10 Hummingbirds in Tennessee (With Photos and Identification)

There’s one thing magical about watching a hummingbird hover in mid-air, wings a blur, because it sips nectar from a flower or feeder. In Tennessee, these tiny marvels deliver shade and power to gardens, woodlands, and backyards all through the hotter months—and even generally in winter.

Whereas the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a well-recognized summer time favourite, Tennessee has quietly change into a shocking hotspot for uncommon hummingbird sightings. From daring Rufous Hummingbirds in winter to dazzling guests just like the Broad-billed or Calliope, each tells an interesting migration story.

On this information, you’ll uncover 10 hummingbird species which have been noticed throughout the state. With footage and clear identification suggestions, it’s good for hen lovers, yard watchers, and anybody who finds pleasure within the shimmering great thing about hummingbirds.

Varieties of Hummingbirds Present in Tennessee

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most typical and widespread hummingbird in Tennessee. This species is the one one which breeds commonly within the state and is a well-recognized customer to yard nectar feeders throughout spring and summer time. They sometimes arrive in early April and start their southward migration by late September.

Grownup males are simply recognized by their good, iridescent pink throat (referred to as a gorget), emerald inexperienced again, and white underparts. Females lack the pink throat and as a substitute have a pale, speckled throat with greenish backs and flanks. Each sexes are about 3–3.5 inches lengthy and weigh roughly 2.5–3.5 grams.

These birds are extraordinarily agile in flight and may hover, fly backward, and dart shortly between flowers. They primarily feed on flower nectar and small bugs, usually returning to the identical nectar supply a number of occasions per day. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are territorial and males will defend feeders or flowering patches aggressively.

In Tennessee, they’re mostly seen in woodlands, gardens, and alongside forest edges. Rural and suburban areas with loads of blooming flowers or hummingbird feeders entice giant numbers throughout peak migration in late summer time.

Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)

The Rufous Hummingbird is a migratory species identified for its long-distance journey and daring habits. Whereas not native to Tennessee, it’s regularly noticed throughout fall and winter months, particularly from late October by means of February. This makes it one of the generally reported “winter hummingbirds” within the state.

Males are strikingly coloured with a coppery-orange again and flanks, white chest, and an iridescent orange-red throat. Females are much less vivid, with greenish backs, rusty flanks, and a speckled throat. They’re barely bigger than the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, averaging 3.5–4 inches in size.

These hummingbirds are identified for his or her aggressive nature, usually chasing off bigger birds from feeders. Regardless of their small dimension, they’re fearless and extremely territorial, particularly throughout feeding. Their speedy wingbeats and buzzy calls assist distinguish them from different species.

In Tennessee, Rufous Hummingbirds are most frequently seen in western and central components of the state throughout winter, particularly in gardens with heated feeders or blooming winter crops. They’re of particular curiosity to birders who hold feeders up year-round.

Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)

The Black-chinned Hummingbird is a uncommon however more and more noticed customer in Tennessee, normally throughout migration seasons or in winter. This western species has expanded its vary eastward, with sporadic sightings throughout central and southern Tennessee.

Males are recognized by their black chin and throat with a slender band of iridescent purple on the base, seen beneath direct mild. Females resemble Ruby-throated females however have duller coloring and fewer distinctive markings. The typical dimension is about 3.25 inches in size.

Black-chinned Hummingbirds want open woodlands, deserts, and suburban environments of their typical vary, however in Tennessee, they’re normally seen at feeders throughout migration. Their name is a gentle “tik” and their wings hum at a decrease pitch than Ruby-throats.

Although unusual, this species has been recorded extra regularly in Tennessee in recent times, particularly within the fall. Owners with feeders in quiet areas might get fortunate sightings between September and December.

Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope)

The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest hen species in North America and an especially uncommon customer to Tennessee. Although native to the western United States, a number of people have been documented in Tennessee throughout fall and winter, significantly within the japanese portion of the state.

Grownup males are distinctive with their white chest and distinctive streaked magenta throat feathers that flare out like rays. Females and juveniles have a peach-colored wash on their sides and a refined, speckled throat. They measure simply 2.75–3.25 inches lengthy and weigh about 2.5 grams.

Regardless of their dimension, Calliope Hummingbirds are surprisingly hardy and have been recorded surviving harsh winter situations. They feed actively at feeders and flowering crops and are much less aggressive than Rufous or Black-chinned hummingbirds.

