Hummingbirds are tiny, beautiful, and fascinating birds that can be found all over the world, but most commonly throughout the western hemisphere. In Maryland, there are several types of hummingbirds that make their home in the state’s diverse habitats.
In this article, we will explore the different types, characteristics, behaviors, and habitats of hummingbirds in Maryland, as well as dive deeper into the unique features of the Allens hummingbird.
Types of Hummingbirds in Maryland
Maryland is home to a diverse range of hummingbirds, including the Ruby-Throated hummingbird, Rufous hummingbird, Allens, Annas, Black-Chinned, Calliope, Mexican, and occasionally vagrant species. The most commonly seen of these hummingbirds is the Ruby-Throated hummingbird, which is known for its bright red throat and small size of around 3-4 inches long.
The Rufous hummingbird is slightly larger than the Ruby-Throated hummingbird, with a wingspan of 4-5 inches. Both male and female Rufous hummingbirds have reddish-orange coloring on their backs and heads, distinguishing them from other types of hummingbirds.
Meanwhile, the Black-Chinned hummingbird is slightly smaller than the Ruby-Throated hummingbird, with a wingspan of 3-4 inches, and is known for its iridescent green feathers and black chin.
Characteristics and Behavior of Maryland Hummingbirds
Maryland hummingbirds are most notable for their petite size, vivid coloring and patterns, and agility in the air. Hummingbirds are a vital part of pollination, and their long beaks provide easy access to nectar and insects in plants.
In addition, hummingbirds are territorial creatures, and males will often defend their feeding and nesting areas. One of the most unique behaviors of hummingbirds is their courtship dance.
During this courtship dance, the male will fly in a U-shaped pattern, circling his mate and then zig-zagging across the air. The sound created by their wings during this display is a distinctive humming noise that gives the birds their name.
Distribution and Habitat of Maryland Hummingbirds
Maryland hummingbirds are found in a variety of habitats, including pine forests, coastal plains, meadows, riverbanks, orchards, high altitudes, the Andes Mountains, and coffee-shade Inga. Hummingbirds can migrate long distances, although the exact migration patterns vary between species.
Some hummingbirds, such as the Ruby-Throated hummingbird, migrate to Central and South America for the winter months.
Allens Hummingbird
The Allens hummingbird is a unique hummingbird that is found primarily on the west coast of the United States and Mexico. This hummingbird is slightly larger than the Ruby-Throated hummingbird, with average measurements of around 4-5 inches long and a wingspan of 4-5 inches.
Physical Description of
Allens Hummingbird
The Allens hummingbird is known for its distinctive coloring, which includes a green-copper back and head, an orange-colored throat and chest, and a bronze-green tint to its breast and sides. The male Allens hummingbird is more vibrantly colored than the female, which has a muted green-brown coloring.
Behavior and Migration of
Allens Hummingbird
Allens hummingbirds are known for their early migration patterns, often arriving in their breeding grounds as early as December or January. This is unique compared to other hummingbirds that typically migrate in the spring.
The Allens hummingbird is also a vagrant hummingbird, meaning they may occasionally be found outside of their normal range. The Allens hummingbird has a few distinct subspecies, including the Sedentarius subspecies found on the Channel Islands off the coast of California.
This subspecies is known for its unique trill, a distinctive humming noise created by the vibration of their feathers during courtship displays.
In Conclusion
Hummingbirds are fascinating birds with unique characteristics, behaviors, and habitats. In Maryland, several types of hummingbirds can be found, including the Ruby-Throated hummingbird, Rufous hummingbird, Allens, and many others.
Understanding these birds’ characteristics and behaviors allows for a deeper appreciation of the beauty they bring to the world around us.
Annas Hummingbird
Annas hummingbird, also known as Calypte anna, is a beautiful and fascinating bird found in the western regions of North America. With its striking physical appearance and unique behavior, Annas hummingbird stands out among other species of hummingbirds.
