9 beautiful ‘Hummers’ from a Photocrowd contest—all 3 winners

Hummingbirds, affectionately called “hummers” among birds, are a species of small bird known for their incredible flying abilities, including the ability to hover in the air by rapidly beating their wings – up to 80 times a second certain species.

With more than 350 recognized species, hummers exhibit a remarkable variety of adaptations that allow them to thrive in a wide range of environments. This enormous diversity in size, color and ecological niches makes hummingbirds a fascinating subject for both scientific study and photography.

These images are from a recent hummingbird shoot contest hosted and judged through community voting Photocrowd.com. In a series of ten images—selected from a total of 483 entries—you’ll see the amazing versatility and vivid beauty of these tiny aviators.

Rufous Hummingbird (45^u Position)

They are known for their incredible endurance and are long-distance migrants, traveling over 3,000 miles from their wintering grounds in Mexico to their breeding grounds in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska—one of the longest migrations of any hummingbird species compared to their body size.

Hummingbirds are distinguished by their earthy, rose-red (reddish-brown) color on the back and sides, with males displaying a bright orange-red neck patch. The vivid colors and detailed close-up in this photo show us the bird’s wings and intense gaze.

Anna’s Hummingbird (41^St Position)

Native to the west coast of North America, from Baja California to British Columbia, Anna’s hummingbirds have expanded their range over the past century, in part due to the proliferation of backyard feeders and the planting of their preferred flowering plants. Unlike many other hummingbirds, these are not strictly migratory, but may change locations to find favorable climates and food sources, demonstrating their ability to adapt.

In this image, you can see his tongue out, a rare sight captured in exquisite detail. Hummingbird tongues work through a capillary action mechanism. when the bird inserts its tongue into a flower, the tubular shape of the tongue and the fast movement facilitate the rapid intake of nectar. This action is so fast that it can be difficult to see in detail without high-speed photography.

Black-chinned Hummingbird (11^u Position)

This striking image features a black-chinned hummingbird, a species known for its agility and distinctive black chin surrounded by a thin band of iridescent purple seen in males. In this close-up, the hummingbird is elegantly captured in mid-swing as it feeds on a flower, a testament to its remarkable accuracy and speed. The intricate detail of its wing structure and the subtle interplay of light highlight the bird’s extraordinary form and functionality.

Black-chinned hummingbirds are common in the western United States and are particularly noted for their adaptability to different habitats, ranging from urban gardens to wild, mountainous landscapes. This photo not only highlights the bird’s graceful dynamism but also its critical role in pollination, as it moves from one bloom to another, facilitating the reproductive cycle of plants.

Racket-tail with white boots (10^u Position)

In this photo, the birds are likely engaged in a territorial display, which involves rapid darting movements and displaying their impressive tail feathers to intimidate rivals or attract mates.

The image depicts the agility and vibrant coloration hummingbirds are renowned for, with their iridescent green bodies sparkling against a muted background, emphasizing the drama and speed of their aerial dance.

Brown Violetear (7^u Position)

Known for its distinctive violet ear patches, the brown violetear is a medium-sized hummingbird native to Central and South America.

This relaxed stance allows us to appreciate the fine details of its plumage and the vibrant violet ear patches that mark the species. It has strong territorial instincts and spends a lot of time protecting nectar sources from rival hummingbirds.

The photo illustrates another characteristic ability of many hummingbird species to hover motionless—except, of course, for their very fast wings. And because of the dark background, we can see the vivid features of the bird, especially the patch on its ear.

Antillean Crested Hummingbird (6^u Position)

This species is found mainly in the Lesser Antilles and parts of the Greater Antilles, thriving in a variety of habitats from gardens to forests.

This image shows the bird’s vibrant green plumage and the distinctive pointed crest from which it gets its name. The vibrant red of the flower contrasts strikingly with the bird’s natural tones, highlighting its dynamic presence and the precise control it maintains even when hovering. This photo shows not only the beauty and grace of this hummer but also its vital role in pollination, helping to maintain the ecosystems it inhabits.

And, now, here are the three photos that the Photocrowd community crowned as contest winners.

Green Hermit (3^rd Position)

Characteristically larger than many other hummingbirds, the Green Hermit has a distinctive long tail and predominantly green plumage that can appear darker or lighter depending on the lighting. This species is commonly found in the understory of lowland and montane forests throughout Central and South America, and is often seen flying specific routes in search of flowers.

The species has a long, curved proboscis, perfectly adapted for accessing nectar from deep, tubular flowers like the vivid one shown in this photo, which, by the way, won third place by community vote in the contest.

Hummingbird with ruby ​​(2^n.d Position)

The only species of hummingbird that commonly nests east of the Mississippi River in North America, ruby-necked hummingbirds are known for their striking ruby-red neck patch (found on males), which can shine like a jewel in the right lighting, this the species exhibits a dazzling blend of agility and beauty, making it a favorite among birdwatchers and nature photographers.

They are known for their incredible migratory journeys, which often include a non-stop flight over the Gulf of Mexico, a feat that requires enormous endurance.

The Photocrowd community voted this photo the second best in the contest. It captures the exquisite detail and energy of the species in full flight, showing the bird’s bright green back and the ruby ​​neck patch that gives the species its name, against a vibrant green background that emphasizes the bird’s dynamic movement.

White-Throated Mountaingem (1^St Position)

This is a species admired for its vivid coloration and agile flight. The image brilliantly captures the horizontal movement of the hummingbird as it hovers next to a bright red flower, its striking yellow-orange and greenish-blue plumage contrasting beautifully against the buttery background, drawing the viewer’s eye directly into the bird-to-bird interaction and blooming.

The mountain white-necked jewel, found mainly in the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama, is particularly known for its distinctive white neck, which distinguishes it from other hummingbirds. The species thrives in cool, misty forest environments where it frequents flowers like the one pictured.