Hummingbirds bring a touch of magic to New Hampshire each spring and summer. These tiny, jewel-like birds are a remarkable sight as they zip through gardens and meadows, their wings moving so fast they create a soft hum. In New Hampshire, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the star of the show, and while they’re small in size, their presence is hard to miss. From late May through early fall, these birds migrate from their wintering grounds in Central America to breed and feed in the region.
Their quick movements and vivid colors are mesmerizing, especially when they hover near flowers or feeders, sipping nectar with precision. Hummingbirds also play an essential role as pollinators, helping local plants thrive. Observing these birds in action is a treat, whether you’re an avid birder or just someone who enjoys the wonders of nature in your backyard.
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
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves in early fall, migrating south by October.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only hummingbird species that breeds in the eastern United States, including New Hampshire. Males are named for their striking iridescent red throats, which contrast beautifully with their metallic green backs and white underparts. Females lack the red throat but share the same shimmering green coloration.
These birds are agile fliers, known for their quick movements and ability to hover effortlessly near flowers. Arriving in New Hampshire in late spring, they bring energy and color to gardens and woodlands, making them a beloved and familiar sight during the summer months.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds construct tiny, cup-shaped nests using plant down and spider silk, which they camouflage with lichens. These nests are usually located on tree branches in wooded areas, blending beautifully into the environment. In New Hampshire, they are common breeders during the summer months. The female alone handles the construction and care of the nest, providing an intimate glimpse of their delicate yet determined nature.
This species thrives on nectar from native flowers and feeders, with its quick movements creating mesmerizing patterns as it hovers. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird also catches small insects in mid-air, supplementing its energy-rich diet. In New Hampshire, its feeding habits are a frequent and joyful sight in gardens, especially those with tubular flowers and sugar-water feeders designed to attract these energetic visitors.
As the only regularly occurring hummingbird species in New Hampshire, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are a symbol of summer. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining pollinator-friendly gardens and protecting natural habitats. Encouraging the planting of native flowers and reducing pesticide use ensures these birds continue to thrive. Their presence serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of wildlife and the importance of preserving biodiversity in even the smallest of species.
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
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Rare vagrant; typically departs by late summer.
The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest hummingbird species in North America, typically found in the western United States and southern Canada. Males are particularly striking, with a unique magenta-streaked throat that stands out against their greenish backs and pale undersides.
Females and juveniles are more muted, with light green backs and creamy bellies. Known for their long migratory journeys, these tiny birds occasionally stray into the eastern U.S., including New Hampshire, as rare visitors. Their delicate appearance and rapid movements make spotting them a rare and treasured experience for bird enthusiasts.
Calliope Hummingbirds create intricate nests, often placed on tree branches sheltered by overhanging foliage. The females construct them using plant fibers and spider silk, ensuring durability and flexibility.
Though primarily western birds, their rare appearances in New Hampshire during migration are exciting for bird enthusiasts. Their nesting habits highlight the precision and care required to raise their young, even in challenging conditions and occasionally in unexpected places.
These tiny birds feed on nectar from wildflowers and feeders, flitting quickly between blooms with precision. Their feeding style is efficient yet graceful, helping to pollinate plants as they move. Insects also play a vital role in their diet, offering essential nutrients. In New Hampshire, these birds are a rare treat, but maintaining flower-rich gardens increases the chance of encountering their vibrant energy during migration.
Calliope Hummingbirds are considered rare vagrants in New Hampshire, and their conservation is closely tied to preserving their natural breeding and migration habitats in the west. Protecting wildflower meadows and ensuring pesticide-free zones support their survival. New Hampshire birders contribute valuable data on these birds’ unexpected travels, helping to map and protect the routes they occasionally take far from their usual range.
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
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Migrates south in late fall, rarely seen after.
The Rufous Hummingbird is a fiery-colored bird that breeds in the Pacific Northwest and parts of Alaska, migrating as far south as Mexico during winter. Males are easily recognized by their bright orange-red plumage, which covers their back and throat, making them one of the most striking hummingbirds.
Females are less vivid, displaying greenish backs with hints of rust on their sides. They are known for their incredible migratory journeys, sometimes appearing as rare visitors in the eastern United States, including New Hampshire. Their bold colors and feisty behavior leave a lasting impression wherever they’re spotted.
