10 Hummingbirds in Alabama (With Pictures!)
Hummingbirds are a captivating group of birds known for their vibrant colors and remarkable flying abilities. They are often drawn to gardens and feeders, making them popular among birdwatchers and enthusiasts.
These small birds are not only a delight to observe but also play an essential role in pollination. Understanding the types of hummingbirds found in Alabama can enhance the enjoyment of those who wish to attract them to their surroundings.
Jump to a Section
- 1) Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- 2) Black-chinned Hummingbird
- 3) Rufous Hummingbird
- 4) Calliope Hummingbird
- 5) Allen’s Hummingbird
- 6) Broad-tailed Hummingbird
- 7) Anna’s Hummingbird
- 8) Costa’s Hummingbird
- 9) Buff-bellied Hummingbird
- 10) Blue-throated Hummingbird
- When do hummingbirds typically arrive in Alabama?
- Do hummingbirds migrate away from Alabama for the winter?
- When do the hummingbirds leave Alabama for migration?
1) Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common hummingbird species in eastern North America. Its scientific name is Archilochus colubris. This bird is notable for its vibrant coloration, featuring a green back and white underparts.
In Alabama, these hummingbirds typically arrive in the first two weeks of March. Some may continue northward to breed, while others remain in Alabama for the summer.
Nesting usually involves two white eggs incubated for about 16 days. After hatching, young hummingbirds may begin to fly at 20 to 22 days old. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can raise two to three broods each season.
These birds are known for their remarkable flying abilities. When in flight, they can beat their wings up to 75 times per second, allowing them to maneuver quickly and efficiently.
Males can be aggressive in defending their territory, especially around feeders. Females build nests using materials such as thistle or dandelion down, reinforced with spider silk.
2) Black-chinned Hummingbird
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is a species that can occasionally be found in Alabama, primarily during winter months. It is not among the most common hummingbirds in the state, but sightings do occur.
Males are easily recognizable by their striking black throat, known as a gorget, accented with iridescent purple tones. Their backs are a metallic green, while females exhibit a more subdued coloration with pale throats and white-tipped tail feathers.
These birds are known for their agility and quick movements, often flitting between flowers and feeders. They are primarily nectar feeders, using their long, slender bills to access the sugar-rich liquid.
In Alabama, the chances of encountering a Black-chinned Hummingbird are relatively low, as only a small percentage of hummingbird sightings register this species. Despite this rarity, they add to the rich diversity of hummingbirds in the region.
3) Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird is known for its vibrant coloration and aggressive behavior. This species breeds mainly in the western United States and migrates south during winter.
In Alabama, Rufous Hummingbirds are considered near-threatened and are seen occasionally. They typically appear in about 1% of birdwatching checklists during the winter months.
Males exhibit a striking rufous or brown coloring on their backs and sides, along with a distinctive orange throat patch. Their size and coloring make them easily recognizable among other hummingbird species.
Rufous Hummingbirds are important pollinators in their ecosystems. They primarily feed on nectar, which they require in large quantities to sustain their high metabolism.
They are attracted to well-maintained hummingbird feeders filled with homemade nectar. Providing quality feeders in backyards can encourage these birds to visit.
4) Calliope Hummingbird
The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest bird found in the United States. Measuring under four inches in length, it weighs between 2 to 4 grams, comparable to a ping-pong ball.
Sightings of the Calliope Hummingbird in Alabama are rare. It has been recorded mainly in Baldwin County.
This hummingbird is known for its impressive migratory journey, traveling over 5,000 miles between its breeding grounds in the western U.S. and wintering habitats in Mexico.
The Calliope Hummingbird prefers coniferous forests and older growth areas, especially those recovering from forest fires. Its distinctive short black bill and tail make it relatively easy to identify among other species.
Males display striking U-shaped throat patterns, which are vibrant in coloration. This species primarily feeds on nectar from flowers, contributing to pollination in its habitat. While the Calliope has limited vocal abilities, its small size and remarkable migration habits make it a fascinating subject for birdwatchers.
5) Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s Hummingbird is one of the less common species in Alabama. It has a striking appearance, with males displaying bright orange plumage, a green back, and an orangey-red throat. Females are more subdued, featuring a speckled throat and a dull green back.
This species is known for its early migration habits. They leave for California as early as January, making their sightings in Alabama quite rare.
Encounters with Allen’s Hummingbird are infrequent, with an average of only 22 sightings recorded out of every 10,000 hummingbirds observed in the state.
Allen’s Hummingbirds have been identified sporadically in Alabama, mainly around Baldwin. They are classified as an accidental species in the region.
Sightings have occurred mostly between 2012 and 2020. Their limited presence highlights the significance of any encounter.
6) Broad-tailed Hummingbird
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is a rare sight in Alabama. Its scientific name is Selasphorus platycerus. This species is primarily found in mountainous regions where it breeds at elevations up to 10,500 feet.
Males exhibit striking plumage, showcasing a vibrant rosey-magenta throat, known as a gorget. Their white breast contrasts with the colorful throat, making them easy to identify. Female Broad-tailed Hummingbirds have green spotting on their throat and cheeks.
In Alabama, sightings of Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are quite limited. On average, out of many thousands of hummingbird observations, only a small fraction are of this species.
They were notably spotted in Baldwin County in 2021.
These birds endure cold temperatures during breeding season by entering a state of torpor. This allows them to conserve energy when nighttime temperatures drop. Both males and females have green tops and pale underbellies, which add to their distinctive appearance.
7) Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s Hummingbird, scientifically known as Calypte anna, is rarely seen in Alabama. This species primarily inhabits the western United States.
