Hummingbirds Found in North Carolina: (Pictures and Sounds)

North Carolina, known as The Tar Heel State, is located on the southeastern coast of the United States. It is surrounded by Virginia to the north, the North Atlantic Ocean to the east, South Carolina to the south and Tennessee to the west.

There are two seasonal and nine rare/vagrant hummingbirds classified in North Carolina.

What types of hummingbirds are found in North Carolina?

There are 11 species of hummingbirds documented as seen in North Carolina.
Documented North Carolina hummingbirds, listed in order of frequency seen are Ruby-throated, Rufous, Black-chinned, Buff-bellied, Calliope, Broad-billed, Anna’s, Broad-tailed, Allen’s, Green-breasted Mango, and Mexican Violetear hummingbirds.

Sighting Maps:

These 11 species of hummingbirds are documented as being seen in North Carolina by sighting maps, listed in the order of frequently seen:
(click links to see sighting map)

• Ruby-throated (Archilochus colubris)
• Rufous (Selasphorus rufus)
• Black-chinned (Archilochus alexandri)
• Buff-bellied (Amazilia yucatanensis)
• Calliope (Selasphorus calliope)
• Broad-billed (Cynanthus latirostris)
• Anna’s (Calypte anna)
• Broad-tailed (Selasphorus platycercus)
• Allen’s (Selasphorus sasin)
• Green-breasted Mango (Anthracothorax prevostii)
• Mexican Violetear (Colibri thalassinus)

These 11 hummingbird species found in North Carolina 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
Black-chinned	Rare/Vagrant
Buff-bellied	Rare/Vagrant
Calliope	Rare/Vagrant
Broad-billed	Rare/Vagrant
Anna’s	Rare/Vagrant
Broad-tailed	Rare/Vagrant
Allen’s	Rare/Vagrant
Green breasted Mango	Rare/Vagrant
Mexican Violetear	Rare/Vagrant

The state of North Carolina experiences the traditional four seasons of winter, spring, summer and fall. This sub-tropical climate consists of cold and wet winters, hot and humid summers, and heavy rainfall in the mountains.

Local residents and seasonal tourists alike are attracted to the diverse habitats of the Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park along with many other locations to watch, enjoy and connect with hummingbirds and nature.

The Ruby-throated hummingbird is one out of the eleven hummingbird species found in North Carolina that make regular appearances.

The first migrating hummingbirds arrive in North Carolina in early March and the last migrating hummingbirds are usually gone by early October. 

Read my article: 
North Carolina Hummingbird Migration

Read on to find out more about each of these hummingbird species as well as where and when they can be found in North Carolina.

North Carolina Hummingbirds That Are Year-Round Residents

This hummingbird classification is defined as hummingbirds residing in North Carolina 365 days a year and do not migrate. There are no year-round hummingbird residents in North Carolina.

North Carolina Hummingbirds That Are Seasonal

This hummingbird classification is defined as hummingbirds in North Carolina temporarily as part of their migratory pattern.

Some spend the entire spring, summer, and fall in North Carolina while others migrate and may travel to more northern states during the summer. Some seasonal hummingbirds will remain in North Carolina for the entire winter by choice, injury, or old age.

There are 2 classified seasonal hummingbird in North Carolina:

• 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 North Carolina.

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 most common in North Carolina.

Sightings map documents the Ruby-throated hummingbird is seen in every area of North Carolina.

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:

Male Ruby-throated hummingbirds are vibrant and slightly smaller than females. They feature an iridescent ruby-red or blood-red throat (gorget) that can appear black in poor light. Their backs and crowns are metallic green, while their underparts are pale gray to white. The tail is forked and dark, without the white tips seen in females.

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

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. 

Female
Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds:

Female Ruby-throated hummingbirds have green backs, pale grayish-white underparts, and a rounded tail with white tips on the outer feathers. Unlike males, they lack the iridescent red throat patch (gorget) and instead have a plain pale gray throat.
They are slightly larger than males and are less colorful with a white throat stippled with light spots.

