Oklahoma Hummingbirds: 9 Awesome Documented Species

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

Which Species Of Oklahoma Hummingbirds Are Found In The State?

There are nine species of hummingbirds documented as seen in Oklahoma.
Documented Oklahoma hummingbirds, listed in order of frequency seen, are Ruby-throated, Black-chinned, Rufous, Broad-billed, Calliope, Mexican Violetear, Costa’s, Broad-tailed, and Anna’s hummingbirds.

Top Google-ranked websites recognize three additional hummingbirds, the Allen’s, Blue-throated Mountain-gem and Rivoli’s as Oklahoma hummingbirds, despite the fact that they are not one of the nine species documented as being seen in Oklahoma on a national hummingbird sighting map.

Listed In The Order Of Frequency Seen:

These are the Oklahoma statistics at the end of 2023, as reported by eBird.org.
Click the “Documented” link below for the current Oklahoma stats.

Hummingbird:	Number Seen:	Documented:
Ruby-throated	20,202	Documented
Black-chinned	2,395	Documented
Rufous	122	Documented
Broad-billed	42	Documented
Calliope	35	Documented
Mexican Violetear	22	Documented
Costa’s	11	Documented
Broad-tailed	10	Documented
Anna’s	7	Documented
Allen’s	0	Not Documented
Blue-throated	0	Not Documented
Rivoli’s	0	Not Documented
Total Seen:	22,846

These 12 hummingbird species found in Oklahoma
are further classified into three groups:
Year-round residents, Seasonal visitors, and Rare/Vagrant visitors.

Hummingbird:	Year-Round, Seasonal, Rare/Vagrant
Ruby-throated	Seasonal
Black-chinned	Seasonal
Rufous	Rare/Vagrant
Broad-billed	Rare/Vagrant
Calliope	Rare/Vagrant
Mexican Violetear	Rare/Vagrant
Costa’s	Rare/Vagrant
Broad-tailed	Rare/Vagrant
Anna’s	Rare/Vagrant
Allen’s	Rare/Vagrant
Blue-throated	Rare/Vagrant
Rivoli’s	Rare/Vagrant

For more information on Oklahoma hummingbirds:
Read my article: Oklahoma Hummingbird Migration

Oklahoma Hummingbirds That Are Year-Round Residents

There are no hummingbirds classified as year-round residents in Oklahoma; however, there are hummingbirds that are seen in Oklahoma during the winter months.

This hummingbird classification is defined as year-round residents residing in Oklahoma 365 days a year.

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

Oklahoma Hummingbirds That Are Seasonal

There are two Oklahoma hummingbirds classified as seasonal hummingbirds; the Ruby-throated and Black-chinned hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds that fit within this category are those that migrate through Oklahoma 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.

To see a current sighting map of Oklahoma seasonal hummingbirds,
click the links below:

Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds:

RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD – (Archilochus colubris)

Conservation Status: Least concerned
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Archilochus
Species: A. colubris

Scientist Carl Linnaeus of Sweden is credited with giving the Ruby-throated hummingbird its scientific name. He initially classified the species as “Trochilus colubris.”

Its name was revised more than a century later when German botanist Ludwig Reichenbach classed it as “Archilochus colubris,” which is now its scientific name and means “sky spirit/sun-god bird” or “top thief.”

Male Ruby-throated hummingbirds:
The beautiful iridescent blood-red gorget of male Ruby-throated hummingbirds ends at the neck.
His distinctive features are black wings, a light gray underbelly, and a dull metallic green topside.

The Ruby-throated hummingbird is a tiny species of hummingbird, measuring 2.8 to 3.3 inches in length and weighing less than 4.5 grams, or two U.S. dimes.

They live for three to five years on average.

The metal plate that shields the wearer’s throat during combat to prevent injuries is the inspiration behind the name of the gorget on a male hummingbird.

This name is acceptable and fitting to characterize the physical characteristics of male hummingbirds, since they fight fiercely for their own territory.
Read my article: Hummingbird Gorgets Explained

Female Ruby-throated hummingbirds:
Ruby-throated hummingbird females are usually larger than males, with a white throat stippled with light spots.

Ruby-throated hummingbird’s life expectancy is roughly three to five years.

The oldest female Ruby-throated hummingbird on record, at nine years old, is nearly twice as old as the male life expectancy.
See my article: Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)

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:
Ruby-throated hummingbird juveniles, both male and female, have a white throat with faint stippling, just like their mother.

As the males become older, they start to show some color around their necks, and finally their stronger red throat feathers take center stage and proudly show off a vibrant gorget.

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

Note: 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 Oklahoma’s Ruby-throated hummingbirds, click the link.

Hear the sounds of the Ruby-throated hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).

