New York Hummingbirds: 7 Awesome Documented Species

This article identifies and describes New York hummingbirds, where in New York they are seen, and whether they are year-round, seasonal, or rare vagrant residents.

Which Species Of New York Hummingbirds Are Found In The State?

There are seven species of hummingbirds documented as seen in New York.
Documented New York hummingbirds, listed in order of frequency seen:
Ruby-throated, Rufous, Black-chinned, Calliope, Allen’s, Anna’s and Broad-billed hummingbirds.

Sighting Maps:

These 7 species of hummingbirds are documented as being seen in New York 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)
• Calliope (Selasphorus calliope)
• Allen’s (Selasphorus sasin)
• Anna’s (Calypte anna)
• Broad-billed (Cynanthus latirostris)

These 7 hummingbirds species found in New York are further classified into three groups:
Year-round residents, Seasonal, and Rare/Vagrant visitors.

Hummingbird:	Year-Round, Seasonal, Rare/Vagrant
Ruby-throated	Seasonal
Rufous	Seasonal
Black-chinned	Rare/Vagrant
Calliope	Rare/Vagrant
Allen’s	Rare/Vagrant
Anna’s	Rare/Vagrant
Broad-billed	Rare/Vagrant

For more information on New York hummingbirds:
Read my article:
New York Hummingbird Migration

New York Hummingbirds That Are Year-Round Residents

There are no hummingbirds classified as year-round residents in New York.
However, there are some Rufous and Calliope hummingbirds that are occasionally seen in New York during the winter months.

This hummingbird classification is defined as year-round residents residing in New York 365 days a year and do not migrate.

Contrary to popular belief, hummingbirds can withstand far lower temperatures than most people would expect.
Some banded hummingbirds have been observed at temperatures as low as -9 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of -36 degrees Fahrenheit, according to eBird.org.

See my article:
3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded

New York Hummingbirds That Are Seasonal

The New York hummingbirds that are classified as seasonal hummingbird are
Ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds that fit within this category are those that migrate through New York on a spring or fall emigration basis.

Hummingbirds move south to spend the winter in Mexico and Central America in the fall, after migrating north in the spring to reproduce.

Due to their preference, an ailment, or advanced age, certain seasonal hummingbirds may spend the whole winter in the state.

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

Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds: Sightings Map

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 most commonly seen in New York.

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.

Female Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the only ones that breed and nest in New York.
They are 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)

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.

To see the current sighting map of New York’s Ruby-throated hummingbirds, click the link.

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 total direct flight from Albany, New York, to Panama City, Panama, is 4,610 miles.

The second land migration path is 4,610 miles 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 New York

Despite their aggressive nature, these hummingbirds are eaten by predators like dragonflies, big crustaceans, praying mantises, and orb-weaver spiders.

Read my article:
10 Common Things That Kill Hummingbirds

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 Hummingbirds: Sightings Map

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.

They are the second most commonly seen hummingbird in New York, behind the Ruby-throated hummingbird, even though there is a vast difference in sighting numbers between the two species.

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

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.

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

Rufous hummingbirds easily hybridize and cross-breed with other hummingbird species, such as Anna’s hummingbirds.

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.

Note: Preening flight feathers is an important daily routine to maintain hygiene and to keep the feathers flexible, strong, in alignment, and parasite-free.

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)

To see the current sighting map of Rufous hummingbirds in New York, click the link.

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

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.

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 Rufous hummingbirds occasionally choose to overwinter in New York even though they are seen mainly in the Western United States.
Many New York hummingbird admirers leave feeders up all winter to also provide nectar to other injured or older hummingbirds that are unable to migrate.
See my article:
11 DIY Ways to Keep Hummingbird Nectar From Freezing

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.

Read my article:
3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded

New York Hummingbirds That Are Rare/Vagrant

There are five New York hummingbirds classified as rare or vagrant hummingbirds.
Listed in order of frequency seen: Black-chinned, Calliope, Allen’s, Anna’s, and Broad-billed hummingbirds.

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.

Black-Chinned Hummingbirds: Sightings Map

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 New York.
They are a migratory bird that breeds in Washington and travels south to Mexico for the winter.

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.

Read 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)

Hear the sounds of the Black-chinned hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).

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

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?

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

Calliope Hummingbirds: Sightings Map

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 extremely rare in New York.

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

Even though it is rare, ebird shows Calliope hummingbirds overwintering in New York.

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.

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)

To see the current sighting map of the Calliope hummingbird in New York, click the link.

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. 

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

Allen’s Hummingbirds: Sightings Map

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 New York.

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)

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 face habitat loss and pesticide risks.
Conservation efforts, such as preserving natural areas, responsible gardening, and maintaining hummingbird feeders, help to protect their future.

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

Anna’s Hummingbirds: Sightings Map

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 New York since they are seen mainly in the Western United States.

The 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.

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)

To see the current sighting map of New York’s Anna’s hummingbirds, click the link.

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

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-Billed Hummingbirds: Sightings Map

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 New York’s location in the eastern United States, Broad-billed hummingbirds are extremely rare.

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.

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

To see the current sighting map of New York’s Broad-billed hummingbirds, click the link.

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 constructed from a single, long, thin branch and 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.

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

Surprisingly, the Broad-billed hummingbird’s population has grown in recent years, in contrast to other hummingbird species. Its future relies on habitat conservation and understanding environmental impacts.

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

Which New York Hummingbirds Are Most Frequently Seen In The State?

The most frequently seen New York hummingbird is by far and away the Ruby-throated hummingbird.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds comprise 99.5% of all hummingbirds seen in New York.

Where In The State Are New York Hummingbirds Seen?

Hummingbirds are seen in New York throughout the state.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are seen throughout the entirety of the state, while others are only seen in specific, limited areas of New York.

Click the link below to see the current sighting map of where
New York hummingbirds are being seen (eBird.org links)

• Ruby-throated: This is where, in New York, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.
• Rufous: This is where, in New York, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.
• Black-chinned: This is where, in New York, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.
• Calliope: This is where, in New York, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.
• Allen’s: his is where, in New York, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.
• Anna’s: This is where, in New York, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.
• Broad-billed: This is where, in New York, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.

Read my article:
New York Hummingbird Migration

Happy Hummingbird Watching!

Check out my other posts on Hummingbird Questions