Birds have always fascinated us with their ability to fly, their vibrant colors, and their diverse species. North America, in particular, is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to a wide variety of bird species. Among these, the smallest birds hold a special place.
Their diminutive size, coupled with their remarkable adaptability and resilience, make them truly fascinating. In this blog post, we will embark on a journey to explore the 15 smallest birds that call North America their home.
1. The Calliope Hummingbird – The Tiniest Jewel
The Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope) holds the title for the smallest bird species in North America. Weighing a mere 2-3 grams – less than a penny – and measuring only 3-3.5 inches in length, this bird is truly a tiny jewel.
Despite its small size, the Calliope Hummingbird is easily recognizable due to its striking physical characteristics.
Males are particularly distinctive with their iridescent, magenta-colored throat feathers that fan out in a stunning starburst pattern during courtship displays.
Females, on the other hand, have a more subdued coloration, with a greenish upper body and a white underbelly.
The Calliope Hummingbird is a migratory bird, breeding in the northwestern regions of North America and wintering in southwestern Mexico.
2. The Costa’s Hummingbird – A Vibrant Beauty
Next on our list is Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae), another small wonder of the avian world. This bird measures between 3-3.5 inches in length and weighs around 2-4 grams.
The Costa’s Hummingbird is a sight to behold, especially the males, who sport a vibrant, iridescent purple crown and throat, which they can puff out and shimmer during their impressive courtship displays.
Females are less colorful, with a greenish upper body and a grayish-white underbelly. The Costa’s Hummingbird is primarily found in the arid regions of the Southwestern United States and the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico.
3. The Black-Chinned Hummingbird – A Delicate Wonder
The Black-Chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) is another tiny bird that graces the skies of North America. Measuring between 3.25-3.5 inches in length and weighing around 3-4 grams, this bird is a delicate wonder.
The males are easily identifiable by their black chin and lower throat, which is bordered by an iridescent purple band.
Females, like many other hummingbird species, have a greenish upper body and a grayish-white underbelly.
The Black-Chinned Hummingbird is a migratory species, breeding in the western regions of North America and wintering in Mexico. They are known for their agility and speed, often darting quickly between flowers in search of nectar.
4. The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird – A Tiny Jewel with a Vibrant Throat
The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is a small bird with a big personality. This bird measures between 3-3.5 inches in length and weighs around 2-6 grams.
The males are particularly striking, with an iridescent ruby-red throat, a white underbelly, and an emerald-green back.
Females, on the other hand, have a greenish upper body and a white underbelly, but lack the ruby-red throat.
The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is the only hummingbird species that breeds in the eastern regions of North America.
They are known for their long migratory journeys, with some individuals flying non-stop over the Gulf of Mexico.
5. The Broad-Tailed Hummingbird – A Master of Hovering
The Broad-Tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus) is a master of hovering. This bird measures between 3.1-3.5 inches in length and weighs around 3-4 grams.
Males are identifiable by their rose-red throat, green back and flanks, and broad, rounded tail. Females have a greenish upper body, a white underbelly, and a broad, rounded tail with white tips.
The Broad-Tailed Hummingbird breeds in the mountains of the western United States, Mexico, and Guatemala.
In winter, they migrate to Mexico and Central America. Their wings make a distinctive trilling sound when they fly, which is particularly noticeable during their courtship displays.
6. Anna’s Hummingbird – A Graceful Aviator
Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) is a medium-sized hummingbird native to the west coast of North America. Named after Anna Masséna, Duchess of Rivoli, this bird measures between 3.9-4.3 inches in length and weighs around 4-4.5 grams.
The males are known for their striking, iridescent crimson-red crowns and throat, while females have a greenish upper body and a grayish-white underbelly.
Unlike many hummingbird species, Anna’s Hummingbird is a permanent resident along the Pacific Coast, making it a familiar sight in gardens and parks.
7. The Rufous Hummingbird – A Fiery Tiny Bird
The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a small hummingbird known for its extraordinary flight skills and fiery coloration. This bird measures between 3-3.75 inches in length and weighs around 2-5 grams. The males are particularly striking, with a bright orange-red body and an iridescent red throat.
Females have a greenish upper body, a white underbelly, and some reddish spots on the throat. The Rufous Hummingbird has the longest migration of any hummingbird species, traveling up to 3,900 miles from Alaska to Mexico.
8. The Golden-Crowned Kinglet – A Regal Feathered Gem
The Golden-Crowned Kinglet (Regulus satrapa) is a tiny bird with a regal crown. Measuring between 3.1-4.3 inches in length and weighing around 4-8 grams, this bird is one of the smallest birds in North America.
Both males and females have a distinctive golden-yellow crown, bordered by black stripes, but the male’s crown has an additional orange patch.
These birds are found in coniferous forests across North America and are known for their high-pitched calls and active behavior.
9. The American Bushtit – A Small Bird with a Big Personality
The American Bushtit (Psaltriparus minimus) is a small, active bird that brings a big personality to the bird world. Measuring between 3.1-3.5 inches in length and weighing around 5-6 grams, this bird is a tiny bundle of energy.
Both males and females have a gray-brown body, a long tail, and a small, stubby bill.
They are social birds, often seen in large, noisy flocks. The American Bushtit is found in the western regions of North America, where they inhabit a variety of woodland habitats.
10. The Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher – A Tiny Insect Hunter
The Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea) is a small bird known for its insect-hunting skills. This bird measures between 3.9-4.3 inches in length and weighs around 5-7 grams. As their name suggests, these birds have a blue-gray upper body, a white underbelly, and a distinctive white eye ring.
