If you’re wondering are there hummingbirds in central Florida, you’d be surprised to know that around 16 species cross this area! However, you can hear Florida residents say how they rarely spot a hummingbird, and that’s true, not many of them stay in the central part.
There aren’t many hummingbirds spending the whole season here, but if you create the perfect environment, they will visit. Due to the excellent climate, some even overwinter. So don’t give up just yet until you’ve read our suggestions.
When Do Hummingbirds Come to Florida?
The first hummingbirds arrive from Mexico in Florida in the middle of March. They don’t come in groups, so it’s harder to know the actual moment they’ve arrived. As summer approaches, you can spot female hummingbirds as they’re more active, flying to and from bushes and preparing their nest.
Are there hummingbirds in Central Florida before March? The first hummingbirds you can spot are the Ruby-throated hummingbirds, as some of them might spend the winter in the area. They don’t migrate, so you can see them hovering over your feeder even in December!
Hummingbird Migration In Florida
What months are hummingbirds in central Florida? If you wonder why are there hummingbirds in central Florida as late as September, they’re still preparing for travel. Hummingbirds gain weight to sustain themselves during the long flight to Central America. The migratory hummingbirds start to leave Central Florida in October. As late fall comes, most of them are gone.
During their stay here, the hummingbirds mate, lay one to two broods, and raise the hatchlings. Once they’re mature enough, they also migrate.
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Why Are Hummingbirds Rare In Central Florida
Hummingbirds aren’t actually rare in Central Florida, but there aren’t many species. It’s hard to spot hummingbirds in urban areas, as they’re keen on living in wooded areas. Tampa is rated as the city with the most trees, so there are significantly more hummingbirds there.
Do hummingbirds come to central Florida and then continue up north? Yes, some hummingbirds bypass Florida on their route to another state.
If you wonder where are there hummingbirds in Central Florida, try exploring the suburban forests like the Ocala National Forest. The ruby-throated hummingbirds are regular visitors here.
BRITEREE Hummingbird House for Outside Hanging, with Nesting Material & Red Ribbon
Hummingbird Species You Can Spot In Florida
So, what types of hummingbirds are in central Florida? We can place the hummingbirds in central Florida in two groups: resident and migratory. Resident species are here year-round, naturally less active during the cold months. This is important information because if you know there are hummingbirds staying the winter you need to leave a feeder out!
Are there hummingbirds in central Florida that are unique to the region? Unfortunately, Florida doesn’t offer a very exciting selection of hummingbirds.
Resident Species
The Ruby-throated hummingbird is a year-round resident in the central parts of Florida. They prefer meadows, fruit orchards, and forest edges. The males have a specific fuchsia-colored throat with green backs and grey bellies. The females have beige and gray bellies with iridescent green backs. These are fast flyers and let out a silent hum when hovering.
Migratory Species
So are there hummingbirds in central Florida that spend the winter besides the Ruby-throated hummingbird?
The Black-chinned hummingbird belongs to both groups as it is often spotted spending the winter in the central parts of the state. The male and female look the same, with a blackhead, light belly, and dark back. The male, however, has a dark purple horizontal stripe on its neck.
Both genders have a characteristic white spot at the outer corner of their eyes. The Black-chinned hummingbird is similar in size to the Ruby-throated hummingbird, but they prefer to live in suburban areas next to springs and rivers.
The male Rufous hummingbird has characteristic iridescent orange feathers all over his body, a spotted neck, and a beige belly. Even their beaks are colorful! Like most hummingbird females, the female has dull feathers with a lighter belly and gray back.
Rufous hummingbirds got their name after their color and are quite similar in size to the aforementioned hummingbirds. They prefer to live in open areas such as meadows and fields.
How To Attract Hummingbirds In Central Florida
We mentioned what types of hummingbirds are in central Florida, but how can you attract them to your garden?
The key to attracting hummingbirds is consistency. It’s better to be early than late, so prepare your feeder at the end of February. Plant some of their favorite tubular flowers that work well in your Hardiness Zone. For central Florida, that’s 9a and 9b. Try planting fire bush, rose mallow, pagoda flower, fire spike, and butterfly milkweed.
Are there hummingbirds in central Florida? We’ll say if you try enough, you’ll find out! It also helps if your garden has tall trees with a large crown so they can safely nest there. Hummingbirds have an excellent memory; once they feel safe and well-fed in your garden, they’ll drop by every year.
Parts Of Florida With Most Hummingbirds
South Florida has the largest hummingbird population, followed by the northwest. The northwest has some special visitors that you can’t spot in central Florida, such as Anna’s hummingbird, Broad-tailed hummingbirds, Allen’s hummingbird, and Calliope.
Bottom Line: Are There Hummingbirds In Central Florida
Not only are there hummingbirds in central Florida, but you can spot some of them outside the standard season. If you’re having trouble attracting them to your garden, you might be living in a too urbanized area or haven’t provided enough food.
Try setting up a feeder as early as March, hand a few pots of their favorite flowers, and keep your eyes open!