Hummingbirds Found in Georgia: (Pictures and Sounds)
What types of hummingbirds are found in Georgia?
There are 12 species of hummingbirds documented as seen in Georgia.
Documented Georgia hummingbirds, listed in order of frequency seen are Ruby-throated, Rufous, Calliope, Black-chinned, Buff-bellied, Broad-billed, Allen’s, Broad-tailed, Green-breasted Mango, Anna’s, Rivoli’s, and Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds.
Sighting Maps:
These 12 species of hummingbirds are documented as being seen in Georgia by sighting maps, listed in the order of frequently seen:
(click links to see sighting map)
- Ruby-throated (Archilochus colubris)
- Rufous (Selasphorus rufus)
- Calliope (Selasphorus calliope)
- Black-chinned (Archilochus alexandri)
- Buff-bellied (Amazilia yucatanensis)
- Broad-billed (Cynanthus latirostris)
- Allen’s (Selasphorus sasin)
- Broad-tailed (Selasphorus platycercus)
- Green-breasted Mango (Anthracothorax prevostii)
- Anna’s (Calypte anna)
- Rivoli’s (Eugenes fulgens)
- Blue-throated Mountain-gem (Lampornis clemenciae)
These 12 hummingbird species found in Georgia are further classified into three groups:
Year-round residents, Seasonal visitors, and Rare/Vagrant visitors.
Hummingbirds: | Year-Round, Seasonal, Rare/Vagrant |
Ruby-throated | Seasonal |
Rufous | Seasonal |
Calliope | Rare/Vagrant |
Black-chinned | Rare/Vagrant |
Buff-bellied | Rare/Vagrant |
Broad-billed | Rare/Vagrant |
Allen’s | Rare/Vagrant |
Broad-tailed | Rare/Vagrant |
Green-breasted Mango | Rare/Vagrant |
Anna’s | Rare/Vagrant |
Rivoli’s | Rare/Vagrant |
Blue-throated Mt-gem | Rare/Vagrant |
For more information on Georgia hummingbirds:
Read my article:
Hummingbird Migration in Georgia
Georgia, known as the peach state, is located in the southeastern region of the United States, consisting of coastal, farmlands and mountains. Georgia is surrounded by Tennessee on the north, Florida on the south, South Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean on the east and Alabama on the west.
The state of Georgia experiences the traditional four seasons of winter, spring, summer and fall; with extremely hot and muggy long summers and cold and wet winters.
The vast multitude of diversified hummingbird species found in Georgia are sighted during the winter season. The large concentrations of hummingbirds typically are juvenile male and female hummingbirds that migrate. At first glance, clear identification is difficult due to the masses all looking the same in their adolescent stages.
Both ornithologists and bird watchers use collective nouns or flock names to describe a large group of hummingbirds of the same species. The scientific term for a group of hummingbirds is “charm”. Other names include bouquet, glittering, shimmer, tune or hover.
Read on to find out more about each of these hummingbird species as well as where and when they can be found in Georgia.
Georgia Hummingbirds That Are Year-Round Residents
This hummingbird classification is defined as hummingbirds residing in Georgia 365 days a year and do not migrate. There are no year-round hummingbird residents in Georgia.
Georgia Hummingbirds That Are Seasonal
This hummingbird classification is defined as hummingbirds in Georgia temporarily as part of their migratory pattern.
Some spend the entire spring, summer, and fall in Georgia while others migrate and may travel to more northern states during the summer. Some seasonal hummingbirds will remain in Georgia for the entire winter by choice, injury, or old age.
There are 2 classified seasonal hummingbird in Georgia:
- Ruby-throated
- Rufous
Read on to find out more about each of these hummingbird species as well as where and when they can be found in Georgia.
RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD – (Archilochus colubris)
Conservation Status: Least concerned
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Archilochus
Species: A. colubris
Ruby-throated hummingbirds main residence is mostly in the Midwest and on the east coast of the United States, therefore they are the number one hummingbird seen in Georgia.
Sightings map documents the Ruby-throated hummingbird is seen in every area of Georgia.
Scientist Carl Linnaeus of Sweden is credited with giving the Ruby-throated hummingbird its scientific name. He initially classified the species as “Trochilus colubris.”
Its name was revised more than a century later when German botanist Ludwig Reichenbach classed it as “Archilochus colubris,” which is now its scientific name and means “sky spirit/sun-god bird” or “top thief.”
Male
Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds:
The beautiful iridescent blood-red gorget of male Ruby-throated hummingbirds ends at the neck.
His distinctive features are black wings, a light gray underbelly, and a dull metallic green topside.
The Ruby-throated hummingbird is a tiny species of hummingbird, measuring 2.8 to 3.3 inches in length and weighing less than 4.5 grams, or two U.S. dimes.
They live for three to five years on average.
The metal plate that shields the wearer’s throat during combat to prevent injuries is the inspiration behind the name of the gorget on a male hummingbird.
This name is acceptable and fitting to characterize the physical characteristics of male hummingbirds, since they fight fiercely for their own territory.
Read my article:
Hummingbird Gorgets Explained

Photo by: mz13hummingbirds
Hummingbird Sage – Salvia × ‘Amistad’

Photo by: dgen.photos
Female
Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds:
Ruby-throated hummingbird females are usually larger than males, with a white throat stippled with light spots.
Ruby-throated hummingbird’s life expectancy is roughly three to five years.
The oldest female Ruby-throated hummingbird on record, at nine years old, is nearly twice as old as the male life expectancy.
See my article:
Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)

Photo by: Dgen.photos
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, (GDNR) Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the only species of hummingbirds that nest in Georgia and breed east of the Mississippi River. They breed throughout the eastern United States as far west as eastern Texas, Oklahoma and up north to Minnesota.
Their spring breeding migration to Georgia from the south can begin as early as February while their nesting season begins in April.
The males arrive first and then the females follow two weeks behind. During the spring and summer, the females nest and care for their young, and can produce up to two broods a year.
By mid October, they leave to migrate south to Mexico. Their wintering range includes South Florida, Mexico and Panama.
Read my article:
Hummingbird Migration in Georgia
Juvenile
Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds:
Ruby-throated hummingbird juveniles, both male and female, have a white throat with faint stippling, just like their mother.
As the males become older, they start to show some color around their necks, and finally their stronger red throat feathers take center stage and proudly show off a vibrant gorget.

