10 Varieties of Hummingbirds in Kansas (Footage and Identification)

There’s one thing magical in regards to the flutter of tiny wings and the flash of iridescent feathers that attracts us to hummingbirds. In Kansas, these jewel-like guests carry life and shade to gardens, meadows, and woodlands, particularly throughout migration seasons.

Whereas just one species is usually seen all through the state, a number of uncommon and sudden visitors have additionally made appearances. From the acquainted Ruby-throated to the occasional Broad-billed, every hummingbird presents a singular glimpse into nature’s artistry.

On this information, you’ll meet 10 forms of hummingbirds recorded in Kansas, full with photos and identification suggestions. Whether or not you’re a yard birdwatcher or a curious nature lover, there’s all the time one thing new to find within the sky above.

Widespread Hummingbirds Present in Kansas

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most typical and widespread hummingbird in Kansas, particularly within the jap elements of the state throughout the spring and summer season months. Males are simply acknowledged by their iridescent ruby-red throat patch (gorget), which may seem black in sure lighting. Each sexes have brilliant inexperienced backs, white underparts, and slender black payments which can be barely downcurved.

This species measures about 3 to three.5 inches lengthy with a wingspan of three.1 to 4.3 inches. They’re light-weight, weighing solely round 2 to six grams. Their wings beat quickly—about 50 instances per second—permitting them to hover and maneuver mid-air with unbelievable precision.

In Kansas, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are most lively from late April by way of September, favoring gardens, woodlands, meadows, and areas with flowering vegetation. They feed totally on nectar from native wildflowers and backyard blooms, but in addition devour small bugs and spiders for protein. They typically go to feeders full of sugar water throughout migration.

Enjoyable Truth: Throughout migration, some Ruby-throated Hummingbirds fly nonstop over the Gulf of Mexico, masking greater than 500 miles in a single 18–22 hour flight!

Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)

The Rufous Hummingbird is a uncommon however common migrant by way of Kansas, particularly noticeable throughout late summer season and early fall. Males are placing with a fiery orange again, rufous-colored sides, and a shimmering red-orange throat. Females are extra subdued, with inexperienced backs, rufous flanks, and noticed throats.

These hummingbirds are barely smaller than Ruby-throateds, measuring round 2.8 to three.5 inches lengthy with a wingspan of about 4.3 inches. Regardless of their tiny measurement, they’re recognized for his or her aggressive nature, regularly chasing different hummingbirds away from feeders or favourite flowers.

Rufous Hummingbirds want open habitats akin to forest edges, yards, and fields with scattered shrubs. In Kansas, they’re often noticed in late July by way of October throughout southbound migration. They feed closely on nectar, typically defending meals sources with daring aerial shows, and also will eat small bugs.

Enjoyable Truth: Rufous Hummingbirds maintain the file for the longest migration relative to physique measurement of any chicken on the planet—as much as 4,000 miles between Alaska and Mexico!

Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)

The Black-chinned Hummingbird is an unusual customer in Kansas, primarily seen throughout migration within the western and central elements of the state. Males have a particular black throat with a slim band of iridescent purple on the base, although this will solely be seen underneath direct mild. Females lack the darkish throat and have a plainer look with inexperienced backs and whitish underparts.

They measure about 3.25 inches in size and weigh roughly 2.9 grams. Their wings produce a low, insect-like hum as they hover. Black-chinned Hummingbirds are recognized for his or her capacity to adapt to quite a lot of habitats, together with arid areas, riparian corridors, and concrete gardens.

In Kansas, they’re probably to be seen throughout spring and fall migrations, sometimes from Might to early June and once more from late August by way of September. They forage on nectar from tubular flowers and infrequently catch tiny bugs midair or decide them from foliage.

Enjoyable Truth: When diving throughout courtship, Black-chinned Hummingbirds attain speeds that produce a singular buzzing sound brought on by air passing over their tail feathers!

Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus)

Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are uncommon guests to Kansas, extra possible noticed within the western a part of the state throughout migration. Males are acknowledged by their metallic rose-colored throats, whereas each sexes show bronze-green backs and rounded tails with broad feathers, giving them their title.

They’re medium-sized for hummingbirds, about 3.75 inches lengthy with a wingspan of round 5.25 inches. Their wingbeats are slower than these of different hummingbirds, creating a definite trilling sound that’s typically heard earlier than the chicken is seen.