Physical Description of
Annas Hummingbird
Annas hummingbird is a small bird, typically measuring between 3-4 inches long with a wingspan of 4-5 inches. It has gray, emerald green feathers and a rosy-pink throat, also known as a gorget.
The males have a more vibrant pink color on their throat and can puff up their gorget feathers to attract females during mating season. The feathers on Annas hummingbirds’ back and head take on different hues depending on the light.
Annas hummingbird also has a unique scratchy metallic sound that it produces using its tail feathers during territorial displays and courtship. Behavior and Habitat of
Annas Hummingbird
Annas hummingbirds are permanent residents in the United States, mainly California and the southwestern regions.
They can also be found in Canada, specifically southern British Columbia. These birds have adapted to urbanization and inhabit suburban backyards, parks, and gardens, where nectar feeders are prevalent.
Annas hummingbirds are found in wooded areas, coastal plains, savannahs, and eucalyptus groves. They prefer to nest in trees or shrubs that offer shelter and protection from predators.
These birds feed primarily on nectar from flowering plants but also insects and spiders. However, consuming too many bees and wasps can be hazardous to their well-being.
Black-Chinned Hummingbird
Black-Chinned hummingbird, also known as Archilochus alexandri, is an attractive and vibrant bird commonly found in the western United States. This species of hummingbird has a distinct physical appearance and particular behaviors that make it stand out among other species.
Physical Description of
Black-Chinned Hummingbird
Black-Chinned hummingbirds have muted metallic green feathers on their back and head with silky black faces and chins. They have purple feathers surrounding their throat, creating a distinctive coloration.
However, females have a white plain throat. Their flanks are glossy bronze-green.
Behavior and Range of
Black-Chinned Hummingbird
The Black-Chinned hummingbird can be found in the western United States, spanning from central Mexico to Montana and the Dakotas. They are migratory birds, spending their winter months in the Gulf Coast of Mexico and the west coast of Central America.
During the breeding season, they inhabit mountain ranges, forests, meadows, riverbanks, orchards, and gardens to mate and feed. These birds are important pollinators, which is why they are valuable to plant and flower growth.
Black-Chinned hummingbirds are useful in their role as pollinators due to their long beaks and tongues that enable them to penetrate flowers deeply to access nectar. These birds are territorial and may compete when it comes to feeding and mating.
The males attract females with their distinctive purple throat feathers and vocalization during the courtship process. In conclusion, hummingbirds are unique and fascinating birds known for their small size, vibrant colors, and distinctive behaviors.
Annas hummingbirds and Black-Chinned hummingbirds stand out among the many species due to their physical appearance and behavior, making them a favorite of bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. Understanding their habitat, feeding habits, and survival tactics allows for a greater appreciation of these amazing birds.
Calliope Hummingbird
The Calliope hummingbird, also known as Stellula calliope, is the smallest bird in the United States and Canada. Despite its small size, this little bird boasts beautiful physical characteristics and unique behaviors.
Physical Description of
Calliope Hummingbird
Calliope hummingbirds are small, measuring about 3 inches in length, and have a wingspan of 4-5 inches. They have metallic green feathers on their backs, with the males having a magenta feathering underside of the neck.
Females and juveniles have pink flanks that make them distinguishable from males. Behavior and Range of
Calliope Hummingbird
Calliope hummingbirds can be found in the western mountains of North America, in areas such as the Rocky Mountains, and pine forests in Mexico.
During the breeding season, these birds inhabit high altitude areas, while they migrate to lower elevations during the winter months. Calliope hummingbirds have unique behaviors, such as performing U-shaped dives during courtship displays.
They are also solitary and territorial. They are not afraid to aggressively defend their feeding area and can be seen chasing other birds away from their territory.
Mexican Violetear
The
Mexican Violetear, also known as Colibri thalassinus, is a moderately large hummingbird with shimmering dark green and blue/violet plumage. This bird has unique physical attributes that make it a standout among hummingbirds.
