Hummingbirds in Texas bring vibrant energy and beauty to the state’s landscapes. With their iridescent feathers and mesmerizing flight, these tiny birds capture the hearts of birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Whether you are exploring the landscapes of Texas, strolling through lush gardens, or gazing out from your backyard, the opportunity to encounter a hummingbird in Texas is a true delight.
What are the most Common Hummingbirds In Texas?
The most common hummingbirds of Texas include the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, Lucifer Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Blue-throated Mountain Gem, Allen’s Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, and Rivoli’s Hummingbird.
This blog post explores these incredible creatures’ unique characteristics and behaviors, from the dazzling Ruby-throated Hummingbird to the magnificent Black-chinned Hummingbird and beyond.
So, grab your binoculars, fill your feeders with sweet nectar, and join us as we explore the twelve remarkable hummingbirds of Texas.
Texas Hummingbirds
According to the latest data from ebird, there are twelve observed species of hummingbirds in Texas. This data has been compiled from over 60,500 dedicated bird watchers throughout the state.
Here are some quick facts:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the most common observed in Texas
- Rivoli’s Hummingbirds are the least widely observed species in Texas
- Blue-throated Mountain Gems are the largest observed species in Texas
- Calliope Hummingbirds are the smallest observed species in Texas
12 Types Of Hummingbirds In Texas
1. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a small, colorful bird native to the eastern United States and parts of Canada, Mexico, and Central America. They can be seen in east Texas during the spring and summer months.
- 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, females 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 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds 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.
You will often see Ruby-throated Hummingbirds visiting backyards and gardens with a hummingbird feeder with nectar or sugar water.
Interesting Facts
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the only species of hummingbird that breed in eastern North America.
- 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.
2. Black-Chinned Hummingbird
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is a small bird species in the western United States and Mexico and can be seen in southern Texas during the spring and summer.
- Length: Avg 9cm (3.5 inches)
- Weight: 2.3-5g (0.1-0.2oz)
- Wingspan: Avg 11cm (4.3 inches)
- Black-Chinned Hummingbird Scientific Name: Archilochus alexandri
- Spring Migration: March-May
- Fall Migration: August-October
Appearance
Black-chinned Hummingbirds are metallic green above and whitish-pale below.
The male has a matte black chin, purple or violet throat, white breast, and a black, forked tail.
Females are paler and have a grayish-white face, throat, chest, and belly, with a shorter, white-tipped tail.
Identification
You can quickly identify male Black-chinned Hummingbirds by their metallic green back, crown, black chin, and purple throat.
They also tend to wag their tails when feeding, which is another quick way to identify these tiny hummingbirds.
Habitat
Black-chinned Hummingbirds prefer to live in open woodlands, riparian areas such as streams and rivers, and gardens in the western half of North America.
Diet
Black-chinned Hummingbirds feed on nectar from flowers and small insects for protein and other essential nutrients. They also feed on sugar water from hummingbird feeders placed in backyards.
3. Buff-Bellied Hummingbird
The Buff-bellied Hummingbird is a large hummingbird species found in Mexico and the southernmost regions of Texas. They can be seen along the gulf coast regions of Texas during the colder months and in southern Texas around Corpus Christi all year round.
- Length: 10-11 cm (3.9-4.3 inches)
- Weight: 2.9-4.7g (0.1-0.2oz)
- Wingspan: Avg 14.5cm (5.7 inches)
- Buff-bellied Hummingbird Scientific Name: Amazilia yucatanensis
Appearance
Buff-bellied Hummingbirds have bright green backs, heads, chests, and throats, with a buff-cinnamon-colored belly and bright red bill.
Males have a more vibrant green coloration, and females have a mottled white chin.
Identification
You can identify Buff-bellied Hummingbirds by their bright green and buff coloration.
Habitat
You can spot Buff-bellied Hummingbirds in semi-open wooded areas, thickets, and gardens of the southwest.
Diet
Buff-bellied Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from flowers, but they also consume small insects and nectar from Texas backyard bird feeders.