They are active hunters, often seen flitting about in trees and shrubs in search of insects. The Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher is found across much of the United States, Mexico, and Central America.
11. The Ruby-Crowned Kinglet – A Small Bird with a Hidden Ruby
The Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) is a tiny bird with a hidden jewel. Measuring between 3.5-4.3 inches in length and weighing around 5-10 grams, this bird is one of the smallest songbirds in North America.
Males have a hidden ruby-red crown that is only visible when they are excited or agitated.
Both males and females have an olive-green body and a distinctive white eye ring. The Ruby-Crowned Kinglet is found across North America, where they inhabit a variety of forest habitats.
12. The Carolina Chickadee – A Cheerful and Sociable Bird
The Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis) is a small, cheerful bird known for its sociability. This bird measures between 4.7-5.1 inches in length and weighs around 9-12 grams.
Both males and females have a distinctive black cap and bib, white cheeks, and a gray back and underbelly.
They are social birds, often seen in pairs or small groups. The Carolina Chickadee is found in the southeastern United States, where they inhabit a variety of woodland habitats.
13. The Brown Creeper – A Stealthy Climber
The Brown Creeper (Certhia americana), also known as the American treecreeper, is a small, stealthy bird known for its unique climbing behavior. This bird measures between 4.7-5.5 inches in length and weighs around 7-10 grams.
Both males and females have a brown upper body, a white underbelly, and a long, curved bill. They are solitary birds, often seen creeping up tree trunks in search of insects.
The Brown Creeper is found across North America, where they inhabit a variety of forest habitats.
14. The Least Flycatcher – A Small Bird with a Big Voice
The Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus) is a small bird known for its big voice. This bird measures between 4.3-5.5 inches in length and weighs around 11-12 grams. Both males and females have a grayish-olive upper body, a white underbelly, and a distinctive eye ring.
They are active birds, often heard before they are seen, thanks to their loud, distinctive “che-bek” call. The Least Flycatcher is found in the northern regions of the United States and Canada, where they inhabit deciduous forests.
15. The Black-Capped Chickadee – A Charismatic Little Bird
The Black-Capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) is a small bird known for its charisma and distinctive call. This bird measures between 4.7-5.9 inches in length and weighs around 9-14 grams.
Both males and females have a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and a gray back and underbelly.
Their distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call is a familiar sound in the forests and suburbs of North America. The Black-Capped Chickadee is found across much of North America, where they inhabit a variety of woodland habitats.
Appreciating the Smallest Birds in North America
In conclusion, the smallest birds in North America are a diverse and fascinating group, each with its unique characteristics and behaviors.
Despite their small size, these birds exhibit remarkable adaptability and resilience, thriving in a variety of habitats across the continent.
As we appreciate the beauty and diversity of these tiny wonders, let’s also remember our responsibility to protect them and their habitats for future generations to enjoy.
FAQ
What is the smallest bird found in the United States?
The smallest bird found in the United States is the Calliope Hummingbird. It measures between 3-3.5 inches in length and weighs a mere 2-3 grams.
Despite its small size, it has a distinctive appearance with males having an iridescent magenta-colored throat.
Which small bird has the longest migration?
The Rufous Hummingbird holds the record for the longest migration of any hummingbird species.
These tiny birds travel up to 3,900 miles from their breeding grounds in Alaska and Canada to their winter habitat in Mexico.
Are there any small birds that are permanent residents in the United States?
Yes, Anna’s Hummingbird is a small bird that is a permanent resident along the Pacific Coast of the United States.
Unlike many hummingbird species that migrate, Anna’s Hummingbirds can be seen year-round in their habitat.
What small birds can I see in the forests of North America?
The forests of North America are home to several small birds. The Golden-Crowned Kinglet and the Ruby-Crowned Kinglet are two such species.
They are known for their distinctive crowns and active behavior. The Brown Creeper, another small bird, is known for its unique climbing behavior on tree trunks.
What are some distinctive features of small birds in the United States?
Small birds in the United States have a variety of distinctive features. For instance, Costa’s Hummingbird has a vibrant, iridescent purple crown and throat, while the Black-Chinned Hummingbird has a black chin and lower throat bordered by an iridescent purple band.
The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is known for its distinctive ruby-red throat.
What are some common behaviors of small birds in the United States?
Small birds in the United States exhibit a range of behaviors. Many are active hunters, like the Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher that is known for its insect-hunting skills.
Some, like the American Bushtit, are social birds often seen in large, noisy flocks. Others, like the Black-Capped Chickadee, are known for their distinctive calls.
How can I attract small birds to my backyard?
Attracting small birds to your backyard can be achieved by providing food, water, and shelter.
Planting native plants and providing bird feeders with seeds can attract a variety of small birds.
Providing a water source, like a birdbath, and nesting boxes can also encourage small birds to visit your backyard.
What role do small birds play in the ecosystem?
Small birds play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They help control insect populations by feeding on them.
They also play a role in pollination as they move from flower to flower in search of nectar. Furthermore, they are a vital food source for larger predators.
Are small birds in the United States threatened?
Some small bird species in the United States are threatened due to habitat loss, climate change, and other factors. It’s important to protect their habitats and take steps to ensure their survival.
You can help by creating bird-friendly spaces in your backyard and supporting conservation efforts.
Where can I learn more about small birds in the United States?
There are many resources available for learning more about small birds in the United States. Local nature centers, birdwatching groups, and online resources like the Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology provide a wealth of information about these fascinating creatures.
