New Hampshire, with its rich woodlands, gardens, and blooming wildflowers, provides an inviting habitat for a small but fascinating group of hummingbirds. These tiny, iridescent birds captivate birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike with their incredible flying abilities and vibrant plumage. Despite the state’s northern location, hummingbirds are a seasonal presence here, primarily during the warmer months. In New Hampshire, only a few species are regularly observed, each with unique behaviors and adaptations that allow them to thrive in this northeastern environment.
Scientific Classification
Hummingbirds belong to the family Trochilidae, a diverse group of small, nectar-feeding birds known for their remarkable hovering flight. This family is part of the order Apodiformes, which also includes swifts. In New Hampshire, three hummingbird species are most commonly encountered: the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris), the Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus), and the Calliope Hummingbird (Stellula calliope), which is a rare vagrant to the region.
The Archilochus colubris is the only hummingbird species that breeds regularly in the eastern United States, including New Hampshire. The Selasphorus rufus primarily breeds in the northwestern U.S. and western Canada but migrates eastward during the summer, often appearing at feeders and gardens. The Stellula calliope is the smallest hummingbird in North America and is generally found breeding in the mountainous western U.S. and Canada. Its presence in New Hampshire is rare and typically associated with dispersal or vagrancy.
Geographic Range & Distribution
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common hummingbird in New Hampshire, typically arriving in early May as temperatures begin to rise. This species breeds throughout the eastern United States and southeastern Canada, with its range extending from the Gulf Coast north to southern Canada. In New Hampshire, it frequents woodland edges, gardens, parks, and areas with abundant flowering plants. By late September or early October, these hummingbirds begin their southward migration, traveling across the Gulf of Mexico to winter in Central America, primarily from southern Mexico to Panama.
The Rufous Hummingbird has a breeding range concentrated along the Pacific Northwest, stretching from Alaska through Oregon and northern California. However, during migration, many individuals veer eastward, occasionally reaching as far as New England, including New Hampshire. These birds often visit backyard feeders and floral gardens during their spring and fall migrations. Sightings in New Hampshire are less common compared to the Ruby-throated but are becoming more frequent due to changes in migratory patterns and habitat availability.
The Calliope Hummingbird is primarily a western species, breeding in mountainous areas from Washington and Oregon to Montana and northern California. It migrates southward to winter in Mexico. Its presence in New Hampshire is extremely rare, with sightings typically considered vagrants far outside their normal range. These occurrences may result from weather events or young birds dispersing from their usual migratory routes.
Physical Description
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a small bird, measuring about 7 to 9 centimeters (2.8 to 3.5 inches) in length, with a wingspan of approximately 11 to 13 centimeters (4.3 to 5.1 inches) and weighing between 2.5 to 3.5 grams. Males are known for their striking iridescent ruby-red throat patch, or gorget, which gleams brilliantly in sunlight. Their backs are a shimmering emerald green, and their tails are forked with black tips. Females lack the red throat; instead, they have white underparts and a greenish back, with tail feathers that are banded in white, black, and greenish hues.
The Rufous Hummingbird is slightly smaller but stockier, ranging from 7 to 9 centimeters in length, with a wingspan near 11 to 12 centimeters, and weighing about 3 to 4 grams. Adult males display a bright, iridescent orange-red throat that contrasts with their rufous (rusty) backs and flanks. Their tails are rufous with white tips. Females and immature males have green backs and crowns, with pale, speckled throats and rufous tail feathers tipped in white. Rufous Hummingbirds are renowned for their bold coloration, making them one of the most colorful hummingbirds in North America.
The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest hummingbird species in North America, measuring just 7 centimeters (2.8 inches) in length with a wingspan around 9 to 10 centimeters (3.5 to 4 inches) and weighing only about 2 grams. Males have a distinctive magenta-colored gorget that extends in slender streaks down the throat, contrasting with a green back and white underparts. Females have a greenish back and white throat speckled with faint spots but lack the bright throat markings of males. Their small size and unique throat coloration help distinguish them from other hummingbirds, although they can be confused with Rufous or Broad-tailed Hummingbirds.
Behavior & Diet
Hummingbirds in New Hampshire exhibit fascinating behaviors, especially in feeding and territoriality. All three species are nectarivores, relying heavily on nectar from flowers for energy, supplemented by small insects and spiders for protein. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeds on nectar from native flowers such as bee balm, trumpet creeper, and jewelweed, as well as cultivated garden plants and hummingbird feeders. They are remarkable flyers, capable of hovering in place by rapidly beating their wings at about 50 to 80 beats per second. This hovering ability allows precise feeding from flowers and feeders alike.