Photo by: MaryLou Ziebarth
Baby
Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds:
Baby Ruby-throated hummingbirds are easily identified by their undertail coverts, which are white fluffy feathers near their bottom that will disappear as they age.
See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

Photo by: Rekha Pawar
Note: The down feathers near the baby’s bottom are newly white and fluffy.
Observe the great fat reserves they have amassed from the feedings of their devoted mother’s, which will help them get through puberty.
Hear the sounds of the Ruby-throated hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).
The Ruby-throated hummingbird migrates via two different routes in the spring and fall.
The first migration route takes them directly, via the Gulf of Mexico, southwest to Mexico, where they travel nonstop until they reach Central America for the winter.
Over 500 miles is the flight distance over the Gulf of Mexico. Despite being the direct “short” route, these birds must overcome many difficulties.
Not being able to rest, not having access to food or fuel, and needing to steer clear of the severe tropical Atlantic hurricanes while traveling to their destination are some of the challenges faced when flying over the Gulf of Mexico.
To exacerbate the situation, they migrate during the night or are conducting a “Red-eye flight,” depending on your point of view.
Even though both sexes double their body fat before beginning their arduous transoceanic migratory pattern across the Gulf of Mexico, researchers think that males’ energy consumption is more taxing due to their small stature.
The second land migration path is long and follows the Gulf of Mexico’s shoreline. Even though there are fewer guarantees of food sources along the way, taking the “long” route gives them the chance to stop and replenish.
Scientists are unclear and continue to investigate why one group of birds would prefer to take one route over the other.
Read my article:
Hummingbird Migration in Georgia
They enjoy drinking from Salvias, Cardinals, Trumpet vines, Coral honeysuckle and Friendship Sage.
Nine years and one month was the oldest known living female Ruby-throated hummingbird, found during a capture and release banding operation in West Virginia.
Read my article:
3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded
RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD – (Selasphorus rufus)
Conservation Status: Near threatened
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Selasphorus
Species: S. rufous
Rufous hummingbirds are located in western North America and are a migrating species. They breed in the north from southern Alaska and most travel all the way south to winter in Mexico.
Despite being primarily a west coast migratory, they are Georgia’s second most observed hummingbird. There is a significant number difference in sights between the Ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbird.
Sightings map show the Rufous hummingbirds have documented Georgia sightings in areas of Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Macron, and Valdosta.
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GDNR), Rufous hummingbirds are the most commonly seen wintering hummingbird in Georgia. During one winter there were over 100 Rufous hummingbird documented. Therefore, it is highly recommended to keep at least one feeder available during the winter to accommodate these hummingbirds.
They acquire their name from the Latin word rubrum which means “red” describing its reddish-brown coloring.
Male
Rufous Hummingbirds:
The orange-red gorget of a male rufous hummingbird is iridescent, and their tail and sides have a rusty hue. Their underside is beige to white, and their bill is black.
Along with chocolate brown dorsal feathers, males can also have green plumage with green spots on their rustic-looking backs or on the summit of their heads.
They weigh 3.2 grams and range in length from 2.8 to 3.5 inches.
The metal plate that shields the wearer’s throat during combat to prevent injuries is the inspiration behind the name of the gorget on a male hummingbird. This name is acceptable and fitting to characterize the physical characteristics of male hummingbirds, since they fight fiercely for their own territory.
Read my article:
Hummingbird Gorgets Explained

Photo by: Kevin Walsh
Female
Rufous Hummingbirds:
The female Rufous hummingbird is less colorful than the male because it lacks a gorget and iridescent feathers.
In the wild, confusion may arise, though, because certain females have stippling or color specs along their throat line that resemble juvenile characteristics.
They are slightly larger than the males in anticipation of producing offspring.
They have one of the northernmost breeding ranges of any hummingbird in the world; migrating north from Mexico and nesting as far north as Alaska to breed during the summer months.
They are polygamous and will mate with several partners in a season.
See my article:
Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)

Photo by: Bob Free
Juvenile
Rufous Hummingbirds:
In the wild, juvenile Rufous hummingbirds and Allen’s hummingbirds are nearly identical in terms of color and behavior.
Therefore, range rather than appearance is used to establish identity.
The juvenile male Rufous’ rustic appearance is attributed to the iridescent orange dots on their neck.

Photo by: Rekha Pawar
Baby
Rufous Hummingbirds:
Baby Rufous hummingbirds are easily identified by their undertail coverts, which are white fluffy feathers near their bottom that will disappear as they age.
See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)
Hear the sounds of the Rufous hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).
A large number of Rufous hummingbirds will choose to move south to Mexico rather than stay in Georgia for the winter. Hummingbirds, however, can withstand far lower temperatures than most people think.
According to eBird.org, through branding practices in Wisconsin, the Rufous and Ruby-throated hummingbirds are documented surviving in temperatures of -9F and wind chills of -36F.
See my article:
3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded
Some Georgia hummingbird enthusiasts leave their hummingbird feeders up throughout the winter to supply life-sustaining nectar to migratory species that are unable to travel due to injury or old age, as well as hummingbirds that choose to spend the winter in Georgia.
Read my article:
11 DIY Ways to Keep Hummingbird Nectar From Freezing
When it comes to other hummingbirds and animals, Rufous hummingbirds are fiercely possessive and hostile. They are known for being aggressive and bold, driving large birds and rodents away from their favorite feeders in addition to other hummingbirds.
See my article:
Why Hummingbirds Chase Each Other: Is it Friend or Foe?