In Tennessee, this species is a uncommon deal with for hummingbird fanatics, sometimes noticed throughout winter months by alert birders who depart nectar feeders up year-round. Sightings are most frequently verified by pictures and shared amongst native birdwatching teams.

Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)

Allen’s Hummingbird is one other very uncommon hummingbird species in Tennessee, normally seen as an out-of-range winter customer. It’s usually confused with the Rufous Hummingbird on account of their related coloring and habits, however refined variations can assist separate them with shut remark or banding.

Grownup males characteristic an iridescent orange-red throat, brilliant orange flanks, and a inexperienced again. Females and immatures are extra subdued, with inexperienced backs and light-weight orange or buffy underparts. They’re round 3.5 inches in size, carefully matching the dimensions of Rufous Hummingbirds.

Allen’s Hummingbirds are identified for his or her quick, darting flight and aggressive habits at feeders. They favor coastal brushy habitats of their native California breeding vary however generally wander eastward throughout migration.

In Tennessee, sightings are few and much between, sometimes occurring throughout winter and confirmed by consultants. Gardeners and birdwatchers sustaining warm-weather crops or winter nectar feeders might often encounter this elusive customer.

Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna)

Anna’s Hummingbird is native to the West Coast however often wanders eastward, with a number of uncommon people recorded in Tennessee in the course of the winter months. This species is without doubt one of the few hummingbirds that may overwinter in comparatively chilly climates, because of its capacity to enter torpor and preserve power.

Grownup males are hanging, with a vivid rose-pink crown and gorget that may seem nearly iridescent pink or magenta in daylight. Females are much less colourful however have a faint reddish wash on the throat and a gray-green again. They’re barely bigger than Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, measuring round 3.9 to 4.3 inches in size.

Not like most hummingbirds, Anna’s Hummingbirds are identified to sing—producing a collection of scratchy notes and squeaky whistles. In addition they carry out dramatic courtship dives, throughout which males ascend and plummet quickly whereas producing a loud burst of sound with their tail feathers.

In Tennessee, Anna’s Hummingbirds are extraordinarily uncommon however are often reported close to heated feeders or in sheltered areas with winter-blooming flowers. Most sightings have occurred in western Tennessee, usually from November to February.

Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus)

The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is primarily a hen of the mountainous western U.S., nevertheless it has been recorded in Tennessee on uncommon events throughout fall migration. These birds are sometimes confused with Rufous or Allen’s hummingbirds on account of related coloration, however cautious remark can reveal their distinctive options.

Males are distinguished by their glittering rosy-pink throats, metallic inexperienced backs, and pale underparts. Females are inexperienced above with a whitish chest and light-weight speckling on the throat. Adults measure about 3.75 to 4 inches in size and have barely longer wings than most hummingbirds.

One of the recognizable traits of this species is the distinct trilling sound produced by the male’s wings in flight, particularly throughout courtship shows. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are usually calm and fewer territorial than Rufous Hummingbirds.

Though they aren’t common guests to Tennessee, they’ve been reported throughout fall and winter by devoted hummingbird banders and householders with year-round feeders. Jap Tennessee appears to be the probably location for uncommon sightings.

Buff-bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia yucatanensis)

The Buff-bellied Hummingbird is a uncommon and unique species primarily present in South Texas and components of Mexico, however occasional wanderers have turned up within the southeastern U.S., together with a number of verified sightings in Tennessee.

This species is medium-sized for a hummingbird, about 4–4.3 inches lengthy. It encompasses a vivid emerald inexperienced head and again, cinnamon or buff-colored stomach, and an extended, barely decurved invoice that’s pink with a black tip. These colourful traits make them stand out when in comparison with extra frequent hummingbirds.

Buff-bellied Hummingbirds are comparatively daring and may dominate nectar feeders when current. They favor habitats like subtropical thickets, wooded edges, and suburban gardens with loads of flowering crops. Their wingbeats are slower and deeper, making a particular buzzing sound.

In Tennessee, sightings are exceptionally uncommon however have occurred throughout fall or early winter within the western and central components of the state. Birdwatchers who keep native crops and nectar feeders might entice this species throughout its post-breeding dispersal.

Inexperienced Violetear (Mexican Violetear) (Colibri thalassinus)

The Inexperienced Violetear, often known as the Mexican Violetear, is a Central American species that often wanders far north, with a handful of sightings within the southeastern United States, together with Tennessee. These vagrant birds are among the many rarest hummingbirds recorded within the state.