Reports indicate that sightings in Alabama are accidental, with the last recorded instance occurring in Hoover in 2012.
These birds have a distinctive appearance, featuring a striking scarlet gorget and a black chin.
Data suggest that only a few Anna’s Hummingbirds are observed among thousands of sightings in the state. On average, they appear in only about 0.03% of reported hummingbird observations.
This species usually prefers temperate forests and can be found in various habitats where food sources like nectar-rich flowers are available. Their migration patterns typically lead them to sunnier coastal regions during winter months.
Bird enthusiasts interested in spotting Anna’s Hummingbird in Alabama may have to be patient, as they are not a common sight.
8) Costa’s Hummingbird
Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae) is a vibrant species that is occasionally spotted in Alabama. This bird is typically more common in the western regions of North America.
Males are noted for their striking metallic green back and vibrant violet-purple crown. They feature elongated side throat feathers that enhance their distinctive appearance.
Females are slightly larger and exhibit a more muted plumage. They are adorned with green feathers, a pale eyebrow, and a whitish belly.
Costa’s Hummingbirds are known for their dynamic courtship displays. The males perform elaborate aerial maneuvers, including U-shaped dives, which are accompanied by a high-pitched whistle.
In Alabama, these hummingbirds have been recorded as an accidental species.
They were first spotted near Montgomery in 2006, highlighting their occasional presence in the region.
Birdwatchers in Alabama may see these hummingbirds as they migrate through or even choose to over-winter. Providing feeders with nectar can attract Costa’s Hummingbirds and support them during their stay.
9) Buff-bellied Hummingbird
The Buff-bellied Hummingbird is considered an accidental species in Alabama. Sightings in the state are rare, with notable records indicating occurrences as recently as 2022, particularly in Foley.
This medium-sized hummingbird typically measures between 3.9 and 4.3 inches in length. The male features a red bill with a darker tip, while the female’s bill is predominantly darker.
Buff-bellied Hummingbirds are primarily found in regions near the southern Mexican border. They migrate to the southern United States during the winter months.
In Alabama, sightings are infrequent, averaging only about 26 out of 10,000 recorded hummingbird observations.
These birds prefer habitats such as gardens and open woodlands. They are drawn to colorful flowers, making them a delightful sight for birdwatchers in the state. Their rarity adds a unique charm to Alabama’s hummingbird population, attracting interest among enthusiasts.
10) Blue-throated Hummingbird
The Blue-throated Hummingbird, also known as the Blue-throated Mountain-gem, is an accidental species in Alabama. It has been recorded in the state only once, noted by the Alabama Ornithological Society in 1995.
This hummingbird is the largest species that nests in the United States. Males exhibit striking iridescent blue throats, adding to their distinguishing features.
Typically, the Blue-throated Hummingbird is found in Mexico and makes rare appearances in Alabama. Sightings are extremely limited, with estimates indicating it may take up to 40,000 reported hummingbird sightings in Alabama before one Blue-throated individual is noted.
Due to its rarity, birdwatchers in Alabama may find it challenging to spot this particular species.
When do hummingbirds typically arrive in Alabama?
Hummingbirds, particularly the ruby-throated hummingbird, begin to arrive in Alabama typically between mid-March and early April.
Their migration aligns with the blooming of spring flowers, which provide essential food sources.
Migration Timeline:
- Mid-March: Initial arrivals are noted.
- Late March: More hummingbirds appear, coinciding with warmer weather.
- Early April: Peak arrival period for many species.
These birds travel from wintering grounds in Central America and Mexico. They undertake significant migrations of thousands of miles.
Due to varying factors like climate and food availability, not all hummingbirds arrive simultaneously. They migrate individually, following their instincts and environmental cues.
Bird watchers should prepare for their arrival by putting out feeders in mid-March. This timing ensures that the feeders provide nourishment as the hummingbirds arrive.
Alabama hosts over 14 species of hummingbirds, with the ruby-throated being the most common. Wildlife enthusiasts often enjoy observing these vibrant birds as they return each year.
Do hummingbirds migrate away from Alabama for the winter?
Most hummingbirds migrate away from Alabama during the winter months. They leave in search of warmer climates, as cold temperatures can be detrimental to their survival.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common species in Alabama. This bird typically departs at the end of summer, heading south to areas in southern Mexico and Central America.
Some species may stay year-round, but the majority are seasonal migrants. Migration timing can vary among individuals, as they do not travel in flocks but instead migrate independently.
Several factors influence their migration schedule, including:
- Weather conditions
- Food availability
- Individual health
During their absence, these birds rely on the warmer climates of Central America to sustain themselves before returning to Alabama in the spring. This cycle allows them to thrive in their preferred habitats as they adapt to seasonal changes.
When do the hummingbirds leave Alabama for migration?
Hummingbirds in Alabama primarily leave the state to migrate south at the end of summer.
The timing of this migration is influenced by environmental changes.
Key migration periods:
- Departure Timing: Most hummingbirds, particularly the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, start their southward migration in early to mid-September.
- Migration Window: The main migration occurs from mid-August through late October.
These birds instinctively sense the shortening daylight hours and a reduction in food sources, such as flowers and insects.
This triggers their migration instinct.
Notable species and their patterns:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Leaves between mid-August and mid-September.
- Other Species: Black-chinned and Calliope hummingbirds may also be seen during migration periods but are less common.
By early November, most hummingbirds have left Alabama, heading to warmer regions in southern Mexico and Central America.
They spend the winter in these areas before returning in the spring.
This cyclical movement is crucial for their survival and breeding success.
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