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Hummingbirds Size in 2024: Smallest to Largest Species

Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world. They come in lots of sizes. The tiniest one called the bee hummingbird, is about 5 centimeters (2 inches) long and weighs less than a penny.

The biggest one is the Giant hummingbird, which is about 22 centimeters (8.7 inches) long and weighs a bit more than a couple of tablespoons of water.

Why do they have different sizes? Well, it’s mostly because of what they like to eat and where they live.

Some hummingbirds like to sip nectar from small flowers, so they stay small. Others like bigger flowers, so they grow a bit bigger. And some live in chilly places, so they’re larger to keep warm.

Did you know that size also changes how long they live? Smaller ones usually live only a few years, while bigger ones can live up to ten years.

Hummingbirds Size in Table:

Hummingbird SpeciesSize (cm)Size (in)Notes
Bee Hummingbird5 – 62.0 – 2.4Smallest
Bumblebee Hummingbird6 – 7.62.4 – 3.0
Rufous Hummingbird7 – 92.8 – 3.5
Calliope Hummingbird7 – 92.8 – 3.5
Anna’s Hummingbird9 – 113.5 – 4.3
Costa’s Hummingbird9 – 113.5 – 4.3
Broad-tailed Hummingbird9 – 113.5 – 4.3
Black-chinned Hummingbird9 – 113.5 – 4.3
Ruby-throated Hummingbird9 – 113.5 – 4.3
Rufous-crested Coquette9 – 123.5 – 4.7
Violet-crowned Hummingbird10 – 133.9 – 5.1
Long-billed Starthroat11 – 144.3 – 5.5
White-necked Jacobin12 – 154.7 – 5.9
Glittering-bellied Emerald12 – 154.7 – 5.9
Green Hermit13 – 155.1 – 5.9
Long-tailed Sylph13 – 185.1 – 7.1
Sword-billed Hummingbird14 – 155.5 – 5.9
Giant Hummingbird19 – 237.5 – 9.1Largest
Andean Hillstar13 to 155.1 to 5.9
table: Hummingbird size

Know More About These Hummingbirds Size

1. Bee Hummingbird

The Bee Hummingbird is the smallest bird in the world. They love to drink nectar from tiny flowers.

They live only in Cuba and the Isla de la Juventud. So, you can’t find them anywhere else in the world.

The bee hummingbird is the world’s tiniest bird.

  • These Hummingbirds Size: They are about 2 to 2.4 inches long. That’s even smaller than a typical adult’s finger.
  • Habitat: They live in Cuba and the Isla de la Juventud. You can find them in forests, gardens, and by the coast.
  • Diet: Bee hummingbirds love to drink nectar from flowers. They also help plants by spreading pollen. Sometimes, they eat small insects and spiders for protein.
  • Amazing Skills: These birds can hover in the air like magic, thanks to their super-fast wing flaps.
  • Family Life: Bee hummingbirds build small nests using bits of plants and even spider silk. A mom might lay one or two eggs, and she’s the one who looks after the chicks.
  • Concerns: Bee hummingbirds are in a bit of trouble because they’re losing their homes and facing other problems. People are working to protect them.
  • Bee Hummingbird Facts: Bee Hummingbirds are excellent fliers, with the ability to hover in front of flowers due to their rapid wing beats, which can reach up to 80 beats per second.

They like habitats like open woodlands, gardens, and coastal areas. For its tiny size, it’s known for its quick and agile flight patterns.

2. Rufous Hummingbird

Rufous Hummingbird

Rufous Hummingbirds mainly eat nectar and sometimes insects. They’re commonly found in North America.