Physical Description of
Mexican Violetear
Mexican Violetears are medium-sized, measuring about 4 inches in length, with a wingspan of 6 inches. They have a shimmering dark green and blue/violet plumage and have violet-blue feathery pockets on either side of their neck.
They also have an intermediate band of black feathers with bronze patches on their tail. Behavior and Range of
Mexican Violetear
The
Mexican Violetear is a rare vagrant hummingbird, found mostly in South Mexico through Nicaragua.
These birds prefer clearing and canopying forests, woodlands, and scrubs in altitudes of up to 10,000-13,000 feet in the Andes Mountains.
Mexican Violetears are solitary and nomadic, spending very little time in one place. They are also known for their favorite food, which is coffee-shade Inga.
These birds typically perch at the edge of the forest in the morning and venture into open areas in search of food after sunset. In conclusion, hummingbirds are often small but vibrant birds with unique physical characteristics and behaviors that make them stand out.
The Calliope hummingbird and
Mexican Violetear are no exception to this rule, with both bird species boasting vibrant physical characteristics and unique behaviors. Despite their differences, they share a love for nectar and flowers, making them an important part of the ecosystems they call home.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-Throated hummingbird, also known as Archilochus colubris, is a common and beloved sight in Maryland gardens and parks. With its unique physical features and migratory patterns, this bird stands out among other hummingbirds.
Physical Description of
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Ruby-Throated hummingbirds have golden-green or emerald-green feathers on their heads and backs. The males have an orange-red throat and a vibrant, colorful iridescent patch on their throat during the breeding season.
The females, on the other hand, have a grayish throat band and white-tipped wings and underpants. Behavior and Migration of
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-Throated hummingbird is the most common hummingbird in Maryland and breeds in the state during the spring and summer months.
These birds typically migrate to Mexico and Central America for the winter months, where they feed on nectar from flowering plants. Ruby-Throated hummingbirds are gifted flyers, and their excellent flight patterns are necessary for feeding on nectar while flying.
These birds are guided by the flowering patterns and will often visit a particular garden or feeder each year. An essential component of Ruby-Throated hummingbirds’ survival is access to water.
These birds love to use bird baths to bathe and take a sip of water.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous hummingbird, also known as Selasphorus rufus, is a brilliantly colored bird with unique behaviors. This bird has a vast range in the Americas and is known for its phenomenal memory and territorial behavior.
Physical Description of
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous hummingbirds are brilliant orange and black colored birds, with an intense red throat band. Females have green shoulders and a more muted coloring, with less vibrant reddish-orange plumage than males.
They are also gifted flyers, being the only birds capable of flying backward and upside down. Behavior and Range of
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous hummingbird has an extensive range in the Americas, breeding further north than any other hummingbird species.
These birds exhibit a phenomenal memory recollection and can recognize individual feeding areas from previous years. Rufous hummingbirds are fierce fighters, leading to their territorial behavior.
During the winter months, Rufous hummingbirds go on high-altitude migration to lower latitudes, traveling as far north as Alaska to as far south as Central America. The Rufous hummingbird feasts on tub-shaped, nectar-filled flowers to fuel its journey.
Rufous hummingbirds face various threats, including losing their habitat to development and being hunted by domestic animals. They also face a risk from chipmunks stealing and destroying their nests.
In conclusion, hummingbirds continue to capture the hearts of bird enthusiasts globally, with their vibrant colors, unique behavior, and high-speed movements. The Ruby-Throated and Rufous hummingbirds exhibit unique behaviors and movements that set them apart from other hummingbird species.
They remain an essential component of the ecosystem, with their role in pollination being invaluable. Understanding these various hummingbird species and their habits allows us to appreciate and protect them for generations to come.
In conclusion, hummingbirds are fascinating creatures with unique physical appearances, behaviors, and habitats. The different types of hummingbirds in Maryland, such as the Ruby-Throated and Rufous hummingbirds, have distinct characteristics that make them stand out.
Understanding these various species’ behaviors and habits allows us to appreciate and