Rhode Island Hummingbirds: 3 Awesome Documented Species

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

Which Species Of Rhode Island Hummingbirds Are Found In The State?

There are three species of hummingbirds documented as seen in Rhode Island.
Documented Rhode Island hummingbirds, listed in order of frequency seen are Ruby-throated, Rufous, and Calliope hummingbirds.

Sighting Maps:

These 3 species of hummingbirds are documented as being seen in Rhode Island by sighting maps, listed in the order of frequently seen:
(click links to see sighting map)

• Ruby-throated (Archilochus colubris)
• Rufous (Selasphorus rufus)
• Calliope (Selasphorus calliope)

These 3 hummingbird species found in Rhode Island are further classified into three groups:
Year-round residents, Seasonal visitors, and Rare/Vagrant visitors.

Hummingbird:	Year-Round, Seasonal, Rare/Vagrant
Ruby-throated	Seasonal
Rufous	Rare/Vagrant
Calliope	Rare/Vagrant

For more information on Rhode Island hummingbirds:
Read my article:
Rhode Island Hummingbird Migration

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

Rhode Island Hummingbirds That Are Year-Round Residents

There are no hummingbirds classified as year-round residents in Rhode Island; however, there are some hummingbirds that occasionally overwinter in Rhode Island such as the Rufous hummingbird.

This hummingbird classification is defined as year-round residents residing in Rhode Island 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

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

Rhode Island Hummingbirds That Are Seasonal

There is only one Rhode Island hummingbird that is classified as a seasonal hummingbird, which is the Ruby-throated hummingbird. 

This hummingbird classification is defined as hummingbirds in Rhode Island temporarily as part of their migratory pattern.

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

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 Rhode Island.

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 Rhode Island.
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: 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)

To see the current sighting map of Rhode Island’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 Providence, Rhode Island, to Panama City, Panama is 2,375 miles.

The second land migration path is 4,675 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 Rhode Island

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 hummingbirds that spend the winter in Rhode Island access to life-sustaining nectar, several Rhode Island 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

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

Rhode Island Hummingbirds That Are Rare/Vagrant

There are 2 Rhode Island hummingbirds classified as rare /vagrant hummingbirds. They are the Rufous and Calliope 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.

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

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 a rare visitor to Rhode Island since they are seen mainly in the Western United States.

They are the second most commonly seen hummingbird in Rhode Island, 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)

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)

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.

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

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

Some Rufous hummingbirds occasionally will choose to move south to Mexico rather than stay in Rhode Island for the winter.
Hummingbirds, however, can withstand far lower temperatures than most people think.

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

Some Rhode Island hummingbird enthusiasts leave their hummingbird feeders up throughout the winter to supply life-sustaining nectar to migratory species that are unable to travel due to injury or old age, as well as hummingbirds that choose to spend the winter in Rhode Island.

Read my article:
11 DIY Ways to Keep Hummingbird Nectar From Freezing

When it comes to other hummingbirds and animals, Rufous hummingbirds are fiercely possessive and hostile. They are known for being aggressive and bold, driving large birds and rodents away from their favorite feeders in addition to other hummingbirds.

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

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

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 Rhode Island.

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

Male
Calliope Hummingbirds:

Male Calliope hummingbirds are North America’s smallest hummingbirds, known for their metallic green backs and creamy white underparts. Their striking and identifiable feature is the long stunning row of iridescent magenta streaks on their throat (gorget) that flare out like a fan. 

They have a slender, slightly curved bill and a forked dark tail.
They are 3 inches long and weigh 2-3 grams.

The metal plate that shields the wearer’s throat during combat to prevent injuries is the inspiration behind the name of the gorget on a male hummingbird.
This name is acceptable and fitting to characterize the physical characteristics of male hummingbirds, since they fight fiercely for their own territory.

Read my article:
Hummingbird Gorgets Explained

Female
Calliope Hummingbirds:

The female Calliope hummingbird is less colorful than the male and lacks a gorget and iridescent feathers. They are small, elegant birds with metallic green backs and pale buff or white underparts.

They have a rounded tail with white tips and a slender, slightly curved bill, to feed on nectar and insects.

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 Rhode Island, click the link.

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

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

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. 

See my article:
Rhode Island Hummingbird Migration

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

Which Rhode Island Hummingbirds Are Most Frequently Seen In The State?

The most frequently seen Rhode Island hummingbirds are Ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are 99% of all hummingbirds seen in Rhode Island.

Rhode Island hummingbirds listed in order of frequency seen:

Ruby-throated Hummingbird: 99% of all hummingbirds seen in Rhode Island are Ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Out of 10,000 Rhode Island hummingbirds seen, 9,900 will be a Ruby-throated hummingbird.

Rufous Hummingbird: 0.93% of all hummingbirds seen in Rhode Island are Rufous hummingbirds.
Out of 10,000 Rhode Island hummingbirds seen, only 93 will be Rufous hummingbirds.

Calliope Hummingbird: 0.01% of all hummingbirds seen in Rhode Island are Calliope hummingbirds.
Out of 10,000 Rhode Island hummingbirds seen, only 1 will be a Calliope hummingbird.

Where In The State Are Rhode Island Hummingbirds Seen?

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

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

• Ruby-throated Hummingbird: This is where, in Rhode Island, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.
• Rufous Hummingbird: This is where, in Rhode Island, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.
• Calliope Hummingbird: This is where, in Rhode Island, current sightings of this hummingbird are being reported.

Read my article:
Rhode Island Hummingbird Migration

Happy Hummingbird Watching!