Rufous Hummingbird Some Important Description:

  • Rufous Hummingbirds Size: These hummingbirds are quite small, about 3 to 3.7 inches long.
  • Color: They’re known for their striking rust-colored feathers, which gleam like fiery embers.
  • Range: Rufous Hummingbirds can be found in North America, from Alaska down to Central America, and they migrate long distances.
  • Diet: Their main diet is nectar from flowers, and they have a sweet tooth for insects, too.
  • Behavior: Rufous Hummingbirds are known for their feisty and territorial nature, often chasing away other birds from their feeding spots.
  • Nesting: They make cup-shaped nests using soft materials like plant fibers and spider silk, often attaching them to branches. A female may lay two tiny eggs in her nest.
  • Conservation: Rufous Hummingbirds are doing well overall, but their populations in some areas face challenges due to habitat loss. Conservation efforts are important to protect their habitats.

They are mainly found in habitats like gardens, meadows, and forest edges. They’re known for their territorial nature and aggressive behavior toward other hummingbirds.

Related: Most Colorful Hummingbirds: 22 Species with Pictures

3. Calliope Hummingbird

Calliope Hummingbird

Calliope Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from flowers and sometimes insects. Calliope Hummingbird: The Tiny Gem

  • Calliopes Hummingbirds Size: They are very small, about 3 to 3.25 inches long.
  • Color: They have bright colors like green and purple, which are beautiful to see.
  • Habitat: They live in western North America, especially in mountains.
  • Diet: They eat nectar and tiny insects for protein.
  • Mannerisms: They can fly like helicopters in front of flowers.
  • Nesting: They make small nests from plants and spider silk. A female lays only two eggs.
  • Conservation: Their numbers are stable, but we must protect their homes.

They live in western North America, near mountains and open areas. They are known for their loud call.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Hummingbirds in the World

4. Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna’s Hummingbirds eat nectar, sap, and insects.

Anna’s Hummingbird: The West Coast Wonder

  • These Hummingbirds Size: They are small, about 3.9 to 4.3 inches long.
  • Color: Males have bright pink-red throats that shine in the sun.
  • Habitat: They live along the western coast of North America, from Alaska to Mexico.
  • Diet: They mainly eat flower nectar and tiny insects.
  • Characteristics: They are great at flying in the air and make a special sound with their wings.
  • Nesting: They build nests in trees and shrubs with soft materials like moss.
  • Conservation: Their numbers are stable, but we need to keep their homes safe.

They live along the western coast of North America. They like gardens, parks, and woodlands.

They have beautiful and colorful feathers, making them stand out.

Related: Hummingbirds With Long Tails

5. Costa’s Hummingbird

Costa’s Hummingbirds mainly eat nectar and sometimes insects. Costa’s Hummingbird: The Desert Dynamo

  • Costa’s Hummingbirds Size: These birds are small, about 3 to 4 inches long.
  • Color: Males have bright purple on their heads and throats.
  • Habitat: They live in the southwestern U.S. and dry parts of Mexico.
  • Diet: They eat nectar and insects for protein.
  • Characteristics: They fly well and show bright colors in the air.
  • Nesting: They make nests in low shrubs that look like the desert.
  • Conservation: Their numbers seem okay, but we need to keep their homes safe.

They live in desert areas in southwestern North America. Males have a special song. Both genders fly fast.

6. Broad-tailed Hummingbird

These hummingbirds eat nectar from flowers. They live in mountain areas of North America.

Broad-tailed Hummingbird: The Mountain Jewel

  • Size: They are small, about 3.25 to 4 inches long.
  • Color: Males have shiny green feathers and a round tail.
  • Habitat: They live in mountains and forests in western North America.
  • Diet: They mainly eat nectar and small insects.
  • Traits: They fly well and make a special sound with their wings.
  • Nesting: They build small nests in trees with plant fibers and moss.
  • Conservation: Their numbers seem stable, but we need to protect their homes.

They sometimes live near streams and meadows. They are known for their unique sound in flight.

7. Black-chinned Hummingbird

Black-chinned Hummingbird

Black-chinned Hummingbirds eat nectar and insects.

