In this article titled “3 Hummingbirds in New York (Common & Rare) – Bird Feeder Hub,” Melanie explores the fascinating world of hummingbirds in New York. With nearly 30 different species of hummingbirds spotted in the United States, some are more common while others are rare visitors. In New York, there are 3 species of hummingbirds that have been observed more than once, including the Ruby-throated hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, and the Calliope Hummingbird. Melanie provides insights into the appearance, habitat, and migration patterns of each species, along with tips on attracting these beautiful creatures to your yard. Get ready to be captivated by the enchanting world of hummingbirds in New York.
Overview of 3 Hummingbirds in New York
Introduction
New York is home to three species of hummingbirds: the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, and Calliope Hummingbird. While the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common in the state, the Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds are considered rare sightings. These tiny and vibrant birds are a delight to observe and attract to your yard. In this article, we will explore the appearance, behavior, migration patterns, and tips for attracting each of these hummingbird species to your yard.
Species found in New York
In New York, you can find the Ruby-throated, Rufous, and Calliope Hummingbirds. These species have been recorded in various locations throughout the state, with some sightings more common in certain areas than others.
Common and rare species
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common species found in New York. It is a regular visitor during the spring and summer months. The Rufous Hummingbird, while primarily a western species, is commonly sighted along the western portion of the state, as well as in New York City and Long Island. The Calliope Hummingbird is considered rare on the east coast, but a few sightings have been recorded in New York.
Appearance and characteristics
Hummingbirds are characterized by their small size, iridescent feathers, and ability to hover in mid-air. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird has a green back, white underparts, and males have a ruby red throat. The Rufous Hummingbird is orange all over with a white patch on the upper breast and an orange-red throat. Females have green feathers with rusty patches and a speckled throat. The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest bird in the United States and has a unique throat pattern of magenta stripes on males, while females have plain feathers with green spotting on the throat. These hummingbirds are a joy to observe and bring vibrant colors to any yard or garden.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common hummingbird species in the eastern half of the United States, including New York. They have a green back, white underparts, and males have a ruby red throat that can appear black in certain lighting. During the spring, they migrate from their wintering grounds in Central America, often undertaking a non-stop flight over the Gulf of Mexico. In New York, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrive between late April and mid-May and depart in September. These hummingbirds are easily attracted to backyards with nectar feeders and flowers.
Migration and arrival time
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate from their wintering grounds in Central America to their breeding grounds in the eastern United States, including New York. They arrive in New York between late April and mid-May, heralding the beginning of spring. These tiny birds undertake a remarkable journey, often flying non-stop over the Gulf of Mexico to reach their summer homes.
Tips for attracting Ruby-throated hummingbirds
To attract Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to your yard, consider implementing the following tips:
- Hang Hummingbird Feeders: Place nectar feeders throughout your yard, preferably those with red coloration to attract their attention. Clean and refill the feeders regularly, especially in hot weather.
- Plant Native Flowers: Grow flowers with bright red, orange, pink, or purple blooms, as these colors are particularly appealing to hummingbirds. Choose varieties with trumpet or tubular-shaped blossoms, as they provide easy access to nectar.
- Provide Water: Hummingbirds need water not just for drinking but also for bathing. Offer shallow water sources, such as ponds, birdbaths, or misters, for them to refresh and cool themselves.
- Promote Insects: Hummingbirds also rely on insects for protein in their diet. Avoid using pesticides in your yard to encourage insect populations, which in turn provide a food source for these tiny birds.
Rufous Hummingbird
Scientific name: Selasphorus rufus
The Rufous Hummingbird is known for its feisty nature and territorial behavior. Male Rufous Hummingbirds are orange all over with a white patch on the upper breast and an orange-red throat, while females have green feathers with rusty patches and a speckled throat. Although primarily a western species, Rufous Hummingbirds are one of the most commonly sighted hummingbirds on the east coast after the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. In New York, sightings of Rufous Hummingbirds are more frequent along the western portion of the state, in New York City, and on Long Island. These hummingbirds are known for their long migratory journeys, flying through California in the spring, spending the summer in the Pacific Northwest and Canada, and returning through the Rockies in the fall. In New York, sightings of stray Rufous Hummingbirds tend to occur between October and February.
Migration and sighting in New York
Rufous Hummingbirds undertake an impressive migration that takes them from their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America to their breeding grounds in western North America. While New York is not a typical sighting location for Rufous Hummingbirds, there have been recorded sightings along the western portion of the state, in New York City, and on Long Island. These sightings tend to occur between October and February when these birds may veer off their usual migratory path.
