Hummingbirds have been spotted in the United States, according to reports, in as many as 27 different species. In Texas, there are eight species of hummingbirds that either migrate through the state or have a range in the state. However, at some point in Texas, we spotted nine additional species. Texas is a superb state for anyone who wants to feed and observe hummingbirds, with a total of 17 species of hummingbirds.
I’ve compiled a list of hummingbirds that may be seen in Texas based on range maps from reliable sources such as allaboutbirds.org, neotropical.birds.cornell.edu, and others. The species name, images of what it looks like, characteristics about its look, a brief description, and some interesting information are all available for each of the first eight species on this list.
I’ve gathered as much information on the remaining nine vagrant species as I can find. Next, I’ll describe each of the eight hummingbird species that may be found in Texas or migrate through the state. Following that is a list of rare species that have been seen in Texas on occasion.
1. RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD
Length: 2.8-3.5 in
Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz
Wingspan: 3.1-4.3 in
In cities such as Austin, Houston, and Dallas, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds may be found in the eastern part of Texas. A migration route exists north and south of Austin, but these hummers also have a breeding range to the east. The only breeding hummers in eastern North America are Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, which have the greatest breeding range of any North American hummer.
2. BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD
Length: 3.1-3.5 in
Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz
Wingspan: 5.25 in
The breeding range of Broad-tailed Hummingbirds extends from El Paso in the west to Big Bend National Park in the east. They migrate exclusively east of there, but are mostly uncommon further east than that in cities like Midland and Amarillo. From May to August, they may be found throughout the United States, however they only stay for a few months. Every year, in addition to the other years. They’re often seen zipping around nectar feeders and capturing flying insects during this time.
3. BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD
Length: 3.9-4.3 in
Weight: 0.1 oz
Wingspan: 5.75 in
Only cities like Corpus Christi and Houston in southern and southeastern Texas are home to these hummingbirds. Texas and Louisiana are the only two states where Buff-bellied Hummingbirds can be found in the United States, going as far east as Louisiana. They don’t go far inland because they are along the Gulf coast. Due to their limited distribution throughout Texas, Buff-bellied Hummingbirds are less prevalent than other species.
4. BLUE-THROATED MOUNTAIN GEM
Length: 4.3-4.7 in
Weight: 0.3 oz
Wingspan: 2.3-3.1 in
In the United States, Blue-throated Hummingbirds, also known as Blue-throated Mountain Gems, have a small range. Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona are the only places where they may be found. With Texas and New Mexico having just a couple of minor spots where they may be occasionally seen, Arizona has the greatest distribution in the southeast corner of the state. The best place to see a Blue-throated Mountain Gem in Texas is at Big Bend National Park, which is located throughout the state.
5. BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD
Length: 3.5 in
Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz
Wingspan: 4.3 in
Hummingbirds with black chins are ubiquitous in Central and Western Texas. They do not have a range in Texas, except in the eastern and northern parts of the state. They breed in the eastern United States from Texas to Idaho, and every state west of that line, migrate north from Mexico and Central America each year. In Texas, putting out nectar feeders and colorful, nectar-rich native flowers is the best way to attract these hummingbirds.
6. CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD
Length: 3.1-3.5 in
Weight: 0.1 oz
Wingspan: 4.1-4.3 in
During migration, Calliope Hummingbirds only stop in western Texas destinations such as Big Bend National Park and El Paso. Each year, they breed mostly in the Pacific Northwest and western Canada. Calliope hummingbirds are among the tiniest hummers in North America, even for their size. They return to their breeding grounds in the spring and will leave Texas by late September or early October after breeding.
7. RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD
During migrations, Rufous Hummingbirds only stop in the western portion of Texas for a short visit. If you reside west of Dallas/Ft. Worth, If you’re lucky, some of your feeders will be visited by Worth. They will, however, make just a pit stop for a few weeks at most before continuing on their journey, so keep an eye out for them. When it comes to sharing feeders, Rufous Hummingbirds are notorious for being “feisty,” and other hummers may be chased away.
8. LUCIFER HUMMINGBIRD
Length: 3.5 in
Weight: 0.1 oz
Wingspan: 4 in
The Big Bend National Park region of Texas is home to a large number of Lucifer Hummingbirds. They can also be found in extreme southern New Mexico and Arizona, as well as near the border, throughout the whole United States. From early March to late November, Lucifer Hummingbirds may be observed in these regions. A downturned beak, long forked tails, and a purple throat distinguish them from the females.
RARE HUMMINGBIRDS IN TEXAS
There have been reports of hummingbirds in Texas throughout the years, although they do not have a range in the state.
1. ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD
In western and northwestern Texas, Anna’s hummingbirds are slightly bigger than Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.
2. BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD
This species has been seen in greater numbers in recent years, particularly around the Davis Mountains, in western Texas.
3. MAGNIFICENT HUMMINGBIRD
Magnificent Hummingbirds may be seen in parts of West Texas and are once known as “Rivoli’s Hummingbird.”
4. ALLEN’S HUMMINGBIRD
Each year, these little creatures fly from Central America to the Pacific Coast, where they breed. Throughout the year, a few vagrants have made their way into Texas, although it is uncommon.
5. WHITE-EARED HUMMINGBIRD
White-eared Hummingbirds have been sighted in Texas near the Davis Mountains on many occasions, although they are uncommon across the whole state.
6. MEXICAN VIOLETEAR (AKA GREEN VIOLETEAR)
They’re a uncommon and non-breeding visitor to the state, having been documented many times in southern Texas.
7. VIOLET-CROWNED HUMMINGBIRD
There have only been a few Violet-crowned Hummingbird recordings in Texas, according to what I’ve found. Southern New Mexico and Arizona, near the border, are where they have a limited breeding range.
8. BERYLLINE HUMMINGBIRD
In 1997, a Berylline Hummingbird was first seen in Texas. There have only been a few sightings since then.
9. GREEN-BREASTED MANGO
Over the years, this Central American native hummingbird has been seen in Texas roughly 20 times.
WHEN DO HUMMINGBIRDS ARRIVE IN TEXAS?
Most hummingbirds will arrive in Texas each year in mid-March and continue to April, although it may vary slightly by species. So, make sure to read our hummingbird attraction tips article and have your feeders prepared!