88% of all Oklahoma hummingbird sightings will be Ruby-throated hummingbirds.
On average, out of 10,000 hummingbird sightings in Oklahoma, 8,843 will be Ruby-throated hummingbirds.

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 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Panama City, Panama, is 2,148 miles.

Not being able to rest, not having access to food or fuel, and needing to steer clear of the severe tropical Atlantic hurricanes while traveling to their destination are some of the challenges faced when flying over the Gulf of Mexico.

To exacerbate the situation, they migrate during the night or are conducting a “Red-eye flight,” depending on your point of view.

Even though both sexes double their body fat before beginning their arduous transoceanic migratory pattern across the Gulf of Mexico, researchers think that males’ energy consumption is more taxing due to their small stature.

The second land migration path is 3,226 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 Oklahoma

The majority of people are unaware of how tolerant hummingbirds are of chilly weather.

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

To provide the many hummingbirds that spend the winter in Oklahoma access to life-sustaining nectar, several Oklahoma hummingbird enthusiasts keep their hummingbird feeders up all winter long.

This altruistic deed also supplies nectar to other migrating species that are too injured or elderly to travel.
Read my article: 11 DIY Ways to Keep Hummingbird Nectar From Freezing

The Ruby-throated hummingbird is a common sight in parks, gardens, and backyards. It prefers open forests. Except for the breeding season, when they become ferociously territorial and hostile against hummingbirds of other species, they are solitary birds.

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

Black-Chinned Hummingbirds:

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’s scientific name is in commemoration of Dr. Alexandre, a French doctor who was the first to discover the species in Mexico. 

Male Black-chinned hummingbirds:
The royal purple gorget resembling a buttoned-up shirt with a small flash of color right near the neckline is the distinguishing feature of male Black-chinned hummingbirds.

The male’s purple gorget or throat in some lighting at times looks entirely black.

Their flanks and backs are metallic green, while their undersides are white. They have a black bill and a forked dark tail.

Their length ranges from 3.25 to 3.5 inches, and they weigh between 2.8 and 5.6 grams.

The metal plate that shields the wearer’s throat during combat to prevent injuries is the inspiration behind the name of the gorget on a male hummingbird.

This name is acceptable and fitting to characterize the physical characteristics of male hummingbirds, since they fight fiercely for their own territory.
Read my article: Hummingbird Gorgets Explained

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.

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

To see the current sighting map of the Black-chinned hummingbird in Oklahoma, click the link.

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

10% of all Oklahoma hummingbird sightings will be Black-chinned hummingbirds.
On average, out of 10,000 hummingbird sightings in Oklahoma, 1,048 will be Black-chinned hummingbirds.

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

Oklahoma Hummingbirds That Are Rare/Vagrant

Ten Oklahoma hummingbirds are classified as rare or vagrant hummingbirds; the Rufous, Broad-billed, Calliope, Mexican Violetear, Costa’s, Broad-tailed, Anna’s, Allen’s, Blue-throated Mountain-gem, and Rivoli’s hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds that live in a group outside of their typical geographic range are classified as belonging to this category.

These hummingbird species not only span a vast range of distinct geographic areas, but they are also known to occasionally interbreed, giving rise to hybrids.

Although they are not in their usual range, reports of seeing these hummingbirds in Oklahoma have been made.

To see a current sighting map of Oklahoma rare/vagrant hummingbirds,
click the links below:

Rufous Hummingbirds:

RUFOUS HUMMINGBIRD – (Selasphorus rufus)

Conservation Status: Near threatened
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Selasphorus
Species: S. rufous

The Latin word rubrum, which means “red,” is the source of the Rufous hummingbird’s name due to its reddish-brown color.

Male Rufous hummingbirds:
The orange-red gorget of a male rufous hummingbird is iridescent, and their tail and sides have a rusty hue. Their underside is beige to white, and their bill is black.

Along with chocolate brown dorsal feathers, males can also have green plumage with green spots on their rustic-looking backs or on the summit of their heads.

They weigh 3.2 grams and range in length from 2.8 to 3.5 inches.

The metal plate that shields the wearer’s throat during combat to prevent injuries is the inspiration behind the name of the gorget on a male hummingbird.

This name is acceptable and fitting to characterize the physical characteristics of male hummingbirds, since they fight fiercely for their own territory.
Read my article: Hummingbird Gorgets Explained

Female Rufous hummingbirds:
The female Rufous hummingbird is less colorful than the male because it lacks a gorget and iridescent feathers.

In the wild, confusion may arise, though, because certain females have stippling or color specs along their throat line that resemble juvenile characteristics.

They are slightly larger than the males in anticipation of producing offspring.
See my article: Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)

They have one of the northernmost breeding ranges of any hummingbird in the world; migrating north from Mexico and nesting as far north as Alaska to breed during the summer months.