Black-chinned Hummingbird: The Subtle Beauty

  • Black-chinned Hummingbirds Size: They are small, about 3.5 to 4 inches long.
  • Color: Males have a black throat patch, while females have white throats.
  • Habitat: They live in many places, from deserts to woodlands, in the western U.S.
  • Diet: They mainly eat nectar and also eat tiny insects.
  • Characteristics: They are great at flying and can hover with ease.
  • Nesting: They make small nests in trees or shrubs, using plant fibers and spider silk.
  • Conservation: Their numbers seem stable, but we need to keep their homes safe.

They live in different places across western North America. They are very territorial and often fight with other hummingbirds.

8. Ruby-throated Hummingbird

One more amazing hummingbird is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. They mainly eat flower nectar and insects.

They live in the eastern part of North America. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds size: The Eastern Gem.

  • These Hummingbirds Size: These hummingbirds are small, measuring about 3 to 3.5 inches in length.
  • Color: Males boast striking iridescent green feathers and a vibrant ruby-red throat.
  • Habitat: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are commonly found in eastern North America, often in gardens and woodlands.
  • Diet: Their primary food is nectar from flowers, complemented by tiny insects for protein.
  • Characteristics: They are known for their agile flight, hovering, and rapid wing beats.
  • Nesting: They build tiny cup-shaped nests in trees, using soft materials like plant fibers and spider silk.
  • Conservation: Populations are generally stable, but preserving their habitats is vital.

You can easily find these birds sometimes in gardens, woods, and wetlands. They’re known for their long migrations.

9. Rufous-crested Coquette

Rofous-crested Coquette

Rufous-crested Coquettes feed on nectar from flowers and sometimes insects like other hummingbird species.

The Rufous-crested Coquette is a charming hummingbird that lives in South America.

These Hummingbirds Size: It’s a tiny bird, only about 3 to 4 inches long, and it stands out with its beautiful shiny green feathers and a special reddish crest on its head.

These birds make their homes in the forests of countries like Venezuela, and you can find them down to northern Argentina.

Just like other hummingbirds, they love to drink nectar from pretty flowers, which also helps these flowers make more flowers. Rufous-crested Coquettes are great at flying, and they can hang in front of flowers and drink nectar with their special beaks.

When it’s time to start a family, they build small cup-shaped nests using soft things like plant fibers and spider silk, usually in the lower parts of trees.

We need to be careful with their homes because the places they live are sometimes being cut down or destroyed. So, we must work to protect their homes to keep these beautiful birds around for a long time.

They are mainly found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. Their distinctive behavior includes hovering flight and perching upside down.

10. Violet-crowned Hummingbird

Image: Violet-crowned Hummingbird

Just like other species of hummingbird Violet-crowned Hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar and insects.

The Violet-crowned Hummingbird is a captivating bird. These little hummingbirds size 3.5 to 4 inches long, have a special violet crown on their heads. You can find them in the desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico.

They mainly love sipping nectar from desert flowers and are good at staying in one place in front of the flowers because of their fast wing flaps. They also snack on tiny insects sometimes.

Violet-crowned Hummingbirds are skilled flyers and make tiny nests in trees and shrubs, using plant bits and even spider silk.

Even though they seem to be doing okay, it’s important to make sure their desert homes are safe, so we can keep enjoying these colorful birds.

They’re located in southwestern North America and Central America, often in arid and desert habitats.

Their behavior includes hovering near flowering plants and perching on branches.

11. Long-billed Starthroat

Long-billed Starthroats mainly eat nectar from flowers. They hover to get it.

The Long-billed Starthroat is a cool bird. They are small, about 4 inches long, with long bills. You can find them in Central and South America.

They mostly eat nectar but also insects. They are good at hovering to feed.

They make tiny nests in trees using plant fibers and spider silk. We need to protect their homes.

These birds are very colorful. They are a joy to see for bird lovers.

They live in open woodlands and gardens in Central and South America. They have long bills and shiny feathers.

12. White-necked Jacobin

White-necked Jacobins mostly eat nectar. They live in tropical forests of Central and South America.

The White-necked Jacobin is a beautiful bird. They are about 4.5 inches long. They have a white neck and shiny body.

