10 Hummingbirds in Louisiana: Species You’ll See in Your Yard

Louisiana’s warm climate and diverse habitats make it a hummingbird hotspot that attracts more species than you might expect.

While ruby-throated hummingbirds dominate your summer feeders, the state hosts nine additional species ranging from regular winter visitors to extraordinary vagrants that send birders scrambling for their cameras.

Whether you’re watching hummingbirds in Louisiana for the first time or you’ve been tracking these aerial acrobats for years, knowing which species might appear in your yard helps you appreciate every flash of iridescent color that zips past your porch.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

The ruby-throated hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is Louisiana’s most abundant hummingbird species and the only one that breeds throughout the state. You’ll spot males by their brilliant ruby-red throat patch that appears black in certain light, while females display white throats with greenish backs and white-tipped outer tail feathers.

Pro Tip: Ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive in Louisiana as early as mid-March and linger through October, with peak migration occurring in late summer when numbers swell dramatically.

These eastern specialists nest in deciduous and mixed forests but readily adapt to suburban gardens with sufficient flowering plants and feeders. During spring migration, Louisiana serves as a critical stopover where ruby-throats fatten up before their remarkable 500-mile Gulf of Mexico crossing. You’ll find them defending territory aggressively around nectar sources, often chasing away other hummingbirds and even large insects.

Identification Features

• Males: Metallic green back, ruby throat (gorget), forked tail
• Females: Green back, white throat with dark spots, rounded tail with white tips
• Size: 3-3.5 inches long
• Weight: 2-6 grams (about the weight of a penny)

Ruby-throated hummingbirds prefer red tubular flowers like trumpet creeper, cardinal flower, and coral honeysuckle. In your Louisiana yard, plant native species in clusters to create feeding stations that attract multiple individuals throughout the breeding season.

Rufous Hummingbird

The rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) ranks as Louisiana’s most reliable winter hummingbird visitor, with individuals arriving as early as July and remaining through March. Males showcase striking orange-red plumage covering most of their body, while females display green backs with rufous-washed sides and distinctive rufous patches at the base of their tail feathers.

These western breeders have expanded their winter range eastward over recent decades, making Louisiana an increasingly important wintering ground. Research suggests that climate patterns and food availability drive this eastern shift in winter distribution. You’re most likely to encounter rufous hummingbirds in southern Louisiana, particularly in coastal areas where mild winters provide consistent nectar sources.

Key Insight: Rufous hummingbirds are notoriously aggressive despite their small size, often dominating feeders and driving away larger ruby-throated hummingbirds with persistent attacks.

Keep your feeders up through winter if you live in Louisiana—you might be providing critical food for these hardy winter residents. Rufous hummingbirds have adapted to cooler temperatures better than most species, though they still require consistent energy intake to maintain their high metabolism during cold snaps.

Black-chinned Hummingbird

The black-chinned hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) appears occasionally in Louisiana, primarily during migration periods and rarely as a winter visitor. Males sport a velvety black throat with a thin purple band along the lower edge that’s only visible in good light, making field identification challenging without optimal viewing conditions.

These western hummingbirds breed from British Columbia to northern Mexico but occasionally wander eastward during migration. In Louisiana, black-chinned hummingbirds show up most frequently in the western portions of the state, though reports come from across Louisiana’s diverse regions. Female black-chinned hummingbirds look remarkably similar to female ruby-throated hummingbirds, requiring careful observation of subtle differences in behavior and proportions.

Common Mistake: Many observers misidentify female black-chinned hummingbirds as ruby-throats. The black-chinned has a slightly longer bill, pumps its tail more frequently while hovering, and lacks the buffy wash on the sides that female ruby-throats often display.

Look for black-chinned hummingbirds near riparian areas and gardens with diverse flowering plants. They often forage lower than ruby-throated hummingbirds and show less territorial aggression around feeders. Studies of hummingbird identification emphasize the importance of observing multiple field marks rather than relying on a single characteristic.

The wing sounds of black-chinned hummingbirds differ slightly from ruby-throats—experienced birders can sometimes identify them by the lower-pitched buzz created by their wingbeats. If you’re watching hummingbirds in Louisiana and notice subtle behavioral differences, take photos for later analysis and consider reporting your sighting to eBird to contribute valuable occurrence data.

Buff-bellied Hummingbird

The buff-bellied hummingbird (Amazilia yucatanensis) is a regular visitor to southern Louisiana, particularly along the Gulf Coast where its range extends from its primary habitat in Mexico and South Texas. Both sexes display a distinctive buff-colored belly, bright red bill with a black tip, and rufous tail, making them one of the easier species to identify when present.

Important Note: Buff-bellied hummingbirds have been expanding their range northward and eastward, with Louisiana now hosting small numbers year-round in coastal parishes, especially around feeders in residential areas.

These medium-large hummingbirds prefer coastal scrub and suburban gardens with abundant flowering plants and reliable feeder stations. You’ll find them most commonly from October through April in Louisiana, though occasional summer sightings occur. Their presence has increased notably over the past two decades as winters have moderated and backyard feeding has become more widespread.

