Hummingbirds have been observed in the United States, according to reports, over 30 different species. Some are common while others are uncommon or accidental visitors that come once a year. We have identified one common species, one semi-common species, and one rare species of hummingbird in New Hampshire. Hummingbirds may be seen in New Hampshire, which is a total of three species.
3 HUMMINGBIRDS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
We’ve compiled a list of hummingbirds that may be observed in New Hampshire based on range maps from official sources such as allaboutbirds.org and ebird.org. The species name, images of what it looks like, characteristics about appearance, and where and when you may see each one may be found for each species in this list. The species will be listed in order of how common they are below.
Visit this article to learn when hummingbirds will be coming back to your state, and keep reading after the conclusion of the article 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 frequent hummers. Their backs are green, while their underbellies are white. The neck of males is a deep red color that may darken in certain lighting.
They come in droves from their Central American wintering grounds every spring. Many of them take one nonstop flight across the Gulf of Mexico! With nectar feeders and flowers, Ruby-throated hummingbirds are quite easy to attract to gardens.
Throughout New Hampshire’s spring and summer months, Ruby-throated hummingbirds may be seen all over. They arrive in April and May and depart in September, making them by far the most frequent hummingbird in the state. The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common type you’ll see in your yard.
2. RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Selasphorus rufus
When it comes to sharing feeders and driving away other hummers, rufous hummingbirds are known for being quite “feisty.” Males have an orange-red throat and a white patch on the upper breast. Green females with rusty patches on their throats and a speckled throat.
They move up through California in the spring, spend the summer in the Pacific Northwest and Canada, then zip back down into the Rockies in the autumn. Rufous hummingbirds are probably the second most commonly seen species on the east coast behind ruby-throated hummingbirds, and they are considered a western U.S. hummingbird.
The southern section of New Hampshire (below Laconia) has the most recorded sightings, with late summer to late autumn being the most common time. They don’t appear to be frequent visitors to the state, but there have been over a dozen sightings in recent years.
3. CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Selasphorus calliope
The Central American calliope hummingbird spends the winter in Central America, then migrates to the Pacific Northwest and western Canada during the breeding season. The calliope is the tiniest bird in the United States, so that’s an impressively long migration!
The neck of males is marked by magenta streaks that split down the sides, which is a distinctively masculine pattern. The neck and underparts of females are plain, with some green speckling.
On the east coast, however, Calliope hummingbirds are only found in a few states. While they have been sighted in neighboring states such as Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, I could only locate one sighting in New Hampshire that took place in 2013.
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 constantly eat and have a dependable supply of nectar. Pick a feeder with a red hue and one that is simple to disassemble and clean. Cleaning and refilling should be done more frequently in hot weather than once a week. For most people, we recommend a saucer-shaped feeder. They’re simple to keep clean, they work well, and they don’t hold a lot of nectar.
2. MAKE YOUR OWN NECTAR
By creating your own nectar, you may eliminate (and sometimes harmful) additives. It’s a great deal, it’s simple to do, and it’s fast. In a 1:4 proportion (1 cup sugar to 4 cups water), all you have to do is mix plain white sugar with water. We have a simple how-to guide on creating your own nectar without having to boil the water.
3. PLANT NATIVE FLOWERS
Plant some flowers in your yard that will attract passing hummingbirds, apart from a feeder. They’re especially fond of red (as well as orange, pink, and purple) blooms with trumpet or tubular blossoms. Vertical planting might help you save space. A long cascading vine of flowers may be grown on the top of your home’s obelisk trellis or a flat trellis attached to the side. Hummingbirds like the look of these 20 plants and flowers.
4. PROVIDE WATER
Hummingbirds need water to drink and bathe. They’ll utilize traditional bird baths, despite the fact that they may be too deep for them. You can purchase or make something wonderful for your yard with these wonderful options for hummingbird baths.
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 among the insects affected. By avoiding pesticides, you can help your hummers. Our 5 simple tips will help you feed insects to hummingbirds, as well as provide additional guidance on insect feeding.