The United States is home to nearly 30 different species of hummingbirds, each with its own distinct range and migration habits. Some of these species are common, seen regularly in many regions of the country, while others are rare or considered accidental visitors that make unexpected appearances.
Kansas, with its diverse landscapes that range from tallgrass prairies to woodlands and urban gardens, attracts several species of hummingbirds each year. In total, eight different species have been reported in the state. The most common visitor is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, which is seen throughout Kansas during the warmer months and is a frequent guest at backyard feeders. Alongside this species, two others, including the Rufous Hummingbird and Black-chinned Hummingbird, are considered semi-common and can be spotted occasionally during migration periods, particularly in late summer and early fall.
The remaining five species are rare and more challenging to spot, often appearing as vagrants or during specific environmental conditions. These species include the Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, Allen’s Hummingbird, and the Broad-billed Hummingbird. Though sightings are infrequent, their presence adds excitement for bird enthusiasts, as it creates opportunities for rare encounters.
Kansas provides a vital stopover habitat for migrating hummingbirds, thanks to its rich array of wildflowers and well-maintained gardens that offer essential nectar. By creating hummingbird-friendly environments, residents of Kansas can enjoy the beauty of these tiny birds and support their migratory journeys, making the state an intriguing place for anyone interested in observing a variety of hummingbird species.
8 Hummingbirds in Kansas
Once again, the 8 species of hummingbirds that you might spot in Kansas are the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Calliope Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird, and the Costa’s Hummingbird.
Based on the range maps of authoritative sources like allaboutbirds.org and ebird.org, we’ve put together a list of hummingbirds most likely to be seen in the state of Kansas. For each species in this list you’ll find the species name, pictures of what it looks like, specifications about appearance, and where and when you may be able to spot them. We will list the most common species first and the rare ones last.
Stay tuned at the end of the article for tips on attracting hummingbirds to your yard, and visit this article to find out when hummingbirds will be returning to your state.
Enjoy!
1. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the most common hummingbirds in the eastern half of the United States, including Kansas. They have a green back and white underparts. Males have a ruby red throat that can look black in certain lighting.
Each spring they enter the country in droves from their wintering grounds in Central America. Many of them fly over the Gulf of Mexico in one non-stop flight! Ruby-throated hummingbirds are fairly easy to attract to backyards with nectar feeders and flowers.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds will start to appear back in Kansas from their wintering grounds starting in late March. They will spend the spring and summer and then be mostly gone by late October. The far western edge of the ruby’s range goes right through the middle of Kansas. Because of this, they are much more populous in the eastern half of the state, and only sporadic in the western half.
2. Black-chinned Hummingbird
