Hummingbirds are a captivating presence in Florida, zipping between flowers and feeders with incredible speed. The simple question of whether these tiny, high-energy birds are year-round residents has a nuanced answer due to the state’s position along major migratory routes. While the vast majority of hummingbirds seen in Florida are seasonal migrants, a small but consistent population, representing several species, remains throughout the winter months. This pattern means Florida is indeed a year-round home for hummingbirds, though the species composition changes dramatically between summer and winter.
Seasonal Presence vs. Permanent Residents
The most common hummingbird in Florida, and the only one that breeds in the eastern United States, is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). These birds typically begin arriving in the state in early March, with males usually appearing first to establish their breeding territories. The summer months, from May through July, represent the peak season for nesting and feeding activity across the state.
The southern migration begins relatively early, with many Ruby-throats starting their journey south toward Central America in late August and September. The bulk of the migratory population has generally departed for their wintering grounds by mid-October, though a few stragglers may linger into November depending on weather and food availability. This strong migratory instinct means that the large summer population is not a permanent fixture.
Not every Ruby-throated Hummingbird leaves the state; a small percentage of individuals will overwinter in Florida, especially in the southern half. These individuals are often juveniles or females that do not complete the full migratory journey to Central America. Their presence, along with other wintering species, allows hummingbirds to be considered year-round residents.
Western Species That Overwinter in Florida
The hummingbirds that remain in Florida during the winter are often “vagrant” birds from the Western United States, not the familiar Ruby-throated species. These species have strayed significantly from their typical migration corridors, which usually follow the Pacific coast and the Rocky Mountains. Florida’s mild winter climate and available food sources make it a viable winter refuge for these birds.
The most frequently documented winter visitor is the Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus), which normally breeds as far north as Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Banding studies confirm that Rufous Hummingbirds are the most common wintering species after the Ruby-throated. Other Western species regularly documented during the Florida winter include:
- Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)
- Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin)
- Buff-bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia yucatanensis)
- Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope)
These Western species arrive in the state roughly between August and November and remain through the winter, with the highest numbers captured and banded during December and January. Identifying these winter visitors can be challenging, but differences in tail shape, size, and specific plumage colors often distinguish them from the Ruby-throated species.
Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Florida Yard
Encouraging hummingbirds to visit your yard requires providing reliable sources of high-energy nectar, especially during the non-breeding season when fewer natural blooms are available. The sugar-water solution for feeders should mimic natural nectar, using a ratio of one part white, granulated cane sugar to four parts water. It is important to boil the mixture briefly to help dissolve the sugar completely. Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, or red food coloring, which can harm the birds.
Due to Florida’s warm temperatures, the nectar solution in feeders can ferment quickly, so it must be changed frequently, often several times a week during the hottest months. Keeping feeders clean is paramount, requiring regular scrubbing with hot water and white vinegar to prevent mold and bacterial growth. Placing feeders near natural cover, such as shrubs or trees, offers the small birds protection and perching spots.
A far more sustainable method is planting native and adapted Florida landscaping that provides nectar throughout the year. Hummingbirds are highly attracted to tubular flowers, especially those in shades of red, orange, and pink. Excellent choices for Florida include the native Firebush (Hamelia patens), which blooms consistently, various species of Salvia like Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea), and the native Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). Leaving feeders and winter-blooming plants available through the cold months is particularly helpful for the small number of overwintering individuals.