They are attracted to red and orange tubular flowers, such as honeysuckle, trumpet creeper, and coralbean.
4. Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird is a small bird species found in the western half of North America and Mexico and can be seen in west Texas during the fall and winter months.
- Length: 7-9cm (2.8-3.5 inches)
- Weight: 2-5g (0.1-0.2oz)
- Wingspan: Avg 11cm (4.3 inches)
- Rufous Hummingbird Scientific Name: Selasphorus rufus
- Spring Migration: February-May
- Fall Migration: June-October
Appearance
Rufous Hummingbirds have slender bodies, short wings, and a tapered tail.
Males have orange-brown or coppery rufous upperparts, sides, and tails. They have a striking, iridescent orange-red throat, and some have green specs on their backs.
Female Rufous Hummingbirds have metallic green upperparts, white throats with bronze-colored spots, white underparts, and orange-brown or rufous sides.
Identification
You can identify Rufous Hummingbirds by their orange-brown coloration and the iridescent orange-red throat of the males.
They use a slender, curved beak to feed on nectar from flowers.
In flight, their wings are rapid and buzzing and known to hover in place for extended periods.
Habitat
You can spot Rufous Hummingbirds in various habitats, including open woodlands, mountain meadows, forest edges, and gardens.
They breed in areas with forest edges that have dense understory in the Pacific Northwest.
During migration and winter, they can be seen in areas from California to Texas, Mexico, Central America, and the Gulf Coast coastal areas.
Diet
As with most hummingbirds, Rufous Hummingbirds are primarily nectar feeders, consuming nectar from various flowers, including penstemons, columbines, and salvias.
They also eat small insects, which provide protein and other essential nutrients.
Interesting Facts
- Rufous Hummingbirds have one of the longest migrations of any North American hummingbird, traveling up to 3,000 miles from their breeding grounds in the Pacific Northwest to their wintering grounds in southern Mexico.
- They are one of the most aggressive hummingbirds and will defend their territory fiercely against other hummingbirds, even birds much larger.
- The Rufous Hummingbird is the most common hummingbird species found in Alaska.
5. Broad-tailed Hummingbird
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is a medium-sized hummingbird found in western North America and is a resident of Texas during the warmer spring and summer breeding season.
- Length: 8-9cm (3.1-3.5 inches)
- Weight: 2.8-4.5g (0.1-0.2oz)
- Wingspan: Avg 13cm (5.25 inches)
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird Scientific Name: Selasphorus platycercus
- Spring Migration: April-May
- Fall Migration: August-September
Appearance
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are slender with a big head and long straight bills. Their tail is long and extends past their wingtips when perched.
They have a metallic bluish-green back and crown, with a rounded tail that appears broad when spread.
The male Broad-tailed Hummingbird has a rosey-red throat and white breast, while the female has a white throat with greenish-bronze speckles and cinnamon-colored underparts.
Identification
You can identify Broad-tailed Hummingbirds by the male’s rose-red throat, which is iridescent and shimmers in the sunlight. The rounded tail, when spread, shows white tail tips, which also helps distinguish them.
Habitat
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds prefer to live in montane and subalpine forests, open woodlands, and meadows, primarily in western North America. They can be found at varying elevations, from foothills to mountain slopes.
Diet
As with most hummingbirds, Broad-tailed Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from flowers, but they also consume tiny insects for protein and other essential nutrients.
They are attracted to various flowers, including tubular-shaped ones like penstemons, columbines, and scarlet gilia.
They will also visit backyards that offer nectar or sugar water in a hummingbird feeder.
Interesting Facts
- They are known to be territorial, and males fiercely defend their feeding and nesting areas.
- They can enter a state of torpor, allowing them to slow their metabolism and survive colder temperatures.
- Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are medium-distance migrants, traveling from their breeding grounds in the western United States to their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.
6. Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s Hummingbird is a tiny bird native to the west coast of North America and is a summer resident of southern Texas.