They are polygamous and will mate with several partners in a season.
Read my article: Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)
Read my article: Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

Juvenile Rufous hummingbirds:
In the wild, juvenile Rufous hummingbirds and Allen’s hummingbirds are nearly identical in terms of color and behavior.

Therefore, range rather than appearance is used to establish identity.
The juvenile male Rufous’ rustic appearance is attributed to the iridescent orange dots on their neck.

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

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

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

0.53% of all Oklahoma hummingbird sightings will be Rufous hummingbirds.
On average, out of 10,000 hummingbird sightings in Oklahoma, only 53 will be Rufous hummingbirds.

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.

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.

These friendly environments offer and guarantee safe trips in addition to a dependable haven for relaxation and refueling while on the road.

A large number of Rufous hummingbirds will choose to move south to Mexico rather than stay in Oklahoma for the winter. Hummingbirds, however, can withstand far lower temperatures than most people think.

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

This selfless act also provides nectar to other injured or older hummingbirds that are unable to migrate.
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?

It has even been observed that female mothers may attack squirrels and chipmunks that approach their nest too closely.

Due to their remarkable memory, Rufous hummingbirds have been observed to search for an abandoned hummingbird feeder years after it has been taken down.
Read my article: Hummingbird Adaptation and Remarkable Ability to Locate Food

Because of their unparalleled flying acrobatics, Rufous hummingbirds are fierce competitors at feeders, outmaneuvering all other species.

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.
Read my article:  3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded

Broad-Billed Hummingbirds:

BROAD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD – (Cynanthus latirostris)

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

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.

Although most of the population of Broad-billed hummingbirds remains in Mexico and Central America throughout the year, they are a Mexican species that regularly visits the United States close to the southern Mexican border.

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.

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

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

Hear the sounds of the Broad-billed hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).

0.18% of all Oklahoma hummingbird sightings will be Broad-billed hummingbirds.
On average, out of 10,000 hummingbird sightings in Oklahoma, only 18 will be Broad-billed hummingbirds.

Broad-billed hummingbirds are native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and down into Central America.

They 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

Calliope Hummingbirds:

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

Male Calliope hummingbirds:
The long, stunning row of feathers that protrude down the sides of the throat and their iridescent purple cap are characteristics that make male Calliope hummingbirds clearly identifiable.

These hummingbirds, which are 3 inches long and weigh 2-3 grams, have shiny green backs like many others.

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. Their head’s crown, or top, has a grayish-green hue.

The buff hue of the flanks refers to the sides, underbelly, and area beneath the wings.
See my article: Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)

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

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

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

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

0.15% of all Oklahoma hummingbird sightings will be Calliope hummingbirds.
On average, out of 10,000 hummingbird sightings in Oklahoma, only 15 will be Calliope hummingbirds.

Like many other hummingbirds, Calliopes use their feathers to manipulate their flight path in order to produce a variety of buzzing noises that serve as a type of language.

The male will fervently fly back and forth and perform a “U” shaped courtship display to get the attention of the female when she is quietly perched.

He will perform a vocal serenade for the female while swaying his body back and forth in front of her.
See my article: Hummingbird Dance: 5 Interpretive Explanations

A breeding area is established by male Calliope hummingbirds, who mate with any female that accepts their wooing.

In terms of social behavior, Calliope hummingbirds are generally solitary, especially outside of the breeding season. They are 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 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.

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.

Therefore, larger and more aggressive hummingbirds, such as Allen’s and Rufous hummingbirds, frequently chase and attack female Calliopes. Compared to other species, the Calliope keeps a low profile in order to evade these attacks.

Calliope hummingbirds hybridize and readily crossbreed with other hummingbird species, such as the Costa’s hummingbird.

Calliope hummingbirds are especially susceptible to habitat loss and natural catastrophes like wildfires and climate change because they have a smaller wintering range than other hummingbird species.

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

Mexican Violetear Hummingbirds:

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

Scientifically speaking, the Mexican Violetear is a species of hummingbird, Colibri thalassinus.
Thalassinus is a Latin term meaning “color of the sea.”

The characteristic violet patch of feathers on the sides of this hummingbird’s head, which mimics an ear, gave rise to its popular name.

The “violetear” description is accurate and vivid because of this bright patch that stands out against the bird’s otherwise green plumage.

Male Mexican Violetear hummingbirds:
The term “violet-ears” refers to the iridescent green color of male Mexican Violetear hummingbirds, which have brilliant violet ear patches on either side of their neck.

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.

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

To see the current sighting map of Oklahoma’s Mexican Violetear hummingbirds, click the link.

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

0.10% of all Oklahoma hummingbird sightings will be Mexican Violetear hummingbirds.
On average, out of 10,000 hummingbird sightings in Oklahoma, only 10 will be Mexican Violetear hummingbirds.

