3 Sorts of Hummingbirds in Maine (Footage and Identification)

In Maine, hummingbirds carry flashes of coloration and vitality to gardens, woodland edges, and meadows from late spring by means of early fall. Their tiny measurement and fast wingbeats make them each fascinating and difficult to watch.

Every species within the state has distinctive markings, behaviors, and feeding habits, permitting birdwatchers to establish them with cautious remark. These hummingbirds additionally comply with outstanding migratory routes, touring lengthy distances regardless of their small measurement.

This information highlights three varieties of hummingbirds in Maine, providing detailed insights on identification, habitat, weight loss program, migration, copy, and attention-grabbing info to assist fanatics take pleasure in each sighting.

Frequent Hummingbirds Present in Maine

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the commonest hummingbird in Maine, simply acknowledged by its tiny measurement and extraordinary flying skills. Males show a vibrant ruby-red throat patch and shimmering emerald-green again, whereas females and juveniles are extra subdued with olive-green backs and whitish underparts. Measuring round 7–9 cm in size and weighing solely 3–4 grams, these birds are among the many smallest in North America, but their agility in hovering and fast aerial maneuvers is outstanding.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are extremely territorial, particularly round feeders and flowering crops. They feed totally on nectar from tubular flowers, but in addition catch tiny bugs and spiders for important protein. Their flight is exceptionally versatile—they will hover in place, fly backward, and even carry out sharp aerial dives to chase off intruders or catch prey.

These hummingbirds favor habitats with ample flowering crops, together with gardens, woodland edges, and meadows. Through the breeding season, females assemble tiny cup-shaped nests utilizing plant down, moss, and spider silk, typically attaching them to slender tree branches. The feminine lays 2–3 eggs, every in regards to the measurement of a jellybean, which hatch after roughly two weeks of incubation.

A enjoyable truth about Ruby-throated Hummingbirds is their outstanding migration: regardless of their small measurement, many journey over 1,000 miles throughout the Gulf of Mexico to succeed in wintering grounds in Central America. This makes them probably the most spectacular long-distance migratory birds relative to physique measurement, demonstrating endurance and navigation abilities that appear virtually superhuman for his or her measurement.

Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)

The Rufous Hummingbird is much less widespread in Maine and often seems as a vagrant throughout migration. Males are immediately recognizable by their vibrant orange-red plumage and fiery throat patch, whereas females have greenish backs with delicate streaking on the throat. These birds are barely bigger than Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, measuring about 7–10 cm in size and weighing 3–5 grams, however their daring coloring and feisty character make them stand out even when uncommon.

Rufous Hummingbirds are identified for his or her aggressive conduct. Regardless of their small measurement, they fiercely defend feeding territories, typically chasing off bigger birds and competing hummingbirds. Their weight loss program consists primarily of nectar from quite a lot of flowers, supplemented with small bugs and spiders. They’re quick fliers and extremely energetic, performing acrobatic aerial maneuvers to safe meals and mates.

In Maine, Rufous Hummingbirds are sometimes noticed throughout late summer time and early fall alongside flowering gardens, woodland edges, and feeder stations. They breed within the Pacific Northwest and Alaska and migrate south to Mexico in winter, making one of many longest migration journeys of any North American hummingbird. Their skill to adapt to totally different habitats alongside this migration route is essential for his or her survival.

A enjoyable truth about Rufous Hummingbirds is their distinctive aggressiveness relative to measurement; males are sometimes seen dominating feeding areas towards a lot bigger hummingbirds, together with Ruby-throated species. Throughout breeding, the feminine builds a tiny cup-shaped nest in shrubs or tree branches and lays 2–3 eggs, which hatch after about 14–16 days.

Calliope Hummingbird (Stellula calliope)

The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest chicken in North America and a uncommon vagrant in Maine. Males exhibit hanging magenta streaks on the throat towards a inexperienced again, whereas females and juveniles are extra muted with smooth inexperienced and grey tones. Measuring solely 7–8 cm in size and weighing 2–3 grams, these hummingbirds are tiny but remarkably swift, able to hovering with unbelievable stability and agility.

These birds primarily feed on nectar from small flowers and complement their weight loss program with tiny bugs and spiders. Regardless of their diminutive measurement, Calliope Hummingbirds are extremely energetic and agile, darting shortly from flower to flower. Their small measurement permits them to use feeding niches that bigger hummingbirds can not, together with tiny blooms and slim feeder tubes.

