Tennessee’s skies buzz with iridescent jewels from spring through fall, and some visitors even brave the winter months.
While most people know about ruby-throated hummingbirds, you’ll be amazed to discover that nine different hummingbird species have been documented across the Volunteer State.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting your backyard wildlife journey, this comprehensive guide reveals when and where to spot each species, plus proven strategies to transform your property into a hummingbird haven.
From the reliable summer residents to the unexpected western wanderers, Tennessee’s diverse geography creates unique opportunities to witness these aerial acrobats throughout the year.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
The ruby-throated hummingbird stands as Tennessee’s most abundant and reliable hummingbird species. Males display their namesake ruby-red throat patch that seems to glow like a traffic light when sunlight hits at the perfect angle. Females lack this vibrant coloring, instead sporting white underparts with subtle green backs.
Migration & Timing: Ruby-throated hummingbirds typically arrive in Tennessee during mid-April, with peak numbers occurring from May through August. According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, these remarkable birds make an incredible nonstop flight across the Gulf of Mexico each fall, covering nearly 500 miles in about 18 hours.
Where to Find Them: You’ll spot ruby-throated hummingbirds in mixed woodlands, eastern deciduous forests, gardens, and orchards throughout Tennessee. They readily visit feeders and show particular attraction to red tubular flowers.
Key Features:
- Males: Bright red throat, emerald green back
- Females: White throat with dark streaking, green back
- Length: 3.5 inches
- Weight: 2-6 grams
Birding Tip: Males arrive first in spring to establish territories, followed by females about two weeks later. Watch for their distinctive pendulum-like courtship flights in early May.
Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)
Rufous hummingbirds represent Tennessee’s most common winter visitor, creating exciting opportunities for year-round hummingbird watching. Males showcase brilliant orange-red plumage that earned them their name, while females display rufous-colored sides and tail feathers.
Migration & Timing: Unlike eastern species, rufous hummingbirds visit Tennessee primarily from November through March. Migration tracking data shows these western natives occasionally wander far from their typical Pacific Coast range, particularly during winter months.
Where to Find Them: Look for rufous hummingbirds at feeders throughout Tennessee’s urban and suburban areas during winter. They prefer open areas with scattered trees and readily adapt to human-modified landscapes.
Key Features:
- Males: Orange-red throat and sides, white chest
- Females: Green back, rufous sides, spotted throat
- Length: 3.75 inches
- Highly aggressive at feeders
Identification Challenge: Female rufous hummingbirds closely resemble female Allen’s hummingbirds. Focus on tail feather patterns and overall body proportions for accurate identification.
| Species | Male Throat | Female Sides | Tail Pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rufous | Orange-red | Rufous colored | Broad rufous base |
| Allen’s | Orange-red | Less rufous | Narrower rufous |
| Ruby-throated | Ruby red | White/gray | Dark with white tips |
Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)
Allen’s hummingbirds occasionally appear in Tennessee as rare but documented visitors. These Pacific Coast natives sometimes stray far from their usual range during migration periods, creating exciting opportunities for dedicated birders.
Migration & Timing: Allen’s hummingbirds have been spotted in Tennessee during both spring and fall migration periods, typically between March-May and August-October. Sightings remain uncommon but have increased with improved reporting systems.
Where to Find Them: When present, Allen’s hummingbirds favor similar habitats to rufous hummingbirds. Check feeders in urban areas and gardens with abundant flowering plants during migration seasons.
Key Features:
- Males: Orange-red throat, green back, rufous sides
- Females: Spotted throat, green back, some rufous on tail
- Length: 3.5 inches
- Similar behavior to rufous hummingbirds
Conservation Note: Allen’s hummingbirds face habitat pressure in their native California range, making accurate identification and reporting of Tennessee sightings valuable for migration research.
Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)
Black-chinned hummingbirds represent true vagrants in Tennessee, with only a handful of confirmed records. According to Bird Watching HQ, any black-chinned hummingbird spotted in Tennessee has likely been blown severely off course during migration.
Migration & Timing: Documented sightings occur primarily during fall migration (August-October) when weather patterns can displace western species eastward. Spring records are extremely rare.
Where to Find Them: The few Tennessee records come from suburban feeders and botanical gardens. If you spot one, photograph it immediately and report the sighting to local birding organizations.
Key Features:
- Males: Black throat with purple band at bottom, white collar
- Females: White throat with fine spots, pale underparts
- Length: 3.75 inches
- Less aggressive than other western species
Reporting Guidelines: Document any suspected black-chinned hummingbird with photos, exact location, date, and behavioral notes. These records contribute valuable data to migration research.
Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope)
The calliope hummingbird holds the distinction of being North America’s smallest bird, and rare Tennessee sightings create major excitement in birding communities. These tiny gems occasionally appear during migration periods, particularly in fall.
Migration & Timing: Calliope hummingbirds most commonly appear in Tennessee during August and September. Migration patterns suggest some individuals follow interior mountain routes that occasionally bring them through southeastern states.
Where to Find Them: Look for calliope hummingbirds at feeders with mixed hummer activity, particularly where multiple species congregate during peak migration periods.
Key Features:
- Males: Streaked magenta throat, white underparts
- Females: Peachy sides, spotted throat
- Length: 3.25 inches (smallest North American hummingbird)
- High-pitched voice
Size Comparison: Calliope hummingbirds weigh about the same as a penny, making them remarkable long-distance migrants despite their diminutive size.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus)
Broad-tailed hummingbirds rarely venture into Tennessee, but documented sightings provide thrilling opportunities for experienced birders. These high-elevation specialists occasionally appear during migration periods.
Migration & Timing: Most Tennessee records occur during fall migration between August and October. Spring sightings are exceptionally rare, with only a few documented cases.
Where to Find Them: Broad-tailed hummingbirds have been spotted at suburban feeders and in botanical gardens with diverse flowering plants. They often associate with other migrating hummingbird species.
Key Features:
- Males: Rose-red throat, green back, broad tail
- Females: Buff-colored sides, white throat with spots
- Length: 4 inches
- Distinctive wing trill in males
Habitat Preferences: Unlike Tennessee’s typical hummingbird habitats, broad-tailed hummingbirds prefer higher elevations in their native range, making Tennessee sightings particularly noteworthy.
Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna)
Anna’s hummingbirds occasionally appear in Tennessee as rare winter visitors, joining the small but growing population of western hummingbirds spending cold months in southeastern states.
Migration & Timing: Anna’s hummingbirds have been documented in Tennessee primarily between December and February. Winter visitor data suggests these California natives increasingly explore southeastern wintering grounds.
Where to Find Them: Winter Anna’s hummingbirds typically visit suburban feeders and gardens with reliable food sources. They often dominate feeding stations due to their larger size and aggressive behavior.
Key Features:
- Males: Rose-red head and throat, metallic green back
- Females: Green back, gray underparts, small red spot on throat
- Length: 4 inches
- Stockier build than other species
Winter Care Tips: If you attract Anna’s hummingbirds during winter, maintain feeders with fresh nectar and consider heated models to prevent freezing during cold snaps.
Green-breasted Mango (Anthracothorax prevostii)
Green-breasted mangos represent extremely rare vagrants in Tennessee, with only a few documented records. These tropical species occasionally wander north from their Central American range, creating once-in-a-lifetime birding opportunities.
Migration & Timing: The handful of Tennessee records occurred during late summer and early fall months. These sightings likely represent storm-displaced individuals or exceptional wanderers.
Where to Find Them: Documented sightings have occurred at feeders in urban areas, particularly locations with diverse flowering plants and reliable food sources.
Key Features:
- Males: Dark green breast, curved bill, purple-blue throat
- Females: White underparts with dark stripe, curved bill
- Length: 4.5 inches
- Distinctive curved bill shape
Rarity Alert: Any suspected green-breasted mango requires immediate documentation and expert verification due to its extreme rarity in Tennessee.
Buff-bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia yucatanensis)
Buff-bellied hummingbirds occasionally stray into Tennessee from their Gulf Coast range, providing exciting opportunities for dedicated birders. These distinctive hummingbirds show increasing wandering patterns in recent years.
Migration & Timing: Tennessee records typically occur during winter months (November-March) when some individuals explore areas beyond their typical Texas and Louisiana range.
Where to Find Them: Look for buff-bellied hummingbirds at feeders in urban and suburban areas, particularly locations that attract multiple hummingbird species during winter months.
Key Features:
- Both sexes: Buff-colored belly, green back, red-based bill
- Males: Green throat, more vibrant coloring
- Females: Lighter throat, similar buff belly
- Length: 4.25 inches
Field Marks: The distinctive buff-colored belly and red-based bill make buff-bellied hummingbirds relatively easy to identify among Tennessee’s hummingbird visitors.
Creating Your Tennessee Hummingbird Habitat
Transform your property into a hummingbird paradise by combining native plants, reliable feeders, and thoughtful landscape design. Tennessee native plant experts recommend focusing on tubular flowers that provide natural nectar sources throughout the growing season.