- Length: 9-10cm (3.5-3.9 inches)
- Weight: 3-6g (0.1-0.2oz)
- Wingspan: Avg 12cm (4.7 inches)
- Anna’s Hummingbird Scientific Name: Calypte anna
- Migration: Non-migratory or very short distances in late summer to higher elevations
Appearance
Anna’s Hummingbirds are medium-sized birds with short straight bills and appear stockier than most hummingbirds.
Males are metallic greenish-gray, with a rose-pink throat and head. The female is duller with spotted underparts and a mottled greenish-bronze throat with rosy-red blotches.
Identification
You can identify male Anna’s Hummingbirds by the male’s vibrant rose-pink throat and head. This color often looks brown when not in direct sunlight.
Habitat
Anna’s Hummingbirds are adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including coastal areas, open woods, forests, gardens, and parks.
They are primarily found year-round along the western coast of North America, from southern British Columbia to Baja California.
Diet
As with most hummingbirds, Anna’s Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from flowers, but they also consume small insects for protein and other essential nutrients.
They are attracted to various flowers, including tubular-shaped ones like salvias, penstemons, and fuchsias.
They will also visit gardens that have hummingbird feeders with sugar water.
Interesting Facts
- Anna’s Hummingbirds are non-migratory, meaning they can be seen along the west coast of the United States all year round.
7. Lucifer Hummingbird
The Lucifer Hummingbird is a small bird species found primarily in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. They can be seen in southwest Texas during the spring and summer breeding season.
- Length: 9-10cm (3.5-3.9 inches)
- Weight: 3-4g (0.1-0.1oz)
- Wingspan: Avg 10cm (4 inches)
- Lucifer Hummingbird Scientific Name: Calothorax lucifer
- Spring Migration: Late-March to Late-May
- Fall Migration: Mid-August to Mid-October
Appearance
The Lucifer Hummingbird is a small bird with a long curved bill and a long narrow, forked tail.
Both the male and female have a greenish back and crown.
The male has a striking magenta throat that appears dark when not catching the light, and its breast and belly are grayish-white.
The female has a whitish throat and underparts, with some rufous coloring on the sides. Tails are shorter than mails and have bold white tips.
Identification
The Lucifer Hummingbird is easily identified by the male’s magenta throat and downward curving bill.
The female can be more challenging to identify, but her whitish throat, downward curving bill, and rufous sides help distinguish her from other species.
Habitat
Lucifer Hummingbirds prefer to live in arid and semi-arid habitats with a mix of desert scrub, open woodlands, and canyons.
They can be found in areas with flowering plants and trees such as ocotillo, cacti, agave, and century plants, which provide abundant nectar sources.
Diet
As with most hummingbirds, Lucifer Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from flowers but consume small insects when the opportunity arises.
They are attracted to various flowers, including ocotillo, desert willow, and agave, and backyard bird feeders offering sugar water.
Interesting Facts
- Lucifer Hummingbirds undertake seasonal migrations, moving between their breeding grounds in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico and their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.
8. Calliope Hummingbird
The Calliope Hummingbird is a small bird species found in western North America. They are primarily seen in Texas during the spring and fall migration months but have been spotted in some areas of southern Texas during the winter months.
- Length: 8-9cm (3.1-3.5 inches)
- Weight: 2.3-3.4g (0.1oz)
- Wingspan: 10-11cm (4.1-4.3 inches)
- Calliope Hummingbird Scientific Name: Selasphorus calliope
- Spring Migration: March-May
- Fall Migration: July-September
Appearance
Calliope Hummingbirds are the smallest bird species in North America, measuring about 3 inches in length and weighing around 2-3 grams.
Males are green above and white below, with magenta stripes that run from the base of their bill down their chin and throats.
Females are green above and white and cinnamon below. Their throats are white with bronzy-green specs.
Identification
You can quickly identify male Calliope Hummingbirds by their small size and magenta-colored throats.
They have short, square, black tails and relatively short bills compared to other hummingbirds in your area.
