Hummingbirds In Virginia: 5 Types and the Plants to Attract Them

Hello Nature Lovers in Old Dominion! Have you ever spotted swirls of bright colors swirling through your garden? You may have seen Virginia’s majestic hummingbirds up close.

These feathered wonders are unlike any bird you’ve ever seen. They are the smallest birds on earth, but don’t let their size fool you. They are also some of the most powerful flying birds. Let’s take a closer look at the most common Virginia hummingbirds and the plants that attract them.

1. Black-Chinned Hummingbird

The Black-throated Hummingbird, scientifically known as Archilochus alexandri, is an attractive, colorful bird found in several parts of the United States, including various parts of Virginia. These small but agile birds are identifiable by the shimmering green plumage and distinctive black chins that gave them their name.

Black-throated Hummingbirds are most active in western Virginia during the warmer months, usually in late spring and early fall. These birds prefer mountainous areas where the climate and vegetation provide suitable conditions for their habitat. Their agility and agility make it a joy to watch them fly around flowers, shrubs and trees in search of nectar.

To attract these adorable hummingbirds to your outdoor space, consider planting a variety of flowering plants that provide abundant sources of nectar. Black-throated hummingbirds are especially attracted to tubular flowers such as bignonia, beebalm, and sage. These flowers not only provide food in the form of nectar, but also serve as comfortable perches for hummingbirds to rest and observe their surroundings.

In addition to nectar, black-legged hummingbirds also incorporate insects and spiders into their diet to supply essential proteins. Their ability to catch insects in flight demonstrates their remarkable agility and adaptability in terms of feeding habits.

A focus on habitat protection and provision of adequate food sources is critical to ensuring the welfare of black-footed hummingbirds. By growing a variety of native flowers without the use of pesticides, you can help protect these adorable creatures and create a welcoming environment for them.

2. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

The Throttleby Hummingbird, or Archilochus Colubris, is a colorful, brightly colored bird that is common in various parts of the United States, including parts of Virginia. These small, agile creatures are known for their iridescent green wings and the distinctive ruby-red neck spots that distinguish them.

In Virginia, Throated Hummingbirds are very active during the warmer months, usually in late spring and early fall. They are commonly found in gardens, forests, and areas where flowering plants are abundant, where they make their living by collecting nectar.

To attract Thy-throated Hummingbirds to your Virginia garden or outdoor space, consider planting a variety of brightly colored tubular flowers. Like black-throated hummingbirds, these birds are particularly attracted to flowers that provide abundant nectar, such as bignonia, bee balm, and cardinal flowers. These flowers not only provide a nutritious food source, but also serve as perches for hummingbirds to rest between feeding.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds are primarily nectar feeders but also rely on insects and spiders for essential protein. Their agile and rapid flight patterns allow them to catch insects mid-air, showcasing their impressive hunting skills.

Maintaining a pesticide-free environment and encouraging the establishment of native blooming plants are essential for the welfare of Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds. By doing this, you may help to preserve these amazing birds and make their environment more habitable.

3. Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope, known as the Calliope hummingbird, is a distinctive small bird found throughout North America, including parts of Virginia. The colorful plumage and distinctive features of these small, agile birds make them a desirable sight for birdwatchers.

Calliope’s Hummingbirds are most active in Virginia during the warm season, which usually lasts from late spring through early October. It is common in foothills, especially in the western part of the state, where it thrives in environments rich in flowering plants.

If you want to attract calliope hummingbirds to your garden or outdoor space in Virginia, consider using a variety of flowering plants that provide large amounts of nectar. These birds are especially attracted to flowers such as penstemons, aquilegia and scarlet gillias. These flowers not only provide a nutritious source of nectar, but also serve as perches for hummingbirds to rest and observe their surroundings.

Calliope hummingbirds feed primarily on nectar, but incorporate insects and spiders into their diet to meet their protein needs. Their amazing agility and quick movements allow them to catch insects in the air, which underscores their hunting abilities.

4. Rufous Hummingbird

The Selasphorus rufus, also known as the rufus hummingbird, is a rare and remarkable bird species prized for its colorful plumage and swift flight. These small birds can be identified by their bright orange-red back feathers that give them a fiery appearance.

The breeding season for red hummingbirds in Virginia is from late spring through early October. Even if they are not locals, they pass through the area regularly on their travels. These birds are often found in gardens, forests, and other places with many flowering plants, in search of a nectar supply for their energetic flight.

If you want to attract red hummingbirds to your outdoor space in Virginia, consider using multiple flowering plants that provide abundant and reliable sources of nectar. These birds are especially attracted to flowers such as trumpet vine, aquilegia, and coral honeysuckle. These flowers not only provide food in the form of nectar, but also serve as perches for hummingbirds to rest between feedings.

5. Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna’s Hummingbird or Calypte anna is an attractive and recognizable bird species known for its striking appearance and agile flight. These tiny creatures are easily recognized by the bright iridescent feathers that cover their heads and necks, featuring shades of green and pink.

Anna’s Hummingbirds are not native to Virginia, but they are occasionally sighted in the state during the colder months. Their presence adds color and charm to gardens and outdoor areas that actively seek out nectar sources to maintain energetic flight.

In Virginia, Anna’s Hummingbirds are most active in urban and suburban environments with bird feeders and flowering plants. They are attracted to a variety of nectar-producing flowers such as sage, fuchsia, and coral honeysuckle. However, it does not depend on any particular flower type. These flowers serve as a resting place for the birds while also providing them with the vital food they need.

Anna’s hummingbird feeds primarily on nectar, but also includes insects and spiders in its diet as protein sources. Their agile flight patterns allow them to catch insects in the air and show off their great hunting skills.

The Anna’s Hummingbird, like the Rufus’ Hummingbird, is not a permanent resident of Virginia, but its occasional appearance during the cold season lends a magical touch to the local environment. Increase your chances of seeing these adorable birds by setting up a hummingbird feeder filled with a mixture of sugar water (1 part sugar: 4 parts water) and creating a cozy garden with a variety of flowers. I can.