Hummingbirds In Georgia: All You Need To Know
Nine Hummingbirds Species In Georgia
When it comes to wildlife, hummingbirds are among the most intriguing. With a wide range of landscapes and vegetation, Georgia is a great place for a holiday or a year-round residence.
It’s possible to see these hummingbirds, which aren’t native to Georgia, when they migrate from the west in quest of nectar from flowers. Despite the fact that hummingbirds are not native to Georgia, it is crucial to know what species may be found there.
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The state of Georgia is home to nine hummingbird species. With Allen’s Hummingbird, there are the Black-Chinned, the Broadbill and Broad-Tailed and Rufous Hummingbirds.
There are Ruby-Throated and the Rufous Hummingbirds. There are a number of species that migrate or breed in various parts of the country and may be seen at different times of year.
Keep reading to find out more about these nine Georgia hummingbird species!
According to multiple sources, the following list of hummingbirds has been produced. However, even though many of the species on this list are rare and difficult to find, their inclusion has been made since they are sometimes seen in Georgia.
i. Ruby Throated Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
- Length: 9 cm to more
- Wingspan: 8 cm to 11 cm
- Weight: 3 gram to 3.5 gram
- Best time to see: 365 days per year
The Ruby Throated hummingbird is the only bird to breed east of the Mississippi River, making it one of the most abundant species in the United States.
This bird will have to fly non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico for 500 kilometres. To find nectar, this species favours areas with open meadows or woodlands.
The red gorget with the black chin strap identifies the masculine. In Georgia, you may see this bird all year round.
ii. Black Chinned Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Archilochus alexandri
- Length: 8 cm to 9 cm
- Wingspan: ~11 cm
- Weight: 3 gram to 3.5 gram
- Best time to see: From October until April
Dr. Alexandre, its discoverer, named the Black-Chinned hummingbird in 1846. It is found in a wide range of habitats, including backyards, throughout the US. While flying, this species uses its tail to pump nectar from a number of locations.
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Despite its little stature, this hummingbird has a grey head and a medium-to-long recurved beak. A modest amount of violet may be seen in its gorget in the right light. This hummingbird is found in Georgia from October to April.
iii. Anna’s Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Calypte anna
- Length: 10 cm to 11 cm
- Wingspan: ~12 cm
- Weight: 4 to 4.5 gm.
- Best time to see: Only between November and March are there any chances of seeing one
The Anna’s hummingbird, which has its roots in California, has the adaptability to extend its range east and north to discover exotic blooms in urban gardens and fields.
These birds, which are called for the Duchess of Rivoli Anna Massena, are known to feast on sand and ashes as well as insects throughout the winter.
The straight black bill and modest size make it easy to spot. While hovering, both sexes display a crimson gorget and keep their tails in the air. Unlike Allen’s hummingbird, which may be seen in Georgia only from November to March, Anna’s hummingbird is more common year-round in Georgia.
iv. Calliope Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Selasphorus calliope
- Length: 7 cm to 10 cm
- Wingspan: ~11 cm
- Weight: 2 gram to 3 gram
- Best time to see: September through April
Despite its little size, the Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest breeding bird in the US. Ironically, the hummingbird’s scientific name derives from a Greek phrase meaning “beautiful voice.”
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The Calliope nectars from a wide array of plants in conifer forests and older growth regions after fires. Tiny stature, short tail, and black beak distinguish this species. In contrast to the white backdrop of the female, the male has a purple gorget. Between September and April, the Calliope is in bloom.
v. Rufous Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Selasphorus rufus
- Length: 9 cm to 10 cm
- Wingspan: 11 cm to 12 cm
- Weight: 3 gram to 4 gram.
- Best time to see: August through April
The Rufous hummingbird is an aggressive bird that is an undesirable visitor at bird feeders, since it is the northernmost breeder in the United States. During the months of August and April, this bird may be found in woodlands and grasslands.
The male Rufous hummingbird’s rufous gorget and short black beak help identify this species. This bird’s aggressiveness and rufous plumage make it easy to see as it battles for nectar and bird feeders in your yard.
vi. Allen’s Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Selasphorus sasin
- Length: 9 cm
- Wingspan: 11 cm
- Weight: 2 gram to 4 gram
- Best time to see: Between October and February, it isn’t that unusual.
It may be little, but this little guy has a rufous tail, rump and back, and a medium-sized black beak, making him fiercely territorial. This hummingbird is named for Charles A. Allen, a California bird collector, and has one of the most limited breeding areas among North American hummingbirds.
If you look hard enough, you’ll spot them zooming between feeders in urban and suburban areas. It is found in fields and woodlands, where it feeds on gooseberries, bush-monkey flowers, and honeysuckle. Between October and February, they might sometimes be seen in Georgia.
vii. Broad Tailed Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Selasphorus platycercus
- Length: 9 cm
- Wingspan: 13 cm
- Weight: 3 gram to 4 gram
- Best time to see: Between November and March, it’s a rare occurrence.
The Broad-Tailed hummingbird, a medium-sized hummingbird, has a cry that sounds like a string of little bells ringing. In the US, the female Broad-Tailed hummingbird is the oldest known wild hummingbird.
It’s not uncommon to see the Broad-Tailed hummingbird at backyard feeders, since it, too, feeds on nectar from a wide variety of plants in fields as well as wooded or forest areas. The males may be distinguished by their bright pink gorgets, which contrast sharply with their white breasts.
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In addition to its elongated tail, it has a straight black beak, which is mild-mannered in temperament. In Georgia, this hummingbird is rare, but between November and March, you may encounter one.
viii. Broad Billed Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Cynanthus latirostris
- Length: 7 cm to 9.5 cm
- Wingspan: 13 cm
- Weight: 3 gram to 4 gram
- Best time to see: Between the months of December and March
When compared to other hummingbirds, the male Broad-Billed has a striking red bill and blue throat. Unlike the males, females have a golden-green backside and white behind their eyes.
Even though it is often seen at bird feeders, you’ll be able to see this species almost any place there are natural flowers where it can get at nectar. Additionally, the Broad-Billed hummingbird feeds on insects found on plants and even flies.
The tail of this species is notched and straight, despite its little size. This bird is rather scarce in Georgia, however it may be seen from December to March on rare occasions.
ix. Buff Bellied Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Amazilia yucatanensis
- Length: 10 cm to 11 cm
- Wingspan: 14 cm
- Weight: 2.9 gram to 4.7 gram
- Best time to see: Between November and March, and it’s a rare occurrence.
In comparison to other hummingbirds, the Buff-Bellied hummingbird is larger and has wings, tail, and beak that are somewhat lengthy. An iridescent blue-green breast and neck, a buff belly, and an orange-brown tail are the adult features of this species.
Insects and nectar are the Buff-Bellied hummingbird’s primary sources of food. Small hummingbirds are often chased away by them from backyard feeders. In addition, they may be found in woods, forests, and urban parks with blooming plants.
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Between the months of November and March, they may sometimes be seen in Georgia.