Photo by: Bob Free
Rufous hummingbirds easily hybridize and cross-breed with other hummingbird species, such as Anna’s hummingbirds.
IUCN Red List classifies the Rufous hummingbird as “near threatened” because of habitat destruction in the Pacific Northwest.
In British Columbia, during a banding operation, the oldest living Rufous hummingbird was documented at 8 years and 10 months old.
See my article:
3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded
Georgia Hummingbirds That Are Rare/Vagrant
This hummingbird classification is defined as hummingbirds residing in a group outside of their normal geographic range. Not only do these species of hummingbirds have a wide variety of specific geographic ranges, but they are also known to sometimes interbreed with each other creating hybrids.
The 10 classified Rare/Vagrant hummingbirds listed in order of frequency seen in Georgia are:
- Calliope
- Black-chinned
- Buff-bellied
- Broad-billed
- Allen’s
- Broad-tailed
- Green-breasted Mango
- Anna’s
- Rivoli’s
- Blue-throated Mountain-gem
Read on to find out more about each of these hummingbird species as well as where and when they can be found in Georgia.
CALLIOPE HUMMINGBIRD – (Selasphorus calliope)
Conservation Status: Least concerned
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Selasphorus
Species: S. calliope
Calliope hummingbirds are located in western North America and are a migrating species. They breed in the north from southern Alaska and most travel all the way south to winter in Mexico, therefore making them rare visitors to Georgia.
Although rare, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GDNR), some Calliope hummingbirds are seen overwintering in Georgia.
Sightings map shows Calliope hummingbirds have documented Georgia sightings in Atlanta, Augusta, and Savannah.
Calliope hummingbirds are named after a Greek mythological muse, who represented poetry and eloquence. Calliope means “beautiful voice” in ancient Greek.
Male
Calliope Hummingbirds:
The long, stunning row of feathers that protrude down the sides of the throat and their iridescent purple cap are characteristics that make male Calliope hummingbirds clearly identifiable.
These hummingbirds, which are 3 inches long and weigh 2-3 grams, have shiny green backs like many others. T
he metal plate that shields the wearer’s throat during combat to prevent injuries is the inspiration behind the name of the gorget on a male hummingbird.
This name is acceptable and fitting to characterize the physical characteristics of male hummingbirds, since they fight fiercely for their own territory.
Read my article:
Hummingbird Gorgets Explained

Photo by: sony_alpha_male
Female
Calliope Hummingbirds:
The female Calliope hummingbird is less colorful than the male and lacks a gorget and iridescent feathers. Their head’s crown, or top, has a grayish-green hue.
The buff hue of the flanks refers to the sides, underbelly, and area beneath the wings.
When a female Calliope hummingbird builds a nest she is known to both nest on the top of pine cones and to steal building materials from the nests of other birds in order to construct her own. She will dismantle nests from previous seasons and recycle them in her new nest.
See my article:
Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)

Photo by: sony_alpha_male
Juvenile
Calliope Hummingbirds:
Male and female juvenile Calliope hummingbirds initially resemble adult females until the male starts to develop the iridescent feathers that are characteristic of this species of hummingbird.

Photo by: sony_alpha_male
Baby
Calliope Hummingbirds:
Baby Calliope hummingbirds are easily identified by their undertail coverts, which are white fluffy feathers near their bottom that will disappear as they age.
See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)
Hear the sounds of the Calliope hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).
The world’s smallest long-distance migratory bird is the Calliope hummingbird. Their springtime migration patterns resemble those of Rufous hummingbirds.
Throughout their northward spring migration where they breed, they traverse the Pacific Flyways. On their southbound journey in the fall, they pass through the Pacific and Rocky Mountain Flyways towards their wintering destination in Mexico.
Read my article:
Hummingbird Migration in Georgia
Calliope hummingbirds hybridize and readily crossbreed with other hummingbird species, such as the Costa’s hummingbird.
The oldest known female Calliope hummingbird was twice captured during a 2007 and 2014 banding operation in Idaho. She was 8 years and 11 months old at the time of her capture.
See my article:
3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded
BLACK-CHINNED HUMMINGBIRD – (Archilochus alexandri)
Conservation Status: Least concerned
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Archilochus
Species: A. alexandri
The Black-chinned hummingbird lives across the western United States, Mexico, and Canada.
They are occasionally seen overwintering in Georgia, however they are considered rare visitors.
Although rare, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GDNR), some Black-chinned hummingbirds are seen overwintering in Georgia.
Sighting map show Black-chinned hummingbirds have documented Georgia sightings in the areas of Athens, Atlanta, south of Savannah, Brunswick, and Valdosta.
The Black-chinned hummingbird’s scientific name is in commemoration of Dr. Alexandre, a French doctor who was the first to discover the species in Mexico.
Male
Black-Chinned Hummingbirds:
The royal purple gorget resembling a buttoned-up shirt with a small flash of color right near the neckline is the distinguishing feature of male Black-chinned hummingbirds.
The male’s purple gorget or throat in some lighting at times looks entirely black.
Their flanks and backs are metallic green, while their undersides are white. They have a black bill and a forked dark tail. Their length ranges from 3.25 to 3.5 inches, and they weigh between 2.8 and 5.6 grams.
The metal plate that shields the wearer’s throat during combat to prevent injuries is the inspiration behind the name of the gorget on a male hummingbird.
This name is acceptable and fitting to characterize the physical characteristics of male hummingbirds, since they fight fiercely for their own territory.
Read my article:
Hummingbird Gorgets Explained

Photo by: bird.whisperer
Female
Black-Chinned Hummingbirds:
Compared to their male counterparts, female Black-chinned hummingbirds are less colorful and lack a gorget and iridescent feathers.
White tips and beige edges on the dorsal feathers, which turn dark black as they age, adorn their dark, rounded tail, which has a white underbelly.
They have dull metallic marbled colors on their head and backs that resemble snake scales: beige, green, white, yellow-green, and dark brown.
Read my article:
Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)

Photo by: hummingbirdsbysurpise
Juvenile
Black-Chinned Hummingbirds:
Male and female juvenile Black-chinned hummingbirds initially resemble adult females until the male starts to develop the iridescent feathers that are characteristic of this species of hummingbird.