Broad-tailed Hummingbirds want montane meadows and open woodlands at greater elevations, although they move by way of Kansas in late spring or early fall. They go to flowers and feeders and rely closely on nectar, supplementing with flying bugs when obtainable.

Enjoyable Truth: These hummingbirds can enter a lethargic state in a single day, dramatically slowing their metabolism to preserve power in colder temperatures—a trait particularly helpful at excessive elevations.

Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope)

Calliope Hummingbirds are the smallest hummingbirds in North America and are extraordinarily uncommon in Kansas. Males are distinct with vibrant magenta streaks that radiate from the throat, whereas females and juveniles have white underparts with greenish upperparts and refined markings.

This tiny chicken measures solely 2.75 to three.25 inches in size and weighs about 2.5 grams—in regards to the weight of a ping-pong ball. Regardless of its measurement, it’s recognized for lengthy migrations and sudden appearances in uncommon areas like Kansas.

Within the state, Calliope Hummingbirds are sometimes noticed throughout migration, typically in late summer season or early fall. They go to flowering vegetation and hummingbird feeders, looking for nectar, and can often catch small bugs. They’re probably seen in yard gardens or open woodland edges.

Enjoyable Truth: Regardless that it’s the smallest chicken within the U.S., the Calliope Hummingbird defends its territory fiercely and can typically push back a lot bigger hummingbirds and even small songbirds!

Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna)

Anna’s Hummingbird is a uncommon and irregular customer in Kansas, extra generally discovered alongside the Pacific Coast. Males are gorgeous, with iridescent rose-pink throats and crowns that glow vividly within the daylight. Females lack the total crown shade however typically present a patch of pink on the throat, with inexperienced backs and pale grey underparts.

This species measures about 3.9 to 4.3 inches lengthy and weighs between 3 to six grams. Barely bigger than different Kansas hummingbirds, Anna’s Hummingbirds are recognized for his or her acrobatic flight shows and high-pitched vocalizations, that are unusual amongst hummingbirds.

Anna’s Hummingbirds are sometimes non-migratory of their house vary however could wander eastward throughout fall and winter. In Kansas, they’re uncommon and often seem in late autumn or winter months close to yard feeders. They devour nectar, tree sap, and small bugs, thriving in city gardens or wooded areas with flowering vegetation.

Enjoyable Truth: Not like most hummingbirds, Anna’s Hummingbirds can sing—a sequence of scratchy, metallic notes utilized in courtship and territory protection!

Broad-billed Hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris)

The Broad-billed Hummingbird is a placing and uncommon customer to Kansas, sometimes showing solely as an unintended vagrant. Males are vivid inexperienced with an excellent blue throat and a daring pink invoice tipped in black. Females are duller, with a plain inexperienced again and a barely curved red-based invoice.

They’re about 3.5 to 4 inches lengthy with a wingspan round 5 inches. Their distinctive broad and brightly coloured invoice units them aside from different hummingbirds, and their general construction seems stockier.

Broad-billed Hummingbirds are native to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico however have often been recorded in Kansas, typically throughout late summer season or fall. They’re often present in riparian areas, deserts, and gardens with tubular flowers, the place they forage for nectar and flying bugs.

Enjoyable Truth: The male Broad-billed Hummingbird performs a dramatic courtship show, flying in a large U-shaped arc in entrance of the feminine whereas emitting a mechanical-sounding trill along with his wings.

Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)

Costa’s Hummingbird is an exceptionally uncommon species in Kansas, far exterior its typical desert habitat within the southwestern United States. Males are eye-catching with deep violet-purple crowns and throats that flare out on the sides. Females are plainer, with inexperienced backs and whitish underparts.

This species is small, round 3 to three.5 inches lengthy, weighing about 2 to three grams. Males have a singular look with brief, barely decurved payments and chic flared gorgets that give them a regal look.

In Kansas, Costa’s Hummingbirds are recorded as uncommon vagrants, often seen in late summer season or fall close to feeders. They feed on nectar from desert flowers of their house vary however are adaptable and can go to yard feeders and gardens throughout their sudden travels.

Enjoyable Truth: The male Costa’s Hummingbird performs a high-speed dive show that produces a high-pitched sound created by wind passing by way of his tail feathers—a part of his dramatic courtship ritual.

