Hummingbirds and warm weather are associated with Alaska, while cold weather is associated with Alaska. They would think that since there aren’t any hummers in Alaska, there aren’t any. Hummingbirds may be seen in Alaska on a regular basis despite the fact that it is located far north and has a colder climate.
4 HUMMINGBIRDS IN ALASKA
We’ve compiled a list of hummingbirds that may be observed in the state of Alaska based on range maps from authoritative sources such as allaboutbirds.org and ebird.org. Rufous hummingbirds, Anna’s hummingbirds, and Costa’s hummingbirds are the most frequent hummers in Alaska. The species name, pictures, and details on appearance, as well as when and where you may see them, are all included for each species in this list. We put the most common species first, followed by the rarest.
For advice on bringing hummingbirds to your yard, keep reading at the conclusion of the article.
1. RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Selasphorus rufus
With its breeding range in southern Alaska, the Rufous hummingbird is known as the northernmost hummingbird. The top breast is white, and the throat is orange-red in males. Green females with speckled throats and a rusty patch along their sides.
They go north through California in the spring, spend their summers in Oregon and southern Alaska, then zip back down through the Rockies in the fall. When it comes to body size, the common hummingbird has one of the longest migrations of any species.
When it comes to sharing feeders and driving other hummers away, Rufous hummingbirds are particularly “feisty.” In April, they’ll appear, and by October, the majority of them will be gone. Look for them near the Gulf of Alaska, and don’t go much farther north than Anchorage.
2. ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Calypte anna
Anna’s hummingbirds feathers are strewn with emerald, and their chests and belly are a bit more vivid and iridescent than the rest of the species. The throats of males are rosy, while the feathers on their foreheads are bright.
In actuality, Anna will remain in the United States. California, Arizona, Oregon, and portions of Washington are all affected throughout the year. During the winter, some people go as far north as Alaska to spend their winter. They are not known to nest in Alaska and are less likely to be seen in the state during spring or summer. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of. The wintering sites of the Forest Service are most often close to human dwellings, with hummingbird feeders available for added food.
Along the Gulf coast, look for Anna’s in south-central and southeastern Alaska.
3. COSTA’S HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Calypte costae
The dark purple faces of male Costas are well-known. They have purple feathers protruding out on both sides of their heads, akin to a mustache, and a splash of purple on their foreheads. Greenish females have a white underbelly. Costa’s have somewhat shorter wings and tail, as well as being compact when compared to other hummingbirds. They may be found all year in Baja and southern California.
Alaska may be seen from time to time, despite the fact that they are well out of their normal range. The Anchorage region had the most eBird sightings, followed by Juneau. Between September and November, sightings were common.
4. CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Selasphorus calliope
In the United States, the little calliope hummingbird is the tiniest bird. The throat of males is distinctive, with blue stripes that split down the sides. The neck and underparts of females are plain with peachy tints.
Calliope migrated from Mexico to the Pacific Northwest and portions of western Canada in the spring to breed. There have been a few documented in the state’s southeastern corner, despite Alaska not being in their range.
We included them on this list because the northern part of their range encompasses the southern half of British Columbia, despite the fact that they are highly uncommon in Alaska. As a result, there is a possibility that a stray dog may make its way into the state’s southernmost area (Juneau or south).
ATTRACTING HUMMINGBIRDS TO YOUR YARD
1. HANG HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS
Hanging a nectar feeder in your yard is perhaps the best way to attract hummingbirds. Hummingbirds must constantly eat and must have a dependable source of nectar. Pick a feeder that’s simple to disassemble and clean, and choose one with the color red on it. Cleaning and refilling should be done more often than once a week in hot weather. For most people, we suggest a saucer-shaped feeder. They’re simple to maintain, operate well, and don’t store a lot of nectar.
2. MAKE YOUR OWN NECTAR
By making your own nectar, you can avoid (and sometimes poison) harmful additives. It’s a bargain, and it’s simple to use and clean. All you have to do is mix one cup sugar and four cups water in a 1:4 ratio (1 cup sugar to 4 cups water). Without having to boil the water, we have an easy how-to guide on making your own nectar.
3. PLANT NATIVE FLOWERS
Plant flowers in your yard that will attract passing hummingbirds, in addition to a feeder. Red (as well as orange, pink, and purple) blossoms, as well as blossoms with trumpet or tubular form are especially appealing to them. Vertical planting can help you use the space you have. A long cascading vine of flowers may be grown vertically on an obelisk trellis or a flat trellis attached to the side of your home. Hummingbirds may be attracted to these 20 plants and flowers.
4. PROVIDE WATER
Water is required by hummers for drinking and bathing. They will utilize baths with the appropriate “specifications,” despite the fact that they may find conventional bird baths too deep. These wonderful options for hummingbird baths, as well as ideas for creating something spectacular in your garden
5. PROMOTE INSECTS
Sugar isn’t enough for most hummingbirds, so they need protein as well. Little insects account for up to a third of their diet. Mosquitoes, fruit flies, spiders, and gnats are all included in this category. By avoiding pesticides, you may help your hummers. See our 5 simple strategies for more advice on bug feeders and ways to encourage bugs to feed hummingbirds.