Tips for attracting Rufous hummingbirds
To attract Rufous Hummingbirds to your yard, consider implementing the following tips:
- Hang Hummingbird Feeders: Place nectar feeders with red coloration to catch their attention. Clean and refill the feeders regularly, ensuring a fresh supply of nectar.
- Plant Native Flowers: Grow flowers in your yard that have bright red, orange, pink, or purple blooms. These colors are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. Choose varieties with trumpet-shaped or tubular-shaped blossoms, as they provide easy access to nectar.
- Provide Water: Offer shallow water sources, such as birdbaths or misters, for hummingbirds to drink and bathe in. Cleaning and refreshing the water regularly will ensure its appeal to visiting hummingbirds.
- Promote Insects: Hummingbirds rely on insects for protein in their diet. Avoid using pesticides in your yard to encourage the presence of insects, which in turn provide an additional food source for these tiny birds.
Calliope Hummingbird
Scientific name: Selasphorus calliope
The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest bird found in the United States. Males have a unique throat pattern of magenta stripes that fork down on the sides, while females have plain feathers with green spotting on the throat and peachy tinted underparts. This hummingbird winters in Central America and spends its breeding season in the Pacific Northwest and parts of western Canada. While rare on the east coast, the Calliope Hummingbird has been spotted in New York a few times. Sightings have been recorded in Westchester, Fort Tryon Park, Battery Park, and Suffolk. These sightings occurred during November and December, indicating that stray Calliope Hummingbirds may be observed at the end of the year.
Migration and rare sightings in New York
Calliope Hummingbirds undertake a remarkable migratory journey from their wintering grounds in Central America to their breeding grounds in the Pacific Northwest and parts of western Canada. While sightings of Calliope Hummingbirds are considered rare on the east coast, a few recorded sightings have occurred in New York. These sightings tend to happen in November and December, suggesting that these hummingbirds may deviate from their usual migration path.
Tips for attracting Calliope hummingbirds
To attract Calliope Hummingbirds to your yard, consider implementing the following tips:
- Hang Hummingbird Feeders: Place nectar feeders with red coloration to attract their attention. Clean and refill the feeders regularly to provide a fresh supply of nectar.
- Plant Native Flowers: Grow flowers that have bright red, orange, pink, or purple blooms. These colors are particularly appealing to hummingbirds. Additionally, select varieties with trumpet-shaped or tubular-shaped blossoms to provide easy access to the nectar.
- Provide Water: Offer shallow water sources, such as birdbaths or misters, for hummingbirds to drink and bathe in. Regularly clean and refresh the water to maintain its appeal to visiting hummingbirds.
- Promote Insects: Hummingbirds rely on insects for protein in their diet. Avoid using pesticides in your yard to encourage the presence of insects, which provide an additional food source for these tiny birds.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard
Hang Hummingbird Feeders
Hummingbird feeders are a great way to attract these tiny birds to your yard. Choose feeders with red coloration to catch their attention, and ensure that they are easy to clean and refill. Clean the feeders regularly, especially in hot weather, to maintain the freshness of the nectar.
Make Your Own Nectar
Avoid additives and red dyes by making your own nectar at home. The recipe is simple: mix plain white sugar with water in a ratio of 1:4 (1 cup sugar to 4 cups water). Boiling the water is not necessary, as long as you stir the mixture thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Refill the nectar feeders with this homemade solution.
Plant Native Flowers
Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers with bright red, orange, pink, or purple blooms. Native flowers are particularly appealing to these birds, as they provide a natural food source. Choose varieties with trumpet-shaped or tubular-shaped blossoms, as these allow easy access to the nectar. Consider vertical planting using obelisk trellises or flat trellises attached to the side of your house to maximize your garden space.
Provide Water
Hummingbirds need water not only for drinking but also for bathing. They prefer shallow water sources, such as birdbaths or misters, where they can refresh and cool themselves. Ensure that the water is accessible and regularly clean and refresh it to maintain its appeal.
Promote Insects
In addition to nectar, hummingbirds also rely on insects for protein in their diet. Help attract insects to your yard by avoiding the use of pesticides. By promoting insect populations, you provide an additional food source for hummingbirds.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New York is home to three species of hummingbirds: the Ruby-throated, Rufous, and Calliope Hummingbirds. While the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common, sightings of the Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds are considered rare in the state. These tiny and vibrant birds bring joy and beauty to any yard or garden. By implementing tips such as hanging hummingbird feeders, planting native flowers, providing water sources, and promoting insect populations, you can attract these fascinating creatures to your own backyard. Enjoy the sights and sounds of hummingbirds as they visit and bring life to your outdoor space.