5 Types of Hummingbirds in Ohio (With Pictures)

Last Updated on Mar 15 2024

Ohio is a great place to spot hummingbirds! There are five species of hummingbirds that can be spotted in the state: the ruby-throated hummingbird, the black-chinned hummingbird, the calliope hummingbird, the rufous hummingbird, and Anna’s hummingbird. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about identifying these birds.

The 5 Types of Hummingbirds in Ohio

1. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common type of hummingbird in Ohio. These birds are small, only about 3 inches long. They have green backs and white bellies, with a reddish throat. Males have a bright red throat, while females have a white throat with some red spots. They eat nectar from flowers and insects. Ruby-throated hummingbirds can be found in woodlands, gardens, and parks.

2. Black-Chinned Hummingbird

The black-chinned hummingbird is slightly larger than the ruby-throated hummingbird, at about 3.5 inches long. They have green backs and grayish-white bellies. Males have a black throat, while females have a gray throat with some black spots. They eat nectar from flowers and insects. Black-chinned hummingbirds can be found in woodlands, gardens, and parks.

3. Calliope Hummingbird

The calliope hummingbird is the smallest type of hummingbird in North America. They are only about 2.5 inches long. They have green backs and rusty red bellies. Males and females look alike, with a white throat and some red spots. They eat nectar from flowers and insects. Calliope hummingbirds can be found in mountain meadows.

4. Rufous Hummingbird

The rufous hummingbird is a medium-sized hummingbird, about 4 inches long. They have rusty red backs and bellies. Males and females look alike, with a white throat and what looks like a red collar. They eat nectar from flowers and insects. Rufous hummingbirds can be found in woodlands, gardens, and parks.

5. Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna’s hummingbird is the largest type of hummingbird in Ohio. They are about 4.5 inches long. They have green backs and gray bellies. Males have a red throat, while females have a white throat with some red spots. They eat nectar from flowers and insects. Anna’s hummingbirds can be found in woodlands, gardens, and parks.

Ohio Hummingbird FAQs

Where is the best place to spot hummingbirds in Ohio?

The best place to spot hummingbirds in Ohio is at a hummingbird feeder in your backyard. You can also find them in gardens and parks.

What time of year are hummingbirds active in Ohio?

Hummingbirds are active in Ohio from April to October. Hummingbirds are most active in the morning and evening.

What do hummingbirds eat in Ohio?

Hummingbirds in Ohio eat nectar from flowers and insects. They also eat sugar water from bird feeders.

How can I attract hummingbirds to my yard?

You can attract hummingbirds to your yard by putting out a bird feeder filled with sugar water. You can also plant flowers that hummingbirds like, such as butterfly bush, delphiniums, bee balm, honeysuckle, and columbine.

What is the lifespan of a hummingbird?

The lifespan of a hummingbird is about 3-5 years.

Do hummingbirds migrate?

Yes, hummingbirds migrate. Some hummingbirds that live in Ohio migrate to Mexico for the winter.

Which hummingbird is the most common?

The most common hummingbird in Ohio is the ruby-throated hummingbird. There are an estimated 50,000 ruby-throated hummingbirds in Ohio.

Do all hummingbirds have a reddish throat?

No, not all hummingbirds have a reddish throat. The female ruby-throated hummingbird has a white throat with some red spots. The male black-chinned hummingbird has a black throat. The male Anna’s hummingbird has a red throat.

Do hummingbirds eat bugs?

Yes, in addition to eating nectar from flowers, hummingbirds also eat insects. They use their long tongues to catch insects in mid-air.

What is the rarest hummingbird in Ohio?

The rarest hummingbird in Ohio is the calliope hummingbird. They are only found in mountain meadows. They’re most commonly found in the western part of the state where they breed. They are rarely seen in the eastern part of the state.

Do Ohio hummingbirds have predators?

Yes, Ohio hummingbirds have predators. Their main predators are snakes, lizards, cats, and birds of prey such as hawks and owls.

What sound do hummingbirds make?

Most hummingbirds make a high-pitched twittering sound. Some hummingbirds also make a low-pitched cooing sound. The calliope hummingbird is the only hummingbird that doesn’t make a sound.

How to Make Your Own Hummingbird Food

If you want to make your own hummingbird food, mix four parts water with one part sugar. Boil the mixture for one minute to dissolve the sugar. Let it cool before filling your bird feeder.

What Plants Attract Hummingbirds?

Some plants that attract hummingbirds are trumpet vine, bee balm, cardinal flower, and columbine. If you want to make an easy, low-maintenance hummingbird garden, plant trumpet vine and bee balm. Both of these plants are easy to grow and hummingbirds love them.

Where to See Hummingbirds in Ohio

The best place to see hummingbirds in Ohio is at a nature center or a park. Some nature centers that have hummingbirds are: Senecaville Wildlife Area, Beaverdam Wetlands Nature Preserve, and Adams Lake State Park. Other nature centers and bird watching areas in Ohio include Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Migratory Bird Center, and Black Swamp Bird Observatory.

Conclusion

If you’re a bird watcher in Ohio, then from April to October you can keep your eyes peeled for hummingbirds! There are five types that call Ohio home, but some are harder to catch a glimpse of than others. Your best bet is to try to attract them to your yard with a hummingbird feeder or hummingbird-friendly plants.

Featured Image Credit: Veronika_Andrews, Pixabay