Hummingbirds are tiny, beautiful birds that captivate people with their speedy flight and jewel-toned colors. New Jersey is home to several species of hummingbirds that pass through the state each year on their migration routes or stay to nest during the summer months.
There are 17 different species of hummingbirds found in the United States and Canada. Of these, 8 species regularly occur in New Jersey either as summer residents, migrants, or rare visitors. The main hummingbirds found in New Jersey each year are the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Allen’s Hummingbird, and the Calliope Hummingbird.
Hummingbirds are the smallest birds found in New Jersey. They have very high metabolisms and rapid heart rates, requiring them to eat frequently throughout the day to maintain their energy. Their diet consists mainly of nectar from flowers and tree sap. Hummingbirds also eat small insects as a source of protein.
To attract hummingbirds to gardens and properties, people will set up bird feeders with sugar water (1 part sugar to 4 parts water). Adding red food coloring to the mixture can help make it more attractive to the birds. Hummingbird feeders are specially designed to accommodate the birds’ long slender beaks and tongues.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the hummingbird species regularly seen in New Jersey:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common and widely distributed hummingbird in eastern North America. As its name suggests, the adult male has a bright metallic ruby red throat. The female lacks the red throat patch and is more white underneath.
Length: 2.8-3.5 in
Wingspan: 3.1-4.3 in
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only breeding hummingbird in the eastern United States. They migrate through New Jersey each spring and fall, with some birds stopping to nest during the summer months. Their breeding range covers much of the eastern United States and southern Canada.
Ruby-throats start arriving in New Jersey in early April on their spring migration. The males usually arrive first, scoping out the best food sources and establishing feeding territories. Females follow shortly after. The birds that nest in the state will stay until late September or early October for their fall migration back to Central America.
Preferred habitat includes meadows, gardens, orchards, and forest edges. Ruby-throats are the hummingbirds you are most likely to see visiting backyard feeders in New Jersey.
Identification Tips:
- Metallic green back and crown (head).
- Male has a ruby red throat.
- Female has a white throat and belly.
- Straight thin bill.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird is a small, compact bird with rusty colored plumage on its back and belly. The males are especially bright orange-red in color. This species breeds farther north than other hummingbirds, nesting along the Pacific Northwest coast up into Alaska.
Length: 2.8-3.5 in
Wingspan: 4.3 in
In recent decades, Rufous Hummingbirds have become increasingly common in the Eastern United States during fall migration. Some even spend the winter along the Gulf Coast states. They are regular visitors to New Jersey in the autumn months of September and October, though less frequent in spring.
While Ruby-throats normally depart New Jersey by late October, Rufous Hummingbirds can occasionally still be found in the state through late fall and even winter during rare years. Backyard feeders with sugar water help attract and sustain them on their long migration journey.
Identification Tips:
- Male is bright rusty orange on the back, rump, and belly.
- Green shoulders.
- Female is greener overall with rusty orange on the rump and base of tail.
- Slightly downcurved bill.
Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s Hummingbird is a small green hummingbird with an orange throat and rusty tail feathers. They breed along the Pacific Coast and are rare visitors to the Eastern United States. In New Jersey, they are considered a very rare fall migrant.
Length: 3.5 in
Wingspan: 4.3 in
Allen’s Hummingbirds pass through the Southern United States during their fall migration in August and September as they travel from their summer breeding grounds out west to their winter range in Mexico. Very few make it as far east as New Jersey, only appearing once every few years in the state.
This species is named after Charles Allen who collected the first specimen in California in 1856. Allen’s Hummingbird closely resembles the very similar Rufous Hummingbird and the two can be difficult to distinguish.
Identification Tips:
- Bright orange-red throat.
- Green back.
- Rusty colored tail feathers.
- Slightly downcurved bill.
Calliope Hummingbird
The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest breeding bird in North America. They have bright magenta-colored throats (males) and are bronze-green on the back. Breeding occurs in the mountain regions of western North America. Calliopes pass through New Jersey very rarely during fall migration.
Length: 2.75-3.25 in
Wingspan: 4.1 in
This tiny hummingbird migrates north all the way to Alaska for the summer before heading south to winter in Mexico. Most Calliope Hummingbirds do not venture far inland during migration, but a few may wander east to the Atlantic Coast, reaching New Jersey only on very rare occasions. They would be most likely found in the state during September and October.
The Calliope Hummingbird is named after the musical muse Calliope from Greek mythology.
Identification tips:
- Smallest hummingbird in North America.
- Male has brightly colored magenta throat.
- Female has white, speckled throat.
- Bronze-green back.
