Of all the hummingbirds in the Americas—which is to say, every last one of the family’s 350-plus species—birders in the United States are lucky enough to have regular chances at seeing 15 varieties. A single species, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, spends most of its time in eastern states. For the rest, you have to head west.
The dazzling diversity of hummingbirds in the West is largely thanks to the region’s varied, mountainous terrain and corresponding abundance of flowering plants from which to sip energy-rich nectar. At the right time and place, you can easily see half a dozen hummingbird species at a western feeding station—but can you tell the males of each apart just by their flashy feathers?
Test your hummer ID skills below, and check for the correct answers at the bottom. Or just enjoy this gallery of gorgeous gorgets instead.
Take the Quiz
Mystery Hummingbird #1
Mystery Hummingbird #2
Mystery Hummingbird #3
Mystery Hummingbird #4
Mystery Hummingbird #5
Mystery Hummingbird #6
Mystery Hummingbird #7
Mystery Hummingbird #8
Mystery Hummingbird #9
Mystery Hummingbird #10
Mystery Hummingbird #12
Mystery Hummingbird #13
Mystery Hummingbird #14
Mystery Hummingbird #15
Answer Key:
1.) Costa’s Hummingbird
2.) Anna’s Hummingbird
3.) Broad-tailed Hummingbird
4.) Allen’s Hummingbird
5.) Broad-billed Hummingbird
6.) Violet-crowned Hummingbird
7.) Lucifer Hummingbird
8.) Rivoli’s Hummingbird
9.) Buff-bellied Hummingbird
10.) White-eared Hummingbird
11.) Blue-throated Mountain-gem
12.) Black-chinned Hummingbird
13.) Rufous Hummingbird
14.) Calliope Hummingbird
