4 Types of Hummingbirds in Maine

Looking for Hummingbirds in Maine? Read the article.

Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures in the bird world. They are incredibly tiny, yet they can fly at high speeds and hover in place with ease. These are the only birds that can fly backward, and can beat their wings up to 80 times per second and are found throughout North and South America.

However, there is one other aspect of Hummingbirds that makes them truly unique: their diet. Unlike other birds, which primarily eat insects, hummingbirds feed almost exclusively on nectar. They rely heavily on nectar, they have evolved long beaks and tongues that allow them to reach deep into flowers to extract the sweet liquid.

They consume large quantities of nectar, meaning that they must visit hundreds of flowers each day to get the energy they need to survive. For these reasons, hummingbirds play an important role in pollination, and they are a vital part of many ecosystems.

They are also able to hover in mid-air, making them seem like tiny helicopters because of their high-pitched “buzzing” sound.

In addition to their aerial prowess, hummingbirds are also known for their bright and colorful plumage. Every year, thousands of people put out hummingbird feeders in hopes of attracting these little birds to their backyards.

Whether you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a hummingbird in flight or simply enjoy watching them from a distance, there is no delaying that these creatures are truly magical.

4 Types of Hummingbirds in Maine

Maine is known for its rocky coastline, picturesque fishing villages, and extensive forests. It is the 12th smallest state in the United States and is the 9th most populous state. This state is also nicknamed the “Pine Tree State”.

In Maine, hummingbirds can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and even urban areas. These energetic little birds require a lot of food to fuel their high metabolism, and they feed on nectar from flowers as well as small insects.

Hummingbirds belong to the Avian family Trochilidae and are native to America. These are tiny attractive birds, with most species measuring 3-5 inches in length.

Even you can attract these birds by displaying hummingbird feeders or you can plant nectar-producing flowers in your backyard.

There are more than 340 species of hummingbirds, and they are found in every part of America. Here are a few more amazing facts about these birds.

• Despite their small size, hummingbirds are powerful flyers; they have been known to reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour in flight.
• The average lifespan of a hummingbird is 5 years.

• Hummingbirds have a very high metabolism and need to eat often. They may eat up to eight times their body weight in food each day!
• No other bird can fly like hummingbirds. They can fly backward, forward, and even upside down! This is possible because their wings can rotate a full 180 degrees.
• Hummingbirds do not suck nectar instead, they lick it with fringed, forked tongues.
• Hummingbirds cannot walk or hop like other birds.
• They can beat their wings up to 80 times per second, and breathe 150 times per minute.
• Hummingbirds come in a variety of colors, including green, blue, red, and orange. Even they are known to change color depending on the angle of the sun.
• A hummingbird egg is about the size of a jellybean and makes up about 5% of the mother’s weight, and amazing fact is that once the chicks hatch, they grow quickly and fledge(leave the nest) after only 3-4 weeks.
• Hummingbird tongues are shaped like W and they can extend out far beyond the break.
• All of these facts make hummingbirds one of the most fascinating creatures in the bird world.

So next time you see a hummingbird zipping around your garden, take a moment to appreciate these incredible creatures. From their bright plumage to their amazing flying skills, they truly are one of nature’s marvels.

Without any further delay let’s see what are those six hummingbirds that are seen most frequently in Maine:

#1 Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus Rufus)

The Rufous Hummingbird is a medium-sized hummingbird found in Maine. It has striking body colors. The head and back are a rich rusty brown, while the sides are orange-red. The tail is dark with Rusty-red corners, and the underparts are pale with a prominent white band on the lower belly.

Females generally have duller plumage than males, but both sexes have an iridescent gorget (throat patch) that flashes green, purple, and pink in the sun.

These beautiful birds typically measure 3-3.5 inches long and weigh around 0.1 ounces. Given their tiny size, they are quite fearless and will aggressively defend their territories from much larger birds.

• Length: 2.8-3.5 in (7-9 cm)
• Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz (2-5 g)
• Wingspan: 4.3 in (11 cm)

The Rufous Hummingbird breeding season lasts from May to August, during which time the male hummingbird will build a nest and attract a mate. The female hummingbird will lay two eggs, which will hatch after about two weeks.

The young birds will fledge after another three weeks, but they will remain with their parents until the following year. during the breeding season, the Rufous Hummingbird feeds on nectar from flowers, as well as small insects. Outside of the breeding season, the hummingbird will migrate to Central America, where it will feed on insects and spiders.

#2 Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a species of hummingbird that is native to North America and Canada. It is the only species of hummingbird that breeds in this region. The bird is named for the distinctive ruby-red throat patch of the male bird. While the female has a white throat with some flecks of red. Both sexes have greenish-white plumage with some dark steaks on the back and wings.

