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Types of Hummingbirds That Are Found in Northern Indiana

There are two main species of hummingbirds that inhabit northern Indiana for at least half the year. The ruby-throated hummingbird spends time in the region from early April to the late part of September and the rufous hummingbird visits from late November to early February. Though there are other hummingbirds that migrate through the area, these two are the most prominent and the ones the observer is most likely to see.

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Characteristics
- The sex of the hummingbird can be found by it's markings.
  
  The ruby-throated hummingbird is easiest to identify among the two species. It has a throat that has a ruby color, thus its name. The male has a forked tail and usually an emerald colored back. The female has duller colors and is harder to identify than the male. If you get close enough, it is possible to find smaller ruby colored markings on the female's throat. The female has a white breast like the male but the tail has white tips and rounded feathers instead of forked feathers. The male may also be slightly larger than the female.
Rufous Hummingbird Characteristics
- Female rufous hummingbirds are less colorful than the males.
  
  The male rofous hummingbird, like the ruby-throated hummingbird, is easier to identify than the female. The male has a rufous colored crown and the back feathers can also be rufous or a combination of rufous and green. The female has different markings. It has a green back and crown and a streaked throat blending from a white breast. The female weighs about .1 gram heavier than the male so it is harder to identify just from the size alone may not work. The color markings is the only distinction between the two sexes.
Ruby-Throated Migration and Habitat
- Hummingbirds feed in open areas during migration.
  
  The migration path for the ruby-throated humming bird starts in late September when the bird flies south to the Yucatan Peninsula. In Northern Indiana and other parts of the northern United States, the hummingbirds' mating area can be found, usually in a ecotone. An ecotone is usually in an area that separates a forest from meadow land. The ruby-throated humming bird has adapted well to human habitat and can be found feeding on flowers or feeders in backyards or in wooded parks. Nectar feeders hung in a yard or porch can supply the birds with food and give the observer a closer look.
Rufous Migration and Habitat
- Backyard feeders bring hummingbirds close for observation.
  
  Though off the main migration path, Northern Indiana has a large population of rufous hummingbirds visiting the state. The rufous usually winters in Mexico and then migrates for the summer as far north as British Columbia. The hummingbirds breed in almost any environment with trees or bushes, but they prefer open areas like parks or pastures. They are particularly abundant in yards or open areas that have tubular flowers such as lilies. They are also prone to visit hummingbird feeders placed in the back yard or on a porch overhang.

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