Habitat
In the breeding season, you can spot Calliope Hummingbirds in mountainous areas with dense vegetation near streams.
They spend their winters in mountainous woodland regions in Mexico.
Diet
They feed on nectar from flowers and small insects for protein and other essential nutrients.
They will also visit hummingbird feeders that offer sugar-water mixes.
Interesting Facts
- The Calliope Hummingbird is named after the Greek muse Calliope, who was associated with poetry and song.
- They are the smallest bird in North America.
- Calliope Hummingbirds have the longest migration of any North American hummingbird, traveling up to 5,000 miles each year between their breeding and wintering grounds.
9. Blue-Throated Mountain Gem
The Blue-throated Mountain Gem is a large hummingbird found in the highland forests of Mexico and parts of Central America. They can be seen in southwest Texas during the summer breeding season.
- Length: 12-13.5cm (4.8-5.3 inches)
- Weight: 8.1-8.6g (0.3oz)
- Wingspan:
- Blue-throated Mountain Gem Scientific Name: Lampornis clemenciae
- Spring Migration: March – May
- Fall Migration: Late July – November
Appearance
The Blue-throated Mountain Gem is the largest hummingbird in North America. They have a long, curved bill and long wings and tails.
The male is greenish-bronze above and gray below with a brilliant azure-blue throat. They have a white line above and below both eyes, and their long tails have white tips.
The female has a similar coloration but lacks the blue throat.
Identification
You can identify the Blue-throated Mountain Gem by sheer size alone and by the male’s stunning azure-blue throat and white lines above and below their eyes.
Habitat
Blue-throated Mountain Gems live in coniferous forests and woodlands near streams and canyons.
You can see them in Mexico, particularly in the Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Madre Occidental mountain ranges, as well as in parts of Guatemala and Honduras.
Diet
Blue-throated Mountain Gems primarily feed on nectar from flowers but consume small insects for protein and other essential nutrients when available.
They are attracted to various tubular-shaped flowers that natively grow in Central America and to hummingbird feeders.
Interesting Facts
- The Blue-throated Mountain Gem is the largest hummingbird in North America and is similar to a small sparrow.
- They were named the Blue-throated Hummingbird until 2019 when they were renamed Blue-throated Mountain Gems.
- They will fiercely protect their territories and nests from other birds and often mob large birds of prey.
10. Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s Hummingbird is a small bird species on the southwest coast of the United States and Mexico and can be seen in west Texas during the spring and fall migration months.
- Length: 8-9cm (3.2-3.5 inches)
- Weight: 2-4g (0.1oz)
- Wingspan: Avg 11cm (4.3 inches)
- Allen’s Hummingbird Scientific Name: Selasphorus sasin
- Spring Migration: Mid-Jan to March
- Fall Migration: June-August
Appearance
Allen’s Hummingbirds are tiny, stocky-looking hummingbirds with long straight bills.
Male Allen’s Hummingbirds are metallic green and coppery-orange overall with a rusty-orange throat, copper-colored upper tail, belly, and eye patch.
The female is similarly colored but has paler coppery-orange tones and greenish-bronze spots on their throat.
Identification
The male’s rusty-orange throat quickly identifies Allen’s Hummingbirds. Female Allen’s Hummingbirds are more challenging to identify but have greenish-bronze spots on their throat.
Habitat
Allen’s Hummingbirds are found primarily on the west coast of California to the southern border of Oregon. They prefer to live in coastal habitats with many flowering plants and trees.
Diet
Allen’s Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from flowers and small insects for protein and other essential nutrients.
They are attracted to red and yellow tubular flowers, such as penstemons, scarlet sage, fuchsia, and nectar feeders in backyards.
Interesting Facts
- Allen’s Hummingbirds tend to migrate much earlier in spring and fall than other hummingbird species.
11. Broad-billed Hummingbird
The Broad-billed Hummingbird is a small bird species in the southwestern United States and Mexico and is a resident of southwest Texas during the spring and summer breeding months.
