Hummingbirds are among the most enchanting birds in the world, celebrated for their dazzling plumage, extraordinary flight abilities, and role as vital pollinators. Belonging to the family Trochilidae, hummingbirds are found exclusively in the Americas, ranging from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, though the majority of species thrive in Central and South America. With approximately 360 recognized species, they form one of the most diverse avian families.
What sets hummingbirds apart is their unique flight. By rapidly beating their wings—anywhere from 50 to 80 times per second—they achieve the ability to hover in place, fly backward, and even upside down. This agility allows them to feed on nectar from flowers, using long, specialized bills and extendable tongues. In addition to nectar, they consume small insects and spiders for protein. Their high-energy lifestyle demands near-constant feeding, with individuals visiting hundreds of flowers daily.
Hummingbirds are also renowned for their iridescent plumage. The brilliant colors are not due to pigments but rather microscopic feather structures that refract light, producing shimmering greens, reds, and violets. These colors, often flashing in sunlight, make hummingbirds appear jewel-like in flight.
Among the most popular species is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris), the only hummingbird to breed in eastern North America, famous for its bright red throat in males. In the western U.S., the Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) is a year-round resident, noted for its metallic pink crown and throat. South America hosts incredible diversity, including the Andean Hillstar (Oreotrochilus estella), adapted to high-altitude environments, and the spectacular Marvelous Spatuletail (Loddigesia mirabilis), with its unique long tail feathers tipped with violet discs. The Violet-crowned Hummingbird (Amazilia violiceps) and Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) are also well-known in North America.
Despite their tiny size, hummingbirds are ecological powerhouses. By pollinating countless plant species, they sustain entire ecosystems, while their beauty continues to captivate birdwatchers, photographers, and cultures throughout the Americas. Protecting their habitats is vital to ensuring these winged jewels endure for generations.
Small, vibrant hummingbird of the U.S. West Coast; males have fiery orange-red throats and rufous tails, performing dramatic dives during courtship displays.
Read MoreMedium-sized, year-round resident of western North America; males flash iridescent rose-pink crowns and throats, known for bold defense & spectacular courtship dive displays.
Read MoreWorld’s smallest bird, native to Cuba; only 2 inches long and under 2 grams, with dazzling iridescence, feeding on nectar and vital pollinator roles.
Read MoreSlender hummingbird of western North America; males show a thin black throat with iridescent violet band, adaptable to deserts, woodlands, and backyard feeders.
Read MoreLargest hummingbird in the U.S.; displays a shimmering sapphire-blue throat, strong wingbeats, & loud calls, favoring shady canyons & mountain forests of the Southwest.
Read MoreStriking South American hummingbird; males sport racket-shaped tail feathers and fluffy white leg “boots,” dazzling observers as they dart through cloud forests feeding on nectar.
Read MoreMountain-dwelling species of western North America; males produce metallic trills in flight, with rosy-red throats and long migrations to Central America for wintering.
Read MoreMedium-sized hummingbird of southern U.S. and Mexico; metallic green plumage with rufous tail and buff underparts, often visiting feeders and flowering shrubs.
Read MoreSmallest bird in North America; displays striking magenta throat streaks, breeding in western mountains & migrating long distances to Mexico & Central America.
Read Moreiny desert hummingbird of the American Southwest; males have brilliant violet-purple crown and throat flares, performing buzzing courtship dives in arid scrub and desert habitats.
Read MoreCentral and South American hummingbird; males shimmer with emerald-green bodies and violet underparts, favoring tropical forests and edges, feeding actively on nectar and insects.
Read MoreThe Long-tailed Sylph is a dazzling South American hummingbird, males sporting glittering green plumage and extraordinarily long tail feathers, feeding on nectar with acrobatic aerial skill.
Read MoreMagnificent Hummingbird, now Rivoli’s, is among the largest hummingbirds, displaying emerald & violet colors, powerful flight, & living highland forests of Central America.
Read MoreMedium-sized hummingbird of Mexico and Central America; vibrant green plumage with violet ear patches, often aggressive at feeders, ranging into North America during dispersal.
Read MoreThe Ruby-throated Hummingbird, common in North America, is known for its iridescent red throat, rapid wingbeats, long migrations, and pollination role in flowering landscapes.
Read MoreThe Giant Hummingbird (Patagona gigas), found along the Andes from Ecuador to Chile, is the largest hummingbird species, measuring about 23 cm (9 in) long with a wingspan up to 21 cm (8 in). Despite its size, it still exhibits the hovering ability typical of its family, though with slower wingbeats.
The smallest is the Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae) of Cuba, considered the tiniest bird in the world, at just 5–6 cm (2 in) long and weighing less than 2 grams—lighter than a penny.
The Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) holds the record for the fastest display dive of any bird relative to body length. Males can reach speeds of about 385 body lengths per second, which translates to over 50 mph (80 km/h)during courtship dives.
Hummingbirds primarily consume nectar from flowers, which provides the sugars needed to fuel their extremely high metabolism. To balance their diet, they also eat insects and spiders, which supply essential protein, vitamins, and minerals. They may visit hundreds of flowers in a single day to meet their energy demands.
Males perform elaborate aerial displays, including dives and loops, to attract females. After mating, the female builds a tiny, cup-shaped nest using plant fibers and spider silk. She lays two pea-sized eggs and raises the chicks alone, feeding them regurgitated insects and nectar until they fledge.
There are about 360 recognized species of hummingbirds, with the highest diversity found in the tropical Andes of South America.
Hummingbirds possess unique wing anatomy and powerful flight muscles. Their shoulder joints allow the wings to rotate in a full circle, enabling lift on both the upstroke and downstroke. Combined with exceptionally large pectoral muscles (about 30% of body weight) and rapid metabolism, this allows them to sustain wingbeats of 50–80 times per second.
