Hummingbirds are enchanting and delightful creatures that bring vibrant color to any landscape. These tiny birds possess extraordinary agility and mesmerizing aerial skills despite their small size. For birdwatchers and nature lovers in Michigan, encountering a hummingbird is a true treasure, so what species of hummingbirds in Michigan can you see throughout the year?
What are the most common hummingbirds in Michigan?
Of all the hummingbirds species in North America, only the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is common in Michigan.
While there are sixteen species of Hummingbirds in the United States, not all can be seen in Michigan. Residents and visitors to the state can spot only ONE species of Hummingbird in Michigan throughout the year.
Michigan Hummingbirds
According to the latest data from ebird, there is only one observed species of hummingbird in Michigan. This data has been compiled from over 36,700 dedicated bird watchers throughout the state.
Here are some quick facts:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the most common observed in Florida
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrive in Michigan in Mid-April and spend the rest of the spring and summer months breeding in the state.
1 Type Of Hummingbird In Michigan
1. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are tiny, colorful birds native to the eastern United States and parts of Canada, Mexico, and Central America.
They are the only commonly observed hummingbirds in Michigan and can be seen during warmer breeding months from mid-April to mid-September.
- Length: 7-9cm (2.8-3.5 inches)
- Weight: 2-6g (0.1-0.2oz)
- Wingspan: 8-11cm (3.1-4.3 inches)
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird Scientific Name: Archilochus colubris
- Spring Migration: March-May
- Fall Migration: August-September
Appearance
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a tiny bird with a slender bill and short wings.
They have metallic green feathers on their backs and crowns and whitish-gray underparts.
Male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have a brilliant iridescent red throat, black chin, and a blackish forked tail. Conversely, female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have a white throat and large white tips on their tails.
Identification
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, especially males, are easy to identify because of their bright, iridescent colors.
Their wings are swift and blur-like when they fly, making it easy to spot them in flight. They also have a slender, curved beak, which they use to feed on nectar from flowers.
Habitat
You can spot them in various habitats, including open woodlands, gardens, backyards, and meadows.
They prefer to live in areas with abundant nectar sources, such as flowering plants and shrubs.
Diet
Hummingbirds are nectar feeders, and the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is no exception. They feed primarily on the nectar of flowering plants, but they also eat insects and spiders.
They have a high metabolism and must consume much food to maintain their energy levels. They are common at backyard feeders that offer sugar water.
Interesting Facts
- They are the only species of hummingbird that breed in eastern North America.
- They are the smallest bird species found in the eastern United States.
- Hummingbirds have an incredible metabolism and their wings can beat up to 53 times per second.
- During migration, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can travel up to 2,000 miles from their breeding regions to their wintering areas in Central America and Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the season for hummingbirds in Michigan?
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is present in Michigan during the breeding season from mid-April through late September or early October.
How Many Species Of Hummingbirds Are In Michigan?
There is only one species of hummingbird in Michigan, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Where do Michigan hummingbirds go in the winter?
During the winter, Michigan hummingbirds migrate south to Central America and Mexico.
Keep An Eye Out For Hummingbirds In Michigan
Hummingbirds are a beautiful addition to any Michigan landscape. With only one species of hummingbird native to the state, seeing a Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a true gem.
If you’re lucky enough to encounter one of these delightful birds, take in their dazzling iridescent colors and graceful flight as they flit from flower to flower.
Whether you’re a beginner birder or a long-time enthusiast, watching Ruby-throated Hummingbirds is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for years.
Remember, you can attract these birds to your backyard by providing nectar-rich flowers or setting up a hummingbird feeder filled with delicious sugar water.
We hope this article has provided all the information you need. If you have questions about identifying more species of birds in Michigan or finding out which ones live near you, let us know!
We would love to help identify new bird species for our readers.
