7 Hummingbirds In Kansas (With Pictures)
In Kansas, hummingbirds enchant many with their aerial acrobatics. They’re tiny but mighty, often seen chasing away intruders with fierce determination. Their diet? Nectar, sipped through long beaks perfect for delving into flowers. While Kansas boasts a variety of wildlife, hummingbird enthusiasts might need to venture further to spot these delightful creatures. Research reveals that the Ruby-throated Hummingbird dominates the eastern skies here. Rare visitors do appear, though, and with a bit of luck and research, you could encounter up to seven different hummingbird species throughout the state.
Here we’ll learn about 7 different types of Hummingbirds In Kansas
1. Ruby-throated hummingbird
- Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
- Size: 2.8 to 3.5 inches
- Weight: 0.071 to 0.212 ounces, females slightly larger
- Wingspan: 3.1 to 4.3 inches
- Lifespan: 5-7 years
- Conservation: Least Concern
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a favorite in North America. First off, they’re known for inspiring people to grow plants that help pollinators.
These tiny birds love warm places like Central America and Mexico in the winter, but when it’s spring and summer, they fly up to Canada. Only the boys have a bright red throat.
Now, these birds usually chirp only when they need to protect their space or show off to find a mate. Also, they like to be alone most of the time. After the mom lays eggs, she takes care of her babies all by herself.
Hummingbirds are super busy during the day, eating almost all the time to stay full of energy. But when it gets cold, they can slow down to save energy, kind of like taking a deep sleep. This doesn’t mean they’re hurt; they’re just resting up for later.
2. Anna’s Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Calypte Anna
- Length: 3.9 – 4.3 inches )
- Weight: 0.1 to 0.2 oz
- Wingspan: 4.7 inches
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Status: Least Concern
The Anna’s Hummingbird is pretty common in North America, but not so much in Kansas. They love to eat from fancy plants that aren’t usually found in the wild.
If you want to see one, try visiting a garden with lots of different flowers. The males have a cool red hat on their heads, which makes them unique. Both male and female hummingbirds have shiny pink necks, but the females are less flashy.
Their sound is kind of like a scratchy, squeaky noise that might remind you of nails on a chalkboard. It’s not often you’ll find these birds in Kansas, they’re kind of like special guests.
But hey, if you’re into birdwatching, join a club! They share info about where to find rare birds, and you might get lucky and see Anna’s Hummingbird.
3. Allen’s Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Selasphorus Sasin
- Length: 3 -3.5 inches
- Weight: 0.71 -0.176 ounces
- Wingspan: 3 inches
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Status: Least Concern
The Allen’s Hummingbird, a tiny yet vibrant visitor, is a rare sight in Kansas. Mostly found in the western U.S., they occasionally wander into Kansas during their migration from South America. Sometimes, birds stray off course, which is why you might spot them in unexpected places during migration.
These hummingbirds stand out with their rusty (rufous) feathers and the males’ shiny orange-red throats. The females are mostly green but have the same rufous tails as the males.
Young Allen’s Hummingbirds In Kansas looks so similar to female Rufous Hummingbirds that telling them apart is tough. The males are super protective of their space.
Even though they’re only about 3.5 inches long, these courageous birds don’t hesitate to take on much bigger animals, like kestrels and hawks, to defend themselves.
4. Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Archilochus Alexandri
- Length: 3.5 inches
- Weight: Unknown
- Wingspan: unknown
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Status: Least Concern
The Black-chinned Hummingbird, named for the male’s black throat, is mostly seen in the western U.S., venturing into Canada and Mexico seasonally.
Rare in Kansas, they’re adaptable and can be spotted in various habitats with nectar-rich flowers. Females build nests high up, using soft materials like spider silk.
Interestingly, they may nest near predators, deterring threats to their young, as their small size doesn’t offer much energy for the effort of hunting them.
5. Broad-tailed Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Selasphorus Platycercus
- Length: 4 inches
- Weight: 0.13 oz
- Wingspan: 5.25 inches
- Lifespan: 5-7 years
- Status: Least Concern
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird, not a usual resident of Kansas, can be seen during migration.
They show sexual dimorphism: males have a rose-red throat patch, females don’t. Preferring pine or oak woods, they feast on red flowers and insects. In breeding season, males impress with high dives and a trilling wing sound.
Females often return to the same nest, and while chicks leave the nest in about 10 days, they’re watched over for weeks.
6. Calliope Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Selasphorus Calliope
- Length: 2.8-3.9 in
- Weight: 0.071-0.106 oz
- Wingspan: 4.3 in
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Status: Least Concern
The Calliope Hummingbird, tiny but mighty, is the smallest bird in the U.S. and Canada. In Kansas, you might spot them between Lawrence and Ottawa, especially when they’re migrating. Unlike their cousins, they also sip sap from trees, thanks to the handy work of sapsuckers.
Their homes are mini masterpieces, modeled after pine cones and hidden among them in pine-rich areas. Also, These smart birds often recycle their nests, saving energy for other activities.
Sadly, their numbers are dipping. One big problem? Invasive plants are taking over, leaving less room for the foods these little birds love.
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7. Rufous Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Selasphorus rufus
- Length: 2.8–3.5 inches
- Weight: 0.071-0.176 oz
- Wingspan: 4.3 inches
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Status: Near Threatened
The Rufous Hummingbird, a rare treat in Kansas, might fly through during migration. Known for their reddish face and the male’s bright throat feathers, they’re easy to spot.
Despite their size, they’re mighty travelers, flying over 2,000 miles each year. Sadly, they’re now considered Near Threatened, partly because of pesticides reducing their insect food.
Plus, climate change is messing up their food timing, with some flowers blooming too early for their arrival.
Final Thoughts:
Kansas, rich in habitats, hosts diverse species, from hummingbirds to rare Piping Plovers and Black-Footed Ferrets. Hummingbirds, akin to bees, pollinate flowers and regulate pests, crucial for ecosystem health. Understanding and sharing knowledge about these birds aids local and broader ecology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What month are hummingbirds in Kansas?
Hummingbirds typically arrive in Kansas around April and stay until September, with peak numbers during the summer months.
Q2. How do you attract hummingbirds in Kansas?
Planting native flowers like bee balm, trumpet vine, and salvia can attract hummingbirds. Additionally, maintaining clean feeders with a sugar water solution can help.
Q3. When should hummingbird feeders be put out?
Hummingbird feeders should be put out in Kansas by early April to coincide with the arrival of migrating hummingbirds.
Q4. What is the most common hummingbird in Kansas?
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common hummingbird species in Kansas, although other species like the Black-chinned and Rufous Hummingbirds may also be spotted during migration.