Other Rare and Vagrant Hummingbird Species in New Jersey
In addition to the main species already covered, several other hummingbird species have been spotted rarely over the years in New Jersey:
- Broad-billed Hummingbird – Dark green back. Reddish bill with a wide base. Breeds in Mexico and southwestern U.S. Rare fall vagrant.
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird – Green back with a red throat and belly band. Breeds in western North America. Accidental in fall.
- Buff-bellied Hummingbird – Olive green upperparts. Buffy orange underparts. Breeds in south Texas and Mexico. Very rare in fall along Atlantic coast.
- Rufous/Allen’s Hybrids – Intermediate between the two species. Extreme rarities.
These unusual west coast species are considered accidental vagrants when found in New Jersey, sometimes being blown off course by storms during migration. Some may also wander intentionally, exploring new areas outside their normal range.
Best Time to See Hummingbirds in New Jersey
Here’s a look at when you are most likely to spot each hummingbird species in New Jersey throughout the year:
Spring Migration
- April – Peak migration of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds moving through the state heading north to breeding grounds.
- May – Some Ruby-throats stop to nest in the state throughout the summer.
- Rare chance for Rufous Hummingbirds.
Summer Residents
- June-August – Ruby-throated Hummingbirds nesting.
- Rufous Hummingbirds occasionally summer in the state.
Fall Migration
- August-September – Peak migration period, with the widest diversity of species possible as birds pass through on their southbound journeys. Best chances for Rufous, Allen’s, and rare stray western hummingbirds.
Winter
- December-February – Very few hummingbirds, mostly Ruby-throats on rare occasions. Rufous Hummingbirds sometimes overwinter along the New Jersey coast when food sources allow.
Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard in New Jersey
Here are some tips to make your yard or garden more attractive to hummingbirds in New Jersey:
- Set up nectar feeders – Use red hummingbird feeders with 1:4 ratio sugar nectar solution (1 part sugar to 4 parts water). Refill often and clean feeders regularly to prevent mold.
- Plant native flowers – Hummingbirds are especially attracted to tubular red flowers like bee balm, cardinal flowers, and trumpet vine. Other good choices are nasturtium, zinnias, and columbine.
- Provide small perches – Hummingbirds often rest in between feedings. Place a few small branches or perches near your feeders.
- Supply insects – To get needed protein, hummers eat small spiders and insects. Let some areas of your yard grow a little wild to support this food source.
- Use red components – Red feeders, flowers, and décor help attract the birds since they see the red color spectrum.
- Provide running water – Dripping misters, fountains, or small pools give hummers a fresh water source for bathing and drinking.
- Avoid pesticides – Hummingbirds are sensitive to chemicals. Use organic gardening methods.
With some planning and the right habitat, you can invite these energetic, colorful little birds to visit your home throughout the seasons!
Status and Threats Facing Hummingbirds in New Jersey
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird has a large breeding population estimated at 7 million birds. They increased in number during the 20th century as ornamental gardens providing nectar sources spread across the eastern United States. However, there is evidence of population declines since the 1960s in the core northeast range, possibly due to pesticide use reducing insect food supplies.
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbirds have declined in population by an estimated 63% over the last 50 years across their range. Habitat loss on the wintering grounds in Mexico and climate change impacting their food sources are primary threats. Rufous Hummingbirds face long migrations and depend on finding adequate nectar supplies along their entire route.
Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s Hummingbird numbers appear to be stable currently after increases in the last century expanded their breeding range northward. They face threats from climate change, drought, and development pressure on breeding habitats.
Calliope Hummingbird
The tiny Calliope Hummingbird has a relatively small total population estimated at 170,000 birds. However, no major declines have been observed and their numbers are believed stable. As with other western hummingbirds, they face threats from habitat loss and climate change disrupting breeding cycles.
In general, maintaining adequate food sources along migration routes and safeguarding crucial breeding habitats will be important for the future security of hummingbird populations that pass through New Jersey.
Hummingbird Species | Breeding Range | Migration Status in New Jersey |
---|---|---|
Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Eastern and central North America | Common summer resident and migrant |
Rufous Hummingbird | Pacific Northwest | Uncommon migrant |
Allen’s Hummingbird | California and southwest Oregon | Rare vagrant |
Calliope Hummingbird | Western mountains | Very rare vagrant |
Conclusion
New Jersey provides important habitat along the migration route for hummingbirds each year as the birds travel between their summer and winter homes. At least 8 species of hummingbirds have been recorded in the state, with the Ruby-throated being most regular and abundant, especially during summer nesting months.
To attract these flying jewels to your own yard, provide nectar feeders, flower gardens, water sources, and small perches. During spring and fall migration is the best time to see the diversity of species as they pass through New Jersey on their incredible journeys.