Photo by: hummingbirdsbysuprise
Baby
Black-Chinned Hummingbirds:
Baby Black-chinned hummingbirds are easily identified by their undertail coverts, which are white fluffy feathers near their bottom that will disappear as they age.
See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

Photo by: bird.whisperer
Hear the sounds of the Black-chinned hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).
Particularly while protecting “their” feeders, hummingbirds come across as the most ruthless sheriff in the area due to their intense territoriality. To defend nectar sources full of blooming plants that attract hummingbirds, they will engage in territorial conflicts.
Although Black-chinned hummingbirds are a territorial species, they will become less aggressive and learn to share if they happen to be in an area with a high hummingbird population and food sources.
See my article:
Why Hummingbirds Chase Each Other: Is it Friend or Foe?

Photo by: hummingbirdsbysuprise
The lifespan of a Black-chinned hummingbird is an astounding ten years, compared to other animals and birds of comparable size.
Black-chinned hummingbirds easily hybridize and interbreed with other hummingbird species, including Costa’s and Anna’s.
In Texas, during a banding and capture effort, the oldest known female Black-chinned hummingbird was 11 years and 2 months old.
See my article:
3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded
BUFF-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD – (Amazilia yucatanensis)
Conservation Status: Least concerned
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Amazilia
Species: A. yucatanensis
Buff-bellied hummingbirds are found in Mexico and northern Guatemala.
They have also been frequently observed along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in the southern United States, which includes Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.
Sightings map show Buff-bellied hummingbirds have documented Georgia sightings in Thomasville and Valdosta.
The scientific name for the Buff-bellied hummingbird is Amazilia yucatanensis. This bird species got its common name from its distinctive buff-colored belly.
The word “buff” in this context refers to a light yellowish-brown color, which is a notable feature of this bird’s plumage.
The combination of its unique buff-colored belly and its hummingbird characteristics led to the straightforward naming of this species as the Buff-bellied hummingbird.
Male
Buff-Bellied Hummingbirds:
Male Buff-bellied hummingbirds have a turquoise-colored, blue-grey gorget. Their distinctive features include a rusty brownish gold forked tail and a shiny, iridescent bronze olive green back.
Under certain lights, their dark brown wings might seem black. They have a chestnut-colored underside and a reddish-orange bill with a black tip.
They have a medium build, measuring between 3.9 and 4.3 inches in length and weighing between 4-5 grams.
The metal plate that shields the wearer’s throat during combat to prevent injuries is the inspiration behind the name of the gorget on a male hummingbird.
This name is acceptable and fitting to characterize the physical characteristics of male hummingbirds, since they fight fiercely for their own territory.
Read my article:
Hummingbird Gorgets Explained

Photo by: Anthony Lujan
Female
Buff-Bellied Hummingbirds:
Compared to their male counterparts, female buff-bellied hummingbirds tend to be less colorful and dull-looking, and they typically lack iridescent feathers.
See my article:
Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)
Juvenile
Buff-Bellied Hummingbirds:
Male and female juvenile Buff-bellied hummingbirds initially resemble adult females until the male starts to develop the iridescent feathers that are characteristic of this species of hummingbird. The color of the juvenile’s chest and throat has a dimmer gray tone.

Photo by: Anthony Lujan
Baby
Buff-Bellied Hummingbirds:
Baby Buff-bellied hummingbirds are easily identified by their undertail coverts, which are white fluffy feathers near their bottom that will disappear as they age.
See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

Photo by: Anthony Lujan
Hear the sounds of the Buff-bellied hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).
The female is the only one who builds the nest and raises the young. Usually, in a tree or shrub, she weaves spider webs and plant fibers to form a tiny, cup-shaped nest. She typically lays two white eggs and spends almost two weeks incubating them.
According to Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Buff-bellied hummingbirds prefer to nest in large shrubs or deciduous trees such as Anacahuita, Ebony, Hackberry (the cousin to the American elm), Texas Ebony, and sometimes Willows.
These plants have dense foliage and forgiving tree branches useful for building a nest.
Some populations of Buff-bellied hummingbirds are partially migratory, moving northward along the Gulf Coast during the breeding season and returning south in the winter.
In areas where Buff-bellied hummingbirds’ habitat overlaps with human activity, these hummingbirds often visit gardens and feeders. They are a delight to bird watchers and contribute to pollination in gardens and natural landscapes.
Buff-bellied hummingbirds crossbreed with Berylline and Rufous hummingbirds.
In Texas, a capture and release banding operation resulted in the oldest male Buff-bellied hummingbird ever reported to be 11 years and 2 months old.
See my article:
3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded
BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD –
(Cynanthus latirostris)
Conservation Status: Least concerned
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Cynanthus
Species: C. latirostris
Broad-billed hummingbirds are native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and down into Central America. They travel frequently to the United States close to the southern Mexican border.
Broad-billed hummingbirds are rare visitors to Georgia.
Sightings map shows the Broad-billed hummingbirds have documented Georgia sightings in Macron, north of Albany, and Valdosta.
The Broad-billed hummingbird, scientifically named Cynanthus latirostris, is known for its distinctive broad bill, which is the origin of its common name.
Their broad bills are particularly adapted for feeding on a variety of flowers.
Male
Broad-Billed Hummingbirds:
The brilliant blue-green gorget of male Broad-billed hummingbirds stretches back towards their shoulders. They have a long, brilliant orange-red beak with a distinctive black tip.
Their length varies from 3.25 to 4 inches, and they weigh between 3 and 4 grams.
The metal plate that shields the wearer’s throat during combat to prevent injuries is the inspiration behind the name of the gorget on a male hummingbird.
This name is acceptable and fitting to characterize the physical characteristics of male hummingbirds, since they fight fiercely for their own territory.
Read my article:
Hummingbird Gorgets Explained

Photo by: Anthony Lujan
Female
Broad-Billed Hummingbirds:
Generally speaking, female Broad-billed hummingbirds lack iridescent feathers and have a duller appearance than males.
Their bill is entirely black, with a larger white accent over their eyes. They are recognized by their mainly metallic green upperparts and white undersides.
Their tails are forked and have a black tint.

