Are There Hummingbirds in New York?
Yes, ruby-throated hummingbirds visit New York City each summer as seasonal migrants traveling north from Central America. While not permanent residents, these tiny birds appear reliably from May through September, attracted to urban gardens, parks, and feeders. Central Park, Prospect Park, and residential gardens throughout the five boroughs provide essential nectar sources during migration.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 23, 2026.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird · er-birds CC BY
Ruby-throated Hummingbird · Sandy Wolkenberg CC BY
Ruby-throated Hummingbird · Donald Davesne CC BY
- 6
- species recorded
- 262,715
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- August, September, May
- peak months
Yes, hummingbirds are in New York. Next you'll want:
What hummingbird sound like
Verified field recordings from Xeno-canto. Press play to hear the calls birders listen for in the field.
Rivoli's Hummingbird · call, short rattle
0:05Portal, Arizona · © Richard E. Webster CC BY-NC-SA · XC133506
Blue-throated Mountaingem · call, perched warning calls
0:05Portal, Arizona · © Richard E. Webster CC BY-NC-SA · XC132503
Lucifer Sheartail · call, wing buzz
0:08Portal, Arizona · © Richard E. Webster CC BY-NC-SA · XC132966
Verified species, source iNaturalist
5 types of hummingbirds recorded in New York
5 hummingbird species have a verified observation record in New York across the hummingbird family (Trochilidae), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Plus 1 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
2,588 verified observations on iNaturalist of hummingbird have been recorded in New York, most often in August, September, May.
When hummingbird are recorded in New York
Yes, ruby-throated hummingbirds visit New York City each summer as seasonal migrants traveling north from Central America. While not permanent residents, these tiny birds appear reliably from May through September, attracted to urban gardens, parks, and feeders. Central Park, Prospect Park, and residential gardens throughout the five boroughs provide essential nectar sources during migration.
Where Hummingbirds Are Found in and Around New York
Ruby-throated hummingbirds visit New York City each summer, drawn to the countless flower gardens and feeders scattered across neighborhoods from the Upper West Side to Astoria, Queens. In Manhattan, Central Park and nearby area gardens along the East River provide crucial foraging habitat during migration. Brooklyn's Prospect Park serves as a beacon for these tiny migrants, with its flowering trees and deliberately planted gardens attracting visitors each May and June. The neighborhoods of Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, and Williamsburg have active hummingbird watching areas. Further out, Forest Park in Queens and Flushing Meadows Corona Park attract the birds to their landscaped areas and native plantings. The Hudson River waterfront from Inwood to Battery Park provides green corridors that guide migrating birds through the city. Urban parks and residential gardens with trumpet vine, bee balm, and other nectar-rich flowers offer essential refueling stops. Visitthe New York wildlife guidefor more information on local species.
Season and Timing in New York
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are not year-round residents in New York. Instead, they appear as seasonal migrants, typically arriving in late April or early May as they travel northward from their wintering grounds in Central America. Throughout May and June, the numbers peak, with residents and visitors throughout the city reporting sightings at feeders and flowering plants. The birds remain active through July and August, though sightings can decline as summer progresses. By late August and September, they begin their return migration southward, and fall sightings become increasingly rare. A few individuals occasionally linger into October during mild years. The best time to observe hummingbirds in New York is mid-May through July, when migration brings the most birds to the city. Some dedicated observers place hummingbird feeders starting in early April to prepare for the spring arrival and support thousands of passing birds. For more on hummingbird in New York, see ourNew York hummingbird guide.
How to Identify a Hummingbird
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are among the tiniest birds in North America, weighing about as much as a penny. Adults measure roughly three to four inches from bill to tail. Males are brilliant iridescent green on the back and head, with a distinctive deep red or crimson throat patch that flashes brilliantly in the light. Females are similar to males on the back but lack the red throat, instead showing a pale gray-white belly with occasional red spots on the throat. Both sexes have a long, straight black bill adapted for sipping nectar from flowers. The wings beat incredibly fast, producing the characteristic humming sound that gives the bird its common name. Their call is a series of quiet chirps and chase notes. Immature birds resemble females but show more spotting on the throat. The only other hummingbird species occasionally seen in the Northeast is the Rufous Hummingbird, an accidental visitor from the West that appears in fall and early winter. You can also browseNew York wildlife.