You can see them in Central and South America, especially in tropical forests. They eat nectar and insects.

They build small nests on tree branches. They use plant fibers and spider silk.

To help these birds, we need to protect their forest homes. Seeing them in the wild is a treat.

They fly by hovering and can be aggressive. They fight with other birds for food.

13. Glittering-bellied Emerald

Glittering-bellied Emeralds eat nectar and insects. They live in Central and South America.

The Glittering-bellied Emerald is a fascinating bird. They are small, about 3.5 inches long. They have shiny green bellies.

You can find them in Central and South America, in forests. They love nectar and insects. They hover to feed.

They build small nests in trees and shrubs. They use plant fibers and spider silk.

Protecting their forest habitats is key. It lets us enjoy their green bellies in the wild.

They live in lowland and foothill forests. They have shiny, rainbow-like feathers.

They are very good at flying quickly and nimbly.

14. Green Hermit

Green Hermit

Green Hermits love to eat nectar from flowers. They live in the tropical forests of Central and South America.

The Green Hermit is an interesting bird. They are big, about 4.5 inches long. They are green and easy to spot.

Green Hermits live in Central and South America. They love to hover to get nectar from flowers. They also eat small bugs for extra food.

When it’s time to have babies, they make small nests in trees. They use plant fibers and spider silk.

We need to keep their homes safe. This lets us see their green beauty in nature.

They fly by hovering and show off their long tail feathers when they find a mate.

15. Long-tailed Sylph

They have very long tails, making them beautiful hummingbirds.

Long-tailed Sylphs eat nectar from flowers. They live in the high forests of South America.

The Long-tailed Sylph is a stunning bird. They are 4.5 inches long and have long tails.

You can find them in Central and South America, in the mountains. They eat nectar and hover to get it. They also eat small bugs.

They make tiny nests in trees for their babies. They use plant fibers and spider silk.

We must protect their homes. This way, we can still see their beauty, especially their long tails, in nature.

Their long, shiny tail feathers are their most striking feature. They show them off when they court.

16. Sword-billed Hummingbird

Sword Billed Hummingbird

Imagine a bird with a bill like a sword. Yes, Sword-billed Hummingbirds eat nectar from long flowers.

The Sword-billed Hummingbird is an amazing bird. They are medium-sized, about 5 inches long. They have very long, straight bills.

You can find them in the high mountains of South America, like the Andes.

They mostly eat nectar from high-altitude flowers. They hover to get it. They also eat insects for protein.

When they’re ready to have babies, they build small nests in trees. They use plant fibers and moss.

Keeping their homes safe is key. This lets us see their amazing bills in nature.

They live in the high mountains of South America. You can find them there.

Their long, straight bill is their most special feature. It’s longer than their body.

17. Andean Hillstar

Andean Hillstar
Andean Hillstar

Andean Hillstars primarily feed on nectar and insects. They’re located in the high Andes mountains of South America.

The Andean Hillstar is a remarkable bird. These small hummingbirds, around 4 inches in length, are known for their endurance in high-altitude environments.

You can find Andean Hillstars in the Andes Mountains of South America, particularly at lofty elevations. They primarily feed on nectar from various high-altitude flowers and are skilled at hovering while they eat. Insects also make up a part of their diet.

When it’s time to build a home, they create small, cup-shaped nests in rocky crevices or cliffs.

Protecting their mountainous habitats is vital for the well-being of these birds, allowing us to continue admiring their resilience and beauty in the wild, especially in the challenging high-altitude conditions of the Andes.

Their behavior includes hovering flights and visits to high-altitude flowers for food.

18. Bumblebee Hummingbird

Bumblebee Hummingbird
Bumblebee Hummingbird

Similar to other hummingbirds, the Bumblebee Hummingbird mainly feeds on nectar from flowers.

The Bumblebee Hummingbird is an extraordinary bird. It’s one of the world’s tiniest birds, measuring only about 2 inches in length. The name “Bumblebee Hummingbird” comes from its small size and its hummingbird behavior.

