Hummingbirds In Florida: Here Are The Species To Look For

hummingbirds in florida

Did you know that Florida is one of the best states for birdwatching? 

The state has a variety of birds to offer, including hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are amazing creatures with little wings that flap really fast and they can fly backwards or upside down.

Hummingbirds can be found all over North America with 16 species occurring naturally within U.S borders. 

You might be wondering: Are there hummingbirds in Florida

There are 3 hummingbird species that are native to Florida. 

However, there are more hummingbird species that might stop by for a visit –  but unlike the 3 common ones they’re not as frequently seen.

The 3 common Hummingbirds In Florida are:

  • Ruby-throated hummingbird – the only species of bird in Florida that does not migrate. They reside there 365 days out of the year, making it their home state for life.
  • Black-chinned Hummingbirds and Rufous Hummingbirds have a seasonal pattern with either spring through summer, or winter spent on Florida coastlines, before migrating back up north for their breeding season.

Pictures of 3 Native Hummingbirds In Florida (With Information)

Ruby-throated hummingbird

Female Ruby-throated hummingbird
Ruby-throated hummingbird male
Ruby-throated hummingbird
Ruby-throated hummingbird female

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are only about 3.5 inches long.  Their feathers are brightly colored and they have a forked tail. They weigh less than a nickel.  

The male Ruby-throated hummingbird is mostly green with a red throat (gorget) that looks like he is blushing. The female’s gorget is white or gray. She also has more feathers on her head than the male does. 

Some Ruby-throated hummingbirds stay in south Florida the whole year. However, most migrate to Mexico and South America for the winter to return to Florida in March. They travel about 600 miles every year.

Hummingbirds normally build their nests in trees near streams or meadows. They are known to use spiderwebs to keep their eggs together. The mother hummingbird uses the spiderwebs to help keep parasites away from her chicks. They can also be found in backyards because humans plant flowers for them to feed on.

The Ruby-throated hummingbird is one of the smallest birds in North America, but it has a huge personality. They are known to be fiercely territorial and will chase away much larger birds that come into their airspace. Ruby-throated hummingbirds have even been known to give larger birds a little nip in the heel if they get too close to their nests.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are known for their huge appetites since they have to eat a lot of food every day to keep their metabolism going. Ruby-throated hummingbirds can consume half of their body weight in nectar each day! This is why Ruby-throated hummingbirds are sometimes considered pests in gardens.

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Black-chinned Hummingbird
Black-chinned Hummingbird male
Black-chinned Hummingbird male
Black-chinned Hummingbird female

The Black-chinned hummingbird is named for its distinctive chin patch that is black in males. They are often confused with other species, including Costa’s hummingbird, due to similar appearances. 

Males are distinguished by a glossy purple throat patch that contrasts against their lighter green chests. Females tend to be mostly green with little purple on their throats.

The smallest bird found in North America, the black-chinned hummingbird weighs around 0.07 ounces and measures only 3 to 3.5 inches long .

They spend their winters in Mexico and migrate northward to breed between April and July, where they build their nests near water, in trees or small bushes with vines. They make their nests by attaching pieces of long grass together with spider silk from an orb-weaver garden spider, or with pieces of bark glued together using saliva. 

You might see them pass through north Florida during migration. In rare cases, these hummingbirds are in Florida year-round.

Black-chinned hummingbirds eat nectar and insects. They also catch food mid-air, and hover to suck up the sweet sap from trees. 

Male black-chinned hummingbirds aggressively defend rich sources of nectar. They have been known to steal flowers from other species of plants. Males will even guard a flower until it is depleted, then move on to the next one.

Rufous Hummingbird

Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird male
Rufous Hummingbird male
Rufous Hummingbird female

Rufous Hummingbirds get their name from the color of their backs, which range from chestnut to burnt orange. 

Male Rufous Hummingbirds can be identified by their throats, which are a bright red and the reddish brown coloring on their backs. Female Rufous Hummingbird throats are lighter and can be white or grey.

In North America, Rufous Hummingbirds can be found from Alaska to Mexico. Their ability to adapt allows them to live in a variety of different regions including deserts, woodlands, forests, mountain meadows, and coastal areas.

In the United States, they used to live only in the west and southwest regions. However due to climate change, more and more Rufous Hummingbirds are moving to the east coast, expanding their territory. 

When are these hummingbirds in Florida?

You might be able to spot them in the central and southern portions during the winter season.

In Conclusion

If you’ve been wondering how many hummingbirds there are in Florida, as well as when humminbird season is in Florida, I hope this article has given you new knowledge about these 3 feathered beauties – Ruby-throated, Black-chinned and Rufous Hummingbirds.

Have you spotted any of these hummingbirds around your house lately? 

Let us know what kind by commenting below!

18 thoughts on “Hummingbirds In Florida: Here Are The Species To Look For”

  1. I have had a Rufous hummer show up at my home about 2 weeks ago. I have been feeding Ruby Throated here for 17 years….first time we have EVER had this baby doll show up! It is December in North Central Florida. SO excited!

    Reply
    • That’s great Barry. You most likely saw ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). They spend winters in Florida 🙂

      Reply
  2. I want to set up a hummingbird feeder here in my condo complex in Margate
    Florida. Can you providE a link for beginners.

    Growing up in Southern California, we had honeysuckle growing in the backyard and hummingbirds were frequent visitors.

    Reply
  3. I find this frustrating, because I’ve never seen one here in Tampa and would love to know what flowers I can plant to get them to come around. Also, are there any in the North Western part of Tampa?

    Reply
    • I am from Clearwater, Florida and they are 2 hummingbirds that likes my firebush plant and I also put a feeder from the dollar tree! They usually shows up by March-April.

      Rosa

      Reply
  4. For years I always put a hummingbird feeder in my yard along with numerous attractive plants. Every fall and spring I get a couple of hummingbirds that stick around for a few weeks. They mostly feed from the feeder and not the plants. Make sure you have an actual hummingbird feeder up. It took a few years before I spotted my first bird, but now they come every year like clockwork! I am in Boynton Beach, Florida, which is Southeast.

    Reply
    • It’s great to hear that you have been successful in attracting hummingbirds to your yard in Boynton Beach, Florida with a hummingbird feeder and plants.

      Reply
  5. I am on Lake Elizabeth, near Melrose. I often see a hummer that has a white chest, with a red spot. It not link any pictured here. Any idea what it may be? Thanks?

    Reply

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