They’re bigger than typical hummingbirds, reaching about 4.7–5 inches in size. Their most gorgeous characteristic is their metallic inexperienced physique with a shimmering violet-blue patch extending from the cheek to the neck. Their tail is darkish with broad iridescent bands.

Inexperienced Violetears are solitary and have a tendency to forage quietly in forest edges and shaded areas. They don’t usually interact in aggressive protection of feeders however are notable for his or her distinctive chirping name, which they repeat whereas hovering close to flowers.

In Tennessee, just a few people have ever been recorded, normally throughout late summer time or early fall. These uncommon appearances are sometimes in wooded or mountainous areas and are met with pleasure by native birding communities.

Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris)

The Broad-billed Hummingbird is one other southwestern species that often exhibits up far exterior its regular vary. It’s thought of a vagrant in Tennessee, with solely a small variety of confirmed data, normally throughout fall and early winter.

This species is thought for its vivid coloration. Males have a glittering blue throat and chest, inexperienced upperparts, and a brilliant pink invoice with a black tip. Females are duller however nonetheless show a barely curved pink invoice and greenish-gray underparts. Adults measure about 3.5–4 inches lengthy.

Broad-billed Hummingbirds are sometimes present in canyons, desert scrub, and riparian woodlands within the Southwest. They’re daring and sometimes method feeders readily. Their calls are sharp and metallic, they usually can hover and feed with nice precision.

Although very uncommon in Tennessee, this species has been reported throughout winter, largely at feeders maintained by means of the colder months. Confirmed sightings usually require photographic documentation or professional identification on account of similarity with different green-backed hummingbirds.

FAQs About Hummingbirds in Tennessee

When do hummingbirds arrive in Tennessee?

Most hummingbirds, particularly the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, arrive in Tennessee throughout early to mid-April. Males normally seem a number of days earlier than females to determine feeding territories. Migration peaks in late spring and continues into early summer time.

When do hummingbirds depart Tennessee?

Hummingbirds start migrating south in late August, with most passed by mid-October. Nevertheless, some uncommon species equivalent to Rufous and Allen’s Hummingbirds might overwinter and be noticed into December and even February.

What’s the most typical hummingbird in Tennessee?

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is by far the most typical and widespread hummingbird species in Tennessee. It’s the just one that breeds commonly within the state and is a well-recognized summer time customer to gardens and feeders.

Are there any hummingbirds in Tennessee in the course of the winter?

Sure, a number of species such because the Rufous Hummingbird and Anna’s Hummingbird can overwinter in Tennessee. These winter hummingbirds are uncommon however more and more noticed, particularly in areas the place nectar feeders are disregarded in the course of the colder months.

How can I entice hummingbirds to my yard in Tennessee?

You’ll be able to entice hummingbirds by planting native nectar-producing flowers equivalent to bee balm, trumpet vine, and cardinal flower. Hanging red-colored feeders full of a sugar-water answer (1 half sugar to 4 components water, no dye) can also be extremely efficient.

Ought to I depart my hummingbird feeder out in winter?

Sure, leaving feeders out in winter can assist assist uncommon overwintering hummingbirds just like the Rufous Hummingbird. Make sure you hold the nectar from freezing by bringing the feeder indoors at night time or utilizing a heated feeder in colder areas.

What number of hummingbird species have been seen in Tennessee?

Not less than 10 species of hummingbirds have been recorded in Tennessee, together with frequent breeders just like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and uncommon winter guests such because the Broad-tailed and Calliope Hummingbirds.

Do hummingbirds nest in Tennessee?

Sure, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird nests in Tennessee. Females construct small, cup-shaped nests utilizing spider silk, moss, and plant fibers. Nests are sometimes constructed on tree limbs in wooded or semi-wooded areas.

Are hummingbirds territorial?

Sure, most species of hummingbirds are extremely territorial, particularly males. They usually defend feeders and flowering areas aggressively from different hummingbirds and even bigger birds and bugs.

Can I report uncommon hummingbird sightings in Tennessee?

Completely. In case you spot a uncommon or uncommon hummingbird species, you may report your sighting to native birdwatching organizations, Tennessee Ornithological Society chapters, or contribute your information to eBird.org for scientific monitoring.