Hummingbirds have been seen in the United States, according to reports, almost 30 different species. Certain of them are frequent while others are uncommon or happenstance visitors. We’ve discovered two common or semi-common species of hummingbirds in Ohio, as well as three uncommon species. You may see five different hummingbird species in Ohio, for a total of five.
5 HUMMINGBIRDS IN OHIO
We’ve compiled a list of hummingbirds that may be seen in Ohio based on range maps from official sources such as allaboutbirds.org and ebird.org. The species name, pictures of what it looks like, characteristics about appearance, and where and when you may see them are all available for each species in this list. The two most common species will be listed first, followed by the three uncommon species.
Return to this page to learn 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.
Enjoy!
1. RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
In the eastern half of the United States, Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the most common hummer. In Ohio, they are far and away the most frequent hummingbird. The back of both sexes is green, while the underparts are white. The crimson neck of males is ruby red, which may darken in certain lights.
They arrive in Central America during the winter and then migrate to the country in droves. In one non-stop flight, several of them fly over the Gulf of Mexico! Hummingbirds may be attracted to nectar feeders and flowers with Ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Throughout the spring and summer months, Ruby-throated hummingbirds may be seen across Ohio. In April and May, they will arrive, and in September, they will depart.
2. RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Selasphorus rufus
When it comes to sharing feeders and driving away other hummers, Rufous hummingbirds are well-known for being “feisty.” Males have an orange body with a white patch on the upper breast and an orange-red throat. Green with rusty patches and a speckled throat, females are green.
They move north up through California in the spring, spend the summer in the Pacific Northwest, and return south through the Rockies in the fall. Rufous hummingbirds are most likely the second most prevalent species in the east, behind the ruby-throated hummingbird, and are often mistaken for them.
Rufous hummingbirds have been seen in Ohio on several occasions. Although they aren’t as frequent as the ruby-throated, a few are detected by keen hummingbird observers every year in the state. During the late autumn and winter, they are most commonly seen in Ohio.
3. CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Selasphorus calliope
The breeding season for the calliope hummingbird is spent in the Pacific Northwest and sections of western Canada, with a wintering period in Central America. Even though the calliope is the smallest bird in the United States, that’s an extremely long migration!
Males have a distinct magenta stripe throat design that forks down on either side of the neck. The throat is brown with green spots, and the underparts are peachy. Females are simple.
On the east coast, Calliope Hummingbirds are uncommon, however at least twice have been seen in Ohio. During the winter of 2017, a group of lucky birdwatchers in Delaware discovered one. As a result, others may occasionally fall into the state.
4. ALLEN’S HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Selasphorus sasin
Every year, these little insects fly from Central America to California’s Pacific Coast to breed. It may be difficult to tell the difference between these two species because their coloring is so similar. The back and throat of Allen’s males are orange, with a green tint. Females have a dull green back and brownish-orange flanks with a speckled throat. In comparison to other hummingbirds, they migrate relatively early in the year to California.
According to eBird, Allen’s is quite unusual in Ohio, having been seen twice since 2009. They appear from time to time on the east coast, so you never know when you’ll see one.
5. ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD
Anna really does live in the United States. However, they are only found on a regular basis in a few of the western states, such as California and Washington. They can be found all year within most of their range. Their feathers are bright green, and even their chests and bellies are adorned with emerald feathers. Their hue is more vibrant and glitzier than that of most other birds. The rosy-pink gorges on males, and the vibrant plumes rise up into their foreheads.
Outside of their range, Annas are rather unusual, but they do stray and may be found in central and eastern areas of the United States. They’ve at least seen them once. During the winter, just a few sightings have been documented near Ohio’s western border.
ATTRACTING HUMMINGBIRDS TO YOUR YARD
1. HANG HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS
Hang a nectar feeder in your yard, and you may attract the most hummers. Hummingbirds must constantly feed, and finding a dependable source of nectar is necessary. Pick a feeder with a red finish and that is simple to disassemble and clean. Cleansing and refilling should be done more than once per week in hot weather. For most people, we recommend a saucer-shaped feeder. They’re very simple to clean, operate effectively, and don’t store an enormous amount of nectar.
2. MAKE YOUR OWN NECTAR
Make your own nectar to avoid unnecessary (and occasionally hazardous) additives and red dyes. It’s a great value, simple to use, and fast. All you have to do is mix 1 cup sugar and 4 cups water together in a 1:4 ratio. Without having to boil the water, we have a simple how-to guide on making your own nectar.
3. PLANT NATIVE FLOWERS
Plant flowers in your yard that will attract passing hummingbirds, apart from a feeder. Flowers with trumpet or tubular blossoms, as well as red (as well as orange, pink, and purple), are particularly attractive to them. Vertical planting can help you take full advantage of your space. Long cascading vines of flowers may be held upright on an obelisk trellis or a flat trellis attached to the side of your home. Hummingbirds will like these 20 plants and flowers.
4. PROVIDE WATER
Hummingbirds must drink and bathe in water. These birds will utilize baths with the appropriate “qualifications,” despite the fact that they may find conventional bird baths too deep. You can buy a hummingbird bath or create something amazing for your yard with these fantastic ideas.
5. PROMOTE INSECTS
Sugar isn’t the only thing that hummingbirds need, they also require protein. Little insects account for a third of their diet. Mosquitoes, fruit flies, spiders, and gnats are among the insects affected. Stay away from pesticides to help your hummers. See our 5 easy tips for more advice on insect feeders and how you can contribute to the hummingbird diet.