Hummingbirds are tiny, fascinating birds that visit Illinois each year. These colorful creatures are known for their quick movements and ability to hover in mid-air while they sip nectar from flowers. In Illinois, you can spot hummingbirds during the warmer months, usually from late spring to early fall. This is when they migrate to the state in search of food and nesting spots. Hummingbirds are a joy to watch, and learning about them can help you attract these beautiful birds to your garden.
Top 5 Hummingbirds in Illinois
| # | Hummingbird | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ruby-throated Hummingbird | The most common hummingbird in Illinois. Males have a bright red throat. They are small and fast. |
| 2 | Rufous Hummingbird | Known for their orange color. They are feisty and often chase other birds away from feeders. |
| 3 | Broad-billed Hummingbird | Rare in Illinois. They have a green body and a red bill. Usually found in the southwestern U.S. |
| 4 | Calliope Hummingbird | The smallest bird in North America. Males have purple streaks on their throats. They are very rare. |
| 5 | Black-chinned Hummingbird | Another rare visitor. They have a black throat with a purple band below it. Found mostly in the West. |
5 Hummingbirds in Illinois: A Detailed Guide
Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures known for their incredible speed, unique flight abilities, and vibrant colors. In Illinois, five types of hummingbirds can be seen, each with its own characteristics and habits. This guide provides an in-depth look at these hummingbirds, explaining everything you need to know about them in simple and easy-to-understand language.
1. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Overview
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common hummingbird in Illinois and the eastern United States. These tiny birds are known for their striking appearance, with males featuring a bright red throat that glows in the sunlight. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a frequent visitor to gardens and feeders, especially during the spring and summer months.
Appearance
The male Ruby-throated Hummingbird has a metallic green back and crown, with a bright ruby-red throat that gives the bird its name. The underparts are white, and the wings and tail are dark. Females and young males do not have the ruby throat; instead, they are mostly green and white with a slight hint of color on the throat.
Behavior
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are highly territorial, particularly males, who will fiercely defend their feeding areas from other birds. They are agile flyers, capable of hovering in place, flying backward, and even upside down. Their flight speed and precision are aided by rapid wing beats, which can reach up to 53 beats per second.
Habitat and Migration
These hummingbirds prefer open woodlands, gardens, and meadows. They are often seen around flowers and feeders where they feed on nectar. In the fall, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate to Central America, crossing the Gulf of Mexico in a non-stop flight of up to 500 miles.
Feeding
The primary food source for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds is nectar from flowers. They have a preference for red and orange tubular flowers but will also visit other types of flowers and feeders filled with sugar water. In addition to nectar, they eat small insects and spiders, which provide essential proteins.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Archilochus colubris |
| Lifespan | 3 to 5 years (some can live up to 9 years) |
| Size | 3 to 3.5 inches (7.6 to 9 cm) |
| Weight | 2 to 6 grams |
| Wingspan | 3.1 to 4.3 inches (8 to 11 cm) |
| Coloration | Metallic green back, white underside, males with ruby-red throat |
| Habitat | Open woodlands, gardens, meadows |
| Diet | Nectar, small insects, spiders |
| Migration | Migrates to Central America, crosses Gulf of Mexico |
2. Rufous Hummingbird
Overview
The Rufous Hummingbird is known for its fiery orange color and aggressive nature. Although it is not as common in Illinois as the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, it is a regular visitor, especially during migration periods. The Rufous Hummingbird is famous for its long migratory route, which takes it from as far north as Alaska to Mexico.
Appearance
Rufous Hummingbirds are easily recognizable due to their orange or reddish-brown coloring. Males are almost entirely rufous-colored, with a bright red throat, while females are green with rufous on their sides and tail. The bright colors of the males make them particularly striking when seen in sunlight.
Behavior
Rufous Hummingbirds are known for their aggressive behavior, especially around feeding areas. They do not hesitate to chase away other hummingbirds, even those larger than themselves. This feistiness makes them one of the most dominant hummingbirds in any given area.
Habitat and Migration
These birds are commonly found in open woodlands, meadows, and gardens. The Rufous Hummingbird has one of the longest migration routes of any bird relative to its size, traveling over 3,000 miles from its breeding grounds in the northwestern United States and Canada to its wintering grounds in Mexico.