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.

Mexican Violetear hummingbirds are semi-nomadic. Since they have not been thoroughly examined, scientists know very little about their migration patterns.

However, based on available data, the Mexican Violetear is primarily distributed in northern South America, middle Mexico, and middle America.

Although Mexican Violetear hummingbirds are typically permanent residents of their natural habitat, a few individuals have strayed and ventured as far north as Wisconsin, Michigan, and even Canada.

Much like a lot of other hummingbird species, the Mexican Violetear hummingbird nests alone. Although they do not feed in flocks, these hummingbirds are observed in groups around flowering trees, such as the coffee-shading Inga tree, where they scavenge for nectar and insects.

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.

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

Costa’s Hummingbirds:

COSTA’S HUMMINGBIRD – (Calypte costae)

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

The scientific name of the Costa’s hummingbird is Calypte costae.

Jules Bourcier named the Costa’s hummingbird in 1839 in honor of Louis Marie Pantaleon Costa, a French naturalist, and ardent hummingbird collector.
He was recognized for his contributions to the field, and thus, the bird was named in his honor.

This practice of naming species after people, especially those who have made significant contributions to science or natural history, is quite common in taxonomy.

Male Costa’s hummingbirds:
The male Costa’s hummingbird is a small and vibrant bird, easily recognizable by its distinct coloration and features.

It possesses a bright reddish-purple cap, which covers the head feathers, and a similarly colored gorget, which is the area around the throat.

Unique to this species, the gorget displays long streaming throat feathers that extend on both sides of its face, bearing a resemblance to the feather arrangement found in Calliope hummingbirds.

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

In contrast to the vivid colors of its head and throat, the male Costa’s hummingbird has a subdued body coloration. Its underbelly is light greenish-gray, providing a soft counterbalance to the brilliance of its head.

The back and flanks of the bird display a green hue, seamlessly blending with its natural habitats.

Regarding its size, the male Costa’s hummingbird is relatively small, measuring between 3 to 3.5 inches in length, and is lightweight, tipping the scales at just 2 to 3 grams.

This combination of striking head and throat colors with its more muted body tones makes the male Costa’s hummingbird a distinctive and easily identifiable species among hummingbirds.

Female Costa’s hummingbirds:
The female Costa’s hummingbird presents a more subdued appearance compared to the strikingly vibrant males. Lacking the iridescent feathers that characterize their male counterparts, female Costa’s hummingbirds display a more understated coloration.

Their grayish-light-green back is a muted hue that blends easily with the environment. This coloring provides excellent camouflage, especially in the bird’s natural habitats.

The underbelly is a dusty white, further contributing to their less conspicuous appearance. This contrast between the slightly darker back and the lighter underbelly, while subtle, still offers a distinctive look within the species.

Female Costa’s hummingbirds migrate north from Mexico to breed in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.

The absence of the bright colors and iridescent feathers found in males is a common trait in many bird species, where females often have more subdued coloration, possibly as an evolutionary adaptation for better concealment while nesting and raising young.
See my article: Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)

Being a desert-dwelling species, Costa’s hummingbirds nest in open spaces with little vegetation. It has been observed that they build their nests on cacti. Predators that might try to consume the eggs or nestlings are discouraged from doing so by the plant’s thorns.
Read my article: 10 Common Things That Kill Hummingbirds

Juvenile Costa’s hummingbirds:
Both male and female juvenile Costa’s hummingbirds look more like adult females until they are differentiated as the male begins to acquire the iridescent feathers that are typical for males of this species of hummingbird.

Baby Costa’s hummingbirds:
Baby Costa’s hummingbirds are easily identified by their undertail coverts, which are white fluffy feathers near their bottom that will disappear as they age.
See my article: Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

To see the current sighting map of Oklahoma’s Costa’s hummingbirds, click the link.

Hear the sounds of the Costa’s hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).

0.05% of all Oklahoma hummingbird sightings will be Costa’s hummingbirds. hummingbirds.
On average, out of 10,000 hummingbird sightings in Oklahoma, only 5 will be Costa’s hummingbirds.

Very little is known about Costa’s hummingbirds and their short migratory habits in comparison to other hummingbird species.

Costa’s hummingbirds are primarily found in arid and semi-arid environments, including deserts, scrublands, and chaparral regions.

Living in dry habitats, Costa’s hummingbirds have developed adaptations to survive in these conditions. They are efficient in their water usage and can tolerate higher temperatures than many other bird species.

Their choice of flowering plants also reflects their adaptation to their environment, often favoring those that thrive in arid conditions.

They are native to the southwestern United States and Baja California in Mexico, often found in areas with abundant flowering plants which are crucial for their survival.

