Oregon is home to some of the most vibrant and fascinating creatures on Earth, and among them, the hummingbird stands out as a true marvel. These tiny, jewel-like birds bring flashes of color and bursts of energy to gardens, forests, and backyards across the state. Their wings beat so fast they seem to blur, creating a hum that gives them their name.
Whether they’re hovering in mid-air to sip nectar from flowers or darting swiftly from one bloom to the next, hummingbirds are a sight to behold. In Oregon, these little wonders can be found from the coast to the mountains, each species with its own unique charm. As the seasons change, they migrate, following the flowers that fuel their incredible energy.
In this article, we’ll explore the different hummingbirds you might encounter in Oregon, and what makes these tiny birds so extraordinary.
1. Broad-Tailed Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Selasphorus platycercus
- Life span: 7-12 years
- Size: 3.5-4.3 in
- Weight: 3-5 g
- Wingspan: 4.7-5.5 in
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds are primarily found in the high elevations of the western United States, including the Rocky Mountains, with some extending into Oregon during migration. The male Broad-Tailed Hummingbird is distinguished by its shimmering green upperparts and the striking rose-magenta gorget, which adds a splash of color to its otherwise subtle appearance. When in flight, their wings produce a distinctive metallic trilling sound, a result of their wingbeat speed and structure.
Females lack the vibrant gorget but have a lovely mix of green and white feathers, making them equally enchanting. These hummingbirds typically breed in mountain meadows and open woodlands, where they take advantage of the abundance of flowers. Their appearance in Oregon is more transient, usually seen during the spring and fall migration as they move between their breeding and wintering grounds.
Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds prefer nesting at high elevations, often choosing sheltered spots on tree branches or shrubs near water. The female constructs the nest using plant fibers and spider silk, creating a small, resilient structure. She lays two eggs, which she incubates for 14 to 17 days. The nest’s placement in higher altitudes reflects the bird’s adaptation to cooler climates and ensures the chicks’ survival in these challenging environments.
Broad-Tailed Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from alpine and woodland flowers like columbine and penstemon. They also consume insects and spiders for protein, especially during the breeding season. Their diet supports their energetic lifestyle, particularly in higher elevations. This mixed diet not only sustains them but also aids in pollinating the plants they visit, making them integral to their ecosystems.
Conservation of the Broad-Tailed Hummingbird focuses on protecting high-elevation breeding habitats, threatened by climate change and human activity. Efforts include habitat preservation and public education on minimizing pesticide use.
Although currently stable, ongoing conservation is vital to ensure that these birds continue to thrive in their mountainous environments. Protecting these habitats is essential for maintaining healthy Broad-Tailed Hummingbird populations.
2. Black-Chinned Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Archilochus alexandri
- Life span: 3-6 years
- Size: 3-4 in
- Weight: 2.5-4.5 g
- Wingspan: 4.3-5.1 in
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
The Black-Chinned Hummingbird is primarily found in the southwestern United States, extending into Oregon during the breeding season. This hummingbird is less vibrant than others, yet it has a unique charm. The male features a black chin, bordered by a thin band of iridescent violet, which contrasts with its metallic green upperparts.
The female lacks the distinctive throat coloration, instead, she is more subtly marked with pale underparts and a green back. This species often prefers habitats like riparian corridors, desert washes, and oak woodlands, making it more common in the arid regions of the state. Its subtle yet distinctive appearance, along with its characteristic tail bobbing while perched, makes the Black-Chinned Hummingbird an interesting sight for bird enthusiasts who venture into its range.
Black-Chinned Hummingbirds prefer nesting in shaded areas like tree branches or dense shrubs. The female builds the nest using plant down, spider silk, and lichen, creating a well-camouflaged and sturdy structure. She lays two eggs, which she incubates for 13 to 16 days. The nest’s location is crucial for protection from predators and weather. This hummingbird’s nesting behavior reflects a careful balance of security and accessibility to food sources.
Black-Chinned Hummingbirds feed on nectar from tubular flowers like trumpet vine and desert willow, as well as insects and spiders for protein. Their diet supports their high metabolism, enabling their rapid wingbeats and energy needs. They are also known to adapt their diet based on available resources, which is crucial for survival in arid regions. This diet allows them to thrive in diverse environments.
Conservation efforts for the Black-Chinned Hummingbird focus on protecting riparian areas and desert habitats, which are increasingly threatened by human activity. Although not currently at risk, preserving these habitats is essential for their continued survival. Public education and the promotion of native plant gardening have helped stabilize their populations, particularly in the southern parts of Oregon, where they breed and migrate.