Where Sightings Concentrate Near New York
Central Park remains the most reliable location for hummingbird sightings in Manhattan, particularly around the Conservatory Garden and areas with flowering plants along the main paths. Prospect Park in Brooklyn consistently attracts hummingbirds, especially in the areas near the water features and wooded sections where native plants thrive. The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, though technically outside the city proper, draws numerous birds to its extensive cultivated gardens and native plantings. Riverside Park along Manhattan's Hudson River waterfront serves as a migration corridor and feeding area. Area gardens scattered throughout outer boroughs, particularly in neighborhoods like Astoria, Jackson Heights in Queens, and Sunset Park in Brooklyn, provide critical food sources during migration. Residential areas with well-maintained gardens and bird feeders often host multiple birds during peak season. The waterfront parks from Battery Park to Inwood offer green corridors that funnel migrating birds through the city. Local birding groups frequently sharehummingbird sightingsin these locations.
Typical Behavior of Hummingbirds
Ruby-throated hummingbirds are extremely territorial despite their tiny size, aggressively defending feeding territories against other hummingbirds and even larger birds. Males perform elaborate aerial displays, diving and climbing to show off their red throats to potential mates and rivals. They are incredibly active birds, spending much of their day visiting hundreds of flowers to feed on nectar. Their metabolism is incredibly fast, requiring them to eat constantly to maintain their body temperature. They can enter torpor on cold nights, a sleep-like state where metabolism slows dramatically to conserve energy. Hummingbirds are primarily attracted to bright flowers, especially red and orange blooms, though they visit flowers of many colors. They also catch small insects and spiders for protein, particularly important during breeding season and migration. Despite their aggression toward other hummingbirds, they form no lasting pair bonds, with males playing no role in nesting or raising young. These remarkable birds can remember every flower they have visited, knowing when each will have nectar available.
Coexistence and Safety with Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds pose no threat to humans and should be treated with respect and gentle observation. They are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to capture, harm, or keep them. If you encounter a hummingbird in your home, simply open windows and doors to allow it to exit, as it will naturally fly toward light. Never spray insecticides in areas where hummingbirds feed, as pesticides kill the small insects and spiders that provide essential protein. To help hummingbirds in New York, maintain clean bird feeders with fresh sugar water, changing the solution every three to four days to prevent fermentation and mold. Avoid using red dye in feeders, as plain sugar water is just as attractive and safer. Plant native flowering species like bee balm, trumpet vine, cardinal flower, and native zinnias to provide natural food sources. Cats and window collisions are serious threats to hummingbirds in urban areas, so keep cats indoors and place decals on windows to prevent accidents. Learn more throughwildlife resources.
Similar Species People Confuse with Hummingbirds
In New York, confusion with hummingbirds is relatively rare since the ruby-throated hummingbird is the only common hummingbird species in the region. However, observers sometimes mistake other small birds or insects for hummingbirds. Large moths, particularly the Sphinx moth or Hawk moth, bear a superficial resemblance to hummingbirds as they hover while feeding at flowers, complete with a long proboscis they use like a bill. Differences become clear upon close observation, as moths have antennae, wings that hold differently, and lack the metallic iridescence of hummingbirds. Other small birds occasionally confused with hummingbirds include kinglets, tiny warblers that flit quickly through foliage, though they lack the long bill and hovering flight. The pileated woodpecker's juvenile form is sometimes mentioned but is far too large to resemble a hummingbird. Experienced birders focus on the distinctive hovering flight, rapid wing beats, and iridescent plumage to confirm hummingbird identification. Checkingthe state wildlife guidecan help clarify identifications.
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Hummingbirds
What do I do if I find an injured hummingbird? Place the bird gently in a small cardboard box in a warm, dark, quiet space. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator in New York immediately, as hummingbirds require specialized care. You can search for wildlife rehabilitators through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. When should I put out hummingbird feeders in New York? Begin placing feeders in early April to prepare for spring migration. Maintain feeders through September to support southbound migrants. Clean feeders every three to four days to prevent fermentation and mold growth. Are hummingbirds aggressive to humans? Hummingbirds are territorial toward other hummingbirds but show little fear of humans. They may investigate bright clothing thinking it is a flower. They will not bite or sting; they have no mechanism to do so. Can hummingbirds survive New York winters? No, hummingbirds cannot survive New York winters and migrate south each fall. A few individuals occasionally linger into early November during mild years, but the population departs completely by winter. The birds must travel over 1,500 miles to reach their Central American wintering grounds.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see hummingbird in New York: August, September, May
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your hummingbird sighting in New York
262,715 verified hummingbird records have been logged in New York, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in New York
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake Bay · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Fire Island National Seashore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Martin Van Buren National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- National Parks of New York Harbor · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Jones Beach SP · 343 species recorded
- Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge · 329 species recorded
- Robert Moses SP · 329 species recorded
- Jones Beach SP--West End · 322 species recorded
- Braddock Bay · 312 species recorded
- Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--West Pond · 306 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Keep exploring
More places to see hummingbird
More wildlife in New York