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

Although Costa’s hummingbirds will defend nectar sources amongst themselves, they are subordinate to larger hummingbirds and will defer to them if challenged.

The Costa’s hummingbird is a partially migratory species. During the winter, birds in the northern portion of their range—especially those found in the United States—usually migrate southward to warmer climes. People in the southern portion of their range, particularly in Mexico, are frequently non-migratory.

Costa’s hummingbirds are known to interbreed or cross-breed, producing hybrids between Anna’s, Black-chinned, Blue-throated, Broad-tailed, and Calliope hummingbirds.

The biggest danger facing Costa’s hummingbirds is human encroachment, which takes the shape of plowed desert areas cleared for habitation and grazing.

The oldest known female Costa’s hummingbird lived for 8 years and 9 months after being caught and released twice during a banding operation in California in 2001 and 2009.
See my article:  3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded

Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds:

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 scientific name of the Broad-tailed hummingbird is Selasphorus platycercus. This species got its common name from the notably broad tail of the males, which is a distinguishing feature among hummingbirds.

This broad tail, when combined with the hummingbird’s flight patterns, creates a distinctive trilling sound that is also a characteristic of the species. The combination of visual and auditory traits played a significant role in the naming of this bird.

Male Broad-tailed hummingbirds:
An iridescent ruby-red gorget is seen on male Broad-tailed hummingbirds.

Males and females alike, the Broad-tailed hummingbird is characterized by its green upperparts, light underbelly, vivid white eye rings, and widely rounded tails.

They have a medium build, measure from 3.3 and 3.8 inches in length, and weigh 3.6 grams.

The metal plate that shields the wearer’s throat during combat to prevent injuries is the inspiration behind the name of the gorget on a male hummingbird.

This name is acceptable and fitting to characterize the physical characteristics of male hummingbirds, since they fight fiercely for their own territory.
Read my article: Hummingbird Gorgets Explained

Female Broad-tailed hummingbirds:
The female Broad-tailed hummingbird is less colorful than the male and lacks a gorget and iridescent feathers.

Their underbellies are pale to beige, with vivid white eye rings and broadly rounded tails.

Their topsides are green, extending from the head to the tail.
See my article: Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)

Juvenile Broad-tailed hummingbirds:
Male and female juvenile Broad-tailed hummingbirds initially resemble adult females until the male starts to develop the iridescent feathers that are characteristic of this species of hummingbird.

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

To see the current sighting map of Oklahoma’s Broad-tailed hummingbirds, click the link.

Hear the sounds of the Broad-tailed hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).

0.04% of all Oklahoma hummingbird sightings will be Broad-tailed hummingbirds.
On average, out of 10,000 hummingbird sightings in Oklahoma, only 4 will be Broad-tailed hummingbirds.

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.

Once the breeding season is complete, Broad-tailed hummingbirds will depart and begin their southbound fall migration to winter in Mexico and meet up with their non-migrant population.

The Broad-tailed hummingbird favors habitats in the understory of mature forest woodlands such as pine and oak groves. They chose to nest on the branches of trees and have been known to return to the same nesting ground each year, roughly 70% of the time.

Their breeding time coincides with the peak time of flowering native plants for maximum food resource availability. Their favorite nectar-producing flower plants include Red Columbine, Indian Paintbrush, Sage varieties, Currants, and Scarlet Mint.

Broad-tailed hummingbirds hybridize and readily crossbreed with other hummingbird species, such as the Costa’s hummingbird.

In terms of social behavior, Broad-tailed 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 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.

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

Anna’s Hummingbirds:

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 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 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.

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 forget.

Baby Anna’s hummingbirds:
Baby Anna’s hummingbirds are easily identified by their undertail coverts, which are white fluffy feathers near their bottom that will disappear as they age.
See my article: Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

Note: The magenta head feathers of this baby/juvenile male Anna’s hummingbird are starting to show at his temple and a hint of color is beginning to appear on his gorget.

Also, notice the great fat reserves he has amassed from being fed by his vigilant mother and his newly white fluffy down feathers near his bottom. 

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

Hear the sounds of the Anna’s hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).

0.03% of all Oklahoma hummingbird sightings will be Anna’s hummingbirds.
On average, out of 10,000 hummingbird sightings in Oklahoma, only 3 will be Anna’s hummingbirds.

The only hummingbird to reside year-round on the Pacific Coast, the Anna’s hummingbird is a native of the west coast of North America.

Anna’s hummingbirds enjoy a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and fairly wet winters.

This species is a year-round resident in much of its range, unlike many other hummingbirds that migrate.

Male Anna’s are notable for their remarkable diving displays during mating season and their ability to thrive in urbanized areas.

