7 Species Of Hummingbirds In Virginia (With Pictures)
I’ve researched the amazing world of Hummingbirds In Virginia (VA). With almost 500 bird species, Virginia is a birdwatcher’s dream. Hummingbirds like the Ruby-throated and Rufous dazzle with their vibrant colours. Discover their habitats, nesting habits, and diet. Learn about the threats they face and where to spot them. Dive into the fascinating lives of these tiny, energetic birds and see why they’re so captivating. Keep reading to explore more!
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 colours, 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 tiny bird with a slightly curved beak. Here’s how they look:
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Males: Green upperparts, dusky underparts, bright ruby-red throat, and black face mask.
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Females: Whitish underparts and emerald-green upper parts.
Their call sounds like “chee-dit.”
Nesting:
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They nest in deciduous trees like oak and birch.
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The nest is made from dandelion or thistle down, held together by spider webs or pine resin.
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Lichen and moss are used to camouflage the nest.
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Females lay 1 to 3 white eggs and incubate them for 12 to 14 days.
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Hatchlings stay in the nest for 18 to 22 days.
Feeding:
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Ruby-throated Hummingbirds mainly feed on nectar from red or orange tubular flowers, such as trumpet creeper, honeysuckle, and bee-balm.
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They also eat tree sap, spiders, and insects.
Population and Migration:
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Their population is growing and is estimated to be over 36 million.
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These birds face threats from cats and window collisions near feeders.
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They migrate from the eastern U.S. to Central America for winter.
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In Virginia, they are common during spring, summer, and autumn, and some stay through winter.
Habitat:
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They live in deciduous woodlands, fields, meadows, forest edges, streams, orchards, and yards.
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In winter, they are found in hedgerows, dry forests, scrub, and citrus groves.
Where to see them in Virginia:
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Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
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Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
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Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge
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Kiptopeke State Park
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Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
“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 is small with a straight bill.
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Males: Bright orange back, belly, and rusty tails. Red throat. Sometimes greenish backs.
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Females: Greenish backs and tails, faint rusty flanks, and an orange patch on their throats.
Their call is a series of loud chirps.
Nesting:
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They nest in trees (coniferous and deciduous), sometimes in vines and ferns.
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Nests are made from downy plant material and spider webs.
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Lichen, moss, and bark camouflage the nest.
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Females lay 2 to 3 white eggs, incubating them for 15 to 17 days.
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Hatchlings stay in the nest for 15 to 19 days.
Feeding:
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Their diet is almost exclusively nectar from flowers like penstemon, lilies, fireweeds, and more.
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They also eat insects for protein.
Population and Threats:
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Though common, their population has decreased by 67% over the past 50 years.
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Estimated to have 22 million breeding individuals.
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The main threats include habitat loss and climate change.
Migration:
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They breed in Alaska and Canada and migrate to Mexico for winter.
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In winter, they are found in juniper, oak, and pine woodlands, shrubby landscapes, and thorn thickets.
Habitat:
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They live in shrubby and open areas, parks, forest openings, meadows, thickets, forests, and swamps.
In Virginia:
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Uncommon, but seen in autumn, winter, and spring.
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Frequently seen near Charlottesville, Richmond, Lynchburg, Norfolk, Washington, the Appalachian mountains, 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.
The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest bird in North America. It has a straight, thin bill.
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Males: They have greenish upper parts and a vivid magenta patch on their throats.
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Females: They have greenish backs, whitish underparts, and a less vibrant throat.
Their call is a high-pitched buzz.
Nesting:
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These birds nest in shrubs or trees, often close to the ground.
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The nest is made from plant down, spider webs, and camouflaged with moss.
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Females lay 1 to 3 white eggs and incubate them for 15 to 16 days.
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Hatchlings stay in the nest for about 18 to 21 days.
Feeding:
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Calliope Hummingbirds feed on nectar from flowers like paintbrush, currant, and columbine.
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They also catch small insects for protein.
Population and Threats:
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Though small, their population is stable.
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Threats include habitat loss and climate change.
Migration:
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They migrate from the Pacific Northwest and western Canada to Mexico for winter.
Habitat:
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They live in mountainous regions, meadows, forest edges, and gardens during breeding season.
In Virginia:
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It is rarely seen, but it is possible during migration.
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 small bird with a slightly curved bill.
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Males and females: Both have metallic green upperparts, with buff-colored underparts. Their tails are reddish and they have a bright red bill with a darker tip.
Their call is a sharp, high-pitched “chip.”
Nesting:
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They nest in trees or shrubs.
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The nest is made from plant fibers and spider webs, camouflaged with leaves or bark.
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Females lay 2 white eggs and incubate them for about 14 to 16 days.
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Hatchlings stay in the nest for another 20 days.
Feeding:
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Buff-bellied Hummingbirds feed on nectar from flowers like hibiscus and salvias.