3. 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 common
Calliope Hummingbirds are the smallest breeding birds in North America, and they pass through Oregon during their migration to and from breeding grounds in the mountainous regions of the western United States and Canada. Despite their small size, they are quite striking, especially the males, who boast vibrant magenta streaks on their throats that fan out into a striking display.
Their backs are a glossy green, and their underparts are white, creating a contrast that is visually appealing. Females are less colourful, with pale underparts and a greenish back, but they share the same petite, delicate build. These hummingbirds are often found in open woodlands, mountain meadows, and even alpine regions during the breeding season, and they pass through a variety of habitats in Oregon during migration.
The Calliope Hummingbird builds its nest in well-hidden locations, often in coniferous trees near water. The female constructs a tiny cup-shaped nest from plant fibers and spider silk. She lays two eggs and incubates them for 15 to 18 days. The small size and careful placement of the nest are crucial for protecting the chicks from predators. This nesting behavior ensures the survival of the species in their preferred mountain habitats.
Calliope Hummingbirds feed primarily on nectar from flowers like Indian paintbrush and columbine, favoring tubular shapes. They also consume small insects and spiders, providing necessary protein during breeding. This diet supports their high-energy lifestyle and plays a vital role in pollinating the plants they visit. Their ability to adapt to available resources is key to thriving in mountain meadows and open woodlands.
Conservation efforts for the Calliope Hummingbird focus on protecting its breeding and migratory habitats, particularly in mountain meadows and woodlands. Habitat loss due to logging and climate change poses significant threats. While not endangered, ongoing conservation is essential for ensuring its survival. Public awareness and habitat preservation efforts are critical to maintaining healthy populations and supporting their incredible migrations.
4. 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 common
The Rufous Hummingbird is one of the most aggressive and hardy of all hummingbird species, with a range that extends from the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon, up through Canada and Alaska during the breeding season. The male Rufous Hummingbird is unmistakable with its brilliant orange-red body, throat, and tail, which glow like a fiery ember in the sunlight.
The female is less flamboyant, with greenish upperparts and rufous-washed sides, but she still carries hints of the fiery hues on her tail and flanks. This species is known for its incredible long-distance migration, traveling thousands of miles between its breeding grounds and its wintering areas in Mexico.
In Oregon, they are often seen in spring and summer, particularly in gardens and meadows where flowering plants are abundant.
Rufous Hummingbirds build their nests in shrubs or low trees, often choosing locations with good cover. The female constructs a small, well-camouflaged nest using moss, plant down, and spider silk. She lays two eggs, which she incubates for 12 to 14 days. The nest’s construction and placement are crucial for protecting the chicks from predators and harsh weather, ensuring their survival in diverse habitats across their range.
Rufous Hummingbirds have a diet that primarily consists of nectar from various flowering plants, especially those with tubular shapes. They are also known to consume insects and spiders, providing the necessary protein, particularly during the breeding season. This diet supports their incredible energy levels, especially during their long migrations. Their ability to adapt to different food sources makes them successful travelers across diverse environments.
Rufous Hummingbirds face conservation challenges due to habitat loss along their migratory routes and breeding grounds. Efforts to protect these areas are crucial for their survival, especially considering their extensive migrations. Conservation programs focus on preserving habitats, minimizing pesticide use, and raising public awareness. Despite these challenges, Rufous Hummingbirds continue to be a resilient species, but ongoing efforts are essential to ensure their future.
5. 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: Breeding and common
Anna’s Hummingbird is a year-round resident along the Pacific Coast, from Southern California to parts of southern Canada, including Oregon. This hummingbird is known for its striking appearance, with males displaying a vivid iridescent rose-red throat and crown that catches the light beautifully.
The female is less vibrant, with a mostly greenish back and a slightly speckled throat, but she still carries a subtle elegance. Both sexes have a metallic green body and grayish-white underparts. Unlike many other hummingbirds, Anna’s is often seen perched openly, allowing for better observation.
Their adaptability to urban environments means they are frequently spotted in gardens, parks, and even urban areas, where they hover near feeders or native plants.
Anna’s Hummingbird exhibits careful nesting behavior, with the female constructing the nest alone. She typically chooses a sheltered spot in a shrub or tree, often near a food source. The nest is a small, cup-shaped structure made of plant down and spider silk, allowing it to stretch as the chicks grow.