Essential Native Plants for Tennessee Hummingbirds:
Spring Bloomers:
- Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia)
- Wild azalea (Rhododendron canescens)
- Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Summer Powerhouses:
- Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans)
- Bee balm (Monarda didyma)
- Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Fall Favorites:
- Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
- Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis)
- Asters (Symphyotrichum species)
Feeder Management Best Practices:
Nectar Recipe: Mix one part white sugar with four parts water. Avoid honey, artificial sweeteners, or food coloring that can harm hummingbirds.
Cleaning Schedule: Clean feeders every 3-4 days in hot weather, weekly in cooler temperatures. Use hot water and white vinegar for thorough sanitization.
Strategic Placement: Position feeders 4-6 feet high, near cover but with clear flight paths. Space multiple feeders at least 15 feet apart to reduce territorial conflicts.
Year-Round Maintenance Calendar:
| Month | Action Items |
|---|---|
| March | Clean and fill feeders, prune flowering shrubs |
| April-May | Peak ruby-throated arrival, monitor activity |
| June-August | Maintain fresh nectar, deadhead flowers |
| September | Peak migration feeding, document visitors |
| October-November | Continue feeding for late migrants and winter visitors |
| December-February | Maintain feeders for winter species, plan garden additions |
Migration Support: Tennessee birding experts suggest keeping feeders up at least two weeks after your last hummingbird sighting to support late migrants and potential winter visitors.
Peak Viewing Opportunities in Tennessee
Tennessee offers exceptional hummingbird viewing throughout the year, with distinct seasonal patterns that enhance your chances of spotting multiple species.
Spring Migration (April-May): Ruby-throated hummingbirds return with males arriving first to establish territories. Peak activity occurs during early morning hours (6-10 AM) and late afternoon (4-7 PM).
Summer Breeding Season (June-July): Established pairs focus on nesting and feeding young. Watch for aggressive territorial behavior at feeders and frequent visits to flowing water sources.
Fall Migration Peak (August-September): Migration tracking shows Tennessee experiences its highest hummingbird diversity during late summer when ruby-throated numbers peak and western vagrants occasionally appear.
Winter Opportunities (November-March): Dedicated feeder maintenance can attract rufous, Anna’s, and other western species that increasingly winter in southeastern states.
Photography Tips for Tennessee Hummingbirds:
- Equipment: Use telephoto lenses (300mm+) to maintain safe distances
- Settings: Fast shutter speeds (1/2000s+) freeze wing motion
- Timing: Early morning provides best lighting and calm conditions
- Positioning: Set up near feeders or favorite perching spots
Ethical Guidelines: Never use flash photography during nesting season, maintain respectful distances, and avoid disturbing natural behaviors for photos.
Conservation and Citizen Science
Tennessee hummingbirds face challenges from habitat loss, climate change, and human development. Your backyard efforts contribute to larger conservation initiatives while providing valuable research data.
eBird Contributions: Report your hummingbird sightings to eBird to contribute migration timing data and species distribution information. Include specific details about behavior, weather conditions, and habitat features.
Habitat Certification: Consider certifying your property through the National Wildlife Federation’s Backyard Habitat program to join a network of conservation-minded landowners.
Research Participation: Support hummingbird research by participating in Journey North migration tracking and local banding events when available.
Community Impact: Tennessee’s backyard habitat initiatives create crucial stepping stones for migrating hummingbirds while supporting dozens of other native species.
Planning Your Hummingbird Year
Success with Tennessee hummingbirds requires understanding seasonal patterns and preparing your habitat accordingly. Start your hummingbird journey by focusing on reliable species before expanding to attract rare visitors.
Beginner Strategy: Begin with ruby-throated hummingbirds by establishing feeders in early April and planting native flowering plants. Master the basics of nectar maintenance and natural habitat creation.
Advanced Opportunities: Once you’ve attracted regular ruby-throated visitors, maintain feeders year-round to increase chances of spotting western wanderers during winter months.
Long-term Goals: Develop diverse habitat zones with varying bloom times, water features, and natural nesting sites to support breeding pairs and attract maximum species diversity.
Tennessee’s unique geographic position creates exceptional opportunities to observe North America’s most captivating birds. Whether you spot a reliable ruby-throated hummingbird or discover a rare western vagrant, each encounter strengthens our understanding of these remarkable aerial jewels and their changing migration patterns.
Start with simple feeders and native plants, then watch as Tennessee’s hummingbird diversity transforms your backyard into a living laboratory where conservation meets pure wonder.
