Backyard Birds

Hummingbirds found in Vermont, USA


Hummingbirds found in Vermont, USA

Hummingbirds found in the USA (by U.S. State)CanadaMexicoPuerto RicoJamaicaHonduras


Hummingbird InformationHummingbird Species Photo Gallery

Only two hummingbird species have so far been recorded in Vermont; these are…

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) – Native breeders and most commonly seen hummingbird species in Vermont. They arrive in late April and leave in September. Males are usually the first to arrive and the first to depart. The females and the young usually follow about two weeks later.

The male has a ruby-red throat, a white collar, an emerald green back and a forked tail.

The female has a green back and tail feathers that are banded white, black and grey-green.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)

Rufous Hummingbirds (Selasphorus rufus) – Uncommon, but regularly reported in this state. These hummingbirds are usually found in gardens and at feeders. These birds are fearless, and are known for chasing away other hummingbirds and even larger birds, or rodents away from their favorite nectar feeders and flowers.

Males can easily be identified by their glossy orange-red throats.

Females have whitish, speckled throats, green backs and crowns, and rufous, white-tipped tail feathers.

Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)

Rufous Hummingbird versus the similar Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Identification)


Is it a Hummingbird or an Insect?

 

The Hawk Moths (often referred to as “Hummingbird Moth”) is easily confused with hummingbirds, as they have similar feeding and swift flight patterns. These moths also hover in midair while they feed on nectar. Moths have a couple of sensors or “antennas” on top of the head, which are key identifiers.


If you see a hummingbird that doesn’t appear to be any of the above, please e-mail comments / images to: [email protected]. Thanks!
 
 
 

Gordon Ramel

Gordon is an ecologist with two degrees from Exeter University. He's also a teacher, a poet and the owner of 1,152 books. Oh - and he wrote this website.

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