The female lays two eggs and incubates them for about two weeks. Once hatched, the chicks are fed a mix of nectar and insects. These nests are well-camouflaged, often reused or refurbished in subsequent seasons.
Anna’s Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from various flowering plants and are often seen hovering near feeders. They also consume small insects and spiders, which provide essential proteins, especially during the breeding season. Interestingly, they sometimes visit sap wells created by sapsuckers. Their adaptable diet, including urban environments, supports their survival and helps pollinate many native plants, making them a crucial part of their ecosystem.
Anna’s Hummingbird’s range has expanded due to human influences like ornamental plantings and feeders, making them year-round residents in Oregon. While generally thriving, conservation efforts focus on maintaining habitats and minimizing pesticide use to ensure healthy populations. Their adaptability to urban environments has made them a conservation success story, thriving in the face of habitat changes and urbanization.
6. Allen’s Hummingbird
- Scientific name: Selasphorus sasin
- Life span: 5-8 years
- Size: 3-3.75 in
- Weight: 2-4 g
- Wingspan: 3.5-4 in
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
Allen’s Hummingbird is primarily found along the coastal regions of California, with some individuals extending their range into southern Oregon. This species is very similar in appearance to the Rufous Hummingbird, but with subtle differences. The male Allen’s Hummingbird is characterized by its vibrant orange-red throat, green back, and rusty-orange underparts and tail.
The female is more subdued, with greenish upperparts and pale underparts, but she retains the orange tones on her tail. These hummingbirds are typically associated with coastal scrub and chaparral habitats, where they find the flowers they need to thrive. Allen’s Hummingbirds are known for their aggressive behavior, particularly during the breeding season, when males perform dramatic aerial displays to defend their territory.
Their presence in Oregon is relatively rare, making sightings of this vibrant species a special occasion for birdwatchers.
Allen’s Hummingbirds typically nest in coastal scrub and chaparral habitats. The female builds a small, cup-shaped nest using plant fibers, spider silk, and moss, often placing it on a low branch or shrub. She lays two eggs and incubates them for about 17 days. The nest’s construction and location are crucial for protecting the chicks from predators and coastal weather, ensuring their survival in these specific environments.
Allen’s Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from flowers like fuchsia and currant, favoring those with tubular shapes. They also consume small insects and spiders, providing essential proteins, especially during the breeding season. This diet supports their energetic lifestyle and plays a key role in pollinating coastal plants. Their adaptability to different food sources, including feeders, helps them thrive in their limited range along the West Coast.
Allen’s Hummingbird faces conservation challenges due to habitat loss in its coastal range. Efforts to protect and restore these habitats are crucial for their survival, especially in areas affected by urban development. Conservation programs focus on habitat preservation, public education, and reducing pesticide use. Despite these challenges, Allen’s Hummingbirds remain a resilient species, but continued efforts are essential to ensure their long-term survival along the Pacific Coast.
Where to look for Hummingbirds in Oregon
If you’re looking to catch a glimpse of Oregon’s hummingbirds, you’re in for a treat. These tiny, vibrant birds can be found in various habitats across the state, from coastal gardens to forested mountains. To spot them, your best bet is to head to areas rich in flowers, especially those with tubular blooms like fuchsias, honeysuckle, and columbine, which provide the nectar they crave. Bringing along a pair of binoculars can help you catch their rapid movements and intricate details.
One great spot is the Portland Audubon Society’s Nature Sanctuary, where you can walk through lush gardens and enjoy the buzzing activity of hummingbirds up close. Another prime location is the Mt. Hood National Forest, particularly in spring and summer when wildflowers are in full bloom. If you’re near the coast, Cape Perpetua offers a chance to see these birds while enjoying stunning ocean views.
Lastly, the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in southern Oregon is a fantastic area, where the mix of diverse plant life and scenic beauty makes it perfect for hummingbird watching.
Wherever you go, remember to be patient and still; these little birds are fast and often shy, but with a bit of luck, you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable sight.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds in Oregon are a vibrant testament to the state’s rich biodiversity, each species bringing its unique charm to the landscapes they inhabit. From the year-round presence of Anna’s Hummingbird to the seasonal visits of migratory species like the Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds, these tiny birds play a crucial role in pollination and ecosystem health.
Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or a curious observer, Oregon offers numerous opportunities to witness the beauty and resilience of these remarkable creatures. Protecting their habitats ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy the magic of hummingbirds in this diverse region.
