Hummingbirds in Vermont are a fascinating and beloved species of bird that can be found throughout the state during the warmer months. These tiny birds, often weighing less than a penny, are admired for their vibrant colours, unique flying abilities, and cheerful chirping sound.
Hummingbirds in Vermont primarily feed on nectar from flowers, which they sip with their long, thin bills. They also consume insects for protein and occasionally drink sap or juice from the fruit. During migration season in the fall, some hummingbirds will travel thousands of miles to warmer climates in Central America.
One of the best ways to attract hummingbirds to your yard is by providing them with various brightly coloured flowers such as bee balm or trumpet vine. You can also set up a hummingbird feeder with a sugar water solution mimicking natural nectar.
Hummingbirds in Vermont:
Vermont is undoubtedly an idyllic and picturesque state, which is home to a variety of bird species. Among the many bird species in Vermont, hummingbirds are fascinating birds to observe. These small birds are known for their vibrant colours and high-speed flapping wings, allowing them to hover mid-air.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird:
Vermont, the scenic northeastern state of the United States, has long been known for its picturesque beauty and diverse wildlife population. Amongst the many fascinating creatures found here, one that stands out is the ruby-throated hummingbird. Despite being one of Vermont’s tiniest birds, it is also one of its most popular and well-loved.
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a marvel to behold. These little birds are an extraordinary sight with their iridescent green plumage, tiny size (measuring only 3-4 inches), and striking red throat feathers on males. They are a migratory species that travel from Central America to Canada yearly during spring and summer. During this time, they can be spotted throughout Vermont, flitting around gardens, meadows, and forests in search of nectar.
Specifications:
• Scientific Name: ArchilochusColubris
• Length:2.8 – 3.5 inches
• Weight:0.1 – 0.2 ounces
• Wingspan:3.1 – 4.3 inches
Additional Information:
The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is a migratory bird species that travel over 2000 miles from their winter homes to Vermont. These tiny birds are known for their vibrant colours and incredibly fast wing flaps, reaching up to 80 beats per second. Despite their small size, these birds have incredible endurance and can cross the Gulf of Mexico in one non-stop flight.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Vermont from mid-April to mid-May, you may glimpse these stunning creatures as they return home. The arrival of the hummingbirds is a sure sign that spring has arrived, and many nature enthusiasts eagerly anticipate their return each year. To attract these feathered friends to your backyard, consider planting native flowers such as bee balm or cardinal flowers, which provide shelter for nectar and birds.
Rufous Hummingbirds:
Rufous hummingbirds are some of Vermont’s most colourful and fascinating bird species. These birds are known for their bright orange-red plumage and small size, making them one of the smallest bird species. These hummingbirds typically migrate to Vermont during the summer, when they can be spotted across many locations within the state.
These birds prefer to feed on nectar from columbines, scarlet bee balms, and cardinal flowers that grow abundantly throughout Vermont. In addition to their vibrant colours, rufous hummingbirds are known for their unique abilities, like hovering for extended periods or flying backwards. Observing these tiny creatures in action is truly mesmerizing!
Being a common sight during summers, rufous hummingbirds face threats like habitat loss due to climate change and human activities.
Specifications:
• Scientific Name: Selasphorus Rufus
• Length:2.8 – 3.5 inches
• Weight: 0.07 – 0.18 ounces
• Wingspan: 4.0 – 4.5 inches
Additional Information:
Rufous hummingbirds in Vermont are a rare sight to see. These tiny creatures, known for their vibrant orange feathers and speedy wings, are not commonly found in the state. There are likely no other hummingbirds nearby. This makes spotting one all the more special.
Breeding and wintering territories play a significant role in determining where these hummingbirds can be found. While they typically breed in western North America, some individuals have been known to travel as far east as Vermont during migration season. However, sightings of these birds outside their usual range are still uncommon.
Despite their rarity in the area, sightings of these hummingbirds in Vermont have been reported by birdwatchers and enthusiasts alike.
Mexican Violetear:
The Mexican Violetear is a strikingly beautiful hummingbird native to Central America. However, in recent years, bird watchers have been spotting this stunning creature in the forests of Vermont. This unexpected appearance has caused quite a stir among ornithology enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Its iridescent green plumage and deep violet throat easily identify the Mexican violetear. The male of the species also boasts a sparkling blue crown on his head, making him even more distinctive. These birds are known for their agility and can hover effortlessly while they feed on nectar from flowers or tree sap. They are also known to be quite vocal, emitting high-pitched chirps and whistles that can be heard from afar.
Specifications:
• Scientific Name:ColibriThalassinus
• Length:8 – 4.7 in
• Weight: 17 – 0.20 oz
• Wingspan:7 in
Additional Information:
The Mexican Violetear, the Colibrithalassinus, is an accidental vagrant in Vermont. This hummingbird species are commonly found nesting in Mexico and Nicaragua, but there have been reports of sightings in other areas, such as North America. Despite being a rare sight in Vermont, these birds have caught the attention of both birdwatchers and photographers.
They are known for their bright green plumage, violet ear patches and long black bills, which they use to suck nectar from flowers. They are typically solitary creatures, often seen perched on tree branches or hovering near flowers. These birds are also highly territorial and will defend their feeding grounds against other hummingbirds.
In recent years, sightings of Mexican Violetears have increased due to climate change which has expanded their range into new territories.
Calliope Hummingbird:
The Calliope Hummingbird, the smallest bird in North America, has made a rare appearance in Vermont this summer. The tiny bird with iridescent plumage typically breeds in mountainous regions of western North America and migrates to Mexico for the winter. It’s unclear how or why this particular individual ended up so far east, but it has delighted birdwatchers across the state.
The Calliope Hummingbird is known for its distinctive call, a high-pitched buzz that sounds like a tiny motor. While it may be difficult to spot due to its small size and quick movements, it’s worth watching for this stunning bird. Vermont could become a regular Calliope Hummingbirds stop with proper feeding stations and habitat conservation efforts.
Specifications:
• Scientific Name: Selasphorus Calliope
• Length:7–10 cm (2.8–3.9 in)
• Wingspan: 11 cm (4.3 in)
• Weight:3 g (0.071 to 0.106 oz)
Habitat and distribution:
These beautiful birds have a distinct habitat preference and can usually live amongst mountainous regions with much vegetation cover. They enjoy nesting in shrubs and trees that offer protection from predators. The Calliope Hummingbird also thrives in areas with ample access to nectar-rich flowers like penstemon, columbine, and lilies.
Behaviour:
One of the most interesting behavioural traits of the Calliope Hummingbird is its aggressive nature towards other hummingbirds. Despite their small size, these birds fiercely defend their territory, especially during the breeding season. Males often engage in aerial battles with other males to control a specific area or food source. They will also attack larger birds that enter their territory.
Conclusion:
Hummingbirds in Vermont are a great addition to any backyard habitat. Through careful observation and effort, residents of Green Mountain State can enjoy these delightful birds throughout the summer and fall months. Feeders, water sources, and nesting sites can help attract hummingbirds to your garden and offer a chance to learn more about this fascinating species. The presence of these small but mighty birds also provides a good reminder that we should all be taking steps to protect our environment for future generations.