Hummingbirds have been observed in the United States, according to estimates, almost 30 different species. Certain of them are common, while others are unusual or accidental visitors that come only once a year. We’ve discovered two common or semi-common species of hummingbirds and three rare species in New Jersey. In New Jersey, there are five different species of hummingbirds that have been seen multiple times.
5 HUMMINGBIRDS IN NEW JERSEY
We’ve put together a list of hummingbirds that may be seen in the state of New Jersey based on range maps from authoritative sources like 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 two most common species will be listed first, followed by the three rarer species.
Keep reading this page to find out when hummingbirds will be returning to your state, and keep reading for advice on attracting hummingbirds to your yard.
Enjoy!
1. RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
In the eastern part of the United States, ruby-throated hummingbirds are the most frequent hummingbird. The back is green, with white underparts. In certain lighting, males have a ruby red throat that can appear black.
They arrive in droves from Central America each spring, filling the country. In one nonstop journey, many of them fly over the Gulf of Mexico! Hummingbirds may be attracted to yard with nectar feeders and blooms, which is very simple.
Throughout the spring and summer, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds may be seen all around New Jersey. They will come in April and May, and depart in September.
2. RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Selasphorus rufus
When it comes to sharing feeders and chasing other hummers, Rufous hummingbirds are well-known for being feisty. The top breast is white, and the throat is orange-red in males. They are completely orange on the upper body. Green with rusty patches on the neck and a speckled throat, females are female.
They move 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. Rufous hummingbirds are the second most commonly seen species on the east coast, after the ruby-throated hummingbird, and are considered a western U.S. hummingbird.
Sightings in New Jersey are more common near the state’s borders than in the interior section of the state, and they take place mostly during the late fall and winter. Cape May appears to be the most frequently reported location.
3. BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Archilochus alexandri
Each year, black-chinned hummingbirds migrate to the western United States to breed after spending the winter in Mexico and Central America. In most light, males have a small strip of purple feathers along the bottom that is occasionally visible. Their throat color appears to be plain black. Females have a plain throat and are green above and pale below like other hummingbird females. They like to perch on exposed branches and can be found in a variety of environments, from deserts to mountain woods.
They have been recorded in most states along the east coast, including New Jersey, where there have been a few sightings throughout the years. They are a bird of the west coast but have been seen in most states along the east coast at least once. For the state, they would still be considered uncommon, but you may get lucky. They prefer to live near the state’s coasts.
4. CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Selasphorus calliope
The calliope hummingbird breeds in the Pacific Northwest and portions of western Canada during the winter, then migrates to Central America for the rest of the year. The calliope is the smallest bird in the United States, so that’s an impressively long migration!
Males have a distinctive magenta stripe pattern on the sides of their throat. Plain females have a peachy tint to their underparts and a green neck spot.
On the east coast, Calliope Hummingbirds are uncommon, however they have been observed in New Jersey on a few occasions.
5. ALLEN’S HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Selasphorus sasin
Every year, these little insects fly from Central America to California’s Pacific Coast to breed. It can be difficult separating the two because they have identical colors to the Rufous hummingbird. Allen’s males are orange with a green back and neck. Their necks are orangey-red. The neck of females is speckled, and their flanks are brownish-orange. In comparison to other hummingbirds, they migrate to California in January, albeit somewhat later.
Allen’s is a unique New Jersey restaurant, with just a few visits over the years. The east coast, particularly around Cape May and Bass River State Forest, has been the most common location for reported sightings.
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 a lot of nectar, so finding a dependable supply is vital. Pick a feeder with a red top that is simple to disassemble and clean. 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 effectively, and don’t store a lot of nectar.
2. MAKE YOUR OWN NECTAR
Make your own nectar to avoid unnecessary (and occasionally harmful) additives and red dyes. It’s inexpensive, simple to use, and fast. You may simply add plain white sugar to 4 cups water in a 1:4 proportion (1 cup sugar to 4 cups water). Making your own nectar without boiling the water is easy, as we have an how-to article for you.
3. PLANT NATIVE FLOWERS
Plant flowers in your yard that will attract passing hummingbirds, in addition to a feeder. Flowers with trumpet or tubular shaped blossoms, as well as red (as well as orange, pink, and purple) flowers, are particularly attractive to them. Vertical planting might help you save some room. Long cascading vines of flowers can have a spectacular vertical surface on an obelisk trellis or a flat trellis attached to the side of your home. Hummingbirds will love these 20 plants and flowers.
4. PROVIDE WATER
Water is required by hummingbirds for both drinking and bathing. They will utilize bathtubs with the correct “specifications,” despite the fact that they may find traditional bird baths to be deep. Hummingbird baths are available for purchase, as well as ideas for creating something beautiful in your yard.
5. PROMOTE INSECTS
Sugar isn’t enough for most hummingbirds, so they need protein too. Little insects account for up to a third of their food. Mosquitoes, fruit flies, spiders, and gnats are among the insects that cause this. Avoid pesticides to help your hummers. Our 5 simple techniques can help you feed hummingbirds insects and other tips on bug feeders may be found there.