The Most Popular Hummingbird, Ranked

Choose the Hummingbird you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:40
Hummingbirds, with their vibrant colors and rapid wing beats, capture the fascination of many. Yet, their small size and quick movements often make it a challenge for enthusiasts to observe and appreciate each species' unique qualities. A ranked list of the most popular hummingbirds can provide clarity and a better understanding of these creatures, helping observers know which species they might encounter or seek out in their natural habitats. By participating in ranking these exquisite birds, users contribute to a dynamic, community-sourced repository of preferences and popularity. This not only aids in educational and conservation efforts but also enhances the experience of bird watchers by highlighting which species are capturing the most interest. Each vote helps to refine the list, ensuring it remains a timely and accurate reflection of the most admired hummingbirds.

What Is the Most Popular Hummingbird?

  1. 1
    37
    votes
    Ruby-throated Hummingbird
    Pslawinski · CC BY-SA 4.0
    This is the most widespread and commonly seen hummingbird in the Eastern United States. They are known for their iridescent green feathers and striking ruby-red throat.
    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
  2. 2
    34
    votes
    Anna's Hummingbird
    Mfield, Matthew Field, http://www.photography.mattfield.com · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Anna's Hummingbird

    John Gould
    This is a common resident of the western coast of North America, from Alaska to California. They are known for their metallic green feathers and iridescent pink throat.
    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
  3. 3
    33
    votes
    Rufous Hummingbird
    VJAnderson · CC BY-SA 4.0
    This is a migratory bird that breeds in western North America and winters in Mexico. They are known for their vibrant orange-red feathers and long, curved beaks.
    The Rufous Hummingbird is a small migratory bird species known for its vibrant coloration and agile flight. It belongs to the Trochilidae family and is widely regarded as one of the most popular hummingbird species.
    • Scientific Name: Selasphorus rufus
    • Habitat: Western North America, from Alaska to Mexico
    • Size: 3 to 4 inches
    • Weight: 0.1 to 0.2 ounces
    • Wingspan: 3.1 to 4.3 inches
  4. 4
    18
    votes
    Black-chinned Hummingbird
    VJAnderson · CC BY-SA 4.0
    This is a common resident of the western United States and Mexico. They are known for their iridescent green feathers and black chin patch.
    The Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is a small species of hummingbird native to North America. It is named after the distinct black chin patch found on the males. The female Black-chinned Hummingbird lacks the black chin patch and has mostly gray-green plumage. It is known for its ability to hover in mid-air and its rapid wing beats.
    • Scientific Name: Archilochus alexandri
    • Size: 3.5 - 4 inches (9 - 10 cm) in length
    • Weight: 0.1 - 0.2 ounces (3 - 6 grams)
    • Wingspan: 4.7 - 5.1 inches (12 - 13 cm)
    • Plumage: Males: Metallic green upperparts, white underparts, and a black chin patch. Females: Mostly gray-green plumage.
  5. 5
    13
    votes
    Broad-tailed Hummingbird
    Michelle Lynn Reynolds · CC BY-SA 3.0
    This is a common resident of the western United States and Mexico. They are known for their metallic green feathers and distinctive whirring sound made by their wings.
    The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is a small migratory bird species belonging to the family Trochilidae. It is recognized for its vibrant plumage and impressive flying abilities. This hummingbird is primarily found in the western regions of North America, including the United States and parts of Mexico and Canada.
    • Scientific Name: Selasphorus platycercus
    • Average Length: 9 to 10.5 cm
    • Wingspan: 11 to 13 cm
    • Weight: 2.5 to 4.5 grams
    • Coloration: Males have iridescent green feathers, while females have greenish-bronze feathers
  6. 6
    12
    votes
    This is the smallest bird in North America and is found in western North America. They are known for their iridescent green feathers and distinctive high-pitched chirping call.
    The Calliope Hummingbird is one of the smallest bird species and the smallest breeding bird in North America. It is known for its vibrant coloring, enchanting call, and remarkable hovering abilities. The male Calliope Hummingbird has a radiant magenta throat, green back, and a short black bill, while the female displays a more muted color palette.
    • Scientific Name: Selasphorus calliope
    • Average Length: 8 cm (3.1 in)
    • Average Wingspan: 11 cm (4.3 in)
    • Average Weight: 3-4.5 g (0.1-0.16 oz)
    • Habitat: Mountainous regions of western North America
  7. 7
    14
    votes