Photo by: hummingbirdsbysuprise
Juvenile
Broad-Billed Hummingbirds:
Male and female juvenile Broad-billed hummingbirds initially resemble adult females until the male starts to develop the iridescent feathers that are characteristic of this species of hummingbird.
Male juveniles display a full charcoal dark gray body, a light green neck and backside with flecks of metallic blue on their throat.

Photo by: Anthony Lujan
Baby
Broad-Billed Hummingbirds:
Baby Broad-billed hummingbirds are easily identified by their undertail coverts, which are white fluffy feathers near their bottom that will disappear as they age.
See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

Photo by: hummingbirdsbysuprise
Hear the sounds of the Broad-billed hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).
Broad-billed hummingbirds prefer habitats such as canyons, riverine woodlands, and sometimes gardens or urban areas with suitable flowering plants.
Nests made by Broad-billed hummingbirds are identified by their lack of lichen decoration on the exterior.
Instead, the birds prefer to build their nests utilizing outside grass fibers, leaf fragments, and bark, and then utilize spider webs to secure and maintain the structure of the nest.
The female constructs a nest that is suspended from a single, long, thin branch.
See my article:
Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)
Particularly while defending “their” feeders, Broad-billed hummingbirds come across as the meanest sheriff in the community due to their intense territoriality.
They will engage in territorial conflicts to defend nectar sources that are home to blooming plants that attract hummingbirds.
See my article:
Why Hummingbirds Chase Each Other: Is it Friend or Foe?

Photo by: Anthony Lujan
Surprisingly, the Broad-billed hummingbird has demonstrated a real overall population growth in recent years, in contrast to other hummingbird population surveys.
The future of the Broad-billed hummingbird, like many wildlife species, depends on the preservation of their habitats and understanding the impacts of environmental changes. Conservation efforts and responsible practices in gardening and feeder maintenance can aid in their survival.
When the oldest male Broad-billed hummingbird was caught and released in Arizona during a banding operation, he was 9 years and 1 month old.
See my article:
3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded
ALLEN’S HUMMINGBIRD – (Selasphorus sasin)
Conservation Status: Least concerned
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Selasphorus
Species: S. sasin
Allen’s hummingbirds commonly reside and nest along the West Coast of the United States and winter in Mexico; they are rare migratory visitors to Georgia.
Sightings map document the Allen’s hummingbird to have documented Georgia sightings in Atlanta, Athens, Macron, and Tifton.
The scientific name of the Allen’s hummingbird is Selasphorus sasin.
The common name of the Allen’s hummingbird is in commemoration of Charles Andrew Allen (1841-1930), an American collector and taxidermist.
Male
Allen’s Hummingbirds:
Male Allen’s hummingbirds are green-backed with a green forehead and rust-colored flanks, rump, and tail. When their tail feathers are fanned out you can see their chocolate-colored tips.
The gorget of the male Allen’s hummingbird is an iridescent orange-red, however, in darker lighting, it can appear chocolate brown.
Allen’s hummingbirds are 3.3 inches to 3.5 inches in length and weigh 2-4 grams.The metal plate that shields the wearer’s throat during combat to prevent injuries is the inspiration behind the name of the gorget on a male hummingbird.
This name is acceptable and fitting to characterize the physical characteristics of male hummingbirds, since they fight fiercely for their own territory.
Read my article:
Hummingbird Gorgets Explained

Photo by: IntheWildwithRick
Female
Allen’s Hummingbirds:
The female Allen’s hummingbird is less colorful than the male because it lacks the iridescent gorget.
In the wild, confusion may arise because certain females have stippling or color specs along their throat lines that resemble juvenile characteristics.
See my article:
Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)

Photo by: aarongomperts
Juvenile
Allen’s Hummingbirds:
Both male and female juvenile Allen’s hummingbirds first resemble adult females until the male starts to develop the characteristic iridescent feathers of this species of hummingbird.
In the field, they are nearly identical to Rufous hummingbirds due to their striking similarity in colors and disposition.
Therefore, range rather than appearance is used to establish identity.

Note: This juvenile male Allen’s hummingbird is protecting a feeder while perching on a tomato cage.
You will see that he still has some stippling around his throat and some fluffy white down feathers near his bottom.
He appears to be in the early stages of adolescence because a full gorget has not yet developed.
Baby
Allen’s Hummingbirds:
Baby Allen’s hummingbirds are easily identified by their undertail coverts, which are white fluffy feathers near their bottom that will disappear as they age.
See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

Note: He is guarding a neighboring feeder with diligence.
Observe the developmental differences between the juvenile in the last shot on the tomato cage and the current photo on the outside light wire.
They both have fluffy white feathers near their bottoms, yet there is a noticeable age difference between youth and maturity.
Hear the sounds of the Allen’s hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).
Male Allen’s hummingbirds engage in a dramatic, fast-paced courtship dance that mimics a pendulum’s swing. Of all the hummingbirds in North America, their territorial dive displays are among the most intricate.
See my article:
Hummingbird Dance: 5 Interpretive Explanations
Allen’s hummingbirds commonly reside and nest along the west coast and winter in Mexico. Their nesting season is perfectly timed with when the regions have the most rainfall which helps provide prolific nectar producing flowers for their offspring.
The future of Allen’s hummingbirds, like many species, is closely tied to environmental factors and human influence on their habitats. Habitat loss and the use of pesticides are among the challenges they face. Efforts to preserve natural habitats, along with responsible gardening and the maintenance of bird feeders, aids in their conservation.
Understanding and protecting Allen’s hummingbirds is crucial for maintaining the ecological balance and for the continued enjoyment of future generations who will marvel at this vibrant and lively bird.
In 2004, and again in 2009, the oldest known living Allen’s hummingbird was taken during a California banding program that involved catch and release. She was 5 years and 11 months old at the time.
See my article:
3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded
BROAD-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD – (Selsaphoris platycercus)
Conservation Status: Least concerned
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Selsaphoris
Species: S. platycercus
The Broad-tailed hummingbird, though usually residing in Mexico and as far south as Guatemala during the winter, is a rare/vagrant hummingbird to Georgia
Sightings map show Broad-tailed hummingbirds have documented Georgia sightings in the areas of Atlanta, Macron, and Tifton.
The scientific name of the Broad-tailed hummingbird is Selasphorus platycercus. This species got its common name from the notably broad tail of the males, which is a distinguishing feature among hummingbirds.
This broad tail, when combined with the hummingbird’s flight patterns, creates a distinctive trilling sound that is also a characteristic of the species. The combination of visual and auditory traits played a significant role in the naming of this bird.
Male
Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds:
An iridescent ruby-red gorget is seen on male Broad-tailed hummingbirds.
Males and females alike, the Broad-tailed hummingbird is characterized by its green upperparts, light underbelly, vivid white eye rings, and widely rounded tails.
They have a medium build, measure from 3.3 and 3.8 inches in length, and weigh 3.6 grams.
The metal plate that shields the wearer’s throat during combat to prevent injuries is the inspiration behind the name of the gorget on a male hummingbird.
This name is acceptable and fitting to characterize the physical characteristics of male hummingbirds, since they fight fiercely for their own territory.
Read my article:
Hummingbird Gorgets Explained

