2 Types of Hummingbirds in Mississippi
Yes, you can identify several hummingbird species in Mississippi, with the Ruby-throated Hummingbird being the most common by far. While most of these tiny aerial acrobats visit our state during the warmer months, some western species occasionally overwinter along the Gulf Coast. Start your identification journey by learning the distinct throat colors and flight patterns that separate these miniature marvels.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
- 7
- species recorded
- September, April, May
- peak months
Verified species, source iNaturalist
2 types of hummingbirds recorded in Mississippi
2 hummingbird species have a verified observation record in Mississippi 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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2
Plus 5 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
676 verified observations on iNaturalist of hummingbird have been recorded in Mississippi, most often in September, April, May.
When hummingbird are recorded in Mississippi
Yes, you can identify several hummingbird species in Mississippi, with the Ruby-throated Hummingbird being the most common by far. While most of these tiny aerial acrobats visit our state during the warmer months, some western species occasionally overwinter along the Gulf Coast. Start your identification journey by learning the distinct throat colors and flight patterns that separate these miniature marvels.
What types of hummingbirds live in Mississippi?
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only species that breeds in Mississippi. However, several other species are seen during migration or in winter, including the Rufous, Black-chinned, and occasionally the Calliope hummingbird. Rufous hummingbirds are the most common winter visitors, especially in the southern part of the state. Understanding which species are present and when they arrive helps you know what to look for.
When is the best season for hummingbird sightings in Mississippi?
Spring migration runs from mid-March through May, with peak in April. Fall migration is July to October, with a strong peak in August. Rufous Hummingbirds sometimes linger into winter along the coast. The most reliable window for multiple species is August.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How can you identify a Ruby-throated Hummingbird from Rufous or Black-chinned?
Ruby-throated males have a bright red throat and an emerald green back. Females have white throats with faint streaking. Rufous Hummingbirds are smaller with rufous sides and a coppery tail. Black-chinned males have a purple throat band visible in good light. For more species details, see ourhummingbird hub.
What plants and feeders attract hummingbirds in Mississippi?
Native plants like trumpet creeper, cardinal flower, and bee balm draw them reliably. Hanging feeders with a 4:1 water-to-sugar solution work well. Place feeders near shady spots with a clear view. Avoid red dye in the water.
Where to see hummingbirds in Mississippi: prime locations
DeSoto National Forest, the Natchez Trace Parkway, and coastal refuges like Grand Bay NERR offer good habitats. For a guided experience, consider visiting during migration festivals.
What hummingbird-themed items can extend the experience?
DeSoto National Forest, the Natchez Trace Parkway, and coastal refuges like Grand Bay NERR offer good habitats. For a guided experience, consider visiting during migration festivals.
Do hummingbirds stay in Mississippi year-round?
No. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate south in fall. However, a few Rufous and other western species sometimes overwinter along the Gulf Coast. If you maintain a feeder through winter, you might attract a rare visitor.
What is the smallest hummingbird that visits Mississippi?
The Rufous Hummingbird is among the smallest, about 3.5 inches long. The Ruby-throated is slightly larger at 3.75 inches. Both are tiny but the Rufous has a more compact look.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
How do you identify a female hummingbird?
Identifying female hummingbirds is much harder than males because they lack the bright throat patches. Most females in Mississippi are greenish on the back with a pale, whitish underbelly and a few dark streaks on the throat. The best way to identify them is by looking at the tail feathers: females often have white tips on their outer tail feathers, which are visible when they fan their tails. For a confident ID, pay attention to the overall size and the shape of the bill. Visit theanimals/hummingbirdpage for more on female markers.
What is the best way to photograph hummingbirds in Mississippi?
To get great hummingbird photos, set up your camera on a tripod near a favorite flower patch or a clean feeder. Use a fast shutter speed, at least 1/1000 of a second, to freeze their rapid wing movements. Early morning and late afternoon light are the most flattering and will help bring out the iridescent colors of their feathers. Patience is key, as hummingbirds often return to the same perches or flowers repeatedly. Check theMississippi wildlife guidefor more photography tips.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What types of hummingbirds live in Mississippi?+
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only species that breeds in Mississippi. However, several other species are seen during migration or in winter, including the Rufous, Black-chinned, and occasionally the Calliope hummingbird. Rufous hummingbirds are the most common winter visitors, especially in the southern part of the state. Understanding which species are present and when they arrive helps you know what to look for.
When is the best season for hummingbird sightings in Mississippi?+
Spring migration runs from mid-March through May, with peak in April. Fall migration is July to October, with a strong peak in August. Rufous Hummingbirds sometimes linger into winter along the coast. The most reliable window for multiple species is August. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
How can you identify a Ruby-throated Hummingbird from Rufous or Black-chinned?+
Ruby-throated males have a bright red throat and an emerald green back. Females have white throats with faint streaking. Rufous Hummingbirds are smaller with rufous sides and a coppery tail. Black-chinned males have a purple throat band visible in good light. For more species details, see ourhummingbird hub.
What plants and feeders attract hummingbirds in Mississippi?+
Native plants like trumpet creeper, cardinal flower, and bee balm draw them reliably. Hanging feeders with a 4:1 water-to-sugar solution work well. Place feeders near shady spots with a clear view. Avoid red dye in the water.
What hummingbird-themed items can extend the experience?+
DeSoto National Forest, the Natchez Trace Parkway, and coastal refuges like Grand Bay NERR offer good habitats. For a guided experience, consider visiting during migration festivals.
Do hummingbirds stay in Mississippi year-round?+
No. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate south in fall. However, a few Rufous and other western species sometimes overwinter along the Gulf Coast. If you maintain a feeder through winter, you might attract a rare visitor.
What is the smallest hummingbird that visits Mississippi?+
The Rufous Hummingbird is among the smallest, about 3.5 inches long. The Ruby-throated is slightly larger at 3.75 inches. Both are tiny but the Rufous has a more compact look. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
How do you identify a female hummingbird?+
Identifying female hummingbirds is much harder than males because they lack the bright throat patches. Most females in Mississippi are greenish on the back with a pale, whitish underbelly and a few dark streaks on the throat. The best way to identify them is by looking at the tail feathers: females often have white tips on their outer tail feathers, which are visible when they fan their tails. For a confident ID, pay attention to the overall size and the shape of the bill. Visit theanimals/hummingbirdpage for more on female markers.
What is the best way to photograph hummingbirds in Mississippi?+
To get great hummingbird photos, set up your camera on a tripod near a favorite flower patch or a clean feeder. Use a fast shutter speed, at least 1/1000 of a second, to freeze their rapid wing movements. Early morning and late afternoon light are the most flattering and will help bring out the iridescent colors of their feathers. Patience is key, as hummingbirds often return to the same perches or flowers repeatedly. Check theMississippi wildlife guidefor more photography tips.
Keep exploring
More places to see hummingbird
More wildlife in Mississippi
Common questions about hummingbirds