Females are solitary, often seen foraging or tending to nests, which they build from plant fibers and spider silk. Their subdued coloration helps them stay camouflaged while nesting.

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)

Note: The pollen on her head and beak. This female Ruby-throated hummingbird has been busy pollinating and drinking nectar from flowers to sustain her high metabolism.

Juvenile
Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds:

Juvenile Ruby-throated hummingbirds, both male and female, resemble adult females in appearance. They have green backs, pale grayish-white underparts, and rounded tails with white tips on the outer feathers. 

Young males eventually will show faint speckling or streaks of iridescent red on their throats, which develop into the full gorget with maturity.

As juveniles molt into their first full set of feathers, the fluffy white undertail coverts become visible. These feathers are a distinguishing feature and are often more prominent due to their soft texture.

Juveniles are slightly smaller than adults and are often less confident flyers. They spend much of their time learning to forage at flowers and feeders, developing the skills needed for survival.

Note: The throat feathers are slowly coming in, displaying a few dots of color near the neckline and showing the first stages of adolescence.

Note: This juvenile Ruby-throated hummingbird is struggling with a bee or wasp situation at the feeder.
See my article:
Bees On My Hummingbird Feeder: (9 Tips To Get Rid of Them)

Baby
Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds:

Baby Ruby-throated hummingbirds are tiny, naked, and helpless at birth, weighing less than a gram with closed eyes. They develop gray down within days, followed by pin feathers and green juvenile plumage by 2–3 weeks. Fed nectar and insects by their mother, they fledge at 18–22 days, ready to explore and forage.

See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

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.

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:
North Carolina Hummingbird Migration

Hummingbird migration on the east coast mirrors the Appalachian Trail and as it divides North Carolina.

The Appalachian Trail is one of the oldest United States National Scenic series of pathways spanning 2,180 miles between Maine to Georgia crossing through 14 states. It is a crucial and conservational protected migration path for many birds.

The Ruby-throated hummingbirds begin to migrate to the state of North Carolina from the south as early as March to breed and their nesting season begins in April.

According to North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (NCMNS), the Ruby-throated hummingbird is the only hummingbird that breeds in the eastern United States, including North Carolina.

Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles extending north along US 250 from Rockfish Gap, Virginia to the south along US 441 in Swain County, North Carolina.
According to the Blue Ridge Parkway Birds Species Checklist (BRPBSC), Ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds are seen during spring and fall migration.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park covers 522,427 acres and is evenly divided between North Carolina and Tennessee. It is 384 miles driving and provides 850 miles of backcountry trails. The Appalachian Trail runs approximately 70 miles through the park.
According to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Birds Checklist (GSMNP), Ruby-throated hummingbirds are a fairly common summer and fall resident.

Some Ruby-throated hummingbirds are identified overwintering in North Carolina. However, some also migrate south for the winter.

The majority of people are unaware of how tolerant hummingbirds are of chilly weather.
Some Ruby-throated hummingbirds occasionally overwinter in North Carolina.

According to eBird.org, through branding practices in Wisconsin, the Ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds have been documented surviving in temperatures of -9F and wind chills of -36F.
Read my article:
3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded

Some North Carolina 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 North Carolina.
Read my article:
11 DIY Ways to Keep Hummingbird Nectar From Freezing

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.
See 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 acquire their name from the Latin word rubrum which means “red” describing its reddish-brown coloring.

They are a seasonal hummingbird to North Carolina, even though they are mainly a west coast migrant, breeding north from southern Alaska and most travel all the way south to winter in Mexico.

According to the Carolina Bird Club, the Rufous hummingbird is considered the second most sighted hummingbird in North Carolina behind the Ruby-throated hummingbird, even though there is a vast difference in sighting numbers between the two species.

Sightings map show the Rufous hummingbirds have documented scattered sightings in every area of North Carolina. 

