4 Hummingbirds in Missouri (With Pictures)

In the heart of the Midwest, where nature thrives and beauty knows no bounds, lies the enchanting world of hummingbirds in Missouri. These tiny, iridescent creatures captivate the imagination with their brilliant colors and extraordinary aerial acrobatics. From the ruby-throated hummingbird, a mesmerizing emerald-hued jewel, to the rufous hummingbird, adorned with fiery splendor, Missouri plays host to a dazzling array of these remarkable avian wonders.

In this article, we embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of these pint-sized dynamos that grace the skies of Missouri. We explore their migratory patterns, their remarkable adaptations, and the alluring flowers that beckon them in a harmonious dance.

Join us as we delve into the lives of these delicate yet resilient beings, discovering the vital role they play in maintaining the ecological balance of this beautiful region. Welcome to the fluttering symphony of colors and grace that is the world of hummingbirds in Missouri.

1. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

• Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
• Life span: 3-5 years
• Size: 3-3.75 in
• Weight: 2-6 g
• Wingspan: 3.1-4.3 in
• Status: Least Concern           

The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, a delightful avian gem, graces the North American continent with its vibrant presence. Found predominantly in eastern and central regions of the United States, from the Gulf of Mexico to Canada, these tiny creatures showcase a breathtaking emerald-green plumage that shimmers brilliantly in the sunlight.

As their name suggests, a striking iridescent ruby-red throat patch adorns the males, while females display a subtle white throat. Despite their diminutive size, these agile fliers boast wings that beat up to 80 times per second, enabling them to hover effortlessly in mid-air.

In the leafy haven of Missouri, the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird showcases its nesting prowess. These little architects fashion their nests with remarkable finesse, using soft plant fibers, spider silk, and dandelion down, weaving them into compact cup-shaped structures.

Ensconced in the most inconspicuous corners, these miniature masterpieces cradle two tiny pearly eggs, no larger than jellybeans. Incubated by the tireless devotion of the female, these eggs hatch into pint-sized chicks, demanding constant nourishment to fuel their rapid growth.

As fluttering aerial acrobats, Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds flaunt their love affair with nectar in the colourful gardens of Missouri. With a metabolism akin to a perpetual motion machine, these nectar-sippers hover tirelessly, their needle-like bills probing the hearts of vibrant blossoms.

A delightful sight to behold, their dexterous tongues lap up the sweet nectar, providing essential fuel for their energetic pursuits. However, nectar is not their sole sustenance; these feisty foragers occasionally indulge in protein-rich insects, caught mid-flight with precision and grace.

Over the years, Missouri’s inhabitants have become ardent protectors of these luminous gems. Encouragingly, individuals have set up hummingbird-friendly habitats, complete with native flowers and sugar-water feeders, to support the hummingbird population during migration and nesting seasons.

As stewards of the environment, conservationists and volunteers collaborate to create awareness about the importance of preserving natural habitats and avoiding the use of harmful pesticides that may threaten these delightful creatures. Their conservation history is one of triumph, with the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird’s population flourishing and their captivating presence continuing to grace the state with a touch of ethereal enchantment.

2. Calliope Hummingbird

• Scientific name: Selasphorus calliope
• Life span: 3-7 years
• Size: 2.75-3.25 in
• Weight: 2-4 g
• Wingspan: 3.5-4.3 in
• Status: Least Concern           

Known for its enchanting beauty, the Calliope boasts an iridescent plumage that glimmers in hues of green and pink, adorning its delicate frame like a living gem. Amongst its fellow hummingbird brethren, the Calliope stands out with its distinctive magenta throat, an exquisite splash of color that leaves observers mesmerized.

Despite its small size, this charismatic avian luminary captivates hearts and skies alike, adding an irreplaceable touch of wonder to its natural habitat.