In Maine, Calliope Hummingbirds are largely noticed throughout migration durations, notably in late summer time or early fall. They favor areas with flowering crops, woodland edges, and gardens, although sightings are uncommon. Breeding happens far west within the mountains of the western United States, the place females construct delicate nests on branches or shrubs and lay 2–3 minuscule eggs that hatch in roughly two weeks.

A enjoyable truth about Calliope Hummingbirds is that, regardless of their tiny measurement, their wings beat as much as 80 occasions per second, producing the fast buzzing sound for which hummingbirds are well-known. Their lengthy migration—from western breeding grounds to wintering areas in Mexico—reveals unbelievable endurance and navigation abilities relative to their tiny physique measurement.

Greatest Time and Locations to See Hummingbirds in Maine

The most effective time to watch hummingbirds in Maine is throughout their spring and summer time migration, sometimes from late Might by means of early September. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, the commonest species, often arrive in mid to late Might, peak in abundance throughout June and July, and start their southward migration in late August to early September. Rufous Hummingbirds and Calliope Hummingbirds, that are rarer vagrants, are most probably to seem in late summer time or early fall, usually from August by means of early September.

Hummingbirds are drawn to areas with ample flowering crops that present nectar, so the most effective viewing areas embrace gardens, woodland edges, and meadows. Gardeners who keep hummingbird feeders additionally enhance the probability of sightings, particularly when feeders are stocked with a easy sugar-water resolution. Planting native, tubular flowers like bee balm, cardinal flower, and trumpet honeysuckle can additional entice these tiny birds.

Coastal areas, together with Kennebunk, Portland, and Bar Harbor, may present good alternatives to identify migrating hummingbirds, notably Rufous and Calliope, as these areas typically act as stopover factors alongside migratory routes. Inland areas with forest clearings and flowering shrubs, reminiscent of Acadia Nationwide Park and Baxter State Park, are glorious for observing Ruby-throated Hummingbirds through the breeding season.

For the most effective viewing expertise, early morning or late afternoon is good, as hummingbirds are most lively throughout these occasions. Observers ought to carry binoculars or a digital camera with a zoom lens to catch these tiny, fast-moving birds. Persistence is essential, as hummingbirds can seem all of a sudden at feeders or flowers after which shortly dart away.

FAQs About Hummingbirds in Maine

What species of hummingbirds might be present in Maine?

Maine is dwelling to a few most important species of hummingbirds. The most typical is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, whereas the Rufous Hummingbird and Calliope Hummingbird are uncommon vagrants often seen throughout migration durations.

When is the most effective time to see hummingbirds in Maine?

The height season for observing hummingbirds is from late Might by means of early September. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrive in late Might, peak in June and July, and begin migrating south in August and early September. Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds usually tend to seem in late summer time or early fall.

The place are the most effective locations to identify hummingbirds in Maine?

Hummingbirds are mostly seen in gardens, woodland edges, meadows, and areas with ample flowering crops. Coastal cities reminiscent of Portland, Kennebunk, and Bar Harbor can entice migrating Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds, whereas inland parks like Acadia Nationwide Park and Baxter State Park are perfect for recognizing Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.

What do hummingbirds eat in Maine?

Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from tubular flowers and sugar-water feeders. Additionally they devour tiny bugs and spiders for protein, which is important for progress, vitality, and copy. Standard nectar crops embrace bee balm, trumpet honeysuckle, cardinal flower, and columbine.

How can I entice hummingbirds to my yard?

To draw hummingbirds, plant native, nectar-rich flowers and arrange hummingbird feeders with a easy sugar-water resolution (4 elements water to 1 half sugar). Place feeders in shaded areas and clear them recurrently to stop mould and fermentation.

Do hummingbirds migrate from Maine?

Sure, all hummingbirds in Maine are migratory. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate to Central America, whereas Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds journey lengthy distances from western breeding grounds to Mexico. Their migration showcases outstanding endurance regardless of their tiny measurement.

How do hummingbirds reproduce in Maine?

Females construct small, cup-shaped nests utilizing moss, plant down, and spider silk, typically on skinny tree branches. They sometimes lay 2–3 eggs, which hatch after about 14–16 days. The feminine alone incubates the eggs and cares for the younger.