Hummingbird sightings have been documented in the United States, reportedly covering almost 30 species. Several of them are frequent while others are uncommon or accidental visitors. We have identified 1 common species and three uncommon species of hummingbirds in Minnesota. In Minnesota, you may see four different kinds of hummingbirds.
4 HUMMINGBIRDS IN MINNESOTA
We’ve compiled a list of hummingbirds that can be seen in Minnesota based on range maps from authoritative sources such as allaboutbirds.org and ebird.org. The species name, images of what it looks like, description about appearance, and where and when you may find them are all included for each species in this list. The most prevalent species will be listed first, while the uncommon ones will be listed last.
Visit this page to find out when hummingbirds will be returning to your state, and keep reading at the bottom of the page for advice on bringing 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 prevalent hummingbirds. Their underparts are white, and their back is green. The throat of males is crimson red, which may appear black in certain lighting.
In droves, they arrive in the country each spring from Central America, where they winter. In one non-stop flight, many of them fly over the Gulf of Mexico! With nectar feeders and flowers, Ruby-throated hummingbirds are very easy to draw to yards.
Throughout the spring and summer months, ruby-throated hummingbirds can be found throughout Minnesota. They arrive around May and depart in September, making them by far the most common hummingbird in the state. The ruby-throated hummingbird is nearly certainly the one you’ll see in your yard.
2. RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Selasphorus rufus
When it comes to sharing feeders and chasing off other hummers, Rufous hummingbirds are known for being extremely “feisty.” Males feature an orange throat and a white patch on the upper breast. They are completely orange all over. Green females with rusty patches and a speckled throat
They head up through California in the spring, spend the summer in the Pacific Northwest, and return down through the Rockies in the autumn. Although they are the second most commonly seen species on the east coast behind the ruby-throated hummingbird, the rufous is considered a western U.S. hummingbird.
In comparison to states further east, recorded sightings in Minnesota are fewer. In Minnesota, they are rare visitors, but one can never be sure.
3. CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Selasphorus calliope
The wintering habitat of the calliope hummingbird is Central America, and its breeding habitat is the Pacific Northwest and portions of western Canada. The calliope is the smallest bird in the United States, so that’s an impressively long migration!
Males have a distinctive magenta stripe throat design that forks down on the sides. Plain females have a peachy tint to their underparts and are spotted on the neck.
On the east coast, Calliope hummingbirds are uncommon, although they have been seen in Minnesota. Just two have been recorded since 1994, one in 1994 and the other in 2016. As a result, a stray seems to wander over from time to time, which is unusual.
4. ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Calypte anna
The actual reason for Anna’s stay in the US is Nonetheless, they can only be found on a regular basis in a few of the western states throughout most of their range. Their feathers are more vivid and iridescent than those of most other birds, with emerald feathers sprinkled over their chest and belly. The red-pink skin on males is seen above their beaks, with colorful feathers extending to their foreheads.
Anna is fairly uncommon on the east coast, although they do venture out from time to time. I could only find two documented sightings in Minnesota, similar to the Calliope hummingbird. The odd sighting, however, does occur in adjacent places like Milwaukee, so it’s not beyond the realm of possibility for an Anna’s to stray into Minnesota.
ATTRACTING HUMMINGBIRDS TO YOUR YARD
1. HANG HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS
Hang a nectar feeder in your yard, and you’ll probably attract the most hummingbirds. Hummingbirds must eat often and must have a dependable supply of nectar. Pick a feeder with a red color and that is simple to disassemble and clean. Cleansing and refilling should be done more frequently in hot weather than once a week. Most people should use a saucer-shaped feeder, which we recommend. They’re super 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 harmful) added chemicals and red dyes. It’s a great price, and it’s simple to use. Just mix one cup sugar and four cups water in a 1:4 proportion (1 cup sugar to four cups water). We’ve got an step-by-step guide on making nectar without having to heat the water.
3. PLANT NATIVE FLOWERS
Plant some flowers in your yard that will attract passing hummingbirds, in addition to a feeder. Flowers with trumpet or tubular-shaped blossoms are particularly attractive to them, as are red (as well as orange, pink, and purple flowers. Vertical planting may help you maximize your space. For long cascading vines of flowers, an obelisk trellis or a flat trellis mounted to the side of your home may provide a fantastic vertical surface. Hummingbirds may be attracted by these 20 plants and flowers.
4. PROVIDE WATER
Hummingbirds need water to eat and take baths. They’ll use bath with the appropriate “specifications,” despite their preference for classic bird baths. You can buy hummingbird baths, or you may make your own using these great ideas.
5. PROMOTE INSECTS
Sugar isn’t enough for most hummingbirds, so they must consume protein as well. Little insects make up a third of their diet. Mosquitoes, fruit flies, spiders, and gnats are among the insects included in this. By avoiding pesticides, you can help your hummers. Our 5 simple tips will teach you more about insect feeders and methods to assist hummingbirds.