Hummingbirds are small birds known for their ability to hover and fly in all directions, thanks to their rapid wing beats (50-200 times per second). This article explores the types of hummingbirds found in Florida, from common residents to occasional winter visitors.
The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird: Florida’s Primary Species
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Archilochus colubris, is the most prevalent and widely recognized hummingbird species throughout Florida. Males have an iridescent, fiery red throat patch (gorget), which appears black in poor light. Their backs are metallic green, and their underparts are whitish, while females lack the red gorget and have white throats.
These birds are migratory, typically arriving in Florida during early spring, around March, after spending their winter in Central America or Mexico. They breed across the eastern United States and Canada, with many individuals passing through Florida on their northward migration. By late summer and fall, from August through October, they begin their southward journey back to warmer climates.
In Florida, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds favor open woodlands, forest edges, meadows, and suburban gardens, thriving where nectar-producing flowers are abundant. Their diet primarily consists of nectar from a variety of tubular flowers, but they also consume small insects and spiders, which provide essential protein.
Other Hummingbird Species Documented in Florida
While the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is common, Florida occasionally hosts other species, primarily as winter visitors or vagrants. The Rufous Hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus, is a frequently observed wintering species, arriving in late fall and staying through early spring. Males have a striking rufous (rusty-orange) back and flanks, with an iridescent orange-red gorget, while females are duller with green backs and some rufous on their flanks and tail.
The Black-chinned Hummingbird, Archilochus alexandri, also appears, resembling the Ruby-throated but with a dark, violet-black throat and narrower bill. These western breeders occasionally stray eastward during migration. Allen’s Hummingbird, Selasphorus sasin, a western species, rarely appears in Florida, identifiable by its bright orange flanks and a brilliant orange-red gorget on males.
The Calliope Hummingbird, Selasphorus calliope, North America’s smallest bird, is an infrequent visitor to Florida. Males have magenta-streaked gorgets, while females have plain throats. Broad-billed Hummingbirds, Cynanthus latirostris, are rare, distinguished by their metallic green bodies and a bright red bill with a black tip. Typically residing in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico, they appear in Florida when wandering from usual routes or wintering grounds.
Cultivating a Hummingbird-Friendly Environment
To attract hummingbirds to your yard, provide reliable food sources through specific plants. Tubular-shaped flowers, especially those in shades of red, orange, or pink, are highly attractive to these birds.
Excellent choices for Florida gardens include salvias, petunias, fuchsias, crossvine (Bignonia capreolata), and firebush (Hamelia patens). A diverse selection ensures a continuous bloom cycle, offering nectar year-round.
Hummingbird feeders supplement their diet, especially during migration. Feeders should be filled with a simple solution of four parts water to one part granulated white sugar; red dyes are unnecessary and can be harmful. Place feeders in shaded areas to prevent the sugar water from fermenting too quickly.
Regular feeder maintenance prevents mold and bacteria. Clean feeders every two to three days, or daily in warm weather, using hot water and a bottle brush. A shallow water source, like misters or a bird bath with a dripper, also encourages visits. Avoiding pesticides in your garden helps ensure a healthy insect population, a vital protein source for these active birds.