How To Identify Bees, Butterflies & Hummingbirds In Your Garden

by Amanda Shepherd, Garden Writer | Last Updated 2/11/25

One of the most enjoyable aspects of planting a pollinator garden is being able to identify the different butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds parading around in spring and summer. You can use these images to identify some of the more common butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds visiting your garden. Plus, discover a few of our top pollinator plants to attract your favorite flying friends. 

Identifying Butterflies

1. Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. There are approximately 40 different Swallowtail species in North America and these colorful butterflies are named after the forked appearance of their hind wings.

2. Common Buckeye. This gorgeous butterfly is common throughout the United States, except the Northwest. It prefers open areas with low vegetation.

3. Black Swallowtail. There are approximately 40 different Swallowtail species in North America and these colorful butterflies are named after the forked appearance of their hind wings.

4. Monarch Butterfly. Perhaps one of the most easily identifiable butterflies, the Monarch loves milkweed and is known for its autumn migration from the United States to Mexico. 

5. Gulf Fritillary. This lovely orange butterfly can be seen in gardens in warmer areas, but can venture up North occasionally.

6. American Painted Lady. Also known as American Lady, this colorful butterfly can be found throughout North America.

Identifying Bees

1. Western Honeybee. There are approximately 40 species of Honeybees. The Western Honeybee (or European Honeybee) is the most common species. Did you know - honeybees are not native to North America! These busy bees were introduced as part of agriculture and food production. 

2. Bumblebee. The Bumblebee is found mostly in the Northern Hemisphere, and there are over 250 species. There are 46 species of Bumblebees that are native to the United States. The soft hair that makes these bees so easily distinguishable (and fuzzy) is called pile - and it helps keep them warm in cooler temperatures.

Identifying Hummingbirds

1. Broad-Tailed Hummingbird. This small Hummingbird is extremely adaptable and can be found in a range of habitats. The Broad-Tailed Hummingbird migrates to Mexico for the winter.

2. Black-Chinned Hummingbird. This gorgeous butterfly is common throughout the United States, except the Northwest. It prefers open areas with low vegetation.

3. Rufous Hummingbird. This delightfully colorful Hummingbird is a smaller species and is known to nest in Northern areas all the way up in to Alaska, often staying on the West Coast of the country.

4. Ruby-Throated Hummingbird. A woodland dweller often found in forests, this Hummingbird is very territorial and makes its way to Mexico for the winter.