7 Species Of Hummingbirds In Virginia (With Pictures)
Virginia is a haven for bird lovers, with a variety of species, including hummingbirds. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common, but six others are also found here. These include the Rufous, Calliope, Buff-bellied, Allen’s, Black-chinned, and Anna’s Hummingbirds.
We’ll look into their unique traits and behaviors, and where to see them. Get ready to be amazed by the variety of hummingbirds in Virginia!
Hummingbirds In Virginia
Virginia is a top spot for birdwatchers, with almost 500 bird species. Hummingbirds are a big part of this, with their small size, bright colors, and amazing skills. They are a joy to watch.
Common Hummingbird Species That Found in Virginia
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
- Buff-bellied Hummingbird
- Allen’s Hummingbird
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Anna’s Hummingbird
1. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Scientific name – Archilochus colubris
- Lifespan – 6 years (average)
- Size – (7 to 9 cm)
- Weight – (2 to 6 g)
- Wingspan – (8 to 11 cm)
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a small but beautiful bird found in Virginia. It has a slightly downcurved beak and is a joy to watch. The male has a bright ruby-red throat, greenback, and dark belly. The female looks different with a whitish belly and green back. They make a unique “chee-dit” sound as they fly.
Nesting and Breeding Habits
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds make their nests in deciduous trees like oak and birch. They use soft materials like dandelion down, spider webs, and pine resin. The nests blend in with lichen and moss, making them hard to see.
The female lays one to three white eggs and incubates them for 12 to 14 days. After that, the babies stay in the nest for 18 to 22 days before flying for the first time.
Diet and Feeding Behavior
These birds love nectar from flowers like trumpet creeper and honeysuckle. But they eat more than just nectar. They also enjoy tree sap, spiders, and insects. This helps them and many plants.
Their fast wing beats let them hover in mid-air. This helps them get nectar from flowers easily.
“The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a true marvel of nature, captivating us with its vibrant colors, graceful flight, and critical role in the ecosystem.”
2. Rufous Hummingbird
- Scientific name – Selasphorus rufus
- Lifespan – 5 years (average)
- Size – (7 to 9 cm)
- Weight – (2 to 5 g)
- Wingspan – (11 to 11.4 cm)
The Rufous Hummingbird is a standout among Virginia’s hummingbirds. It’s a small, feisty bird with a straight bill. Birdwatchers in the state love to see it.
The Rufous Hummingbird looks amazing. Males have bright orange backs, bellies, and tails, plus a red throat. Sometimes, their backs look greenish. Females have green backs and tails, faint rusty flanks, and an orange throat patch.
This bird is known for being bold. It will chase other hummingbirds away from feeders. This shows how fierce and determined they are.
Rufous Hummingbirds are not common in Virginia. But, you can see them in autumn, winter, and spring. Look for them in the Appalachian mountains and near cities like Charlottesville, Richmond, Lynchburg, Norfolk, Washington, and Virginia Beach.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Small hummingbird with a straight bill |
| Male Appearance | Bright orange back, belly, and rusty tails; red throat; some may have greenish backs |
| Female Appearance | Greenish-colored backs and tails, faint rusty flanks, and an orange patch on their throats |
| Behavior | Highly aggressive, often chasing off other hummingbirds at feeders |
| Habitat | Uncommon in Virginia, but can be seen during autumn, winter, and spring in the Appalachian mountains and near cities like Charlottesville, Richmond, Lynchburg, Norfolk, Washington, and Virginia Beach |
“The Rufous Hummingbird’s fiery spirit and unwavering determination make it a truly captivating visitor to Virginia’s avian landscape.”
3. Calliope Hummingbird
- Scientific name – Selasphorus calliope
- Lifespan – 5 years (average)
- Size – (8 to 9 cm)
- Weight – (2.3 to 3.4 g)
- Wingspan – (10.5 to 11 cm)
In Virginia’s skies, the Calliope Hummingbird shines as a true marvel. It’s the smallest hummingbird in the United States. Birders and nature lovers are captivated by its beauty.
Nest Construction and Camouflage
The Calliope Hummingbird builds its nests high in evergreen trees. They make them look like pine cones for camouflage. The nests are made of downy plant material and spider webs.
Feeding Preferences
Despite its small size, the Calliope Hummingbird is a skilled feeder. It drinks nectar from flowers that big hummingbirds ignore. It also eats insects and sap from sap wells, showing its adaptability.
This hummingbird is rare in Virginia but can be seen near Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Washington, and Nokesville in winter. Birders look forward to seeing this tiny bird. They admire its unique nesting and eating habits.
4. Buff-bellied Hummingbird
- Scientific name – Amazilia yucatanensis
- Lifespan – 7 years (average)
- Size – (10 to 11 cm)
- Weight – oz (4 to 5 g)
- Wingspan – (14 to 15 cm)
The Buff-bellied Hummingbird is a standout among Virginia’s hummingbirds. It has metallic bronze-green feathers and a black-tipped red bill. Males show off a green throat, rusty tail, and a buff belly. Females have a less bright version of the male’s look.
Nesting and Breeding
These hummingbirds live in trees like papaya and willow. They build nests that look like cups from plant fibers, bark, and spider webs. The females work hard to make safe and hidden homes for their babies.
Diet and Pollination
Buff-bellied Hummingbirds love to eat nectar from flowers like tropical sage and coral bean. They also eat small insects. This helps pollinate the plants they visit, which is important for nature.
Seeing a Buff-bellied Hummingbird in Virginia is rare. But, one was spotted in Norfolk in January 2021. Birdwatchers hope to see more of these beautiful birds in the future.