This tiny avian architect, despite its size, crafts intricate and camouflaged nests in the most unlikely nooks, hidden amidst the lush foliage. Utilizing plant fibers, moss, and spider silk, the Calliope creates a snug sanctuary for its two petite, pearly eggs. With maternal devotion, the female nurtures her precious brood, shielding them from prying eyes and unpredictable weather, ensuring their safety until they fledge and embark on their own airborne adventures.

Among the wildflower-carpeted landscapes of Missouri, the Calliope Hummingbird assumes the role of nature’s nectar gourmand. Gracefully hovering with iridescent brilliance, they revel in the sweet bounty of nectar-rich blooms.

Their slender beaks and deftly coiled tongues are perfect tools for extracting the floral elixir that fuels their boundless energy. In addition to their nectar feasting, these agile foragers perform incredible aerial acrobatics to snatch tiny insects mid-flight, adding a dash of protein to their diet and embodying the concept of ecological balance in motion.

Throughout Missouri’s history, the Calliope Hummingbird has been a symbol of harmony between nature and humanity. Conservation efforts are woven into the state’s fabric, as passionate individuals and organizations join hands to protect these delicate gems and their habitats.

Native plant restoration projects, educational campaigns, and the establishment of wildlife corridors have collectively contributed to their survival and prosperity. With every action taken to safeguard the Calliope Hummingbird, Missourians continue to pen a tale of environmental harmony, ensuring that future generations can revel in the vibrant splendour of these precious winged wonders.

3. Rufous Hummingbird

• Scientific name: Selasphorus rufus
• Life span: 3-5 years
• Size: 2.75-3.75 in
• Weight: 2.5-4.5 g
• Wingspan: 3.5-4.3 in
• Status: Least Concern           

In the vast expanse of North America, the Rufous Hummingbird roams like a lively flame, adorning the landscapes with its dazzling presence. This spirited traveler embarks on an epic migratory journey, spanning from the northern reaches of Alaska to the sun-kissed realms of Mexico.

Renowned for its fiery splendor, the Rufous boasts a strikingly vibrant plumage, characterized by a radiant orange-brown hue, earning it the nickname “flying jewels.” An astonishing fun fact: despite its diminutive size, this tenacious hummingbird covers astonishing distances, logging up to 3,900 miles during its migration, leaving birdwatchers in awe of its indomitable spirit.

The Rufous Hummingbird exhibits a distinct nesting behavior, embracing its solitary nature with finesse. The resourceful female single-handedly fashions a snug, cup-shaped nest using a blend of plant materials and delicate spider silk, usually finding a discreet spot on a branch or within a shrub.

Skillfully camouflaged with lichen and moss, these miniature sanctuaries provide a secure haven for the eggs and tender hatchlings. The dutiful mother diligently tends to her brood, incubating the eggs and nurturing the chicks until they are ready to take flight on their own.

This hummingbird species boasts a diverse and delectable diet, indulging in nectar from an array of flowering plants, including the enchanting penstemons and delightful salvias. With their slender, curved beaks as tools, they delve deep into the floral hearts, savouring the nectar like connoisseurs of sweetness.

Embracing a culinary adventure, they add small insects and spiders to their menu, providing essential protein and nutrients for their bustling lives. Swift in flight and graceful in their ability to hover, they navigate efficiently to reach their nectar-filled destinations.

However, the Rufous Hummingbird faces conservation challenges in the ever-changing world. Habitat loss, the relentless impact of climate change, and competition with fellow hummingbird species pose threats to their existence.

In a united effort, conservation initiatives focus on safeguarding and restoring their precious habitats, particularly along their vital migration routes. Advocating for the planting of native flowering plants and setting up supplemental feeders play key roles in sustaining their nectar sources during crucial migration and breeding periods.

4. Anna’s Hummingbird

• Scientific name: Calypte anna
• Life span: 4-6 years
• Size: 3.9-4.3 in
• Weight: 2-6 g
• Wingspan: 4.7-5.9 in
• Status: Least Concern           

Amid the enchanting tapestries of the Americas, where blossoms paint the scenery and the air hums with vitality, four exquisite hummingbird species reign supreme, each bearing its distinct allure. Adorned in emerald-green plumage, it dons a resplendent pink-red crown that glimmers like a jewel under the sun’s caress.

