Hummingbirds have been spotted in the United States, according to reports, over 30 different species. Some are frequent, while others are uncommon or come as a surprise. We’ve discovered one common kind and three uncommon kinds of hummingbirds in Missouri. In Missouri, you may see four different species of hummingbirds.
4 HUMMINGBIRDS IN MISSOURI
We’ve compiled a list of hummingbirds that may be seen in Missouri based on range maps from authoritative sources like allaboutbirds.org and ebird.org. The species name, images of what it looks like, description of appearance, and where and when you may spot them are all included for each species in this list. The most prevalent species will be listed first, followed by the three uncommon species.
Visit this page to find out when hummingbirds will be returning to your state, and keep reading at the end of the page for information 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 common kind. The back is green and the underparts are white. The throat of males is crimson red, which may appear black under certain circumstances.
In droves, they descend upon the nation every spring from Central America’s wintering areas. Several of them fly nonstop from New York to Los Angeles across the Gulf of Mexico! With nectar feeders and flowers, ruby-throated hummingbirds are relatively simple to attract to gardens.
Throughout the spring and summer months, ruby-throated hummingbirds may be found across Missouri. In the state, they are by far the most prevalent hummingbird. From April to May, Ruby-throats migrate, and from September to October.
2. RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Selasphorus rufus
When it comes to sharing feeders and chasing away other hummers, Rufous hummingbirds are known for being “feisty.” Males have an orange throat and a white patch on the top breast. Green with rusty patches and a speckled throat, females are green.
They travel up through California in the spring, spend the summer in the Pacific Northwest and Canada, and then zip back down through the Rockies in the fall. While the ruby-throated hummingbird is undoubtedly the most commonly seen species on the east coast, the rufous is more likely to be a western U.S. hummingbird.
Hummingbirds of the rufous variety have been seen in Missouri on several occasions. While they aren’t as prevalent as the ruby-throat, they are frequently sighted in the state every year.
3. ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Calypte anna
In actuality, Anna will be staying in the United States. They are found all year, but only in a few western states, throughout most of their range. Their feathers are emerald-green, and even their chest and belly are covered in emerald feathers, which gives them a brighter and more iridescent appearance. The colorful feathers on males’ foreheads extend up to their throat, which is rosy-pink in color.
On the east coast, Anna is highly unusual, but they do venture out from time to time. Although there have been a few documented sightings of Anna’s in Missouri throughout the years, an Anna’s wandering into the state is not uncommon.
4. CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Selasphorus calliope
The calliope hummingbird breeds in the Pacific Northwest and portions of western Canada during the winter, then primarily breeds in Central America. The calliope is the tiniest bird in the United States, so that’s an impressively long migration! Males have a distinct magenta-striped throat that forks down on each side of the neck. The throat of females is green with a peachy underbelly, and they are plain.
On the east coast, Calliope Hummingbirds are uncommon, however they have been sighted in a number of states outside their range. In Missouri, I could only find two documented sightings, both of which were in November. As a result, it appears that a winter vagrant may be possible on rare occasions.
ATTRACTING HUMMINGBIRDS TO YOUR YARD
1. HANG HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS
Hanging a nectar feeder in your yard may be the best way to attract hummingbirds. Hummingbirds must consume frequently and depend on a steady supply of nectar. Pick a feeder with a red color and that is simple to disassemble and clean. Cleaning and refilling must be done more than once per week in hot weather. For most people, we recommend a saucer-shaped feeder. They’re simple to clean, operate well, and don’t hold a large quantity of nectar.
2. MAKE YOUR OWN NECTAR
By making your own nectar, you can avoid unnecessary (and occasionally deadly) additives. It’s a bargin, it’s simple, and it’s quick. Add plain white sugar to 1 quart water in a 1:4 proportion (1 cup sugar for 4 quarts of water). Creating your own nectar without boiling the water is easy with our step-by-step guide.
3. PLANT NATIVE FLOWERS
Planting flowers in your yard that will attract passing hummingbirds, aside from a feeder, is a good idea. Red (as well as orange, pink, and purple) blooms, as well as trumpet or tubular-shaped blooms, are particularly attractive to them. Try some vertical planting to maximize your space. Long cascading vines of flowers may be placed on an obelisk trellis or a flat trellis attached to the side of your house for a striking vertical surface. Hummingbirds will like these 20 plant and flower types.
4. PROVIDE WATER
Hummingbirds drink and bath in water, so they need it. They will utilize baths with the proper “specifications,” even if they prefer conventional bird baths to be too deep. You may purchase these fantastic hummingbird bath alternatives, as well as ideas for making something wonderful in your yard.
5. PROMOTE INSECTS
Sugar isn’t enough for most hummingbirds, but they also need protein. Little insects make up a third of their diet. Mosquitoes, fruit flies, spiders, and gnats are all examples of this. By avoiding pesticides, you can help your hummers. Our 5 simple tips will give you more advice on insect feeders as well as ways to help feed hummingbirds insects.