The Most Beautiful Hummingbird, Ranked

Choose the Hummingbird you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 18, 2024 06:23
In the world of nature's marvels, hummingbirds hold a special place with their iridescent feathers and rapid, agile flight. Determining the most beautiful among them can spark enthusiastic debates among birdwatchers and nature lovers. That's precisely why having a system to gauge public opinion and see collective preferences emerge is invaluable. By casting a vote for the hummingbird you find most captivating, you contribute to a dynamic, real-time ranking that reflects the preferences of a diverse audience. This engaging experience not only highlights popular choices but also introduces lesser-known species to the wider community, encouraging appreciation and awareness of these stunning creatures.

What Is the Most Beautiful Hummingbird?

  1. 1
    81
    votes
    This hummingbird is considered the most beautiful due to its unique spatula-shaped tail feathers and bright blue and green coloration.
    The Marvelous Spatuletail is a stunning hummingbird species known for its unique and exquisite appearance. It possesses an array of striking features which make it one of the most beautiful birds on earth. Its name comes from the long, spatula-like tail feathers possessed by males, which are thought to be a result of sexual selection.
    • Scientific Name: Loddigesia mirabilis
    • Habitat: Cloud forests of northern Peru
    • Size: Up to 15 cm (including the tail)
    • Weight: Approximately 6-7 grams
    • Plumage: Male: mostly green with vivid turquoise gorget, white underparts, and long, black tail feathers ending in blue-violet spatulas. Female: green with a white breast and undertail coverts.
  2. 2
    27
    votes
    Long-tailed Sylph
    Joseph C Boone · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Known for its long, iridescent blue-green tail feathers, this hummingbird is stunning in flight.
    The Long-tailed Sylph is a breathtaking hummingbird species known for its impressive long tail feathers. With vibrant colors and graceful flight patterns, it is truly a sight to behold. The males of this species are particularly striking, displaying a combination of iridescent green and blue plumage on their bodies, while their elongated tail feathers shimmer with shades of blue and purple. The females have a more subtle appearance, showcasing a mix of green and white feathers. The Long-tailed Sylph is a small-sized hummingbird, measuring around 13 centimeters in length and weighing approximately 6 grams. It is primarily found in the cloud forests of Ecuador and Colombia.
    • Common Name: Long-tailed Sylph
    • Scientific Name: Aglaiocercus kingii
    • Habitat: Cloud forests
    • Geographical Range: Ecuador and Colombia
    • Size: 13 centimeters
  3. 3
    25
    votes
    With its vibrant green, blue, and purple plumage and fiery red throat, this hummingbird is a true standout.
    The Fiery-throated Hummingbird is a stunning species known for its vibrant colors and unique throat pattern. The bird is native to the cloud forests of Costa Rica and Panama.
    • Scientific Name: Panterpe insignis
    • Size: Around 4 inches (10 cm) long
    • Weight: Approximately 0.2 ounces (6 grams)
    • Colors: Shimmering green feathers on the upper parts with a bright red throat and a blue crown
    • Habitat: Cloud forests with high altitudes and dense vegetation
  4. 4
    16
    votes
    Anna's Hummingbird
    Mfield, Matthew Field, http://www.photography.mattfield.com · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Anna's Hummingbird