The male Anna’s hummingbird executes dramatic and captivating displays during courtship and diving. The entire dive display lasts 12 seconds from start to finish.
See my article: Hummingbird Dance: 5 Interpretive Explanations

Unlike many northern temperate hummingbirds, male Anna’s hummingbirds sing during courtship along with making vibrations with their tail feathers to attract a female.

Anna’s hummingbirds protect their territory with elaborate dives targeted towards predatory birds and even towards people they perceive to be threatening.
See my article: Why Hummingbirds Chase Each Other: Is it Friend or Foe?

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

Allen’s Hummingbirds:

ALLEN’S HUMMINGBIRD – (Selasphorus sasin)

Conservation Status: Least concerned
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Selasphorus
Species: S. sasin

Top Google-ranked websites recognize Allen’s as an Oklahoma hummingbird, despite the fact that they are not recorded as being seen in Oklahoma on a national hummingbird sighting map.

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 forget.

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

Juvenile Allen’s hummingbirds:
Both male and female juvenile Allen’s hummingbirds first resemble adult females until the male starts to develop the characteristic iridescent feathers of this species of hummingbird.

In the field, they are nearly identical to Rufous hummingbirds due to their striking similarity in colors and disposition.
Therefore, range rather than appearance is used to establish identity.

Baby Allen’s hummingbirds:
Baby Allen’s hummingbirds are easily identified by their undertail coverts, which are white fluffy feathers near their bottom that will disappear as they age.
See my article: Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

To see the current sighting map of Oklahoma’s Allen’s hummingbirds, click the link.

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, both male and female, are gregarious birds. Other than mating, they do not interact with each other.

They are fiercely territorial and hostile toward other hummingbirds as well as larger predatory birds like hawks, much like Rufous hummingbirds.

Allen’s hummingbirds are primarily found in coastal parts of California and Oregon, USA. They prefer habitats like gardens, forested or shrubby areas, and coastal chaparral.

They migrate to southern Mexico in the winter, covering quite long distances for such small birds.

Allen’s hummingbirds are highly territorial, especially the males during the breeding season. They engage in aggressive aerial displays to defend their feeding territories from intruders. These displays include high-speed chases and intricate flight patterns.
See my article: Why Hummingbirds Chase Each Other: Is it Friend or Foe?

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.

Usually found in trees or shrubs, females use plant materials and spider webs to construct tiny, cup-shaped nests. Each time they attempt to reproduce, they lay one to two eggs, which they then incubate for two to three weeks.

For several weeks after hatching, the young remain totally reliant on their mother for nourishment and protection until they are able to fly.

In their natural range, Allen’s hummingbirds often visit gardens and areas with bird feeders. They are a favorite among bird watchers and nature enthusiasts for their colorful appearance and lively behavior.

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, aid 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

Blue-Throated Mountain-Gem Hummingbirds:

BLUE-THROATED MOUNTAIN-GEM HUMMINGBIRD aka BLUE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD – (Lampornis clemenciae)

Conservation Status: Least concerned
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Lampornis
Species: L. clemenciae

Top Google-ranked websites recognize the Blue-throated Mountain-gem as an Oklahoma hummingbird, despite the fact that they are not recorded as being seen in Oklahoma on a national hummingbird sighting map.

The Blue-throated Mountain-gem, scientifically named Lampornis clemenciae, is a species of hummingbird named for its distinctive blue throat patch, most prominently seen in males. This feature is the origin of its common name.

Prior to 2019 the Blue-throated Mountain-gem was known simply as the Blue-throated hummingbird but was renamed to the Blue-throated Mountain-gem to better identify it as a member of the genus Lampornis.

Male Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds:
Male Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds have striking white stripes across both of their eyes and a vivid, iridescent cobalt blue forget.

His tail tips are painted white, and his wings and tail are also dark. The entire body of the Blue-throated Mountain-gem is drab greenish-gray, with additional patches of grayish-emerald green on the head, neck, and upper portion of the shoulder where the wing connects.

They weigh between 8.1 and 8.6 grams and have a length of 4.3 to 4.7 inches.

The metal plate that shields the wearer’s throat during combat to prevent injuries is the inspiration behind the name of the gorget on a male hummingbird.

This name is acceptable and fitting to characterize the physical characteristics of male hummingbirds, since they fight fiercely for their own territory.
Read my article: Hummingbird Gorgets Explained

Female Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds:
Compared to their male counterparts, female Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds tend to have duller appearances and lack the characteristic blue throat feathers that glisten in the sunlight. They have gray underparts and a double white stripe on their face.
See my article: Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)

Juvenile Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds:
Male and female juvenile Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds initially resemble adult females until the male starts to develop the iridescent feathers that are characteristic of this species of hummingbird.

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

To see the current sighting map of Oklahoma’s Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds, click the link.

Hear the sounds of the Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).

One of the bigger hummingbird species in North America, the Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbird is distinguished by its comparatively large size.

