Hummingbirds In Illinois: 7 Types and the Plants They Love

Among all birds, few are as delicate and mysterious as hummingbirds. These creatures are tiny but mighty, and many complete migrations that encompass hundreds or even thousands of miles. These birds are almost universally loved, and many people become excited when they return north for the season. Let’s explore seven different hummingbirds that have been spotted in Illinois at some point and discuss the plants that are sure to attract them.

1. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

Among all Illinois hummingbirds, the ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common. These birds return to Illinois during the months of April and May, and by early summer they’re spotted nearly everywhere in the state. While several hummers who visit Illinois are accidental, locals can count on the ruby-throated hummingbird to return each year. They typically gravitate towards flowering gardens, and their favorite plants to visit are honeysuckle, phlox, columbine, foxglove, and asters.

2. Rufous Hummingbird

Although they are less common than the ruby-throated hummingbird, Rufous hummingbirds are another springtime visitor in Illinois. This bird completes an impressive migration that spans thousands of miles. According to All About Birds, “The Rufous Hummingbird makes one of the longest migratory journeys of any bird in the world, as measured by body size. At just over 3 inches long, its roughly 3,900-mile movement (one-way) from Alaska to Mexico is equivalent to 78,470,000 body lengths.” While in Illinois, these birds prefer to live in fields and forests, and their favorite flowers include honeysuckle, foxglove, and wild petunias.

3. Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna’s hummingbird is quite a rare visitor, and individuals who are able to spot one in Illinois should consider themselves very lucky. This hummingbird is native to the Western United States, specifically along the Pacific Coast. They are non-migratory, and because of this, seeing one in Illinois is uncommon, to say the least. These birds are attracted to plants such as gooseberry, Penstemons, and currant.

4. Black-Chinned Hummingbird

Black-chinned hummingbirds are yet another uncommon visitor to the state of Illinois. There have been a handful of sightings in this state throughout the years, and it seems to be that these small birds have been widening their natural range. Males of this species are easily identified by the contrasting black and grey feathers that separate their heads from their bodies. According to the Pajarito Environmental Education Center, these birds prefer to feed on the nectar from desert honeysuckle, larkspur, and thistle.

5. Allen’s Hummingbird

Much like Anna’s hummingbird, Allen’s hummingbird has seldom visited the state of Illinois. In fact, these birds have a natural range that spans from California down to Mexico. Despite this, a few sightings have occurred in Illinois throughout the years, so they’re still important to mention nonetheless. The characteristic bright copper feathers of Allen’s hummingbird make them easy to identify, although females display a more muted color palette than males. These birds frequent plants such as gooseberry, currant, sage, and columbine.

6. Mexican Violetear

The Mexican violetear is another accidental species in Illinois. As their name suggests, these birds are native to Mexico and certain countries throughout Central America. Every so often, strong winds will blow these birds further north, and in certain cases, they have wound up in Illinois. It is exceedingly rare to see one this far north, so bird watchers need not get their hopes up. However, they have been recorded in this state before, so they are worth including in this list. Mexican violetear hummingbirds typically live in forested areas, and they prefer plants such as orchids and trumpets.

7. Broad-Billed Hummingbird

When it comes to hummingbirds, the broad-billed hummingbird is quite unique in its appearance. These birds have vibrant bluish-green feathers that have an iridescent appearance in direct sunlight. Broad-billed hummingbirds are another rare visitor in Illinois, as their native habitat spans throughout Mexico and the southern United States. Much like the Mexican violetear, strong winds and storms can blow these birds further up north, which is likely the cause of their presence in Illinois. This hummingbird enjoys feeding on honeysuckles, morning glories, and milkweeds.

Honorable Mention: Hummingbird Moth

Although you might not have heard of them, hummingbird moths are quite the masters of disguise. These insects closely resemble hummingbirds from a distance, and people frequently misidentify them as such due to their similarities. Although hummingbird moths aren’t quite real hummingbirds, they’re still seen all over the state of Illinois.