    John Gould
    The only hummingbird that lives year-round in North America, Anna's Hummingbird has a beautiful iridescent pink and green plumage.
    The Anna's Hummingbird is a strikingly beautiful bird with vibrant plumage and remarkable acrobatic flight abilities. Its iridescent feathers range from metallic green on its back to a shimmering rose-pink on its throat and crown.
    • Scientific Name: Calypte anna
    • Length: 3.9 - 4.3 inches (10 - 11 cm)
    • Weight: 0.1 - 0.2 ounces (3 - 6 grams)
    • Wingspan: 4 - 4.7 inches (10 - 12 cm)
    • Habitat: Western coast of North America, from Canada to Mexico
    Anna's Hummingbird in other rankings
  5. 5
    14
    votes
    Rufous-tailed Hummingbird
    http://www.birdphotos.com · CC BY 3.0
    This hummingbird is known for its long, rufous-colored tail feathers and iridescent green and copper plumage.
  6. 6
    14
    votes
    Violet-crowned Hummingbird
    Dario · CC0
    With its violet crown and iridescent green body, this hummingbird is a stunning sight in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
    The Violet-crowned Hummingbird is a stunning bird known for its vibrant colors and unique features. It is a medium-sized hummingbird with a unique combination of violet and green plumage on its crown and throat. The rest of its body is primarily green, with some shades of blue and gray on its back and tail feathers.
    • Scientific Name: Amazilia violiceps
    • Average Size: Approximately 9-10 cm (3.5-3.9 inches) in length
    • Weight: Approximately 4-6 grams
    • Wingspan: Approximately 11-12 cm (4.3-4.7 inches)
    • Habitat: Native to western Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States
    Violet-crowned Hummingbird in other rankings
  7. 7
    3
    votes
    Black-throated Mango
    http://www.birdphotos.com · CC BY 3.0
    The male of this species has a striking black throat and bright green plumage, making it a standout among other hummingbirds.
    The Black-throated Mango (Anthracothorax nigricollis) is a species of hummingbird known for its striking beauty.
    • Scientific Name: Anthracothorax nigricollis
    • Size: Approximately 11 cm (4.3 in) in length
    • Weight: Approximately 8-10 grams
    • Coloration: Male: Brilliant iridescent green plumage with a black throat. Female: Similar green plumage with a white throat and chest
    • Habitat: Tropical or subtropical forests, gardens, and plantations
  8. 8
    13
    votes
    Ruby-throated Hummingbird
    Pslawinski · CC BY-SA 4.0
    The male of this species has a vibrant ruby-red throat and iridescent green plumage, making it a popular sight in eastern North America.
    The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a small, vibrant bird known for its exquisite appearance and agility in flight. It is considered one of the most stunning hummingbird species.
    • Scientific Name: Archilochus colubris
    • Size: Approximately 3-3.5 inches in length
    • Weight: About 0.1 to 0.2 ounces
    • Coloration: Males have a brilliant ruby-red throat and a vibrant green back. Females have a plain whitish throat and underparts, with green on the back.
    • Wingspan: Around 3.1 to 4.3 inches
    Ruby-throated Hummingbird in other rankings
  9. 9
    10
    votes
    Purple-throated Mountain-gem
    Cephas · CC BY-SA 4.0
    With its shimmering green and purple plumage and distinctive purple throat, this hummingbird is a true gem of the mountain forests of Central and South America.
    The Purple-throated Mountain-gem is a stunning hummingbird species characterized by its vibrant colors and distinctive appearance.
    • Scientific Name: Lampornis calolaemus
    • Common Name: Purple-throated Mountain-gem
    • Color: Shimmering green plumage with iridescent purple throat feathers
    • Size: Approximately 11 cm (4.3 inches)
    • Habitat: Cloud forests in Central America, specifically Costa Rica and Panama
  10. 10
    12
    votes
    This hummingbird has a striking white neck and iridescent green and blue plumage, making it a beautiful sight in the tropical forests of Central and South America.
    The White-necked Jacobin is a stunning hummingbird species known for its vibrant colors and distinctive long tail. It belongs to the family Trochilidae and is scientifically known as Florisuga mellivora. This species is found in the tropical regions of Central and South America.
    • Scientific Name: Florisuga mellivora
    • Family: Trochilidae
    • Region: Central and South America
    • Size: Approximately 12 cm (4.7 in)
    • Weight: 10-12 grams

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Ranking factors for beautiful Hummingbird

  1. Size and Shape
    The size and shape of the hummingbird can also play a role in determining their beauty. Some people may find smaller species more delicate and attractive, while others may prefer larger, more robust species.
  2. Flight and Movement
    A hummingbird's ability to hover, their speed, and their agility in the air is an important factor in determining their beauty. The graceful way they move and feed adds to their overall allure.
  3. Unique Features
    Some hummingbirds have unique features, such as specialized beaks or distinctive tail feathers, which set them apart from other species. These features can greatly contribute to their overall beauty.
  4. Rarity
    The rarity of a hummingbird species can increase its perceived beauty. A species that is rarely seen or one that inhabits specific, hard-to-reach areas may be more highly valued for its beauty.
  5. Behavior and Personality
    Hummingbirds display a wide range of behaviors, from territorial displays to intricate courtship rituals. Observing these behaviors can add to the attractiveness of a particular hummingbird species.
  6. Habitat
    The habitat and ecosystem in which a hummingbird lives can enhance its beauty. A hummingbird living in an exotic or unique environment, like a tropical rainforest or high-altitude mountain range, may be seen as more beautiful compared to those found in more common habitats.
  7. Cultural Significance
    Hummingbird species that hold cultural significance for a particular community, historical period, or belief system may be perceived as more beautiful due to their importance in cultural narratives or symbolism.
  8. Endangered Status
    The conservation status of a hummingbird species can impact its perceived beauty. Species that are endangered or threatened may be seen as more precious and valuable, thus enhancing their allure.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful Hummingbird. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Hummingbird is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2308 views
  • 208 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Hummingbird once every 24 hours. The rank of each Hummingbird is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most beautiful hummingbird

Hummingbirds are known for their vibrant, iridescent colors and unique wing flapping patterns. With over 300 species of hummingbirds, these tiny birds are found throughout the Americas, from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego. Known for their quick movements and impressive agility, hummingbirds are a favorite among bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most beautiful hummingbird species and what makes them so unique. From the stunning Violet-crowned Hummingbird to the vibrant Anna's Hummingbird, there's no shortage of breathtaking hummingbirds to admire.

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