Mexican Violetear (Colibri thalassinus)

The Mexican Violetear is a uncommon and exotic-looking hummingbird that often strays into Kansas from its native vary in Mexico and Central America. It’s medium-sized and brilliantly coloured, with shimmering inexperienced plumage and violet patches on the edges of the top and chest.

This species is bigger than most Kansas hummingbirds, measuring about 4.5 to five inches lengthy and weighing round 5 to six grams. It has a barely notched tail and a straight, darkish invoice. The violet “ear” patches are notably placing and provides the species its title.

In Kansas, sightings are sporadic and often contain particular person birds showing at feeders throughout the hotter months. Their most well-liked habitat contains humid forests and tropical highlands, however they adapt effectively to gardens and wooded suburban areas whereas migrating.

Enjoyable Truth: The Mexican Violetear is thought for its loud, repetitive track—a sequence of metallic “tsip” notes which can be typically sung from a hidden perch within the forest.

Rivoli’s Hummingbird (Eugenes fulgens)

Rivoli’s Hummingbird, also called the Magnificent Hummingbird, is an unusual vagrant in Kansas, extra sometimes discovered within the mountainous forests of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico. Males are dazzling, with iridescent emerald inexperienced backs and violet crowns and throats. Females are principally inexperienced with grayish undersides.

This is likely one of the largest hummingbirds discovered within the U.S., measuring round 5 to five.5 inches in size and weighing as much as 10 grams. Its measurement and colourful, shimmering plumage make it stand out amongst smaller, extra frequent hummingbird species.

In Kansas, Rivoli’s Hummingbird is extraordinarily uncommon and has solely been noticed on just a few events, often at hummingbird feeders. They favor pine-oak forests and excessive mountain canyons however are recognized to stray removed from their typical habitat throughout migration or post-breeding dispersal.

Enjoyable Truth: Regardless of their massive measurement, Rivoli’s Hummingbirds are robust fliers and able to hovering simply as gracefully as their smaller family—incomes them the title “magnificent” for each measurement and wonder.

FAQs About Hummingbirds in Kansas

What number of forms of hummingbirds are present in Kansas?

There are 10 species of hummingbirds which were recorded in Kansas. Of those, solely the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is usually seen and breeds within the state. The opposite 9 species are thought-about uncommon or unintended guests.

When do hummingbirds arrive in Kansas?

Most hummingbirds arrive in Kansas in late April to early Might throughout spring migration. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are sometimes the primary to seem and are most quite a few all through the summer season months.

When do hummingbirds depart Kansas?

Hummingbirds usually start their southward migration in late August by way of September. By early October, most hummingbirds have left the state to spend winter in hotter climates like Central America or the southern U.S.

What’s the most typical hummingbird in Kansas?

The most typical and widespread species is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). It’s the solely species recognized to nest and breed often in Kansas and is regularly seen at yard feeders.

Do hummingbirds stay in Kansas year-round?

No, hummingbirds don’t stay in Kansas all yr. They’re migratory birds, and most solely stay within the state throughout the hotter months, sometimes from late April to early October.

What ought to I put in a hummingbird feeder in Kansas?

You must fill your feeder with a sugar-water resolution product of 1 half white granulated sugar to 4 elements water. Don’t add pink dye, as it may be dangerous to hummingbirds. Clear feeders each 2–3 days in sizzling climate.

The place is the perfect place to see hummingbirds in Kansas?

Hummingbirds will be present in gardens, woodlands, meadows, and parks throughout the state, particularly in areas with loads of nectar-rich flowers. Japanese Kansas tends to have extra frequent sightings because of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s choice for that area.

What flowers appeal to hummingbirds in Kansas?

Hummingbirds are particularly interested in tubular flowers like trumpet vine, bee balm, salvia, columbine, cardinal flower, and coral honeysuckle. Vibrant pink and orange blooms are notably interesting to them.

Can uncommon hummingbirds present up at Kansas feeders?

Sure, uncommon species akin to Rufous, Broad-tailed, and even Mexican Violetear have been noticed at yard feeders in Kansas. These sightings often happen throughout migration or on account of uncommon climate patterns.

Why do hummingbirds struggle at feeders?

Hummingbirds are territorial and infrequently aggressive when defending a meals supply. Males, particularly, will push back others to manage entry to nectar. Offering a number of feeders in numerous areas may also help cut back battle.