Rufous Hummingbirds build nests high in trees, often in shaded areas with good cover. The females are meticulous, weaving moss and lichen into delicate structures held together with spider silk. Though rare in New Hampshire, their nesting is a marvel of precision and resourcefulness.
Each nest blends perfectly into its surroundings, offering protection from predators and the elements. When these birds occasionally appear, it’s often during migration, showcasing their incredible adaptability.
Rufous Hummingbirds are known for their determined energy, sipping nectar from tubular flowers and feeders to fuel their long migrations. Their orange-red feathers flash as they hover near blooms, creating moments of unexpected beauty. Protein from small insects complements their sugary diet, ensuring their strength for travel. Although uncommon in New Hampshire, well-placed feeders and gardens rich in native flowers can sometimes lure these fiery wanderers into view.
Rufous Hummingbirds face challenges due to habitat loss along their migration routes. Conservation efforts focus on preserving wildflower meadows and encouraging pollinator-friendly gardening practices.
In New Hampshire, these birds are rare visitors, but sightings contribute to citizen science projects that track their movements. Each documented appearance helps deepen our understanding of this bold and determined hummingbird species.
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
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Rare visitor; may leave during late fall.
Anna’s Hummingbirds are strikingly vibrant birds found primarily along the western coastline of North America, ranging from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Known for their iridescent plumage, males showcase dazzling pinkish-red feathers on their throat and head, which shimmer brilliantly in sunlight.
Females are more subdued, with grayish-green backs and lighter undersides, though they still retain a hint of elegance. These birds are known for their adaptability, often seen in urban gardens, parks, and natural settings alike. While less common in the eastern U.S., rare sightings in places like New Hampshire highlight their occasional long-distance wanderings.
Anna’s Hummingbirds are creative nest-builders, crafting small, cup-shaped nests from soft plant fibers and spider silk. These are often tucked into tree branches or shrubs, blending seamlessly with their surroundings. The mother carefully lines the nest for her tiny eggs, creating a secure and snug environment.
In rare cases when they appear in New Hampshire, these nests showcase the species’ adaptability and precision, even in unfamiliar terrains far from their primary western range.
These hummingbirds have a sweet tooth, relying on nectar from brightly colored flowers or feeders for their energy needs. They also hunt tiny insects, which provide much-needed protein. Despite their rarity in New Hampshire, sightings near gardens with hummingbird-friendly blooms offer a glimpse of their foraging skills.
Their quick darting movements between blossoms are both mesmerizing and vital for pollination, making them an occasional but valuable visitor to the state.
Anna’s Hummingbirds are a conservation success story, having expanded their range due to increased urban gardens and feeders. Historically confined to the western coast, they’ve adapted to human-altered landscapes. In New Hampshire, their appearances are infrequent and intriguing, but each rare sighting emphasizes the importance of fostering habitats that support these resilient, colorful birds.
Where to look for Hummingbirds in New Hampshire
Finding hummingbirds in New Hampshire is an exciting experience for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the only species found regularly in the state, typically arrives in late spring. These tiny, colourful birds can be spotted in gardens, parks, and woodland edges where flowering plants and feeders attract them.
The key to spotting hummingbirds is patience and a bit of preparation. Look for areas with vibrant blooms or hang a sugar-water feeder in a quiet spot. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times to catch them in action.
One great location is Odiorne Point State Park in Rye, where wildflowers bloom near coastal trails. White Mountains National Forest offers another prime habitat, with its diverse flora providing food and shelter for hummingbirds. For a more local feel, try Mack’s Apples in Londonderry, where gardens and orchards often attract these birds. Finally, Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent spot, combining open fields and forest edges ideal for hummingbird activity. Bring binoculars, and stay still—you’re more likely to see them if you let them come to you. Watching these tiny, dazzling birds flit through the air is a rewarding way to enjoy New Hampshire’s natural beauty.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds in New Hampshire add a touch of magic to the state’s warm months, delighting observers with their dazzling colors and rapid movements. From the common Ruby-throated Hummingbird to rare visitors like Rufous or Calliope Hummingbirds, each sighting is a reminder of nature’s beauty and resilience.
By planting native flowers, setting up feeders, and preserving habitats, residents can support these remarkable birds. Their presence not only enriches gardens but also connects us to the wonders of wildlife.