Photo by: bird.whisperer
Female
Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds:
The female Broad-tailed hummingbird is less colorful than the male and lacks a gorget and iridescent feathers. Their underbellies are pale to beige, with vivid white eye rings and broadly rounded tails.
Their topsides are green, extending from the head to the tail.
See my article:
Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)

Photo by: sony_alpa_male
Juvenile
Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds:
Male and female juvenile Broad-tailed hummingbirds initially resemble adult females until the male starts to develop the iridescent feathers that are characteristic of this species of hummingbird.
Baby
Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds:
Baby Broad-tailed hummingbirds are easily identified by their undertail coverts, which are white fluffy feathers near their bottom that will disappear as they age.
See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)
Hear the sounds of the Broad-tailed hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).
The Broad-tailed hummingbird travels frequently to the United States near the southern Mexican border.
They have a migrant and non-migrant population that begins in the south of Mexico. The ones that migrate north to breed will do so during spring migration and will pass through Arizona, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho and reach as far north as Montana.
The Broad-tailed hummingbird favors habitats in the understory of mature forest woodlands such as pine and oak groves. They chose to nest on the branches of trees and have been known to return to the same nesting ground each year, roughly 70% of the time.
Their breeding time coincides with the peak time of flowering native plants for maximum food resource availability. Their favorite nectar-producing flower plants include Red Columbine, Indian Paintbrush, Sage varieties, Currants, and Scarlet Mint.
Once the breeding season is complete, Broad-tailed hummingbirds will depart and begin their southbound fall migration to winter in Mexico and meet up with their non-migrant population.
The Broad-tailed hummingbird has suffered a decline in population since the 1990s, but presently, its population is stable, and it has been shown to have adapted to human habitat encroachment.
Broad-tailed hummingbirds hybridize and readily crossbreed with other hummingbird species, such as the Costa’s hummingbird.
The oldest living Broad-tailed hummingbird, a female, was 12 years and 2 months, recorded during a capture and release banding operation in Colorado.
See my article:
3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded
GREEN-BREASTED MANGO – (Anthracothorax prevostii)
Conservation Status: Least concerned
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Anthracothorax
Species: A. prevostii
The Green-breasted Mango hummingbird is seen on the eastern shores of Colombia, Venezuela, Central America, and central and southern Mexico.
They are rare visitors to Georgia.
Sightings map show Green-breasted Mango hummingbirds have documented Georgia sightings in Dublin and Thomasville.
The scientific name of the Green-breasted Mango is Anthracothorax prevostii.
It is a hummingbird species that gets its name from its characteristic and distinctive green breast, which is especially noticeable in males.
Male
Green-Breasted Mango Hummingbirds:
Male Green-breasted Mango hummingbirds have an iridescent green plumage with a black line running down its throat and middle of the belly, making it quite striking.
The Green-breasted Mango is relatively large for a hummingbird, typically measuring about 4.3 to 4.7 inches (11 to 12 centimeters) in length.
The weight of these birds generally ranges from 7 to 8 grams, although this can vary.
The metal plate that shields the wearer’s throat during combat to prevent injuries is the inspiration behind the name of the gorget on a male hummingbird.
This name is acceptable and fitting to characterize the physical characteristics of male hummingbirds, since they fight fiercely for their own territory.
Read my article:
Hummingbird Gorgets Explained

Photo by: nature.anthony.lujan
Female
Green-Breasted Mango Hummingbird:
Female Green-breasted Mango hummingbirds exhibit distinct plumage characteristics different from the males. She typically has a duller, more subdued coloration compared to the vibrant males.
The female’s upperparts are mostly a dark green, which can appear less iridescent than the male’s plumage.
Unlike the male, the female has a grayish-white underbelly.
The female Green-breasted Mango hummingbird has a distinctive dark stripe that runs down the center of the belly, beginning from the throat. This stripe is a key identifying feature and contrasts with the lighter underbelly.
The tail of the female is dark, but with white tips on the outer feathers. This is different to the male’s more uniformly colored tail.
The female’s long, slightly curved bill is similar to the male’s, however it is not as colorful and has a black tip. The female’s bill is often darker.
She measures between 4.3 and 4.7 inches (11 to 12 cm) in length and weighing between 7 and 8 grams, females are similar in size to males.

