There are several species of hummingbirds found around the world.   Scientists have found information on about three hundred and fifty-six of them.   About fifty-one of these hummingbirds are on the endangered species list in some way or the other. 

   There are about sixteen common species of hummingbirds.   Here are a few of the well known species:  Anna's,  Black-Chinned,   Broad- Tailed, Ruby-Throated, Rufus and the Xantus'.   One of the most rare species of hummingbird is the White Hummingbird or Albino.   This bird can come from any of the different species of hummingbirds.   These hummingbirds are born without color on their feathers.  Here is a link that has pictures of albino hummingbirds: www.hummingbirds.net/albino.html.    Hummingbirds come in many different color patterns.   They can range from plain brown to brightly colored reds, blues, greens and purples.

   Many species of hummingbirds only live in Central and South America.   There are a few hummingbirds who migrate each year.   They travel thousands of miles across the country to migrate.  They spend the winters in Central and South America and will move or migrate in summer to North America.   Some may go as far as Alaska.   The most common species of hummingbirds that migrate to North America are the Allen's, Anna's, Costa's, and the Ruby-Throated.

   Many of these hummingbirds are very hard to tell apart from one another.   The Allen's and Rufus hummingbird look very much the same.   The difference between these two species of hummingbirds is where they migrate too.   The Allen's hummingbird summers on California's  west coast.  They will return to the central and pacific coast of Mexico to spend the winter.   The Rufus migrates to Northern California up to Canada and Southern Alaska.  They will travel back more the two- thousand miles to spend the winter in Mexico.

   There are many interesting hummingbirds.   The Anna's being the most, because it is the only species of hummingbird with a red crown on it's head.   Anna's live all year in Canada, however some may migrate with other species of hummingbirds.   Those who stay in Canada spend the winter on Vancouver Island in British Columbia.

   The Costa's hummingbird migrates to Southwestern portions of the United States and the Baja Peninsula of Mexico.  This hummingbird is known for the very bright purple, worn on its head and throat by the male. The males are so colorful they almost glimmer.

   Another species of hummingbird is the Ruby-throated.   It spends the summer in the United States and Canada.  Most of the time it can be found east of the Mississippi River.  They will lay eggs, raise their young and migrate back to Central America to spend the winter.  The Ruby hummingbird is known for its very brightly colored ruby throat.

   All species of hummingbirds have similarities.  They all can start and stop on a dime, hover and fly backwards, even fly upside down.  They lay eggs and raise their young in nests that are very small and shaped like a cup.  The females raise the young.   They do not sing like other birds, but chirp.   They will eat small insects and spiders for protein in their diets, along with the nectar they gather from flowers and  hummingbird feeders.  There have been many stories told about the hummingbird. Scientists have classified hummingbirds into a family known as Trochilidae, because of their characteristics.   To learn more on other species of hummingbirds go to this web site:  http://www.hummingbirds.net/species.html.   This site will give you a physical description, plumage and the states that hummingbirds have been know to migrate too.

   Many people are interested in bird watching or the study of birds.   Here is a great place to get started, in "How to Study Birds" you get all the tips and information you need to become an expert at bird watching.   This ebook covers important topics from, the Beginnings of birds to how to use an ordinary camera for bird watching.   Visit the website at www.thehummingbirdsite.com/Birds.
 

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