Where to Find Buff-bellied Hummingbirds in Louisiana

1. Coastal parishes: Cameron, Vermilion, Terrebonne, and Lafourche parishes report the highest frequencies
2. Suburban gardens: Properties with year-round feeders and diverse plantings attract wandering individuals
3. Nature preserves: Coastal wildlife refuges during winter months
4. Urban parks: Parks with winter-blooming plants near the Gulf

Buff-bellied hummingbirds show less aggression than rufous hummingbirds but still defend preferred feeders vigorously. Their larger size gives them an advantage in confrontations with ruby-throated hummingbirds. If you maintain feeders through winter in southern Louisiana, you have a reasonable chance of hosting this colorful species.

The distinctive red bill of buff-bellied hummingbirds sets them apart from all other hummingbird species you’ll encounter in Louisiana. Combined with their buffy underparts and green throat, these field marks make identification straightforward even for beginning birders.

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

The broad-tailed hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus) qualifies as a rare visitor to Louisiana, with most records coming from late fall and winter months. Males produce a distinctive metallic trilling sound with their wings during flight—a characteristic that helps with identification even when visual details are obscured.

These mountain-dwelling hummingbirds breed in high-elevation habitats of the western United States, making their appearance in Louisiana noteworthy enough to warrant documentation. Males display a rose-magenta throat, green crown and back, and the characteristic broad tail that gives the species its name. Females resemble several other Selasphorus species, requiring careful study of tail patterns and measurements.

Pro Tip: If you hear a loud, continuous metallic trill as a hummingbird flies past, you might have a broad-tailed hummingbird—that wing sound is unique among North American species and audible from considerable distances.

Louisiana’s broad-tailed hummingbird records cluster in the northern and western parishes, though individuals can appear anywhere in the state. These rare hummingbirds typically show up at feeders where their unusual characteristics catch the attention of observant homeowners. Photo documentation becomes crucial for confirming these out-of-range sightings.

The broad tail feathers that characterize males create the species’ diagnostic wing sound through specialized feather structures. Research into hummingbird acoustics reveals that males use this sound in courtship displays and territorial announcements at their breeding grounds.

Broad-billed Hummingbird

The broad-billed hummingbird (Cynanthus latirostris) ranks among Louisiana’s rarest vagrant hummingbirds, with only a handful of confirmed records in the state. Males are unmistakable when present—they sport a brilliant blue throat and breast, red-orange bill, and white undertail coverts that flash during flight.

These Mexican and southwestern hummingbirds occasionally wander far from their normal range, appearing most often at reliable feeder locations during fall and winter. Female broad-billed hummingbirds show more subtle plumage with grayish underparts and a prominent white eye stripe, but their distinctive broad red bill provides the key identification feature regardless of sex or age.

Any broad-billed hummingbird sighting in Louisiana deserves thorough documentation with photos and detailed written notes. Contact local birding organizations or state ornithological societies to report these exceptional records. The broad red bill stands out as the most reliable field mark for both sexes, separating this species from all other hummingbirds in Louisiana.

Broad-billed hummingbirds prefer arid and semi-arid habitats in their normal range, making Louisiana’s humid environment a stark contrast to their typical conditions. The individuals that reach Louisiana likely represent disoriented migrants or birds dispersing from southwestern populations.

Calliope Hummingbird

The calliope hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope) is North America’s smallest bird species and a rare but increasingly regular winter visitor to Louisiana. Males display unique magenta streaks on their white throat rather than a solid gorget, creating a distinctive starburst pattern that’s unmistakable in good viewing conditions.

These tiny western breeders weigh barely 2.5 grams—less than a penny—yet undertake remarkable migrations from mountain breeding grounds to Mexican wintering areas. Studies of vagrant hummingbirds suggest that Louisiana’s mild coastal climate increasingly attracts western species during winter months, with calliope hummingbirds appearing with greater frequency over the past decade.

Key Insight: Calliope hummingbirds are the smallest long-distance avian migrants in the world, making their appearance in your Louisiana yard a remarkable testament to their endurance and navigational abilities.

Female and immature calliope hummingbirds present significant identification challenges due to their similarity to other Selasphorus species. Look for their very short bill, short tail, and compact body structure—they appear noticeably smaller and more compact than rufous or Allen’s hummingbirds when direct comparison is possible.

Distinguishing Calliope from Similar Species

• Size: Noticeably smaller than rufous hummingbirds
• Tail: Very short, barely extends beyond wing tips at rest
• Male throat: Magenta streaks on white (not solid gorget)
• Behavior: Often feeds while perched more than other species

If you spot a calliope hummingbird in Louisiana, particularly between November and February, document the sighting carefully. These records contribute to understanding the species’ expanding winter range and the factors driving vagrant hummingbird occurrences in the southeastern United States.

Allen’s Hummingbird

Allen’s hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin) appears rarely in Louisiana, primarily during winter months when individuals wander east from their California coastal breeding range. Males look strikingly similar to rufous hummingbirds, displaying orange-red plumage on the back, but show a solid green back in some lighting—creating significant identification challenges even for experienced observers.

