8 Michigan Hummingbird Species (Remarkable Sightings)

Michigan, with its diverse landscapes ranging from the lush forests of the Upper Peninsula to the sprawling farmlands and suburban gardens of the Lower Peninsula, offers a surprisingly vibrant stage for one of North America's most enchanting bird families: the hummingbirds.

While the state may not boast the sheer number of hummingbird species found in the desert Southwest or the tropical regions, it is a crucial breeding ground and migratory stopover for a particular feathered jewel, and occasionally, a rare visitor graces its skies.

The Reigning Monarch: Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)

Without a doubt, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is Michigan's most common and widely recognized hummingbird species. For many Michiganders, the flash of iridescent green and the blur of impossibly fast wings signify the arrival of spring and the warmth of summer. This tiny powerhouse is the only hummingbird species that regularly breeds east of the Rocky Mountains, making its presence in Michigan particularly significant.

Identification:

• Size: Small, measuring about 2.8 to 3.5 inches in length with a wingspan of 3.1 to 4.3 inches. They weigh roughly the same as a penny, a testament to their incredibly efficient metabolism.
• Male: Easily identified by its brilliant, iridescent ruby-red throat (gorget) that can appear black in poor light, contrasting with its emerald green back and crown. Its underparts are whitish with dusky flanks.
• Female: Lacks the red gorget. She is golden-green on her back and crown, with whitish underparts and buffy flanks. Her tail is marked with white tips on the outer feathers, a useful ID feature.
• Flight: Characterized by incredibly rapid wing beats (50-80 times per second), allowing them to hover, fly backward, and even upside down with remarkable precision. Their flight often produces a distinct hum, giving them their name.

Habitat and Diet: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds thrive in a variety of Michigan habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, forest edges, suburban gardens, parks, and orchards. They are particularly drawn to areas with an abundance of nectar-producing flowers.

Their diet is primarily composed of nectar from a wide range of flowers, with a particular preference for red or orange tubular blooms. Common favorites in Michigan include:

• Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
• Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)
• Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
• Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
• Honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.)
• Impatiens (Impatiens spp.)
• Petunias (Petunia spp.)
• Zinnias (Zinnia spp.)

Beyond nectar, which provides essential energy, hummingbirds also consume a significant amount of small insects and spiders. These tiny creatures are crucial for providing protein, fats, and other nutrients, especially for growing nestlings. Hummingbirds will glean insects from foliage, catch them in mid-air, or even snatch them from spiderwebs. Providing a diverse native plant garden not only offers nectar but also supports the insect populations these birds rely on.

Migration and Breeding: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are remarkable long-distance migrants. They spend their winters in Mexico and Central America, and a surprising number also overwinter in Florida and along the U.S. Gulf Coast. The spring migration to Michigan typically begins in late April, with males arriving first to establish breeding territories. Females follow soon after to select mates and begin nesting.

Their nests are miniature architectural marvels: tiny, cup-shaped structures, roughly the size of a golf ball, constructed from plant down, lichen, and held together with spider silk, often camouflaged on a horizontal branch. Females lay two tiny, pea-sized white eggs and are solely responsible for incubation and raising the young. After breeding and raising their broods through the summer, these hummingbirds embark on their southbound migration from late August through September, with most having departed Michigan by early October. Many undertake an incredible non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico, a journey of over 500 miles.

Rare and Accidental Visitors to Michigan

While the Ruby-throated Hummingbird dominates the Michigan scene, the allure of nectar feeders and a slightly off-course migration can occasionally bring other hummingbird species to the state. These sightings are highly anticipated events for Michigan birders and are often documented by local birding groups and the Michigan Audubon Society. The occurrence of these "vagrants" is typically a result of weather patterns, navigational errors, or perhaps an exploratory urge.

The most frequently recorded rare hummingbirds in Michigan, usually during fall or winter, include:

Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)

This species is primarily found in western North America, breeding as far north as Alaska. However, it is the most common "western" hummingbird to show up east of the Rockies, including in Michigan, often as a late fall or early winter visitor. Males are distinctively rufous (rusty-orange) colored, especially on their back and flanks, with a brilliant orange-red gorget. Females are greenish above with rufous flanks and some rufous on the tail.

Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna)

A common resident of the Pacific coast, Anna's Hummingbirds are less frequent visitors to Michigan than Rufous Hummingbirds but have been documented. Males have an iridescent rosy-pink gorget and crown that extends to the nape, while females are duller green with some iridescent spots on the throat. Their presence in colder climates further west, often around feeders, may contribute to their occasional appearances further east.

Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)

Closely resembling the Ruby-throated, the male Black-chinned has a dull black gorget with an iridescent purple band at the bottom, while the female is very similar to the female Ruby-throated. This species is primarily found in the western United States and Mexico, but occasional vagrants have made their way to Michigan.

Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope)

The smallest bird in North America, the Calliope Hummingbird is another western species that has been rarely recorded in Michigan. Males have a stunning striped gorget of magenta feathers, while females are green above with dusky flanks.

Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus)

A high-altitude species of the Rocky Mountains, the Broad-tailed Hummingbird is an extremely rare visitor to Michigan. Males have a rose-magenta gorget and make a distinctive trilling sound with their wings in flight.

Other extremely rare or accidental sightings in Michigan have included species like the Mexican Violetear and the Buff-bellied Hummingbird, further highlighting the unpredictable nature of avian migration and the excitement it brings to dedicated birders.

Attracting and Conserving Michigan's Hummingbirds

For Michigan residents eager to welcome these captivating birds, creating a hummingbird-friendly yard is key.

Tips for Attraction

• Plant Native Flowers: Prioritize native, nectar-rich flowers. Red and tubular shapes are preferred, but hummingbirds will visit a variety of colors and forms. A continuous bloom cycle from spring through fall ensures a steady food supply.
• Hummingbird Feeders: Supplement natural nectar with feeders filled with a simple sugar-water solution (four parts water to one part white granulated sugar). Avoid red dye, as it is unnecessary and potentially harmful to the birds. Clean feeders regularly (every few days, more often in hot weather) to prevent mold and fermentation.
• Provide Perches: Hummingbirds need perches to rest, preen, and survey their territory. Dead branches, clotheslines, or even trellises can serve this purpose.
• Avoid Pesticides: Since hummingbirds rely on insects for protein, avoid using pesticides in your garden that could harm their food source.
• Water Source: While they get moisture from nectar, a shallow water source, like a mister or a very shallow bird bath, can be attractive for bathing.

Conservation Efforts

The health of Michigan's hummingbird populations, particularly the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, is closely tied to the availability of suitable habitat and nectar sources along their migratory routes and in their breeding grounds. Organizations like the Michigan Audubon Society and local nature centers, in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), play a vital role in educating the public about hummingbird conservation. Programs that encourage native plant gardening, responsible feeder practices, and habitat preservation contribute directly to supporting these remarkable birds.