Feeding
Like other hummingbirds, the Rufous Hummingbird primarily feeds on nectar, which it extracts from flowers using its long, specialized tongue. It also consumes small insects and spiders, which are essential for their diet, especially during breeding when they need extra protein.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Selasphorus rufus |
| Lifespan | 3 to 5 years (some live up to 8 years) |
| Size | 2.8 to 3.5 inches (7 to 9 cm) |
| Weight | 2 to 5 grams |
| Wingspan | 4.3 inches (11 cm) |
| Coloration | Orange-red body, males with bright red throat |
| Habitat | Open woodlands, meadows, gardens |
| Diet | Nectar, small insects, spiders |
| Migration | Long migration from Alaska to Mexico |
3. Broad-billed Hummingbird
Overview
The Broad-billed Hummingbird is a rare but beautiful visitor to Illinois. Native to the southwestern United States and Mexico, it occasionally strays far from its usual range, delighting birdwatchers with its vivid colors and distinctive appearance.
Appearance
The Broad-billed Hummingbird is known for its vibrant green body and bright red bill. The male has a glittering green throat and a blue crown, while the female is less colorful, with a more subdued green and white pattern. The broad, red bill with a black tip is a key identifying feature of this species.
Behavior
These hummingbirds are generally less aggressive than the Rufous Hummingbird but are still territorial around feeding areas. They are agile flyers and often display in front of potential mates, showing off their bright colors and flying skills.
Habitat and Migration
In their native range, Broad-billed Hummingbirds are typically found in canyons, deserts, and gardens. In Illinois, they are rare visitors, usually seen during late summer or fall. When they do appear, it is often at feeders, where they can stay for several days before continuing their journey.
Feeding
Broad-billed Hummingbirds feed on nectar from a variety of flowers, favoring those that are red or orange. They also consume insects and spiders, especially when feeding young. Their diet is similar to that of other hummingbirds, relying heavily on the energy-rich nectar.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cynanthus latirostris |
| Lifespan | 3 to 4 years |
| Size | 3.1 to 3.9 inches (8 to 10 cm) |
| Weight | 3 to 4 grams |
| Wingspan | 5.1 inches (13 cm) |
| Coloration | Bright green body, red bill, males with blue throat |
| Habitat | Canyons, deserts, gardens |
| Diet | Nectar, small insects, spiders |
| Migration | Rare visitor to Illinois, native to southwestern U.S. |
4. Calliope Hummingbird
Overview
The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest bird in North America and a rare visitor to Illinois. Despite its small size, it is a hardy bird, capable of enduring long migrations and varying climates. The Calliope Hummingbird is a delightful sight for birdwatchers lucky enough to spot one.
Appearance
Male Calliope Hummingbirds are easily identified by their iridescent purple streaks on the throat, which look like whiskers. Their back and sides are green, and their underparts are white. Females and young birds are less colorful, with green and white plumage and no purple streaks.
Behavior
Calliope Hummingbirds are generally shy and less aggressive than other hummingbird species. They are often seen alone, quietly feeding or resting in a hidden perch. During the breeding season, males perform an aerial display to attract females, diving and making rapid flights.
Habitat and Migration
In their native range, Calliope Hummingbirds breed in high-altitude meadows and forests in the western United States. They are occasionally seen in Illinois during migration, usually in late summer or early fall. These birds undertake long migrations, traveling between their breeding grounds and wintering areas in Mexico.
Feeding
The diet of the Calliope Hummingbird is similar to that of other hummingbirds, consisting primarily of nectar and small insects. Due to their small size, they require frequent feeding to maintain their energy levels, often visiting flowers and feeders multiple times a day.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Selasphorus calliope |
| Lifespan | 4 to 6 years |
| Size | 2.8 to 3.1 inches (7 to 8 cm) |
| Weight | 2 to 3 grams |
| Wingspan | 4.1 inches (10.5 cm) |
| Coloration | Green back, white underside, males with purple streaks on throat |
| Habitat | High-altitude meadows, forests |
| Diet | Nectar, small insects, spiders |
| Migration | Long migration from western U.S. to Mexico |
5. Black-chinned Hummingbird
Overview
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is another rare visitor to Illinois, more commonly found in the western United States. Known for its distinctive black throat with a thin purple band, this hummingbird is a unique and exciting species to observe in the state.