Photo by: nature.anthony.lujan
Juvenile
Green-Breasted Mango Hummingbirds:
Juvenile Green-breasted Mango hummingbirds exhibit unique characteristics distinct from their adult counterparts. Initially, they resemble the female with a more subdued color palette.
Both male and female juveniles have a grayish-white underbelly with a central dark stripe, a feature they share with adult females.
Their upper parts are a duller green, and the tail feathers often have white tips, which are more pronounced in the juveniles.
Baby
Green-Breasted Mango Hummingbirds:
Baby Green-breasted Mango hummingbirds are easily identified by their undertail coverts, which are white fluffy feathers near their bottom that will disappear as they age.
See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)
The Green-breasted Mango inhabits a range of environments. These include tropical and subtropical areas like open woodlands, forest edges, gardens, and even urban areas that provide suitable feeding opportunities.
Their adaptation to various habitats, including human-altered landscapes, is a testament to their resilience and ecological versatility.
Their diet primarily consists of nectar, which they obtain using their long, specialized bills and rapid-flicking tongues. This nectar provides them with the high energy required for their active lifestyles.
In addition to nectar, these birds also consume small insects and spiders, which provide essential proteins.
The Green-breasted Mango plays an important pollination role. They unintentionally spread pollen from flower to flower as they eat nectar, which promotes plant reproduction.
Their ecological significance emphasizes how crucial it is to protect their habitats and the variety of floral resources they rely on.
The Green-breasted Mango’s ability to adapt has allowed it to flourish in its natural habitat. Because of their highly specialized vision for their habitat, they are able to identify flowers more easily than humans because they can see a wider variety of colors.
While some hummingbird species are known for long-distance migrations, the Green-breasted Mango does not undertake extensive migrations. However, some movement may occur in response to changes in food availability and environmental conditions.
ANNA’S HUMMINGBIRD – (Calypte anna)
Conservation Status: Least concerned
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Calypte
Species: C. anna
The Anna’s hummingbirds are year-round residents to Washington, Oregon and California in the Western United States. They live along the western coastline of North America, starting from southern Canada all the way to northern Baja California.
They are a rare visitor to Georgia since they are seen mainly in the Western United States.
Sightings map show Anna’s hummingbirds have rare documented Georgia sightings in Atlanta.
Anna’s hummingbird, scientifically known as Calypte anna, gets its common name from Anna Masséna, the Duchess of Rivoli.
Male
Anna’s Hummingbirds:
In North America, male Anna’s hummingbirds are the only species of hummingbirds with a red crown. Their predominant colors are magenta, gray, and green.
The male gorget and crown are iridescent magenta and they are very vivid and showy.
They weigh between 2.4 and 4.5 grams and have lengths ranging from 3.5 to 4.3 inches.
The metal plate that shields the wearer’s throat during combat to prevent injuries is the inspiration behind the name of the gorget on a male hummingbird. This name is acceptable and fitting to characterize the physical characteristics of male hummingbirds, since they fight fiercely for their own territory.
Read my article:
Hummingbird Gorgets Explained

Photo by: Kevin Walsh
Female
Anna’s Hummingbirds:
Female Anna’s hummingbirds are pale green in hue, not as brilliant as the males. Although a showy gorget is more prevalent on the males, females can also have them, showing a tiny area of magenta.
Females are identified by the faint white line that usually covers each eye.
Female Anna’s hummingbirds raise their young with no help from the males.
See my article:
Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)

Photo by: IntheWildwithRick
Juvenile
Anna’s Hummingbirds:
Juvenile Anna’s hummingbirds, both male and female, look more like adult females until they are differentiated as the male begins to acquire the bright red/magenta gorget.

Photo by: Kevin Walsh
Note: This Anna’s hummingbird may be a youngster going through the awkward adolescent years, or it may be in the process of molting.
Baby
Anna’s Hummingbirds:
Baby Anna’s hummingbirds are easily identified by their undertail coverts, which are white fluffy feathers near their bottom that will disappear as they age.
See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

Anna’s Hummingbird
Photo by: Mehta.vishal.360
Hear the sounds of the Anna’s hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).
Anna’s hummingbirds enjoy a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and fairly wet winters.
Male Anna’s are notable for their remarkable diving displays during mating season and their ability to thrive in urbanized areas.
The male Anna’s hummingbird executes dramatic and captivating displays during courtship and diving. The entire dive display lasts 12 seconds from start to finish.
See my article:
Hummingbird Dance: 5 Interpretive Explanations
Unlike many northern temperate hummingbirds, male Anna’s hummingbirds sing during courtship along with making vibrations with their tail feathers to attract a female.
Anna’s hummingbirds hybridize and readily crossbreed with other hummingbird species, such as the Black-chinned, Costa’s, and Rufous hummingbirds.
The oldest male Anna’s hummingbird known to exist was 8 years and 2 months old when he was captured and released during a banding expedition in Arizona.
See my article:
3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded
RIVOLI’S HUMMINGBIRD aka MAGNIFICENT – (Eugenes fulgens)
Conservation Status: Least concerned
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Eugenes
Species: E. fulgens
The Rivoli’s hummingbird resides in mountain areas of the southwestern United States through Mexico and all the way down to Nicaragua in Central America.
They are extremely rare in Georgia.
Sightings map document the Rivoli’s hummingbird to have documented rare Georgia sightings outside of Atlanta.
The scientific name for Rivoli’s (pronounced: rivo-lee) hummingbird is Eugenes fulgens. This species was formerly known as the Magnificent hummingbird, a term that perfectly captures its incredible grace and size.
The birding enthusiast Victor Massena, the Duke of Rivoli, was honored with the renaming of Rivoli’s hummingbird. The common name “Rivoli’s hummingbird” was changed to recognize his contributions to ornithology and his love of bird research.
This renaming is a part of a larger trend in ornithology, which is a move away from descriptive names and toward names that recognize and honor notable figures in the discipline.
Whatever name it goes by, the Rivoli’s hummingbird is still a species of curiosity and beauty.
Male
Rivoli’s Hummingbirds:
Unless they are in direct daylight, the violet crown, vivid blue-green gorget, and white eyespots of male Rivoli’s hummingbirds become more noticeable due to iridescence.
They weigh 6–10 grams and range in length from 4.3 to 5.5 inches.
Rivoli’s hummingbirds are thought to be the second largest hummingbird in the United States, with the Blue-throated Mountain-gem being the largest.
The metal plate that shields the wearer’s throat during combat to prevent injuries is the inspiration behind the name of the gorget on a male hummingbird.
This name is acceptable and fitting to characterize the physical characteristics of male hummingbirds since they fight fiercely for their own territory.
Read my article:
Hummingbird Gorgets Explained

Photo by: Rekha Pawar
Female
Rivoli’s Hummingbirds:
The female’s more subdued coloration plays a crucial role in camouflage, especially during nesting, when they need to stay hidden from predators while incubating eggs and raising their young.
Unlike the iridescent emerald or blue-green seen in males, the females tend to have a more muted, olive or bronze-green hue.
The throat and chest of the female is pale gray or whitish, lacking the brilliant metallic colors seen in males. This area might have some speckles or mottled patterns.
Female Rivoli’s hummingbirds are generally similar in size to the males but can be slightly smaller.
See my article:
Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)

Photo by: Hummingbirdsbysuprise
Juvenile
Rivoli’s Hummingbirds:
Both male and female juvenile Rivoli’s hummingbirds resemble adult females until the male starts to develop the distinctive violet crown, vivid blue-green gorget, and white eyespots of this species.

