Nestled within the lush landscapes of Mississippi, hummingbirds add a vibrant touch to the region’s rich tapestry of wildlife. These tiny, iridescent marvels are a delight to behold, darting gracefully among flowers and feeders, their wings a blur of rapid motion. Mississippi’s mild climate and diverse flora provide an ideal haven for several hummingbird species, making the state a key stopover during their long migratory journeys.
From the ruby-throated hummingbird, with its striking red throat patch, to the occasional rufous hummingbird spotted during winter months, these aerial acrobats captivate bird enthusiasts and casual observers alike. The enchanting presence of hummingbirds in Mississippi’s gardens and forests not only enhances the natural beauty but also plays a crucial role in pollination, supporting the health of the local ecosystem.
Join me as we explore the fascinating world of hummingbirds in Mississippi, uncovering their habits, habitats, and the best spots to observe these tiny wonders.
1. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
- Life span: 3-5 years
- Size: 3-3.75 in (7.6-9.5 cm)
- Weight: 0.07 – 0.21 oz (2-6 g)
- Wingspan: 3.1-4.3 in (7.9 – 10.9 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, a gem of North American avifauna, boasts a vibrant and iridescent green back and crown, contrasting sharply with its whitish underparts. The males are particularly striking, with their ruby-red throat patch that can appear dark in poor lighting. These tiny birds are a marvel to watch as they dart and hover with incredible agility.
Geographically, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is predominantly found in the eastern United States and southern Canada during the breeding season, favoring deciduous and pine forests, gardens, and orchards. As autumn approaches, they embark on an impressive migratory journey, flying non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico to their wintering grounds in Central America, from southern Mexico to Panama.
Their presence in Mississippi is a delightful sight during the spring and summer, adding a splash of color and energy to the local landscapes.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are meticulous architects when it comes to nesting. The females take sole responsibility for building the nest, which is typically situated on a slender, descending branch of a deciduous tree or shrub, often 10 to 20 feet above the ground. Using plant down, spider silk, and lichen, they create a small, cup-shaped nest that is both flexible and durable, allowing it to expand as the chicks grow.
The entire process takes about 6 to 10 days. Females lay two tiny, white eggs and incubate them for about two weeks. Once hatched, the chicks remain in the nest for another three weeks before fledging..
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are primarily nectarivorous, relying on the sugary nectar of tubular flowers for their energy needs. They favor red and orange flowers but will feed from a variety of blooms. These tiny birds have a rapid metabolism and need to consume about half their body weight in nectar daily. In addition to nectar, they also consume small insects and spiders to obtain essential proteins and nutrients.
They are often seen darting through the air, catching gnats and other tiny insects in mid-flight, or plucking spiders from their webs. This varied diet not only fuels their high-energy lifestyle but also plays a crucial role in pollination, making them vital to their ecosystem.
Conservation efforts for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds focus on preserving their natural habitats and ensuring the availability of nectar-rich flowers. These birds are not currently endangered, but habitat loss due to deforestation and urban development poses a threat. Organizations like the Audubon Society and various local conservation groups promote planting native flowering plants and creating bird-friendly environments to support their populations.
Historically, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have been a symbol of beauty and resilience, admired for their incredible migratory journeys. By understanding and supporting conservation efforts, we can help ensure these captivating birds continue to thrive and enchant us with their aerial displays.
2. Calliope Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Selasphorus calliope
- Life span: 3-7 years
- Size: 2.75-3.25 in (7.0 – 8.3 cm)
- Weight: 0.07 – 0.21 oz (2-6 g)
- Wingspan: 3.5-4.3 in (8.9 – 10.9 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
The Calliope Hummingbird, North America’s smallest breeding bird, enchants with its diminutive size and striking plumage. Males are easily recognized by their shimmering magenta throat streaks, which contrast beautifully with their green backs and white underparts. Females and juveniles are more subdued in coloring but still display subtle elegance. These tiny birds breed in the mountainous regions of the western United States and Canada, favoring open forests and alpine meadows.
During migration, they travel to the southwestern United States and Mexico for the winter. Although rare, they occasionally venture into Mississippi, adding a rare sparkle to the local birding scene. Their brief presence in the state is always a special occasion for bird watchers who appreciate their unique beauty and spirited nature.
Calliope Hummingbirds, known for their intricate nesting habits, choose locations high in trees or shrubs, often in dense forests. The females construct tiny, cup-shaped nests using plant down, spider silk, and moss, typically situated 5 to 18 feet above the ground. These nests are well-camouflaged, blending seamlessly with their surroundings. The female lays two white eggs, which she incubates for 15 to 16 days.
After hatching, the chicks remain in the nest for about 20 days, during which the mother diligently feeds them. The nest’s construction and placement are crucial for the safety and development of the young, showcasing the bird’s adaptive nesting strategies.