Male
Rufous Hummingbirds:

Male Rufous hummingbirds are known for their fiery iridescent orange-red throat (gorget) and bright metallic orange color on their head and back that gleams in the sun.

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

Their belly and chest are white or buff-colored, providing contrast to the vibrant orange.
Their tails are reddish with dark tips 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.

Female
Rufous Hummingbirds:

Female Rufous hummingbirds are less vibrant than males because they lack a gorget and iridescent feathers,however are still striking. They have greenish backs, rusty sides, and white or buffy undersides. 

In the wild, confusion can arise because some females can have stippling or scattered iridescent orange color specs along their throat line that resemble juvenile characteristics.

They are slightly larger than the males in anticipation of producing offspring.
They are polygamous and will mate with several partners in a season.

Female Rufous hummingbirds 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.

See my article:
Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)

Juvenile
Rufous Hummingbirds:

Juvenile Rufous hummingbirds resemble adult females with greenish backs, rusty sides, and pale undersides. Males may show early signs of iridescent orange red dots on their neckline. Their behavior includes rapid learning of flight and feeding skills, preparing them for long migrations and eventual territorial disputes.

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.

As juveniles molt into their first full set of feathers, the fluffy white undertail coverts become visible. These feathers are a distinguishing feature and are often more prominent due to their soft texture.

Baby
Rufous Hummingbirds:

Baby Rufous hummingbirds are tiny, naked, and blind at hatching, weighing less than a gram. Their skin is pale pink, with sparse down feathers. Cared for by the mother, they remain in the nest for about 18-22 days, developing feathers, strength, and coordination before fledging to begin independent life.

See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

Of all the birds in the world, Rufous hummingbirds migrate within the United States for the longest period of time. Every year, they traverse 3,900 miles in a clockwise manner around western America.

This migratory pattern during the seasons coordinates their arrival perfectly while catching nectar and blooming flowers throughout the year, fueling their bodies for their long journey.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Birds Species Checklist states, Rufous and Ruby-throated hummingbirds are seen during spring and fall migration. The Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles extending north along US 250 from Rockfish Gap, Virginia to the south along US 441 in Swain County, North Carolina.

In order to support a healthy migration, hummingbird enthusiasts are very beneficial when they cultivate blooming plants to draw hummingbirds and supply feeders with homemade hummingbird nectar. 

Hear the sounds of the Rufous hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).

The majority of people are unaware of how tolerant hummingbirds are of chilly weather.
Some Rufous hummingbirds occasionally overwinter in North Carolina.

According to eBird.org, through branding practices in Wisconsin, the Rufous and Ruby-throated hummingbirds have been documented surviving in temperatures of -9F and wind chills of -36F.
Read my article:
3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded

Some North Carolina 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 North Carolina.

See 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?

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

North Carolina 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 9 classified Rare/Vagrant hummingbirds listed in order of frequency seen in North Carolina are:

• Black-chinned
• Buff-bellied
• Calliope
• Broad-billed
• Anna’s
• Broad-tailed
• Allen’s
• Green-breasted Mango
• Mexican Violetear

According to North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences (NCMNS) , the Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbird is identified as a North Carolina vagrant hummingbird, even though ebird does not sight them on the sightings map, therefore I did not add a Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbird profile to the rare/vagrant list of hummingbirds seen in North Carolina.

Read on to find out more about each of these hummingbird species as well as where and when they can be found in North Carolina.

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, therefore they are rare to North Carolina.

Sighting map show Black-chinned hummingbirds have documented North Carolina sightings in Greensboro, Durham, Raleigh, Charlotte, Fayetteville, Wilmington, and scattered sighting along the coast.

According to the Carolina Bird Club, Black-chinned hummingbird have very rare late fall and winter sightings, more frequently near the coast.
Some Black-chinned hummingbirds do overwinter in North Carolina, although it is extremely rare.

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:

Male Black-chinned hummingbirds are small, metallic green birds with white undersides and a striking black throat (gorget) that shimmers a royal purple in the sunlight.
This 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. 