The Cornell Lab reports that Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds weigh three times as much as Ruby-throated hummingbirds.

Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds have the slowest reported wingbeat rate of any known hummingbird, in part due to their size. A hummingbird with a longer wingspan can flap its wings in a figure-eight pattern far more forcefully than a smaller, more delicate hummingbird.

This hummingbird is the largest hummingbird species known to nest in the United States.

The Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbird likes building their nests atop human residential structures or on overhanging rocks. They are known to build new nests on top of older nests to resemble a tall tower and that they return to the same nest every year.

Before mating, the majority of hummingbirds in North America perform a courtship dance to attract females and grab their attention.

The exception to this is that male Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds do not do an aerial display. The females, on the other hand, indicate to the male that she has selected him and is prepared for copulation with a recognizable call and a series of brief flights.

These birds range from the southwestern United States through Mexico and into Central America, where they live in mountain woodlands and margins, especially in pine-oak forests.

The Chisos Mountains in Texas or the “sky island” mountain ranges in southeast Arizona are some of the best places to find and identify Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds.

Like most hummingbirds, Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds become territorial and hostile for flower varieties with a greater sugar content, and they will fight back against intruders.

Because of their size, which requires them to consume a lot of insects for sustenance, they devour more insects than any other species of hummingbird.
See my article: Why Hummingbirds Chase Each Other: Is it Friend or Foe?

Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbirds hybridize with other hummingbird species holding little to no judgment on choosing a larger species, such as the Rivoli’s hummingbird or a smaller species, the Anna’s, Black-chinned, and Costa’s hummingbirds with which to procreate.

The oldest male Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbird known to science is 7 years and 11 months old. He was captured and released during an Arizona banding operation.
See my article:  3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded

Rivoli’s Hummingbirds:

RIVOLI’S HUMMINGBIRD aka MAGNIFICENT – (Eugenes fulgens)

Conservation Status: Least concerned
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Trochilidae
Genus: Eugenes
Species: E. fulgens

Top Google-ranked websites recognize Rivoli’s as an Oklahoma hummingbird, despite the fact that they are not recorded as being seen in Oklahoma on a national hummingbird sighting map.

The scientific name for the Rivoli’s hummingbird is Eugenes fulgens. This species was formerly known as the Magnificent hummingbird, a term that perfectly captures its incredible grace and size.

The birding enthusiast Victor Massena, the Duke of Rivoli, was honored with the renaming of the Rivoli’s hummingbird. The common name “Rivoli’s hummingbird” was changed to recognize his contributions to ornithology and his love of bird research.

This renaming is a part of a larger trend in ornithology, which is a move away from descriptive names and toward names that recognize and honor notable figures in the discipline.

Whatever name it goes by, the Rivoli’s hummingbird is still a species of curiosity and beauty.

Male Rivoli’s hummingbirds:
Unless they are in direct daylight, the violet crown, vivid blue-green gorget, and white eyespots of male Rivoli’s hummingbirds become more noticeable due to iridescence.

They weigh 6–10 grams and range in length from 4.3 to 5.5 inches.

Rivoli’s hummingbirds are thought to be the second largest hummingbird in the United States, with the Blue-throated Mountain-gem being the largest.

The metal plate that shields the wearer’s throat during combat to prevent injuries is the inspiration behind the name of the gorget on a male hummingbird.

This name is acceptable and fitting to characterize the physical characteristics of male hummingbirds, since they fight fiercely for their own territory.
Read my article: Hummingbird Gorgets Explained

Female Rivoli’s hummingbirds:
The female’s more subdued coloration plays a crucial role in camouflage, especially during nesting, when they need to stay hidden from predators while incubating eggs and raising their young.

Unlike the iridescent emerald or blue-green seen in males, the females tend to have a more muted, olive or bronze-green hue.

The throat and chest of the female is pale gray or whitish, lacking the brilliant metallic colors seen in males. This area might have some speckles or mottled patterns.

Female Rivoli’s hummingbirds are generally similar in size to the males but can be slightly smaller.
See my article: Hummingbird Parents: (Mating to Nesting)

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

Baby Rivoli’s hummingbirds:
Baby Rivoli’s hummingbirds are easily identified by their undertail coverts, which are white fluffy feathers near their bottom that will disappear as they age.
See my article: Baby Hummingbirds: (Egg to Fledgling)

To see the current sighting map of Oklahoma’s Rivoli’s hummingbirds, click the link.

Hear the sounds of the Rivoli’s hummingbird (Cornell Lab of Ornithology link).

Rivoli’s hummingbirds are found in mountainous regions ranging from the southwestern United States through Mexico and into Central America. Their range extends as far south as Nicaragua.

Rivoli’s love to dwell in ravines; they nest in trees that hang over streams and creeks, and they graze in open meadows.