The Rufous Hummingbird is known for its aggressive territorial behavior. Males vigorously defend feeding territories, often chasing away other hummingbirds and even larger birds or small mammals from their nectar sources. This boldness is particularly evident during migration when food resources become critical for refueling. Rufous Hummingbirds feed on a wide variety of flowers, favoring those with red and orange tubular blooms, but they also consume small arthropods to meet their dietary needs.
The Calliope Hummingbird, though rarely seen in New Hampshire, shares similar feeding habits with the other two species. It prefers nectar from mountain flowers in its usual range but will utilize feeders when available. Like other hummingbirds, it supplements its diet with small insects and spiders caught on the wing or gleaned from foliage. These tiny birds are also capable of remarkable aerial maneuvers, including backward flight and rapid changes in direction.
Breeding & Reproduction
In New Hampshire, the breeding season for hummingbirds typically begins in late May or early June and extends through the summer months. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the sole species that regularly nests in the region. Males arrive first in early May, establishing and defending territories to attract females. After mating, females build the nest alone, often selecting tree branches or shrubs sheltered by leaves. The nests are tiny, cup-shaped structures made from plant down, spider silk, and moss, measuring just 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter, barely larger than a golf ball. According to Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this species is well documented.
The female lays two tiny white eggs, each about the size of a pea, which she incubates for 12 to 14 days. After hatching, the chicks are altricial—blind, featherless, and entirely dependent on their mother for warmth and feeding. The female feeds the nestlings regurgitated nectar and small insects until they fledge about three weeks later. Typically, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds raise one or sometimes two broods per season before migrating south in the fall. According to RSPB, this species is well documented.
The Rufous Hummingbird breeds much farther west, so its presence in New Hampshire during the breeding season is nearly nonexistent. However, during migration, these birds may be observed courting and feeding actively. The Calliope Hummingbird is similar, breeding in western mountainous regions and not known to breed in New Hampshire. Its rare sightings in the state occur outside of the breeding season or during migration.
Conservation Status
Among New Hampshire’s hummingbird species, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is currently classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This status reflects its wide range and stable population trends. However, like many pollinators, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds face threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change, which can affect the availability of nectar sources and suitable breeding habitats.
The Rufous Hummingbird is also listed as Least Concern, with populations generally stable, though some regional declines have been noted, likely related to habitat alteration and environmental changes along its migratory route. The species’ boldness and adaptability to feeders have helped it maintain numbers, but ongoing monitoring is essential.
The Calliope Hummingbird is similarly categorized as Least Concern. Its population is considered stable, though its limited breeding range and specific habitat requirements in mountainous areas make it vulnerable to localized environmental changes, such as wildfire and logging. The rarity of sightings in New Hampshire means conservation efforts there are limited, but broader efforts in its native range support its continued survival.
Interesting Facts
Hummingbirds are among the most remarkable birds in the world, and those found in New Hampshire are no exception. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird holds the impressive distinction of being the only hummingbird species that routinely migrates across the Gulf of Mexico in a single nonstop flight, covering distances up to 800 kilometers (500 miles). This feat requires extraordinary endurance and energy storage in the form of fat deposits accumulated before migration.
The Rufous Hummingbird is known for its feisty and territorial nature, often dominating larger hummingbird species at feeders. Their bold behavior is a survival strategy to secure vital nectar sources during their long migrations. Many bird enthusiasts enjoy watching their dramatic chases and aggressive interactions in backyard gardens.
A common source of confusion among observers is mistaking hummingbirds for moths, particularly the hawk moths sometimes called “hummingbird moths.” These moths hover and feed on nectar similarly to hummingbirds but can be differentiated by their antennae and slightly different flight patterns.
The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest bird native to the United States, with its delicate size and striking magenta throat streaks making it a jewel among North American birds. Though rare in New Hampshire, its occasional appearances are exciting highlights for local birdwatchers and photographers.
Overall, hummingbirds contribute significantly to pollination in New Hampshire’s ecosystems, aiding in the reproduction of many flowering plants. Their presence in the state, though limited in species variety, enriches the biodiversity and offers endless fascination for those who observe their swift, vibrant visits.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds in New Hampshire offer a glimpse into the delicate balance of migration, adaptation, and survival in a northern temperate environment. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the star resident, reliably returning each spring to breed and delight observers with its iridescent beauty and incredible flight. Meanwhile, the Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds, though less common, add to the diversity and intrigue of the state’s avian fauna. Understanding their taxonomy, range, behavior, and conservation needs enhances appreciation for these remarkable creatures. Protecting their habitats and supporting native flowering plants and safe feeding practices helps ensure that hummingbirds will continue to grace New Hampshire’s landscapes for generations to come.