Here’s a delightful secret: the Anna’s Hummingbird boasts a gift for the art of vocalization, unleashing an array of unique songs and calls to fiercely protect its cherished territory, adding a harmonious dimension to its captivating charm.

In Missouri, Anna’s Hummingbird displays interesting nesting behavior, opting for unique sites like shrubs, trees, and even human-made structures like hanging baskets and eaves. The female constructs a cup-shaped nest using plant fibers, moss, and spider silk, camouflaging it with lichens and bits of bark.

Males engage in courtship displays, performing aerial dives and chirping loudly to attract mates. Females incubate the eggs for about two weeks, and both parents share the responsibilities of feeding and caring for the young.

Anna’s Hummingbirds boast a diverse palate, feasting on nectar, insects, and tree sap. They display their adaptability by visiting a variety of flowering plants, including local favourites such as red yucca and desert honeysuckle, to extract nectar. Their distinctive features, like long, slender bills and specialized tongues, enable them to reach deep into flowers.

These agile creatures also demonstrate their precision by snatching insects right out of the air. Another interesting aspect of their diet is their ability to tap into tree sap by puncturing the bark of specific trees to access the sweet liquid.

Remarkably, Anna’s Hummingbirds thrive in Missouri, and their populations have maintained stability. However, the places they prefer, such as coastal scrublands and urban gardens, face threats like habitat loss and fragmentation. To safeguard these delightful birds, conservation efforts concentrate on preserving native plant species, creating suitable habitat corridors, and spreading awareness about the significance of providing food and shelter for them.

Collaborating with local communities, various organizations in Missouri are actively establishing hummingbird-friendly gardens and encouraging the use of native plants, ensuring that future generations can cherish the presence of Anna’s Hummingbirds.

Where to look for Hummingbirds in Missouri

Missouri, nestled in the heart of the United States, provides nature enthusiasts with ample opportunities to observe the mesmerizing beauty of hummingbirds in their natural habitat. To encounter these delightful winged wonders, one must venture into regions abundant with nectar-rich flowers and sheltering vegetation.

• Botanical Gardens and Nature Centers: Botanical gardens and nature centers in Missouri are havens for hummingbirds. With well-maintained gardens boasting an array of native and ornamental flowering plants, these places provide a perfect setting to witness these tiny aviators in action.
• National Wildlife Refuges: Wildlife refuges like Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge and Mingo National Wildlife Refuge offer undisturbed habitats for hummingbirds to thrive. Migratory stopovers during spring and fall showcase an impressive gathering of these enchanting creatures.
• State Parks: Many of Missouri’s state parks, such as Katy Trail State Park and Roaring River State Park, provide serene settings for observing hummingbirds. Trails adorned with wildflowers and secluded areas near water sources attract these delicate marvels.
• Home Gardens: Creating a hummingbird-friendly garden is a rewarding way to attract these tiny visitors. Planting native flowers like bee balm, cardinal flower, and trumpet vine alongside hummingbird feeders ensures a regular presence of these charming guests.

To maximize chances of hummingbird sightings, visit these areas during their peak activity times – typically early morning or late afternoon. Patience is key, as these agile fliers may flit in and out of view swiftly. Binoculars and a comfortable seating spot can enhance the observation experience.

Conclusion

From the vibrant botanical gardens to the serene national wildlife refuges, these tiny avian wonders leave a lasting impression on all who seek to observe them. As they flit and hover amidst the nectar-rich flowers, hummingbirds reveal their tenacity and charm, showcasing the delicate balance between humans and nature.

Preserving their habitats and creating hummingbird-friendly gardens are steps towards ensuring the timeless enchantment of these aerial acrobats continues to grace the landscapes of Missouri for generations to come.