The Calliope Hummingbird’s diet consists mainly of nectar from a variety of flowering plants, favoring those with red, pink, and purple blooms. This nectar provides the essential sugars needed for their high-energy demands. Additionally, they consume small insects and spiders, which are vital sources of protein.
These birds are often seen hovering near flowers or catching insects in mid-air. Their feeding behavior includes frequent visits to nectar-rich flowers and occasional sips from feeders. This diet supports their vigorous lifestyle, enabling their long migratory journeys and ensuring they have the necessary energy for breeding and other activities.
The conservation status of Calliope Hummingbirds is of growing concern due to habitat loss and climate change. Efforts to protect these birds focus on preserving their breeding and migratory habitats, especially high-altitude meadows and forests. Historically, Calliope Hummingbirds have been admired for their long migrations from the western United States to Mexico.
Conservation groups like the American Bird Conservancy work to raise awareness and promote habitat conservation. Public involvement in planting native flowers and maintaining bird-friendly gardens also plays a crucial role in supporting their populations.
3. Rufous Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Selasphorus rufus
- Life span: 3-5 years
- Size: 2.75-3.75 in (7.0 – 9.5 cm)
- Weight: 0.09 – 0.16 oz (2.5-4.5 g)
- Wingspan: 3.5-4.3 in (8.9 – 10.9 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
The Rufous Hummingbird is known for its fiery plumage, with males displaying a vivid orange-red throat, back, and sides, which stand out brilliantly against their white chest. Females, while less flamboyant, still feature rufous coloring on their flanks and tails, with green on their backs. This species is highly migratory, with one of the longest migration routes relative to body size of any bird.
They breed primarily in the Pacific Northwest, from southern Alaska through British Columbia to the northwestern United States, and migrate to their wintering grounds in Mexico. Occasionally, these hardy travelers stray eastward, showing up as rare visitors in Mississippi during their southward journey.
Rufous Hummingbirds exhibit fascinating nesting behaviors, characterized by the industrious efforts of the female. She constructs a delicate nest from plant down, spider silk, and moss, typically on a coniferous tree or shrub, usually in a shaded area to protect it from the elements. These nests are often located 5 to 30 feet above the ground.
The female lays two white eggs, which she incubates for about 15 to 17 days. Once the chicks hatch, they remain in the nest for an additional 18 to 21 days, during which the mother feeds them regurgitated insects and nectar. The intricacy and strategic placement of the nest highlight the bird’s adaptive strategies for survival and successful rearing of its young.
Rufous Hummingbirds have a diverse diet primarily composed of nectar from flowers and supplemental insects and spiders. They are particularly attracted to red and orange flowers, such as columbines and penstemons. Their feeding behavior is marked by their territorial nature; they aggressively defend their favorite feeding spots from other hummingbirds and insects.
Insects and spiders are crucial for providing proteins and other nutrients necessary for their diet. They often catch these prey items in flight or glean them from plants. This varied diet supports their high-energy needs, especially during their long migratory journeys, which are among the longest relative to body size of any bird species.
The Rufous Hummingbird’s conservation status is a topic of concern due to declining populations, primarily caused by habitat loss and changes in their migratory patterns linked to climate change. Conservation efforts focus on habitat restoration and creating bird-friendly environments with native plants that provide adequate nectar sources.
Historical observations have noted their incredible migration from Alaska and Canada to Mexico, showcasing their resilience. Organizations like the North American Bird Conservation Initiative work to monitor populations and promote conservation strategies.
4. Black-Chinned Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Archilochus alexandri
- Life span: 3-6 years
- Size: 3-4 in (7.6 – 10.1 cm)
- Weight: 0.09 – 0.16 oz (2.5-4.5 g)
- Wingspan: 4.3-5.1 in (10.9 – 12.9 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
Black-chinned Hummingbirds are less conspicuous than some of their more brightly colored relatives but are no less fascinating. Males have a distinctive black throat bordered by an iridescent purple band, while both sexes share a muted green back and whitish underparts. These adaptable birds are primarily found in the southwestern United States, from Texas to California, and north into parts of the Great Basin.
During the breeding season, they favor arid and semi-arid habitats, often near water sources. While they are not commonly seen in Mississippi, occasional sightings during migration provide a treat for local bird enthusiasts.
Black-chinned Hummingbirds have unique nesting behaviors that reflect their adaptability. Females are responsible for nest construction, choosing sheltered locations often over water or shaded by foliage. The nests are built with plant fibers, spider silk, and lichens, forming a sturdy yet flexible structure.
Typically, nests are positioned 3 to 12 feet above the ground on horizontal branches. The female lays two white eggs and incubates them for about 13 to 16 days. After hatching, the chicks are cared for and fed by the mother for approximately three weeks before fledging.
