In the United States, there have been reports of approximately 30 distinct hummingbird species. Some are common yearly visitors, while others are uncommon or accidental guests. We’ve discovered two common or semi-common species of hummingbirds in New York, as well as one that’s rare. Hummingbirds have been seen three times in New York, and each time they were different species.
3 HUMMINGBIRDS IN NEW YORK
We’ve compiled a list of hummingbirds that may be seen in New York based on range maps from trustworthy 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 find them are all listed for each species in this list. The two most common species will be listed first, followed by the less common.
Visit this page to learn when hummingbirds will be returning to your state, and keep reading at the conclusion of the page for advice on drawing hummingbirds to your yard.
1. RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
In the eastern part of the United States, ruby-throated hummingbirds are by far the most prevalent hummingbirds. The back is green, while the underparts are white. The throat of males is crimson, and it can appear black in some lighting.
They arrive in droves from their Central American wintering grounds every spring. In one non-stop journey, many of them fly across the Gulf of Mexico! With nectar feeders and flowers, Ruby-throated hummingbirds are relatively simple to attract to yards.
During the spring and summer months, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds may be seen across New York. They’ll come in late April and depart in September, arriving around late May and departing in mid-May.
2. RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Selasphorus rufus
When it comes to sharing feeders and chasing off other hummers, Rufous hummingbirds are known for being very “feisty.” Males have an orange neck and a white patch on the upper breast. Green females with rusty patches and a speckled neck.
They move up through California in the spring and spend the summer in the Pacific Northwest and Canada before returning down through the Rockies in the fall. The rufous hummingbird is probably the second most commonly seen species on the east coast, behind the ruby-throated hummingbird, and is considered a western U.S. Hummingbird.
The western part of the state, NYC, and Long Island are where you’ll find the most recorded sightings in New York. Between October and February, you can expect to see stray rufous hummingbirds in New York.
3. CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Selasphorus calliope
The breeding season for the calliope hummingbird is spent in the Pacific Northwest and parts of western Canada, with most of its winter time spent in Central America. Even though the calliope is the smallest bird in the United States, that is an impressively long migration.
Males have a stripe pattern on their throats that forks down on either side, which is unique. The throat and underparts of females are plain, but they have green spotting.
On the east coast, Calliope Hummingbirds are uncommon, however they have been seen a few times in New York. The four recorded sightings of ABird have all occurred in Westchester, Fort Tryon Park, Battery Park, and Suffolk, in the far south of the state. Search for wayward calliopes towards the end of the year, since all of these sightings took place around November or December.
ATTRACTING HUMMINGBIRDS TO YOUR YARD
1. HANG HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS
Hang a nectar feeder in your yard, and you’ll probably attract the most hummers. Hummingbirds must eat constantly, and finding a dependable source of nectar is critical. 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 per week in hot weather. For most people, we recommend a saucer-shaped feeder. They’re super simple to maintain, operate effectively, and don’t store an excessive amount of nectar.
2. MAKE YOUR OWN NECTAR
By making your own nectar, you can avoid harmful (and occasionally deadly) ingredients. It’s a bargain, and it’s simple to use. Add plain white sugar to water in a 1:4 ratio (1 cup sugar per 4 cups water), and you’re done! Creating your own nectar without having to boil the water is simple with our how-to guide.
3. PLANT NATIVE FLOWERS
Also plant some flowers in your yard that will draw passing hummingbirds, other than a feeder. Flowers of red (as well as orange, pink, and purple), as well as trumpet or tubular blossom types, are particularly appealing to them. Vertical planting can help you take up more space. Long cascading vines of flowers may be placed on an obelisk trellis or a flat trellis attached to the side of your home. Hummingbirds love these 20 plants and flowers, so check them out.
4. PROVIDE WATER
Hummingbirds need water in order to survive. They will utilize traditional bird baths until they find ones that are too deep, but they will use those with the proper “specifications. You might want to consider purchasing a hummingbird bath, or you may want to build one for your own garden.
5. PROMOTE INSECTS
Sugar isn’t enough for most hummingbirds, so they need protein as well. Little insects make up a third of their diet. Mosquitoes, fruit flies, spiders, and gnats are just a few of the pests that can be found. By avoiding insecticides, you may help your hummers. See our 5 simple strategies for more information on bug feeders and ways to encourage bugs to hummingbirds.