- Length: 9-10cm (3.5-4 inches)
- Weight: 3.4-3.7g (0.1oz)
- Wingspan: Avg 13cm (5.1 inches)
- Broad-billed Hummingbird Scientific Name: Cynanthus latirostris
- Breeds in: March-September
Appearance
Broad-billed Hummingbirds are tiny, measuring about 4 inches long and weighing around 3-4 grams. They have notched tails and long straight bills.
Males have a deep green back and crown, a bright red bill that is relatively broad and straight, and a bright blue throat and breast.
Females are greenish-gold above and gray below. They have a whitish-gray stripe behind their eye.
Identification
You can quickly identify Male Broad-billed Hummingbirds by their bright red bill, deep green bodies, and shimmery blue throats.
Habitat
Broad-billed Hummingbirds prefer to live in arid or semi-arid areas with plenty of flowering shrubs and trees.
You can spot them in various habitats, including desert scrub, oak woodlands, areas with streams, and mountain canyons.
Diet
Broad-billed Hummingbirds feed on nectar from flowers, backyard feeders, and small insects for protein and other essential nutrients.
They are attracted to red and orange tubular flowers, such as penstemons, salvia, and honeysuckles.
12. Rivoli’s Hummingbird
Rivoli’s Hummingbird, formerly the Magnificent Hummingbird, is a spectacular bird species in Central America. They can be seen in southwest Texas during the spring, summer, and fall.
- Length: 11-14cm (4.3-5.5 inches)
- Weight: 7-8g (0.3oz)
- Wingspan: Avg 18cm (7 inches)
- Rivoli’s Hummingbird Scientific Name: Eugenes fulgens
- Spring Migration: March – May
- Fall Migration: August – November
Appearance
Rivoli’s Hummingbirds are one of the largest hummingbird species. They have long straight bills, long wings, and broad, slightly notched tails.
The male is dark green above and blackish below with an iridescent green throat and purple crown. The female is greenish above and pale gray below. Both males and females have a white spot behind the eye.
Identification
You can identify Rivoli’s Hummingbirds by the male’s large size, dark body, and vibrant head and throat coloration.
Habitat
Rivoli’s Hummingbirds prefer to live in montane forests and can be found in mountain ranges from the southwestern United States to Central America.
They inhabit various habitats, including pine-oak woodlands, coniferous forests, hillsides, and canyons with streams.
Diet
Like most hummingbirds, Rivoli’s Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar and small insects.
They are attracted to various flowers, including tubular-shaped ones like penstemons, honeysuckles, salvias, and columbines.
They will also visit bird feeders that offer sugar water.
Interesting Facts
- Rivoli’s Hummingbird was named after Jacques Prosper Masséna, the second Duke of Rivoli.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Kind Of Hummingbirds Live In Texas?
Twelve kinds of Hummingbirds species live in Texas during the year. These include the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Buff-bellied Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, Lucifer Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Blue-throated Mountain Gem, Allen’s Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, and Rivoli’s Hummingbird.
What months are hummingbirds in Texas?
Most hummingbirds visiting Texas do so during the spring, summer, and fall months. They either spend their summers in Texas or pass through during the spring and fall migration months.
Do hummingbirds stay in Texas year-round?
Only the Buff-bellied hummingbird species are permanent residents of Texas. Other species spend their summers in Texas or migrate through during the spring and fall months.
Keep An Eye Out For Hummingbirds In Texas
Texas is home to eleven species of hummingbirds, from the tiny Calliope Hummingbird to the larger Rivoli’s Hummingbird. These birds can be seen in various habitats throughout Texas during the spring, summer, and fall months.
Whether you’re a bird-watching enthusiast or just someone who enjoys learning about nature, taking some time to learn about the twelve kinds of hummingbirds in Texas will provide you with a newfound appreciation for these exciting birds.
We hope this article has provided all the information you need. If you have questions about identifying more species of birds in Texas or finding out which ones live near you, let us know!
We would love to help identify new bird species for our readers.