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

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.
See my article:
Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)

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.

As juveniles molt into their first full set of feathers, the fluffy white undertail coverts become visible. These feathers are a distinguishing feature and are often more prominent due to their soft texture.

Baby
Black-Chinned Hummingbirds:

Baby Black-Chinned hummingbirds are tiny, naked, and helpless at birth, with closed eyes and no feathers. They grow quickly, developing gray down within a few days. By 2–3 weeks, pin feathers emerge, and their green plumage starts showing. Fed by regurgitated nectar and insects from their mother, they fledge the nest at about 3 weeks old.

See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

Black-chinned hummingbirds breed to the east of the Cascade mountain range. By employing a decoy tactic, they are known to build their nests close to larger, busier bird nests, hence decreasing the likelihood of predators nearby. 

Of all extant mammals or vertebrates, Black-chinned hummingbirds have the least amount of genetic material known to science. Due to their little size, they run the risk of becoming prey for larger birds that consume insects.
See my article:
10 Common Things That Kill Hummingbirds

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.

See my article:
Why Hummingbirds Chase Each Other: Is it Friend or Foe?

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.

Buff-bellied hummingbirds are rare vagrants to North Carolina and are seen migrating south during the fall, winter and spring.

Sightings map show Buff-bellied hummingbirds have rare documented North Carolina sightings in area in between Winston-Salem and Greensboro, and north of Morehead City on the coast.

According to the Carolina Bird Club, one sighting was seen and photographed at a feeder in Winston-Salem.

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

Female
Buff-Bellied Hummingbirds:

Compared to their male counterparts, female buff-bellied hummingbirds tend to be less colorful and dull-looking, typically lacking iridescent feathers.
Instead, her throat appears more plain or faintly spotted. This difference helps her blend into her surroundings, especially during nesting.

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.
Their throats are pale with faint streaks, while their chest and back show dull green transitioning to a buff belly. Their rufous tails are less vibrant, and their reddish-orange bills may appear less distinct. 

Juveniles lack the iridescent gorget of adult males. As they mature, they molt into adult plumage, with males gaining vivid colors and a shimmering gorget.

As juveniles molt into their first full set of feathers, the fluffy white undertail coverts become visible. These feathers are a distinguishing feature and are often more prominent due to their soft texture.

Baby
Buff-Bellied Hummingbirds:

Baby buff-bellied hummingbirds hatch blind, featherless, and dependent on their mother. Their pinkish skin is covered in sparse gray down, and their eyes open after a few days. As they grow, down thickens, followed by pin feathers that develop into juvenile plumage. 

Their short, dark bills gradually turn reddish-orange. Nestled in a tiny, silk-lined nest, they are fed regurgitated nectar and insects by the mother. After 18–22 days, they gain strength and prepare for their first flight.

See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

Native primarily to the Gulf Coast of the United States, Mexico, and Central America, Buff-bellied hummingbirds inhabit a range of environments including open woodlands, edges of forests, gardens and coastal scrub areas.

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.

Hear the sounds of the Buff-bellied hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).

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

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 in North Carolina.

Sightings map shows Calliope hummingbirds have documented North Carolina sightings in the areas of Greensboro, Dirham, Charlotte, and Wilmington,

Some migrating Calliope hummingbirds are occasional rare vagrants that overwinter in North Carolina.
According to the Carolina Bird Club, accidental migrant Calliope hummingbird sightings are seen. Even though Calliope hummingbirds are considered accidental winter visitors to North Carolina the sightings have been increasing by a minimum of two every winter.
They are primarily seen at feeders.

Calliope hummingbirds are named after a Greek mythological muse, who represented poetry and eloquence. Calliope means “beautiful voice” in ancient Greek.

