Have you ever watched a hummingbirds dance in mid-air, its wings moving super fast in Ohio state? These small, shiny birds are a joy to see, and Ohio has many kinds of them. But which ones live in Ohio, and where can you find them? Let’s explore the beautiful hummingbirds of Ohio together.
Identifying the Dazzling Hummingbirds of Ohio
When you step outside in Ohio, you might see tiny, jewel-like birds flying around. Two hummingbird species catch your eye because of their bright colors and unique looks: the ruby-throated hummingbird and the rufous hummingbird.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only hummingbird that breeds in the eastern United States, including Ohio. The male has a shimmering red throat that looks almost black in some lights. The female has a white throat and a bright emerald green back, wings, head, and tail that shines in the sun.
These tiny birds are amazing flyers, only 3-3.75 inches long and weighing 2-6 grams. Every spring, they fly from Central America and southern Mexico to Ohio to breed.
Rufous Hummingbird
The rufous hummingbird is a fiery bird with a big personality. Adult males have a stunning copper-orange color and a vibrant red throat. Females have a green upper body, a white belly, and reddish-brown sides and tails.
Though not from Ohio, rufous hummingbirds are seen in the state more often, especially in the fall and winter. These birds, 2.75-3.75 inches long and weighing 2.5-4.5 grams, can handle cold temperatures. They migrate from the Pacific Northwest and southwestern Canada to southwestern Mexico for the winter.
“Hummingbirds are a marvel of evolution, their tiny bodies packed with power, their wings a blur, their hearts racing with life.”
Hummingbirds in Ohio: Where and When to Spot Them
Ohio is a great place for those who love hummingbirds. The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common type found here. They start coming back to Cincinnati in mid-April or early May. These small birds can fly up to 60 mph and are only about 3 to 3 3/4 inches long.
To see hummingbirds, look for them near flowers or nectar feeders. The Ohio Division of Wildlife says ruby-throated hummingbirds love backyard feeders. You can put out sugar water feeders in mid-April in southern Ohio. Hummingbirds are seen all over the state from mid-April in the south to early May in the north.
Other hummingbirds like the rufous hummingbird sometimes visit Ohio, especially in winter. Rare birds like the Mexican violetear and Anna’s hummingbird can also be seen, but they are not common.
| Hummingbird Species | Frequency in Ohio | Distinguishing Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Common | Bright green back and crown, gray-white underside (females), iridescent red throat (males) |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Occasional | Bright orange back and belly, iridescent red throat (males) |
| Mexican Violetear | Rare | Iridescent green head and chest, violet-blue throat and belly |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | Rare | Iridescent black chin, gray-white underside |
| Calliope Hummingbird | Rare | Smallest breeding hummingbird in North America, with iridescent magenta throat |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | Rare | Bright orange-red back, orange-red flanks, iridescent red throat |
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Rare | Iridescent red head and throat, gray-green back, white underside |
To see hummingbirds in Ohio, watch for them in your garden or backyard. While ruby-throated hummingbirds are common, other species might surprise you too.
Feeding Habits and Foraging Behavior
Hummingbirds in Ohio have unique ways of eating and foraging. They love the nectar from flowers that are red or orange. They also eat small insects found near flowers or caught in mid-air.
These birds hover and dart around flowers to get to the nectar. Their fast wing beats help them stay in the air and get the energy they need. What do hummingbirds eat in ohio is key to their survival.
Nectar and Insects
Hummingbirds in Ohio are great at finding flowers with lots of nectar. They use their sharp eyes and spatial skills to pick the best flowers. They also eat small insects like aphids and spiders for extra nutrients.
- Hummingbirds can gain 25-40% of their body weight before starting migration.
- Research indicates that a hummingbird can travel up to 23 miles in one day during migration.
- During migration, hummingbirds may cover up to 500 miles at once when crossing the Gulf of Mexico.
Learning about hummingbirds’ eating habits helps us appreciate them more. You can make your backyard a great place for them by planting nectar-rich flowers or using a feeder. This way, you can watch these amazing birds up close.
“Hummingbirds are a joy to watch as they dart and hover around flowers, their iridescent feathers sparkling in the sunlight. Observing their feeding behavior is a true delight for any nature enthusiast.”
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Hummingbirds in Ohio: Backyard Bird Watching Tips
Want to draw hummingbirds to your Ohio backyard and watch their amazing moves? Here are some easy tips to make your yard a hummingbird paradise. With these steps, you can enjoy these beautiful birds up close.
Set Up Hummingbird Feeders
Putting up hummingbird feeders is a great way to bring these birds to your yard. Use feeders that catch the eye with bright colors, especially red. Fill them with a mix of sugar and water, and put them where you can see them from inside. Make sure they’re safe from the wind and sun, and clean them often to keep the nectar fresh.
Plant Hummingbird-Friendly Flowers
Feeding them isn’t enough; hummingbirds also love flowers full of nectar. Plant flowers like beebalm, wild bergamot, horsemint, and scarlet sage in your Ohio garden. These flowers bloom at different times, offering hummingbirds food all season long. This will keep them coming back to your yard.
Offer Water Sources
Hummingbirds need water for drinking and bathing, just like we do. Add a small birdbath, drip fountain, or fine misting device to your yard. These will not only help the hummingbirds but also other birds, making your backyard a welcoming place for all.
Follow these easy tips to make your Ohio backyard a haven for hummingbirds. You’ll love watching their amazing flight and their sweet visits. Enjoy the magic they bring to your outdoor space.
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Final Thoughts:
Ohio is a paradise for hummingbird fans, with many species that brighten our skies. You can spot the Ruby-throated Hummingbird or the Rufous Hummingbird. Learning about hummingbird species in Ohio and their habits makes bird watching more exciting.
Maybe you love the Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s green wings and red throat. Or maybe the Rufous Hummingbird’s orange-red feathers catch your eye. Learning how to identify hummingbirds in Ohio is a fun challenge. With the right plants and feeders, your backyard can be a hummingbird hotspot.
Ohio’s hummingbirds show how diverse our state’s nature is. By supporting these birds, we help protect their homes. Enjoying hummingbirds in your yard is a way to connect with nature. So, watch closely and appreciate these amazing birds.