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They also eat small insects and spiders for protein.
Population and Threats:
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Their population is stable but at risk due to habitat loss and climate change.
Migration:
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These partially migratory hummingbirds breed in the southern United States and northern Mexico, and some populations move further south for winter.
Habitat:
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They live in open woodlands, coastal areas, gardens, and shrubby areas.
In Virginia:
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It is rarely seen, but it is possible during migration.
Related Video about Hummingbirds of Virginia
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 Hummingbirds of Virginia is a tiny, stocky bird with a straight bill.
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Males: Reddish-orange throat, metallic bronzy-green back, copper-colored belly, and tail.
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Females: Dull all over with a bronzy-green back, copper-coloured flanks, and a reddish-orange patch on the throat.
They make a sharp “tick” sound while feeding.
Nesting:
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They nest in shrubs and trees, often near shady streams.
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The nest is a cup shape made from spider webs and soft material from willows and sunflowers.
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The outer layer is lined with grass and leaves, camouflaged with moss and lichen.
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Females lay 1 to 2 white eggs and incubate them for 17 to 22 days.
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Hatchlings stay in the nest for 22 to 25 days.
Feeding:
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They drink nectar from flowers like Indian paintbrush, gooseberry, and eucalyptus.
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They also eat small insects for protein.
Population and Threats:
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The population has decreased by 80% since 1968, now around 1.5 million.
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They are at risk of going extinct due to habitat destruction and poor adaptation to urbanization.
Migration:
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They breed in coastal scrub, forests, and chaparral on the west coast of the U.S., from southern Oregon to southern California.
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Most migrate to Mexico for winter; some move to Virginia.
Habitat:
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In winter, they are found in oak-pine forests and clearings with scrub and flowers.
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They are rare in Virginia but can be seen near Richmond, Williamsburg, Sperryville, Blacksburg, and Sharpsburg.
“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)
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is a small bird with a straight bill.
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Males: They have a metallic green back, a white underbelly, and a black throat with a thin purple band at the base.
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Females: They have a green back and crown, white underparts, and faint streaks on their throats.
Their call is a soft “chip” sound.
Nesting:
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These birds nest in trees and shrubs, usually near streams.
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The nest is made of plant fibres, and spider silk, and lined with soft materials.
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Females lay 2 white eggs and incubate them for about 13 to 16 days.
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Hatchlings stay in the nest for 18 to 21 days.
Feeding:
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Black-chinned Hummingbirds of Virginia drink nectar from flowers like agave, columbine, and sage.
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They also catch small insects and spiders for protein.
Population and Threats:
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Their population is stable, but they face threats from habitat loss and climate change.
Migration:
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These birds breed in the western United States and migrate to Mexico for winter.
Habitat:
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They live in open woodlands, forest edges, and along streams.
In Virginia:
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Rare sightings during migration.
“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.”
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)
Anna’s Hummingbirds In Virginia is a small bird with a straight bill.
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Males: Have a greenback, rose-pink throat, and greyish underparts.
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Females: Have green upperparts and greyish-white underparts with some reddish spots on the throat.
Their call is a sharp, high-pitched “chip.”
Nesting:
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They nest in trees and shrubs.
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Nests are made of plant fibres, and spider webs and covered with lichen.
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Females lay 2 white eggs and incubate them for about 14 to 19 days.
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Hatchlings stay in the nest for about 18 to 23 days.
Feeding:
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Anna’s Hummingbirds feed on nectar from flowers like currant, gooseberry, and eucalyptus.
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They also catch small insects for protein.
Population and Threats:
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Their population is stable and increasing.
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The main threats include habitat loss and climate change.
Migration:
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Unlike most hummingbirds, Anna’s Hummingbirds are mostly non-migratory, staying in the same region year-round.
Habitat:
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They live in urban areas, gardens, woodlands, and coastal scrub.
In Virginia:
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There are rare sightings, but they are possible during certain times of the year.
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Wrapping Up…
Hummingbirds In Virginia and Birdwatching in Virginia offer a stunning variety of species, each with unique traits. From the Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s sparkling colours to the widespread presence of Anna’s Hummingbird, there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just curious, the state’s diverse habitats promise a rewarding experience. So grab your binoculars and enjoy the vibrant world of Virginia’s feathered friends! Happy birding! 🦜.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What month do hummingbirds leave in Virginia?
Hummingbirds typically leave Virginia around mid-October.
Q2. Do hummingbirds live in Virginia?
Yes, hummingbirds, particularly the ruby-throated hummingbird, can be found in Virginia.
Q3. Which US state has the most hummingbirds?
California is known to have the most hummingbird species in the U.S.
Q4. How do you attract hummingbirds in Virginia?
To attract hummingbirds, use nectar feeders filled with a sugar-water solution and plant native flowers that produce nectar.