Male
Calliope Hummingbirds:

Male Calliope hummingbirds are North America’s smallest hummingbirds, known for their metallic green backs and creamy white underparts. Their striking and identifiable feature is the long stunning row of iridescent magenta streaks on their throat (gorget) that flare out like a fan. They have a slender, slightly curved bill and a forked dark tail.
They are 3 inches long and weigh 2-3 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

Female
Calliope Hummingbirds:

The female Calliope hummingbird is less colorful than the male and lacks a gorget and iridescent feathers. They are small, elegant birds with metallic green backs and pale buff or white underparts.
They have a rounded tail with white tips and a slender, slightly curved bill, to feed on nectar and insects.

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)

Juvenile
Calliope Hummingbirds:

Juvenile Calliope hummingbirds, both male and female, resemble adult females with metallic green backs and pale underparts until the male starts to develop the iridescent feathers that are characteristic of this species of hummingbird. The male throats will begin to show faint speckling or streaks as they mature. 

As juveniles molt into their first full set of feathers, the fluffy white undertail coverts become visible. These feathers are a distinguishing feature and are often more prominent due to their soft texture.

Baby
Calliope Hummingbirds:

Baby Calliope hummingbirds are tiny, featherless, and have closed eyes at birth. They are pink-skinned and entirely dependent on their mother for warmth and food. As they grow, they develop gray down followed by green feathers. The mother feeds them nectar and insects until they fledge in about 2–3 weeks.

See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

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: 
North Carolina Hummingbird Migration

During the breeding season, female Calliope hummingbirds select the tips of pine cones as her building site for her nest. Along with stealing materials from other birds’ nests to build her own, she will also disassemble and recycle previous seasons’ nests.

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

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.
Due to North Carolina’s location in the eastern United States, Broad-billed hummingbirds are rare/vagrants.

Sightings map shows the Broad-billed hummingbirds have rare documented North Carolina sightings in the areas of New Bern and Kitty Hawk near the coast.

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

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.

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.

As juveniles molt into their first full set of feathers, the fluffy white undertail coverts become visible. These feathers are a distinguishing feature and are often more prominent due to their soft texture.

Baby
Broad-Billed Hummingbirds:

At birth, baby Broad-billed hummingbirds are small, featherless, defenseless, and have closed eyelids. They develop gray down in a matter of days due to their rapid growth. By two to three weeks, their plumage begins to show and pin feathers appear. At around three weeks old, they leave the nest, fed by their mother’s regurgitated nectar and insects.

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?

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

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/vagrant visitor to North Carolina since they are seen mainly in the Western United States, however some migrating Anna’s hummingbirds are occasionally seen overwintering in North Carolina.

Sightings map show Anna’s hummingbirds have rare documented North Carolina sightings in Charlotte, New Bern, and Buxton, an unincorporated community located on Hatteras Island in Dare County.

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

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)

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.
Their green backs are muted, underparts are pale gray, and bills are shorter. They explore feeders and flowers as they learn to forage.

Juvenile Anna’s hummingbirds molt into their adult plumage as they mature, developing the full iridescent throat patch (gorget) and brighter coloration in males, or retaining the subtler tones in females.

As juveniles molt into their first full set of feathers, the fluffy white undertail coverts become visible. These feathers are a distinguishing feature and are often more prominent due to their soft texture.

Note: This Anna’s hummingbird may be a youngster going through the awkward adolescent years, or it may be in the process of molting.
Notice his fluffy white undertail coverts are visible.

Baby
Anna’s Hummingbirds:

Baby Anna’s hummingbirds are tiny, naked, and helpless at birth, with closed eyes and no feathers. They grow quickly, developing gray down within a few days. By 2–3 weeks, pin feathers emerge, and their green plumage starts showing. Fed by regurgitated nectar and insects from their mother, they fledge the nest at about 3 weeks old.

See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

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

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

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 North Carolina.

Sightings map show Broad-tailed hummingbirds have rare documented North Carolina sightings in the areas of Greensboro and south of Charlotte.