Photo by: thehummingbirdguy
Note: This juvenile still has some white fluffy feathers near his bottom, however he has a full violet crown and a vivid blue-green gorget, indicating he is very close to being an adult and almost through the later stages of adolescence.
Baby
Rivoli’s Hummingbirds:
Baby Rivoli’s hummingbirds are easily identified by their undertail coverts, which are white fluffy feathers near their bottom that will disappear as they age.
See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

Photo by: thehummingbirdguy
Note: He is immediately recognized as a young baby by the white fluffy feathers near his bottom, which is easily missed!
Hear the sounds of the Rivoli’s hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).
Rivoli’s love to dwell in ravines; they nest in trees that hang over streams and creeks, and they graze in open meadows.
They construct their nests in evergreen coniferous trees like juniper, pine, and fir as part of their breeding habitat.
They are often seen at elevations ranging from 6,500 to 9,800 feet. Their preference for high-elevation habitats and dense forests makes Rivoli’s hummingbirds challenging to study and observe in the wild.
Though rare, hybridization between Rivoli’s hummingbirds and Berylline, Broad-billed, Blue-throated Mountain-gem, and Violet-crowned hummingbirds occurs.
The oldest known male Rivoli’s hummingbird was 11 years and 2 months old when he was captured and released during a banding expedition in Arizona.
See my article:
3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded
BLUE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM HUMMINGBIRD
aka BLUE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD – (Lampornis clemenciae)
Conservation Status: Least concerned
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Lampornis
Species: L. clemenciae
The Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbird primarily resides in Mexico and Central America.
They are also seen in the southwestern United States in clusters along the southern border near Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
They are extremely rare in Georgia.
Sightings map show so far only one Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbird documented Georgia sightings in Elberton.
The Blue-throated Mountain-gem, scientifically named Lampornis clemenciae, is a species of hummingbird named for its distinctive blue throat patch, most prominently seen in males. This feature is the origin of its common name.
Prior to 2019 the Blue-throated Mountain-gem was known simply as the Blue-throated hummingbird but was renamed to the Blue-throated Mountain-gem to better identify it as a member of the genus Lampornis.
Male
Blue-Throated Mountain-Gem Hummingbirds:
Male Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds have striking white stripes across both of their eyes and a vivid, iridescent cobalt blue gorget.
His tail tips are painted white, and his wings and tail are also dark. The entire body of the Blue-throated Mountain-gem is drab greenish-gray, with additional patches of grayish-emerald green on the head, neck, and upper portion of the shoulder where the wing connects.
They weigh between 8.1 and 8.6 grams and have a length of 4.3 to 4.7 inches.
The metal plate that shields the wearer’s throat during combat to prevent injuries is the inspiration behind the name of the gorget on a male hummingbird.
This name is acceptable and fitting to characterize the physical characteristics of male hummingbirds, since they fight fiercely for their own territory.
Read my article:
Hummingbird Gorgets Explained

Photo by: rekhakpawar
Female
Blue-Throated Mountain-Gem Hummingbirds:
Compared to their male counterparts, female Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds tend to have duller appearances and lack the characteristic blue throat feathers that glisten in the sunlight. They have gray underparts and a double white stripe on their face.
See my article:
Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)
Juvenile
Blue-Throated Mountain-Gem Hummingbirds:
Male and female juvenile Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds initially resemble adult females until the male starts to develop the iridescent feathers that are characteristic of this species of hummingbird.

Photo by: Anthony Lujan
Note: The gorgeous blue throat and a “hint” of remaining white fluffy feathers near its bottom that will disappear as they age.
Baby
Blue-Throated Mountain-Gem Hummingbirds:
Baby Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds are easily identified by their undertail coverts, which are white fluffy feathers near their bottom that will disappear as they age.
See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)
Hear the sounds of the Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).
One of the bigger hummingbird species in North America, the Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbird is distinguished by its comparatively large size.
The Cornell Lab reports that Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds weigh three times as much as Ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds have the slowest reported wingbeat rate of any known hummingbird, in part due to their size. A hummingbird with a longer wingspan can flap its wings in a figure-eight pattern far more forcefully than a smaller, more delicate hummingbird.
This hummingbird is the largest hummingbird species known to nest in the United States.
The Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbird likes building their nests atop human residential structures or on overhanging rocks. They are known to build new nests on top of older nests to resemble a tall tower and that they return to the same nest every year.
Before mating, the majority of hummingbirds in North America perform a courtship dance to attract females and grab their attention.
The exception to this is that male Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds do not do an aerial display. The females, on the other hand, indicate to the male that she has selected him and is prepared for copulation with a recognizable call and a series of brief flights.
The Chisos Mountains in Texas or the “sky island” mountain ranges in southeast Arizona are some of the best places to find and identify Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds.
Like most hummingbirds, Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds become territorial and hostile for flower varieties with a greater sugar content, and they will fight back against intruders.
Because of their size, which requires them to consume a lot of insects for sustenance, they devour more insects than any other species of hummingbird.
Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds hybridize with other hummingbird species holding little to no judgment on choosing a larger species, such as the Rivoli’s hummingbird or a smaller species, the Anna’s, Black-chinned, and Costa’s hummingbirds with which to procreate.
The oldest male Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbird known to science is 7 years and 11 months old. He was captured and released during an Arizona banding operation.
See my article:
3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded
Read my article:
Hummingbird Migration in Georgia
Keep your eyes peeled and observe and enjoy the multiple types of hummingbirds found in Georgia!
Happy Hummingbird Watching!