Hummingbirds have been spotted in the United States, reportedly from 27 different species. Some are common while others are uncommon or accidental visitors that appear every year. We have identified one popular species and three uncommon species of hummingbirds in Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, you may see four different species of hummingbirds.
4 HUMMINGBIRDS IN WISCONSIN
We’ve compiled a list of hummingbirds that may be seen in Wisconsin based on range maps from reliable sources like allaboutbirds.org and ebird.org. The species name, images of what it looks like, appearance characteristics, and where and when you may see them are all included for each species in this list. The most prevalent species will be listed first, followed by the three uncommon ones.
Visit this article to find out when hummingbirds will be returning to your state, and keep reading after the end of the page for advice on attracting hummingbirds to your yard.
1. RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
In the eastern part of the United States, Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the most frequent hummers. The back is green, while the underparts are white. The throat of males is ruby red, which can darken in the presence of bright light.
They arrive in droves each spring from their Central American wintering grounds. In one non-stop flight, many of them fly over the Gulf of Mexico! Nectar feeders and flowers are simple to attract ruby-throated hummingbirds to your yard.
During the spring and summer months, ruby-throated hummingbirds may be seen all throughout Wisconsin. They are by far the most prevalent hummingbird in the state, arriving around May and departing in September. The ruby-throated hummingbird is nearly always seen in your yard.
2. RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Selasphorus rufus
When it comes to sharing feeders and driving away other hummers, rufous hummingbirds are well-known for being very “feisty.” Males have an orange breast and neck, with a white patch on the upper breast. Green females with rust patches on their throats and a speckled throat
They go up through California in the spring, spend the summer in the Pacific Northwest, and return through the Rockies in the fall. They are probably the second most commonly sighted species in the eastern United States, behind the rufous, which is a hummingbird of western North America. Following the ruby-throated hummingbird,
While there have only been a few recorded sightings in Wisconsin, they have been seen on multiple occasions throughout the years. The regions around Madison, Milwaukee, and near Lake Michigan are where the most reported sightings have taken place.
3. ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Calypte anna
The truth is, Anna won’t be returning to the US. They may be found throughout most of their range, however only in a few western states on a regular basis. Their feathers are speckled with emerald feathers on their chest and belly, and they have a somewhat brighter and more iridescent green than other birds. The males’ throats are crimson, and their feathers rise toward the back of their heads.
They do stray from time to time, although Anna is rather unusual on the east coast. Wisconsin has a few documented sightings, mainly in the Madison and Milwaukee areas. Thus, while it is uncommon for an Anna to stray into Wisconsin, it is not impossible.
4. BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Cynanthus latirostris
In the United States, there are just two states. Arizona and New Mexico are two places where the broad-billed hummingbird breeds. The purpleish-blue throat and blueish-green belly of males makes them difficult to mistake. Their beak, which is orange in color, has a black tip. Females have a black beak and are washed out green above and grayish below.
ATTRACTING HUMMINGBIRDS TO YOUR YARD
1. HANG HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS
Hanging a nectar feeder in your yard is perhaps the most effective way to attract hummingbirds. Hummingbirds must constantly eat and must have a dependable supply of nectar. Pick a feeder that’s simple to disassemble and clean, with the red color on it. Cleaning and replenishing should be done more than once a week during hot weather. For most people, we recommend a saucer-shaped feeder. They are very simple to clean, operate well, and don’t hold too much nectar.
2. MAKE YOUR OWN NECTAR
By making your own nectar, you can avoid (and sometimes dangerous) additives and red dyes. It’s inexpensive, simple, and quick to prepare. In a 1:4 ratio (1 cup sugar to 4 cups water), all you have to do is add plain white sugar. Creating your own nectar without boiling the water is simple, as we’ve shown in a how-to article.
3. PLANT NATIVE FLOWERS
Plant some flowers in your yard that will attract passing hummingbirds, in addition to a feeder. Red (as well as orange, pink, and purple) flowers, as well as trumpet or tubular-shaped blossoms, are especially appealing to them. Vertical planting can help you maximize your space. Long cascading vines of flowers can be grown vertically on an obelisk trellis or a flat trellis placed against the side of your home. Hummingbirds may be attracted to these 20 plants and flowers.
4. PROVIDE WATER
Water is required by hummingbirds for both drinking and bathing. Although they may prefer deeper traditional bird baths, they will utilize bathtubs with the appropriate “qualifications. You can get a hummingbird bath or DIY something wonderful in your yard with these fantastic ideas.
5. PROMOTE INSECTS
Sugar isn’t sufficient for most hummingbirds, so they need protein as well. Little insects account for up to a third of their food. Mosquitoes, fruit flies, spiders, and gnats are among the insects involved. By avoiding pesticides, you may help your hummers. Our 5 simple tips will give you more advice on insect feeders and ways to assist hummingbirds.