Yes, hummingbirds are a notable presence in Florida, which serves as a major stop along the Eastern Flyway. The peninsula provides a refueling stop for millions of birds traveling between their northern breeding grounds and southern wintering habitats. This is especially true for those preparing for the long, non-stop flight over the Gulf of Mexico. Residents experience both migratory visitors and a small population of overwintering individuals throughout the cooler months.
The Primary Hummingbird Species in Florida
The vast majority of hummingbirds observed in Florida belong to the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). They are typically three to three and a half inches long with metallic green backs and grayish-white underparts.
The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism. The adult male is easily recognized by its iridescent, ruby-red throat patch, known as a gorget, and a black, forked tail. Females and juveniles lack the red throat, displaying a white throat and a tail notched and tipped with white feathers.
While the Ruby-throated is the primary species, Florida regularly hosts several less common visitors, particularly during the winter. The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is the most frequently recorded winter vagrant, originating from the western United States. These birds are identifiable by the male’s distinctive reddish-orange plumage and often successfully overwinter in the northern and central regions of the state.
Understanding Florida’s Hummingbird Seasons and Migration
Florida’s role as a migratory stopover dictates a distinct seasonal pattern for hummingbird sightings. The northward spring migration begins early, with the first males typically arriving in late February or early March, followed shortly by the females. They continue north as nectar sources become available in more temperate regions.
The peak period for observation occurs during the southbound fall migration, which runs from late August through October. During this time, the state acts as a staging area where birds build up fat reserves necessary for their long flight toward wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. Most of the migrating population has departed Florida by the end of October.
A unique exception occurs in deep South Florida, particularly in the Florida Keys and Miami-Dade County. Here, a small number of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds may overwinter, leading to year-round sightings. Western vagrants also remain in Florida throughout the winter season before flying west along the Gulf Coast in the spring.
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Landscape
Creating a welcoming landscape for hummingbirds centers on providing reliable, high-energy nectar sources. These birds are strongly attracted to tubular, brightly colored flowers, especially those in shades of red and orange. Planting native Florida species is the most effective approach for establishing a natural and sustainable food supply.
Specific native plants highly favored by hummingbirds include Firebush (Hamelia patens), Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), and Coralbean (Erythrina herbacea). Strategically placing these plants in groupings ensures a continuous bloom cycle for supporting both migrating and resident birds. Layering plantings, such as vines on a trellis and shrubs, can also make a yard more appealing.
Supplementing natural nectar with a sugar-water feeder requires diligent maintenance. The correct solution uses a ratio of one part white granulated sugar to four parts water. Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, or red dyes, as these can be harmful to the birds’ health.
Due to rapid microbial growth, feeders must be cleaned every three to five days, or daily if the weather is extremely hot. To clean the feeder, disassemble all parts and use a solution of one part white vinegar to four parts water, or a weak bleach solution. Follow this with a thorough rinsing to remove all residue. Placing feeders in partial shade, rather than direct sun, will help slow the spoilage of the nectar solution.