Appearance
The male Black-chinned Hummingbird has a velvety black throat with a narrow band of iridescent purple at the base. The rest of the body is metallic green, with a white chest and belly. Females and juveniles are less colorful, with green upperparts and pale underparts.
Behavior
Black-chinned Hummingbirds are solitary birds that are typically seen alone, except during the breeding season. Males are territorial and will defend their feeding areas, though they are less aggressive than Rufous Hummingbirds. They are also known for their unique courtship display, which involves a series of arcing flights and a high-pitched sound made by their wings.
Habitat and Migration
These hummingbirds prefer arid regions, deserts, and open woodlands. In Illinois, they are rare visitors, usually seen during migration. Black-chinned Hummingbirds have a flexible migration pattern, and some may winter in the southern United States rather than migrate all the way to Mexico.
Feeding
Black-chinned Hummingbirds feed on nectar from a wide variety of flowers, as well as on insects and spiders. They are particularly fond of red and tubular flowers but will visit any nectar source available. They are also regular visitors to hummingbird feeders, where they can often be seen hovering while feeding.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Archilochus alexandri |
| Lifespan | 4 to 7 years |
| Size | 3.25 to 3.5 inches (8.3 to 9 cm) |
| Weight | 3 to 4 grams |
| Wingspan | 4.3 inches (11 cm) |
| Coloration | Green body, white underside, males with black throat and purple band |
| Habitat | Arid regions, deserts, open woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar, small insects, spiders |
| Migration | Flexible migration pattern, some winter in southern U.S. |
How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden in Illinois
Planting Nectar-Rich Flowers
To attract hummingbirds to your garden, plant a variety of nectar-rich flowers, especially those that are red, orange, or pink. Some popular choices include trumpet vine, bee balm, and columbine. These plants provide the natural food sources that hummingbirds need and are easy to grow in Illinois.
Setting Up Hummingbird Feeders
Hummingbird feeders are an excellent way to attract these birds to your yard. Fill the feeders with a mixture of four parts water to one part sugar, and avoid using red dye, as it can be harmful to the birds. Place the feeders in a shady area to prevent the nectar from spoiling, and clean them regularly to keep the birds healthy.
Providing a Water Source
Hummingbirds enjoy bathing and drinking from shallow water sources. A small birdbath with a fountain or misting feature can be a great addition to your garden. The sound of running water can attract hummingbirds, and the mist can provide a refreshing bath on hot days.
Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Environment
Hummingbirds are attracted to environments that provide shelter, food, and water. Planting trees and shrubs can offer the birds a place to rest and nest, while avoiding the use of pesticides will ensure that they have access to insects, which are an important part of their diet.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are a wonderful sight in any garden in Illinois. The five types we talked about—the Ruby-throated, Rufous, Broad-billed, Calliope, and Black-chinned Hummingbirds—each have their own special traits that make them interesting to watch. By planting nectar-rich flowers, setting up feeders, and creating a welcoming environment, you can attract these beautiful birds to your garden and enjoy their presence throughout the warmer months. They add color, life, and excitement to any outdoor space, making them a joy to observe.
FAQs
1. What is the most common hummingbird species in Illinois?
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common species in Illinois. It’s easily recognized by its iridescent green feathers and the males’ distinctive red throat.
2. When do hummingbirds typically arrive in Illinois?
Hummingbirds usually arrive in Illinois during late April to early May and stay until September or October before migrating south.
3. How can I attract hummingbirds to my garden in Illinois?
To attract hummingbirds, plant native flowering plants like red tubular flowers, provide a hummingbird feeder with sugar water, and avoid using pesticides in your garden.
4. Are there any rare hummingbird species in Illinois?
Yes, rare species like the Rufous Hummingbird and Black-chinned Hummingbird are sometimes spotted in Illinois, especially during migration periods.
5. What should I put in a hummingbird feeder?
Fill your hummingbird feeder with a mixture of 1 part white granulated sugar to 4 parts water. Avoid using honey, artificial sweeteners, or red dye.
6. Do hummingbirds migrate from Illinois?
Yes, hummingbirds migrate south to Central America for the winter, typically starting their journey in late September or October.
7. Can I leave my hummingbird feeder out all year in Illinois?
While most hummingbirds leave Illinois in the fall, leaving your feeder out until late October can help late migrants. In winter, it’s usually not necessary unless rare species are spotted.