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:

The male Broad-tailed hummingbird is brightly colored with a metallic green back, a vibrant iridescent rosy-red throat (gorget), vivid white eye rings, a grayish-white belly, and a widely rounded tail.
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

Female
Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds:

The female Broad-tailed hummingbird is less colorful than the male with vivid white eye rings and lacks a gorget and iridescent feathers. 

They have green backs that extend from the head to the tail, a pale throat with some spotting, and a buffy or grayish belly.

See my article:
Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)

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.

Juvenile Broad-tailed hummingbirds molt into their adult plumage as they mature, developing the full iridescent throat patch (gorget) and brighter coloration in males, or retaining the subtler tones in females.

As juveniles molt into their first full set of feathers, the fluffy white undertail coverts become visible. These feathers are a distinguishing feature and are often more prominent due to their soft texture.

Baby
Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds:

Baby Broad-tailed  hummingbirds are tiny, naked, and helpless at birth, with closed eyes and no feathers. They grow quickly, developing gray down within a few days. By 2–3 weeks, pin feathers emerge, and their green plumage starts showing. Fed by regurgitated nectar and insects from their mother, they fledge the nest at about 3 weeks old.

See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

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 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

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, therefore they are rare migratory visitors to North Carolina. 

Sightings map document the Allen’s hummingbird to have rare documented North Carolina sightings in the area south of Winston-Salem, Charlotte, north of Morehead City, and in Manteo on the coast.

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

Female
Allen’s Hummingbirds:

The female Allen’s hummingbird is less colorful than the male because it lacks the iridescent gorget.
They are small, green-backed birds with pale or faint speckled throats, buffy sides and flanks, and reddish-orange tails tipped with dark edges.

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)

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. 

Juvenile Allen’s hummingbirds molt into their adult plumage as they mature, developing the full iridescent throat patch (gorget) and brighter coloration in males, or retaining the subtler tones in females.

As juveniles molt into their first full set of feathers, the fluffy white undertail coverts become visible. These feathers are a distinguishing feature and are often more prominent due to their soft texture.

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.

Baby
Allen’s Hummingbirds:

Baby Allen’s hummingbirds are tiny, naked, and helpless at birth, with closed eyes and no feathers. They grow quickly, developing gray down within a few days. By 2–3 weeks, pin feathers emerge, and their green plumage starts showing. Fed by regurgitated nectar and insects from their mother, they fledge the nest at about 3 weeks old.

See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

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.

Hummingbirds can withstand far lower temperatures than most people think.

According to the North Carolina Audubon (NCA), there are rare documented sightings of Allen’s hummingbirds spending the winter in North Carolina.

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

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 extremely rare visitors to North Carolina.

Sightings map show Green-breasted Mango hummingbirds have rare documented North Carolina sightings north of Charlotte.

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 a back and crown of a shimmering iridescent emerald green plumage that glistens in the sun. They have a velvety black stripe that runs down the center of the throat and breast, contrasting sharply with the green plumage and making it quite striking. The wings and tail are dark, often showing a bluish or purplish sheen.

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

Female
Green-Breasted Mango Hummingbirds:

The female Green-breasted Mango hummingbird is less vivid with a duller, more subdued coloration compared to the vibrant males. Her back and crown are metallic green. The throat and breast are whitish or pale gray with a distinctive central stripe. 

The female Green-breasted Mango hummingbird has a distinctive dark green to black stripe that runs down the center of the breast, beginning from the throat. This stripe is a key identifying feature and contrasts with the lighter underbelly.

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.

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 juvenile Green-breasted Mango hummingbirds 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.

Juvenile Green-breasted Mango hummingbirds molt into their adult plumage as they mature. As juveniles molt into their first full set of feathers, the fluffy white undertail coverts become visible. These feathers are a distinguishing feature and are often more prominent due to their soft texture.

Baby
Green-Breasted Mango Hummingbirds:

Baby Green-breasted Mango hummingbirds are tiny, naked, and helpless at birth, with closed eyes and no feathers. They grow quickly, developing gray down within a few days. By 2–3 weeks, pin feathers emerge, and their green plumage starts showing. Fed by regurgitated nectar and insects from their mother, they fledge the nest at about 3 weeks old.