These birds are mainly found in Mexico and Central America. Their primary diet is nectar from tiny flowers, and they are exceptional at hovering in front of these blossoms while feeding. They also eat small insects for added nutrition.

When it’s time to nest, Bumblebee Hummingbirds build the smallest bird nests in the world, often using materials like moss and spider silk. Their nests are about the size of a walnut shell.

Protecting their habitats is essential for the well-being of these incredibly tiny birds, enabling us to continue admiring their remarkable size and behavior in the wild.

Their main habitats include montane forests and shrublands of Central and South America. Its behavior includes hovering flight and rapid feeding.

19. Giant Hummingbird

Giant Hummingbird
Giant Hummingbird

Have you ever thought what is the largest hummingbird species? Yes, the Giant Hummingbird is the largest among hummingbird species.

The Giant Hummingbird, while not the largest overall, is still quite large for a hummingbird.

They feed on nectar and insects and inhabit regions of South America. Their behavior includes fast and direct flight.

The Giant Hummingbird is a unique bird. Despite the name, it’s one of the largest hummingbirds, measuring around 8 inches in length.

You can find Giant Hummingbirds in the high-altitude regions of the Andes Mountains in South America. They primarily feed on nectar from high-altitude flowers, and they’re skilled at hovering while they eat. Insects also make up a part of their diet.

When it’s time to nest, they create small, cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs using materials like plant fibers and moss.

Preserving their mountain habitats is crucial for the well-being of these larger hummingbirds, ensuring that we can continue to admire their unique size and behaviors in the wild.

Hummingbirds Size (FAQ):

  1. How big is a full-grown hummingbird?

    A full-grown hummingbird varies in size by species, but they are generally small, with the largest around 5 inches in length and weighing up to 20 grams. The smallest hummingbirds can be as tiny as 2 inches in length.

  2. Are there different sizes of hummingbirds?

    Yes, there are different sizes of hummingbirds. Hummingbirds come in various sizes, with the smallest species, like the Bee Hummingbird, being only a few inches long, while the largest species can reach up to about 5 inches in length. The size of a hummingbird can vary depending on its species, and they are known for their small and lightweight nature.

  3. Are hummingbirds big or small?

    Hummingbirds are generally small birds. They are known for their small size and lightweight nature. The size of a hummingbird varies by species, but even the largest hummingbirds are relatively small compared to many other bird species. Their size typically ranges from about 2 to 5 inches in length, making them some of the smallest birds in the world.

  4. Do hummingbirds grow larger than bees?

    No, hummingbirds are typically larger than bees. Hummingbirds are small birds, with the smallest species, like the Bee Hummingbird, measuring about 2 to 2.4 inches in length. Bees, on the other hand, are insects, and they are generally smaller, with many species measuring around half an inch to 1.5 inches in length. So, in terms of size, hummingbirds are generally larger than bees.

  5. What looks like a hummingbird but larger?

    If you’re looking for a bird that resembles a hummingbird but is larger, you might be thinking of sunbirds. Sunbirds are small to medium-sized birds found in Africa and Asia, and they share some visual similarities with hummingbirds, such as long bills and vibrant plumage. While sunbirds are larger than hummingbirds, they are still relatively small in the bird world. They are often mistaken for hummingbirds due to their similar feeding habits and appearance.

Conclusion

In summary, the size of a hummingbird is a really interesting and intricate thing to explore. What makes them big or small involves stuff like what they eat, where they live, and the climate they’re in. This size even influences how they act, how long they live, and how healthy they are.

The variety in their sizes is one of the things that make these birds super special. Regardless of how big or small they are, all hummingbirds are truly amazing in how they fly and adapt. They play a big role in nature, and they must keep thriving.

Akash

My name is Akash. I have been doing Google SEO for 4+ years. I love writing blog posts about animals and birds. I am also a ghost writer. Now, I am working with some business owners' websites as a ghost writer.