5. Allen’s Hummingbird
- Scientific name – Selasphorus sasin
- Lifespan – 3 years (average)
- Size – (7.5 to 9 cm)
- Weight – (2 to 4 g)
- Wingspan – (10 to 11 cm)
The Allen’s Hummingbird brightens the coasts of Virginia with its beauty. This bird stands out with its straight bill and unique look. Males shine with a reddish-orange throat and a greenback. They also have a copper-colored belly and tail. Females are less flashy but still catch the eye with their greenback and copper flanks, plus a reddish-orange patch on the throat.
This bird is known for its loud “tick” call while it searches for food. It’s not often seen in Virginia, but some have been spotted. One even stayed in Chester for several months during the 2010-2011 winter.
| Characteristic | Male Allen’s Hummingbird | Female Allen’s Hummingbird |
|---|---|---|
| Throat Color | Reddish-orange | Reddish-orange patch |
| Back Color | Metallic bronzy-green | Metallic bronzy-green |
| Belly and Tail Color | Copper-colored | Copper-colored flanks |
| Call | Sharp “tick” while foraging | Sharp “tick” while foraging |
The Allen’s Hummingbird is a special bird that adds to Virginia’s bird life. Its bright look, unique sounds, and rare sightings make it a favorite among bird lovers and nature fans.
“The Allen’s Hummingbird is a true coastal wanderer, gracing the shores of Virginia with its presence and captivating all who are fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of this feathered wonder.”
6. Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Scientific name – Archilochus alexandri
- Lifespan – 8 years (average)
- Size – (8 to 9 cm)
- Weight – (2.3 to 4.9 g)
- Wingspan – (10 to 11 cm)
Hummingbirds In Virginia, the Black-chinned Hummingbird is a key pollinator, despite looking simple. This bird, with its straight bill and unique look, is crucial for keeping ecosystems healthy and full of life.
Vocalizations and Behavior
The Black-chinned Hummingbird makes distinct chip and tick sounds as it moves quickly between flowers and feeders. Their quiet sounds and amazing flying skills make them a joy to watch. They can hover in place to get to nectar deep in flowers, helping plants to reproduce.
Males show off with aerial tricks to find mates. Their purple throat can look black in some light, making them stand out in the greenery.
Even though they’re small, these hummingbirds are strong protectors of their territory. They chase away rivals to keep their food sources safe. This helps them live their busy lives.
“Black-chinned Hummingbirds play a vital role in pollinating a wide variety of plants, from vibrant wildflowers to towering trees. Their contribution to the ecosystem is truly invaluable.”
Watching these amazing birds helps us understand the complex life connections. The Black-chinned Hummingbird shows us the beauty and importance of Virginia’s birds.
7. Anna’s Hummingbird
- Scientific name – Calypte anna
- Lifespan – 5 years (average)
- Size – (10 to 11 cm)
- Weight – (3 to 6 g)
- Wingspan – (10 to 12 cm)
The Anna’s Hummingbird is a standout in Virginia’s sky, known for its resilience. It’s a medium-sized bird with a dark, straight bill. The male is eye-catching, with a rose-pink throat and crest against a green back. Females have a similar green color above and a pinkish-red throat.
Nest Construction and Incubation
Anna’s Hummingbirds are skilled at building nests. They pick trees and shrubs, often oak or eucalyptus, for their homes. Their nests are made of soft materials like willow down and feathers, hidden with moss and lichen.
The female takes on incubation alone, sitting on the eggs for 15-19 days. Her hard work ensures the next generation of hummingbirds.
Dietary Habits and Importance
Anna’s Hummingbirds love nectar, eating it from plants like currant and manzanita. They also eat insects and sap. This varied diet keeps them healthy.
These birds are important pollinators. They help plants reproduce by moving pollen from one flower to another. This shows how vital they are to their ecosystems.
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Hummingbirds In Virginia: When and Where to Spot Them
Bird lovers in Virginia look forward to the hummingbirds’ arrival every year. These colorful birds visit the state in spring, summer, and fall. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common type you’ll see. They start coming in April or May and leave by September or October.
This gives birdwatchers a great chance to see their amazing flying skills.
Some top spots to see hummingbirds in Virginia are:
- Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
- Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
- The Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge
- Kiptopeke State Park
- Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
These places are perfect for watching hummingbirds as they look for food, show off, and protect their homes. Knowing when and where to go increases your chances of seeing these birds up close.
“Watching hummingbirds is like observing miniature helicopters in flight, their wings beating so fast they’re virtually invisible.”
Whether you’re an expert birdwatcher or just love nature, watching hummingbirds is unforgettable. With patience and the right spots, you can enjoy the beauty of these amazing birds. You’ll make memories that last a lifetime.
Wrapping Up…
Virginia is a haven for hummingbirds, with the Ruby-throated Hummingbird leading the pack. The state lists nine species, but seven are commonly seen. These include the Ruby-throated, Rufous, Calliope, Buff-bellied, Allen’s, Black-chinned, and Anna’s Hummingbirds.
Each species has its own unique traits, behaviors, and habitats. This makes Virginia a great spot for birdwatchers to see these tiny, colorful birds. From the Ruby-throated’s shiny feathers to the Calliope’s small size, they all add to the beauty of Virginia’s nature.
As we end our look at Virginia’s hummingbirds, we see how rich and diverse they are. They brighten the skies and gardens of the state. Whether you love birds or just enjoy nature, Virginia’s hummingbirds will amaze and inspire you. They leave a lasting impression, encouraging us to learn more about these incredible birds.