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.

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.

In areas where their range overlaps with human populations, the Green-breasted Mango often visit gardens with flowering plants and hummingbird feeders. This interaction is beneficial for both the birds, who gain an additional food source, and for humans, who enjoy watching these beautiful creatures.

MEXICAN VIOLETEAR
(aka GREEN VIOLETEAR) HUMMINGBIRD – (Colibri thalassinus)  

Conservation Status: Least concerned
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Colibri
Species: C. thalassinus

The Mexican Violetear (Violet-ear) or the Green-Violetear hummingbird are usually found in Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, making them a rare/accidental visitor to North Carolina. 

Sightings map document the Mexican-Violetear hummingbirds to have extremely rare North Carolina sightings in Asheville and south west of Boone.

The Mexican Violetear belongs to the Colibri thalassinus hummingbird species. It gets its name from the Latin word thalassinus meaning “color of the sea”.
The term “violet-ears” refers to the bright patch of feathers that stands out on the sides of this hummingbird’s head, mimicking an ear, giving rise to its popular name. 

Male
Mexican Violetear Hummingbirds:

Male Mexican Violetear hummingbirds are medium-sized hummingbirds with stunning, vibrant plumage and iridescent green bodies.

They do not have a gorget in the traditional sense as most hummingbirds. Instead, males feature a distinctive shimmering violet patch on the sides of their necks and sometimes a central violet streak on their chest, which serves a similar purpose in display and territorial behavior.
This coloration is less concentrated than a typical gorget but equally striking.

This hummingbird has metallic blue-green tail feathers with a black band underneath the bronze tail feathers in the center.
They weigh between 5 and 6 grams and have lengths ranging from 3.8 to 4.7 inches.

Female
Mexican Violetear Hummingbirds:

Females typically have a less vibrant coloration compared to males. They have a primarily green plumage, which can appear as a dull green or blue-green. The green is iridescent and may shine with different intensities and hues in various lighting conditions.

The violet ear patches are present in females but are often less pronounced than in males.
The underparts of the female are typically a duller green compared to the males, and they may have some grayish or whitish markings.

The tail is typically dark, forked, and has some blue or green iridescence. It is usually less spectacular than that of the male.

See my article:
Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)

Juvenile
Mexican Violetear Hummingbirds:

Male and female Mexican Violetear hummingbirds in their juvenile years resemble adult females until the male starts to develop the characteristic iridescent violet ear patches on either side of his neck. 

As juveniles molt into their first full set of feathers, the fluffy white undertail coverts become visible. These feathers are a distinguishing feature and are often more prominent due to their soft texture.

Baby
Mexican Violetear Hummingbirds:

Baby Mexican violetear hummingbirds are tiny, featherless, and have closed eyes at birth. They are pink-skinned and entirely dependent on their mother for warmth and food. As they grow, they develop gray down feathers, followed by iridescent green plumage. Their mother feeds them a mix of nectar and insects until they fledge at about 3 weeks old.

See my article:
Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

From Mexico to Nicaragua, these hummingbird species are found on the outskirts of cloud forests, where they thrive in an environment with high levels of tropical humidity. It is common to see this dark hummingbird at forest margins and clearings.

In terms of social behavior, Mexican Violetear hummingbirds are generally solitary, especially outside of the breeding season. They can be territorial, with males often defending prime feeding territories from other hummingbirds.
See my article:
Why Hummingbirds Chase Each Other: Is it Friend or Foe?

The oldest known Mexican Violetear hummingbird was documented to be at least 11 years and 2 months old.
This information is based on banding records, where birds are captured, banded with a unique identification ring, and then potentially recaptured or found in the future.
The age of this particular Mexican Violetear was determined by the length of time between its initial banding and its last documented recapture or sighting.
See my article:
3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded

Happy Hummingbird Watching!