Types of Hummingbirds

 Hummingbirds are a group of tiny birds that can be found in many areas around the world. They have long, slender bills and short legs which allow them to fly quickly through the air. Most species feed on nectar from flowers while others eat insects or other small creatures. The females lay their eggs in an unprotected nest located in the open and they usually hatch after only 12 days. 

The hummingbird family is divided into two groups based on plumage and size. The smaller group of hummingbirds is called "Trochilidae" which means "little throat". These birds are found in South America and Mexico and they have white bellies and bright colors on their throats. The larger group of hummingbirds is called "Trochilinae" which means "throaty". This group has dark bellies and they do not have bright colors on their throats. 

There are about 30 different species of Trochilidae hummingbirds and these birds can be identified by their colorful throats and bodies. Many species also have unique markings on their wings as well as some species have red bills. 

This article will discuss six different types of Trochilidae hummingbirds and how you can identify each one. 

1) Anna's Hummingbird (Calypte anna) 

Anna's hummingbird is a medium sized bird with a very short bill. It has black-tipped tail feathers and it does not have any facial markings. Its body is mostly brown but it does have a yellow belly which is its characteristic feature. The males of this species have reddish colored bills and they are often mistaken for Ruby-throated hummingbirds, because of their similar coloration. Their average length is between 6 inches and 7 inches. 

2) Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) 

The Rufous Hummingbird is the largest member of the Trochilidae family at approximately 9 inches in length. It has a very bright green body with large eyes and a red forehead. Its back is covered with brown-red feathers and its underbelly is white. The male's bill is pink and the female's bill is orange. This species is found in North America and it winters in Central and South America. There are five subspecies of this species including the Northern Rufous hummingbird, the Costa Rica Rufous hummingbird, the Mexican Rufous hummingbird, the Pacific Rufous hummingbird and the Southern Rufous hummingbird. 

3) Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) 

Black-chinned Hummingbirds are medium sized birds with slender bodies and very long tails. Their bills are short and straight and they have long, thin necks. They have dark upper parts and their underparts are white. The males of this species are very colourful with dark faces, backs and wings while the females are less brightly coloured. It is found in North America and it winters in South America. There are three subspecies of this species including the Black-chinned Hummingbird, the Black-chinned Hummingbird of California and the Black-chinned Hummingbird of Panama. 

4) Costa Rican Hillstar (Oreotrochilus estella) 

Costa Rican Hillstars are small hummingbirds with round heads and short bills. They have light blue eyes and a small amount of white on the bottom of the wings. The male's bill is pink and the female's bill is blue. The average adult height is 5 inches long. This species is found in Costa Rica and it migrates to South America during summer. There are two subspecies of this species which include the Costa Rican Hillstar and the Ecuadorian Hillstar. 

5) Green-tailed Emerald (Chlorostilbon affinis) 

Green-tailed Emeralds are medium sized hummingbirds with long tails and very short bills. They have green eyes and brownish-green upper bodies. The males' bills are black and the females' bills are green. This species can be found in tropical forests of Asia, Australia and New Guinea. It winters in southern Africa. 

6) Allen's Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin) 

Allen's Hummingbirds are medium sized birds with long tails and short bills. They have light blue eyes and a white forehead. The males' bill is pink and the female's bill is white. This species is found in South America and it winters in northern South America. There are four subspecies of Allen's Hummingbird including the Allen's Hummingbird, the Sinaloan Allen's Hummingbird, the Andean Allen's Hummingbird and the Amazon Allen's Hummingbird. 

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Each type of hummingbird has different characteristics and they are all beautiful little birds. You should definitely try to see one in person if possible so that you can learn more about them!