Hummingbirds in West Virginia

Most visitors to West Virginia choose this destination because they are interested in the cultural heritage afforded by the Civil War enactments that bring history to life or the beautiful Appalachian music that this state is rich in. Amidst all this historical culture, there are also fairs, festivals, and many other tourist attractions sure to delight any visitor. However, did you know that there are visitors to West Virginia that come for its hummingbird feeders and its carefully maintained hummingbird gardens? Of course, I am speaking of the hummingbirds that grace West Virginia with their presence each year. There are two species of hummingbirds that stop to visit West Virginia each year; they are the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and the Rufous Hummingbird.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are known to visit West Virginia beginning in April and remaining until September or October. Identifying this species of hummingbirds is easier with the male, who has a ruby-red throat. He also has an emerald green back and a forked tail and is the first of the hummingbirds to return to the area each year. The male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are also the first of the hummingbirds to leave the area each year as well. The female Ruby-throated Hummingbird is similar to the male in that she has the same emerald green back, but that is where the similarity ends. This female hummingbird has a white breast and a white-tipped, rounded tail.