5 Types of Hummingbirds Found in Oklahoma (ID Guide)

We’re going on an exciting journey to explore hummingbirds in Oklahoma. Oklahoma’s diverse landscapes, from the eastern forests to the western prairies, provide a variety of habitats for hummingbirds. These remarkable creatures play a vital role in the state’s ecosystem, pollinating flowers as they flit from bloom to bloom in search of nectar. While some species are year-round residents, others make Oklahoma a stopover on their incredible migratory journeys, traveling thousands of miles each year. Let’s explore the fascinating world of hummingbirds that call Oklahoma home, even if just for a season.

Common Hummingbirds Found in Oklahoma

1. Ruby-throated hummingbird
2. Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
3. Black-Chinned Hummingbird
4. Calliope Hummingbird
5. Rufous Hummingbird

1. Ruby-throated hummingbird

• Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
• Size: 2.8-3.5 inches long
• Weight: 0.1-0.2 ounces
• Lifespan: 3-5 years in the wild
• Diet: Nectar from flowers, small insects, and tree sap

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common hummingbird species in Oklahoma. These tiny birds are a familiar sight in gardens, parks, and woodlands across the state, especially during the warm months. Their name comes from the male’s brilliant ruby-red throat patch, which shimmers in the sunlight. Females lack this bright patch, sporting a white throat instead, but both sexes share the emerald-green back and white-tipped tail feathers.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are master flyers, capable of hovering in mid-air and even flying backward. They arrive in Oklahoma in early spring, usually around late March or early April, after an incredible journey across the Gulf of Mexico. These tiny travelers fly non-stop for up to 500 miles over open water, a feat that showcases their remarkable endurance. In Oklahoma, they busy themselves feeding on nectar-rich flowers and catching small insects to fuel their high-energy lifestyle.

Hummingbirds in other Regions:

• Hummingbirds in Missouri
• Hummingbirds in Florida
• Hummingbirds in Maryland
• Hummingbirds in Michigan
• Hummingbirds in New York
• Hummingbirds In Virginia 

2. Broad-Tailed Hummingbird

• Scientific name: Selasphorus platycercus
• Size: 3.1-3.5 inches long
• Weight: 0.1-0.2 ounces
• Lifespan: Up to 12 years in the wild
• Diet: Flower nectar, small insects, and spiders

The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is a less common visitor to Oklahoma, typically seen in the western part of the state during migration. These beautiful birds are slightly larger than their Ruby-throated cousins and are known for the distinctive trilling sound made by their wings in flight. Males have a rosy-red throat patch and greenbacks, while females are duller in color with speckled throats.

Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are well-adapted to cooler temperatures and higher elevations, which explains their preference for the mountainous regions of the western United States. When they pass through Oklahoma, they seek out areas with plenty of flowering plants, particularly those with tubular blossoms. These birds play an important role in pollination, transferring pollen from flower to flower as they feed on nectar.

3. Black-Chinned Hummingbird

• Scientific Name: Archilochus alexandri
• Size: 7.5–9 cm (3–3.5 in) in length
• Weight: 2.0–4.0 g (0.07–0.14 oz)
• Lifespan: 3–5 years in the wild
• Diet: Nectar, insects, and spiders

The Black-chinned Hummingbird is another species that graces Oklahoma with its presence, primarily in the western half of the state. As their name suggests, males have a black chin with a thin strip of iridescent purple at the base, which can appear black in poor lighting. Females have a pale throat and are generally duller in color, helping them blend in with their surroundings when nesting.

These adaptable birds are found in a variety of habitats, from desert scrub to urban gardens. In Oklahoma, they’re often spotted in open woodlands and along streams with abundant flowering plants. Black-chinned Hummingbirds are known for their acrobatic flying skills, often seen hanging upside down from feeders or flowers as they drink nectar. Their ability to hover and fly in any direction makes them fascinating to watch.

4. Calliope Hummingbird

• Scientific Name: Selasphorus calliope
• Size: 7.5–9 cm (3–3.5 in) in length
• Weight: 2.0–4.0 g (0.07–0.14 oz)
• Lifespan: 3–5 years in the wild
• Diet: Nectar, insects, and spiders

The Calliope Hummingbird holds the title of the smallest breeding bird in North America, and it’s a rare treat to spot one in Oklahoma. These tiny birds are most likely to be seen during fall migration, as they make their way from their breeding grounds in the northwestern United States and Canada to their wintering areas in Mexico. Males are distinguished by their unique magenta-striped throat, while females have a plain throat with dark spotting.