• Length: 2.8-3.5 in (7-9 cm)
• Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz (2-6 g)
• Wingspan: 3.1-4.3 in (8-11 cm)

These birds are among the smallest of all birds, and they are also one of the fastest, with a top speed of up to 30 miles per hour.

The Ruby-throated hummingbird feeds on nectar from flowers and also consumes small insects for protein.

They begin their breeding season in late April or early May through October.

Once the males arrive at the breeding grounds, they establish territories by performing a spectacular aerial display. The female chooses a mate based on the quality of the male’s territory. Once paired up, the male and female work together to build a nest out of plant material, spider webs, and down feathers.

The female lays two eggs per clutch, and both parents help to incubate them. After about two weeks, the chicks hatch and fledge the nest about three weeks later.

The Ruby-throated hummingbird is a popular bird species, not only for their striking appearance but also for their interesting breeding behaviors.

#3 Mexican Violetear ( Colibri thalassinus )

The Mexican Violetear (Colibri thalassinus) is a small hummingbird with a green body and violet-blue wings. The male has a violet throat, while the female has a white throat with two violet stripes. Both sexes have long, black bills and slender bodies. This species is found in Mexico and Central America, where it inhabits highland forests.

• Length: 3.8 – 4.7 in (9.7 – 12 cm)
• Weight: 0.17 – 0.2 oz (4.8 – 5.6 g)

They breed primarily in highland forests, although they can be also found in lowland areas. The nest is built on a branch or vine and is constructed from plant materials such as leaves, twigs, and spider webs. Mexican Violetears typically lay two eggs per clutch. incubation takes around 16 days and is done solely by the female.

Mexican Violetears are primarily insectivores, feeding on a variety of insects including bees, wasps, ants, and beetles. They will also consume nectar from flowers, albeit in smaller quantities than other hummingbird species.

#4 Calliope Hummingbird ( Selasphorus calliope )

The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest bird in North America, with an average length of just over three inches. However, this tiny bird is far from drab, boasting a dazzling array of colors. The upper parts are mostly green, with a reddish-brown wash on the throat and breast.

• Length: 3.1-3.5 in (8-9 cm)3
• Weight: 0.1-0.1 oz (2.3-3.4 g)
• Wingspan: 4.1-4.3 in (10.5-11 cm)

The belly is whitish, and the tail is dark green with white tips. Perhaps the most striking feature of the Calliope Hummingbird is its bright red gorget, which is a patch of feathers that extends from the neck to the breast. This vibrant red plumage is accented by a white band that runs along the lower edge of the gorget.

The Calliope Hummingbird breeds in mountain meadows and forests in the western United States. The female builds a tiny nest made of moss, lichens, and spider silk, which she attaches to a twig or blade of grass. She lays two eggs, which hatch after about two weeks.

Its diet consists primarily of insects and nectar from flowers. In terms of insects, the Calliope hummingbird has been known to eat moths, beetles, and even ants. In terms of nectar, the Calliope hummingbird prefers red, orange blossoms, yellow, white, and pink flowers.

When should hummingbird feeders be put out in Maine?

In Maine, the best time to put out hummingbird feeders is in early May. At this time of year, the weather is starting to warm up and the earliest migrating hummingbirds are beginning to arrive. By putting out feeders early, you can give these weary travelers a much-needed energy boost.

Contrary to popular belief, hummingbirds are not migratory birds. That means that they don’t follow a set schedule for migrating north in the spring or south in the fall. Instead, they tend to stay put all year round.

So if you want hummingbirds in your yard, you need to have a feeder out all year round. Of course, you might see more activity in the warm months, but you’re likely to have at least a few visitors even in the middle of winter.

How long do hummingbirds stay in Maine?

While the length of time that hummingbirds stay in Maine can vary depending on the weather and the availability of food, they typically arrive in late April or early May and stay until mid-September. During this time, they will spend their days feeding on nectar from flowers and small insects. When nightfall comes, they will roost in trees or bushes.

While most hummingbirds will migrate south for the winter, some may stay in Maine if conditions are favorable. However, as the weather gets colder and food becomes scarcer, these birds will eventually head south in search of a more hospitable climate.

When do hummingbirds leave Maine?

Most hummingbirds that spend the summer in Maine will begin to head south in late August or early September. However, some birds may linger into October if the weather is still warm and there is an abundance of food available. While most hummingbirds will migrate alone, it is not uncommon for groups of birds to travel together, often following established routes along coastlines or mountains.

Conclusion

These tiny birds are a joy to watch as they flit around from flower to flower, gathering nectar. If you’re lucky enough to have them in your yard, take some time to enjoy their company. And if you don’t have hummingbirds where you live, be sure to add them to your list of things to see when you come to visit us here in Maine!