The critical difference between male Allen’s and rufous hummingbirds lies in the back coloration: Allen’s shows a solid green back while perched, whereas rufous displays extensive orange-red on the back. However, some rufous individuals show greenish backs, and lighting conditions often obscure these subtle differences, making field separation extremely difficult without in-hand examination.

Common Mistake: Assuming all orange hummingbirds in Louisiana are rufous hummingbirds. While statistically likely, Allen’s hummingbirds do occur, and careful observation of back color patterns can reveal this rare species.

Female Allen’s hummingbirds are virtually identical to female rufous hummingbirds, requiring tail feather measurements for definitive identification. Expert analysis of feather patterns shows that even professionals struggle with these “look-alike” species without detailed photos or physical specimens.

Louisiana’s Allen’s hummingbird records remain scarce, with most reports coming from coastal areas during the winter months when western vagrants are most likely to appear. If you photograph an orange-backed hummingbird at your Louisiana feeder, pay special attention to the green versus rufous coloration on the back and share your images with experienced birders for verification.

The species’ sedentary California populations have created a unique situation where some Allen’s hummingbirds remain year-round in urban gardens while others migrate, adding complexity to understanding their occurrence patterns outside their primary range.

Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna’s hummingbird (Calypte anna) ranks as a rare but increasingly regular winter visitor to Louisiana, following a broader pattern of westward species expanding their range eastward. Males are spectacular when present, displaying an iridescent rose-pink crown and throat that covers the entire head and appears almost burgundy in certain light conditions.

These medium-sized hummingbirds differ from most North American species by maintaining year-round territories in their core California range rather than migrating long distances. However, some individuals disperse eastward after breeding, occasionally reaching Louisiana where they typically appear between November and March at established feeder locations.

Important Note: Anna’s hummingbirds have expanded their range dramatically over the past century, aided by urbanization, ornamental plantings, and backyard feeding—a trend that makes Louisiana sightings more likely with each passing year.

Female Anna’s hummingbirds show green upperparts with grayish underparts and often display small red spots on the throat, helping separate them from similar species. Their stocky build, straight bill, and distinctive chip calls provide additional identification clues when visual details are unclear.

Anna’s Hummingbird Key Features

1. Male: Entire head and throat iridescent rose-pink (not just throat)
2. Female: Gray underparts with possible red throat spots
3. Voice: Loud, scratchy “chit” call note
4. Size: Larger and stockier than ruby-throated hummingbirds
5. Behavior: Often vocalizes frequently while feeding

Research into hummingbird range expansions demonstrates that Anna’s hummingbirds have moved northward and eastward far beyond their historical range, with Louisiana now within the species’ winter wandering territory. If you maintain feeders through winter, particularly in northern or western Louisiana parishes, you might attract one of these striking western visitors.

The male’s song—a series of buzzy notes ending in a loud pop—differs markedly from the vocalizations of other hummingbird species in Louisiana. While they rarely sing outside their breeding range, hearing this distinctive vocalization would provide strong supporting evidence for an Anna’s hummingbird identification.

Green-breasted Mango

The green-breasted mango (Anthracothorax prevostii) stands as Louisiana’s most exotic vagrant hummingbird, with only a handful of records in the state representing extraordinary occurrences. These large, tropical hummingbirds display deep purple tails, dark green breasts (males), or white underparts with a dark median stripe (females), making them unmistakable if you’re fortunate enough to encounter one.

Native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America, green-breasted mangos occasionally wander northward into the southern United States, with Louisiana recording several remarkable sightings over recent decades. These appearances typically occur along the coast during fall migration when tropical weather systems might displace individuals from their normal range.

Pro Tip: Green-breasted mangos are significantly larger than any regular Louisiana hummingbird species—roughly 50% larger than a ruby-throated hummingbird—making size alone a useful identification clue if you spot an unusually large hummingbird.

Any green-breasted mango sighting in Louisiana requires immediate documentation with photos, videos, and detailed field notes. Contact the Louisiana Ornithological Society and submit your records to eBird with complete supporting evidence. These mega-rarity records contribute valuable data about tropical hummingbird vagrancy patterns and potential range changes driven by climate factors.

The distinctive curved tail and large size of green-breasted mangos set them apart from all other hummingbird species you might encounter in Louisiana. While sightings remain exceptionally rare, Louisiana’s Gulf Coast position makes the state a potential destination for storm-displaced tropical birds.

Louisiana’s hummingbird diversity exceeds what most people expect, offering opportunities to observe everything from common ruby-throated hummingbirds at peak breeding activity to extraordinary vagrant species that create lifetime memories for lucky observers.

Keep your feeders filled year-round, plant native nectar sources, and maintain vigilance for unusual field marks—you never know when a rare western species or tropical vagrant might transform your ordinary birdwatching into an exceptional experience.

Every hummingbird sighting contributes to our understanding of these remarkable birds, so document what you see and share your observations with the broader birding community.