Despite their small size, Calliope Hummingbirds are known for their feisty nature and are not afraid to chase away larger hummingbirds from their preferred feeding spots. In Oklahoma, they may be spotted in open areas with scattered trees and shrubs, particularly where wildflowers are abundant. Their presence in the state is a reminder of the vast distances these tiny birds travel during their annual migrations.

5. Rufous Hummingbird

• Scientific Name: Selasphorus rufus
• Size: 7.5–9 cm (3–3.5 in) in length
• Weight: 2.0–4.0 g (0.07–0.14 oz)
• Lifespan: 3–5 years in the wild
• Diet: Nectar, insects, and spiders

The Rufous Hummingbird is a feisty little bird that passes through Oklahoma during its epic migration. Known for their bright orange-red coloration, especially in males, these birds are a striking sight when they visit the state. Females and young birds are less brightly colored, with greenbacks and rusty patches on their sides.

Rufous Hummingbirds hold the record for the longest migration in relation to body size of any bird in the world. They travel a clockwise circuit up the Pacific Coast in spring and down through the Rocky Mountains in fall, with some birds passing through Oklahoma. These birds are known for their aggressive nature, often chasing away other hummingbirds from feeders and prime nectar sources. Their appearance in Oklahoma is typically brief but memorable, usually occurring in late summer or early fall.

Where to Look for Hummingbirds in Oklahoma

Oklahoma offers many excellent locations for hummingbird watching. Here are some of the best places to spot these tiny marvels:

1. Gardens and Backyards: Many Oklahomans attract hummingbirds to their own backyards by planting nectar-rich flowers and setting up hummingbird feeders. Flowers like trumpet honeysuckle, bee balm, and cardinal flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds.
2. State Parks: Oklahoma’s state parks provide diverse habitats that attract various hummingbird species. Some notable parks include:
   • Beavers Bend State Park in southeast Oklahoma
   • Robbers Cave State Park in the Sans Bois Mountains
   • Roman Nose State Park in western Oklahoma
3. Wildlife Refuges: These protected areas offer prime habitat for hummingbirds and other wildlife. Consider visiting:
   • Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Lawton
   • Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Oklahoma
4. Botanical Gardens: These cultivated spaces often feature a wide variety of flowering plants that attract hummingbirds. Check out:
   • Tulsa Botanic Garden
   • Myriad Botanical Gardens in Oklahoma City
5. Nature Centers: Many nature centers have hummingbird gardens and feeders set up for easy viewing. Some options include:
   • Oxley Nature Center in Tulsa
   • Martin Park Nature Center in Oklahoma City

Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds

If you want to attract hummingbirds to your own backyard, here are some helpful tips:

1. Plant nectar-rich flowers: Choose native plants when possible, as these are adapted to the local climate and provide hummingbirds with the best nutrition.
2. Set up hummingbird feeders: Use a mixture of four parts water to one part white sugar. Avoid using honey or artificial sweeteners, as these can be harmful to hummingbirds.
3. Provide a water source: Hummingbirds enjoy bathing in fine mists. A small fountain or mister can attract them to your yard.
4. Avoid using pesticides: These can harm hummingbirds and reduce their insect food sources.
5. Maintain a consistent feeding schedule: Once you start feeding hummingbirds, try to continue throughout the season, as they may come to rely on your feeder as a food source.

Conservation and Challenges

While hummingbirds are not currently considered endangered in Oklahoma, they face several challenges. Habitat loss due to urban development and agriculture can reduce the availability of natural food sources. Climate change may also affect the timing of migrations and the availability of nectar-producing flowers.

Oklahomans can help protect hummingbirds by:

• Creating hummingbird-friendly gardens with native plants
• Supporting conservation efforts that protect natural habitats
• Participating in citizen science projects that track hummingbird populations

The Future of Hummingbirds in Oklahoma

As our understanding of hummingbirds grows, so does our appreciation for these remarkable creatures. Ongoing research is helping scientists better understand hummingbird migration patterns, breeding behaviors, and habitat needs. This knowledge is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies to ensure that future generations of Oklahomans can enjoy the wonder of hummingbirds.

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Final Thoughts

From the common Ruby-throated Hummingbird to the rare Calliope, Oklahoma’s hummingbirds offer a glimpse into a world of natural beauty and wonder. These tiny birds, with their jewel-like colors and incredible flying abilities, remind us of the diverse and fascinating wildlife that calls our state home. Whether you’re a dedicated bird watcher or simply someone who enjoys the beauty of nature, taking the time to observe and appreciate hummingbirds can be a rewarding experience. So the next time you’re outdoors in Oklahoma, keep your eyes peeled for that telltale flash of iridescent feathers – you might just spot one of these amazing aerial acrobats in action!