The White-eared Hummingbird is a species of bird found in the southwestern United States to Nicaragua. It belongs to the Trochilini tribe, subfamily Trochilinae, and genus Basilinna.
Its white ear cover, dark green back, and rufous tail stand out among other hummingbirds with its unique plumage. This small but beautiful bird has an average length of 4 inches and weighs only 0.1 ounces.
Its diet consists mainly of nectar from flowers as well as insects, which they feeds on while hovering midair or perching atop plants or branches.
The White-eared Hummingbird is also known for its courtship displays, where males perform aerial dives at high speeds that create loud noises.
These birds are amazing creatures that bring much joy when seen up close in nature.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Basilinna |
| Species | B. leucotis |
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18. Selasphorus
Selasphorus is a hummingbird genus found in the Middle and North American regions. They were first introduced in 1832 by William John Swainson to accommodate the rufous hummingbird, which is now the type species.
The word Selasphorus is derived from the Ancient Greek words selas, meaning “light” or “flame” and -phoros, meaning “-carrying”.
There are a total of nine species in this genus. These birds are known for their vibrant colors, small size, and rapid wing movements.
Like all other hummingbirds, Selasphorus birds are nectar feeders and play a crucial role in pollination.
They are known for their aerial acrobatics and can hover mid-air to feed on nectar or catch insects.
Overall, Selasphorus birds are fascinating creatures that add beauty and vitality to their habitats.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Subfamily | Trochilinae |
| Tribe | Mellisugini |
| Genus | Selasphorus Swainson, 1832 |
Conclusion
The presence of 18 hummingbirds around Florida underscores the region’s ecological diversity and significance as a habitat for these remarkable birds. Their vibrant colors, unique behaviors, and importance as pollinators contribute to the rich tapestry of Florida’s ecosystem.
Understanding and conserving their habitats are crucial for preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance.
As we continue to learn more about these tiny yet fascinating creatures, it becomes increasingly imperative to prioritize conservation efforts to ensure their survival and the preservation of Florida’s natural heritage for future generations to cherish and enjoy.