    Costa's Hummingbird

    John Edward Gray
    This is a common resident of the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are known for their iridescent purple feathers and distinctive U-shaped gorget (throat patch).
    The Costa's Hummingbird is a small bird species known for its vibrant plumage and unique features.
    • Scientific name: Calypte costae
    • Average length: 3.75 inches (9.5 cm)
    • Weight: 0.14 ounces (4 grams)
    • Wingspan: 4.5 inches (11.5 cm)
    • Plumage: Males: iridescent purple crown, throat, and chest, green back, and grayish-white belly. Females: pale grayish-green overall.
  8. 8
    9
    votes
    Violet-crowned Hummingbird
    Dario · CC0
    This is a resident of southwestern United States and Mexico. They are known for their iridescent green feathers and distinctive violet crown on their head.
    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
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    Buff-bellied Hummingbird
    John Gould · Public domain
    This is a resident of the Gulf Coast of the United States and northeastern Mexico. They are known for their iridescent green feathers and buff-colored belly.
    The Buff-bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia yucatanensis) is a species of hummingbird native to the eastern and northeastern regions of Mexico and the southernmost parts of Texas in the United States. It gets its name from the buff-colored belly plumage it possesses. This species is known for its vibrant appearance and remarkable flying abilities.
    • Scientific name: Amazilia yucatanensis
    • Family: Trochilidae
    • Average length: 3.4 inches (8.6 cm)
    • Average weight: 0.2 ounces (6 grams)
    • Wingspan: 4.7 inches (12 cm)
  10. 10
    6
    votes
    This is the smallest bird in the world and is found in Central and South America. They are known for their iridescent green and bronze feathers and their ability to hover in mid-air like a bumblebee.
    The Bumblebee Hummingbird is a species of hummingbird known for being the smallest bird in the world. Its scientific name is Atthis heloisa, but it is commonly referred to as the Bumblebee Hummingbird due to its small size and bee-like appearance. This hummingbird is native to Cuba and the Isla de la Juventud, and it is a rare and endangered species.
    • Size: Approximately 2.25 inches (5.7 cm) long
    • Weight: Approximately 0.06 ounces (1.8 g)
    • Wingspan: Approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm)
    • Color: Males have a vibrant iridescent green color on their upperparts with a shimmering turquoise throat and a small white spot behind the eye. Females have similar colors but are slightly duller.
    • Feeding: They primarily feed on nectar from flowers and consume small insects for protein.

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Ranking factors for popular Hummingbird

  1. Geographic distribution
    Consider how widespread a hummingbird species is and the number of regions where it can be found. Some species may be more popular because they are found in numerous locations, while others have a more limited range.
  2. Coloration and markings
    The popularity of a hummingbird species may be influenced by the attractiveness of its plumage. Brightly colored or iridescent hummingbirds tend to be more popular than those with duller colors. Unique patterns or markings can also increase the popularity of a species.
  3. Size and shape
    The physical characteristics of a hummingbird species, such as its size, beak length, and overall shape, can affect its popularity. Some people may be drawn to larger, more robust species, while others may prefer smaller, more delicate hummingbirds.
  4. Behavior
    Hummingbirds that display unique or interesting behaviors, such as intricate courtship displays or impressive hovering abilities, tend to be more popular. Additionally, hummingbirds that are known to be more approachable and less likely to shy away from human observers may be more appealing to bird-watchers and enthusiasts.
  5. Availability and accessibility
    Some hummingbird species may be more popular because they are easy to find, frequently visit gardens and feeders, or are found in popular bird-watching locations. On the other hand, rare or elusive species may still be popular among bird-watchers due to the challenge they present.
  6. Cultural significance
    Hummingbirds that hold cultural significance, such as being featured in tales, mythology, or artwork, may be more popular.
  7. Scientific interest
    Species that are the focus of research studies may gain popularity, especially if their behavior or physiology is unique or offers insights into the broader world of birds or wildlife.
  8. Media exposure
    A hummingbird species that is featured in documentaries, magazines, or other media outlets may gain popularity among the general public.
  9. Conservation status
    A hummingbird species' popularity may be boosted by efforts to conserve its population or habitat, leading to increased awareness and appreciation of the species.
  10. Personal preference
    Ultimately, the popularity of a specific hummingbird species may depend on personal preference and individual experiences with the bird. What one person finds captivating might not appeal to another.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular 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

  • 1154 views
  • 181 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 popular hummingbird

Hummingbirds are one of the most fascinating and beautiful birds in the world. Known for their incredible ability to hover in mid-air and their bright, colorful plumage, these tiny birds have captured the hearts of birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. With over 300 different species of hummingbirds found across the Americas, it's no wonder that these birds are the subject of countless polls and rankings. From the ruby-throated hummingbird to the Anna's hummingbird, there are many different types of hummingbirds to choose from. But which one is the most popular? At StrawPoll, we've gathered data from thousands of votes to help answer that question. Explore our polls and rankings to discover the most beloved hummingbirds in the world.

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