The diet of Black-chinned Hummingbirds is a blend of nectar from flowers and small insects, which provides a balanced intake of sugars and proteins. They are often seen visiting various tubular flowers, including honeysuckles and salvias. These birds also feed on insects caught in mid-air or gleaned from plants, which are essential for their diet, especially during the breeding season when the nutritional demands are higher.
Their feeding strategy includes a high degree of territoriality, where they fiercely defend their nectar sources from intruders. This diet supports their high metabolism and energetic lifestyle, enabling their remarkable hovering and rapid flight abilities.
Conservation efforts for Black-chinned Hummingbirds focus on habitat preservation and providing safe migratory corridors. While they are not currently endangered, habitat loss and climate change pose significant threats. Historical accounts highlight their adaptability to different environments, from arid deserts to lush riverbanks.
Conservation organizations, such as the Hummingbird Society, emphasize planting native flowering plants and reducing pesticide use to support their populations. Monitoring programs and citizen science initiatives like Project FeederWatch contribute valuable data, helping to track population trends and inform conservation strategies.
5. Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Selasphorus platycercus
- Life span: 3-5 years
- Size: 3.5-4 in (8.9 – 10.1 cm)
- Weight: 2.8-4.5 g (0.01 – 0.16 oz)
- Wingspan: 5.25 in (13.3 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds are known for the distinctive metallic trill produced by the males’ wing feathers during flight. Males exhibit a striking rose-magenta throat, green back, and white chest, while females are more subtly adorned with green and rufous flanks. These hummingbirds primarily inhabit high-altitude regions of the western United States, breeding in mountain meadows and open woodlands.
Their breeding range extends from the Rocky Mountains to the Sierra Nevada. During the winter, they migrate to Mexico, escaping the cold mountain climates. While they are rare in Mississippi, their occasional appearance, especially during migration, is a highlight for bird enthusiasts.
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds exhibit fascinating nesting behavior, primarily driven by the female. She chooses high branches of trees, often preferring coniferous species, to build her nest. Using plant fibers, spider silk, and lichens, she constructs a tiny, cup-shaped nest that is both flexible and durable, allowing it to expand as the chicks grow.
These nests are typically positioned 5 to 50 feet above the ground to avoid predators and withstand weather conditions. The female lays two white eggs, incubating them for about 16 to 19 days. Upon hatching, the chicks are fed regurgitated food by the mother and remain in the nest for approximately 23 days before fledging.
The diet of Broad-tailed Hummingbirds is primarily composed of nectar from flowers, which provides the essential sugars needed for their high-energy lifestyle. They are particularly attracted to red and pink tubular flowers like columbines, penstemons, and larkspurs. In addition to nectar, they consume small insects and spiders, which supply necessary proteins and other nutrients.
These birds are adept at catching insects in mid-air or gleaning them from plants, an essential dietary component especially during the breeding season when energy demands are high.
Conservation efforts for Broad-tailed Hummingbirds focus on habitat preservation and ensuring safe migratory corridors. Although not currently endangered, they face threats from habitat loss and climate change, which affect their breeding and feeding grounds. Historically, these hummingbirds have been a marvel to ornithologists and bird watchers alike, known for their distinctive metallic trill produced by the males’ wing feathers during flight.
Organizations such as the American Bird Conservancy and various local groups work to protect their habitats by promoting the planting of native flowers and reducing pesticide use.
Where to look for Hummingbirds in Mississippi
Finding hummingbirds in Mississippi is a delightful adventure, as these tiny, vibrant birds can be seen flitting about in various locations across the state. To increase your chances of spotting them, focus on areas with abundant flowers, as hummingbirds are drawn to the nectar. Gardens, parks, and nature reserves are prime spots for hummingbird watching. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to observe them, as they are most active during these periods.
One excellent location is the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center in Holly Springs. This beautiful reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and hosts numerous hummingbird events, especially during migration seasons. Another great spot is the Natchez Trace Parkway, a scenic route that offers plenty of natural habitats where hummingbirds can be seen darting among wildflowers and shrubs.
The Pascagoula River Audubon Center in Moss Point is another fantastic destination. This center offers guided walks and has gardens designed to attract hummingbirds, providing an up-close look at these stunning creatures. Lastly, the Crosby Arboretum in Picayune is a serene place to enjoy hummingbirds among native plants and beautifully maintained gardens.
Bring a pair of binoculars and a camera to capture the magic of these little birds. Patience and quiet observation are key; with a bit of luck, you’ll be rewarded with the enchanting sight of hummingbirds in their natural habitat.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds in Mississippi captivate with their beauty and vital ecological roles. From the common Ruby-throated to the rare Rufous and Calliope, each species contributes to the state’s rich biodiversity. Protecting their habitats ensures these enchanting birds continue to thrive, offering joy and wonder to all who observe them.