They construct their nests in evergreen coniferous trees like juniper, pine, and fir as part of their breeding habitat.

Though rare, hybridization between Rivoli’s hummingbirds and Berylline, Broad-billed, Blue-throated Mountain-gem, and Violet-crowned hummingbirds occurs.

In terms of social behavior, Rivoli’s 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?

They are often seen at elevations ranging from 6,500 to 9,800 feet. Their preference for high elevation habitats and dense forests makes Rivoli’s hummingbirds challenging to study and observe in the wild.

The oldest known male Rivoli’s hummingbird was 11 years and 2 months old when he was captured and released during a banding expedition in Arizona.
See my article:  3 Reasons Why Hummingbirds Are Banded

Which Oklahoma Hummingbirds Are Most Frequently Seen In The State?

The most frequently seen Oklahoma hummingbirds are the Ruby-throated hummingbirds, with the Black-chinned being the second most frequently seen Oklahoma hummingbirds.

Oklahoma hummingbirds listed in order of frequency seen:

Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 88% of all hummingbirds seen in Oklahoma are Ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Out of 10,000 Oklahoma hummingbirds seen, 8,842 will be Ruby-throated hummingbirds.

Black-chinned Hummingbird: 10% of all hummingbirds seen in Oklahoma are Black-chinned hummingbirds.
Out of 10,000 Oklahoma hummingbirds seen, 1,048 will be Black-chinned hummingbirds.

Rufous Hummingbird: 0.53% of all hummingbirds seen in Oklahoma are Rufous hummingbirds.
Out of 10,000 Oklahoma hummingbirds seen, only 53 will be Rufous hummingbirds.

Broad-billed Hummingbird: 0.18% of all hummingbirds seen in Oklahoma are Broad-billed hummingbirds.
Out of 10,000 Oklahoma hummingbirds seen, only 18 will be Broad-billed hummingbirds.

Calliope Hummingbird: 0.15% of all hummingbirds seen in Oklahoma are Calliope hummingbirds.
Out of 10,000 Oklahoma hummingbirds seen, only 15 will be Calliope hummingbirds.

Mexican Violetear Hummingbird: 0.10% of all hummingbirds seen in Oklahoma are Mexican Violetear hummingbirds.
Out of 10,000 Oklahoma hummingbirds seen, only 10 will be Mexican Violetear hummingbirds.

Costa’s Hummingbird: 0.05% of all hummingbirds seen in Oklahoma are Costa’s hummingbirds.
Out of 10,000 Oklahoma hummingbirds seen, only 5 will be Costa’s hummingbirds.

Broad-tailed Hummingbird: 0.04% of all hummingbirds seen in Oklahoma are Broad-tailed hummingbirds.
Out of 10,000 Oklahoma hummingbirds seen, only 4 will be Broad-tailed hummingbirds.

Anna’s Hummingbird: 0.03% of all hummingbirds seen in Oklahoma are Anna’s hummingbirds.
Out of 10,000 Oklahoma hummingbirds seen, only 3 will be Anna’s hummingbirds.

Allen’s Hummingbird: There are no sightings of Allen’s hummingbird on eBird sighting map, however, a top-ranked Google site lists Allen’s hummingbird as an Oklahoma hummingbird.

Blue-throated Mountain-gem Hummingbird: There are no sightings of the Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbird on eBird sighting map, however, a top-ranked Google site lists the Blue-throated Mountain-gem hummingbird as an Oklahoma hummingbird.

Rivoli’s Hummingbird: There are no sightings of the Rivoli’s hummingbird on eBird sighting map, however, a top-ranked Google site lists the Rivoli’s hummingbird as an Oklahoma hummingbird.

Where In The State Are Oklahoma Hummingbirds Seen?

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

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

• Ruby-throated Hummingbird: This is where, in Oklahoma, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.
• Black-chinned Hummingbird: This is where, in Oklahoma, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.
• Rufous Hummingbird: This is where, in Oklahoma, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.
• Broad-billed Hummingbird: This is where, in Oklahoma, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.
• Calliope Hummingbird: This is where, in Oklahoma, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.
• Mexican Violetear Hummingbird: This is where, in Oklahoma, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.
• Costa’s Hummingbird: This is where, in Oklahoma, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.
• Broad-tailed Hummingbird: This is where, in Oklahoma, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.
• Anna’s Hummingbird: This is where, in Oklahoma, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.
• Allen’s Hummingbird: This is where, in Oklahoma, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.
• Blue-throated Mountain-gem Hummingbird: This is where, in Oklahoma, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.
• Rivoli’s Hummingbird: This is where, in Oklahoma, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.

Read my article Oklahoma Hummingbird Migration

For more information about hummingbirds, read my other hummingbird articles.

Happy Hummingbird Watching!

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