Hummingbirds are indeed found in Georgia, making the state a significant location for observing these agile birds. Their presence adds a dynamic element to Georgia’s natural landscape, with various species visiting throughout the year. The state’s diverse habitats provide suitable environments for these tiny creatures as they navigate their migratory paths or establish breeding grounds.
Hummingbird Species in Georgia
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most commonly observed species and the only one known to nest in Georgia. Males are identified by their iridescent ruby-red throat, contrasting with an emerald green back and flanks, while females have similar vibrant green plumage but lack the distinctive throat. These small birds weigh around 3 grams. Female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds build walnut-sized nests and lay two eggs. In Georgia, females can produce up to two broods annually.
Beyond the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Georgia hosts several other species, primarily as winter visitors. The Rufous Hummingbird is frequently seen during the cooler months, recognized by the male’s reddish-brown body and orange-red throat. Another notable visitor is the Calliope Hummingbird, the smallest bird in the United States, with males displaying rosy purple gorget feathers. Other species recorded in Georgia include the Black-chinned, Anna’s, Broad-tailed, Broad-billed, Allen’s, Magnificent (Rivoli’s), Green Violet-ear, Green-breasted Mango, and Buff-bellied hummingbirds.
When to Spot Hummingbirds
The arrival of hummingbirds in Georgia marks the onset of spring, with Ruby-throated Hummingbirds appearing between late February and early April. Males generally precede females by one to two weeks during this northward migration. Nesting activities for the Ruby-throated Hummingbird in Georgia commence in April.
As summer progresses, these birds are highly active, feeding and raising their young. The southbound migration begins later in the summer, with adult males often departing by the end of August. Females and juveniles follow in the subsequent weeks, and most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have left Georgia by October for their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. However, Georgia experiences a “second hummingbird season” from November through February, when various western species, such as the Rufous and Calliope hummingbirds, visit the state for the winter. These wintering birds migrate in response to day length rather than food availability, so leaving feeders up does not hinder their natural migratory instincts.
Inviting Hummingbirds to Your Yard
Attracting hummingbirds to your yard involves providing reliable food sources and suitable habitat. Feeders filled with a sugar-water solution can be highly effective. The recommended ratio for this nectar is one part plain white cane sugar dissolved in four parts water. Red dye is unnecessary, as birds are attracted to the feeder’s color. Boiling the water helps the sugar dissolve, and extra solution can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Maintaining clean feeders is important to prevent the growth of harmful mold and bacteria. The nectar should be changed every two to three days in warm weather, or more frequently if it appears cloudy. Feeders should be thoroughly cleaned each time they are refilled, using a solution of one part bleach or white vinegar to ten parts water, followed by a thorough rinsing.
Supplementing feeders with nectar-rich plants creates a more natural and sustainable food source. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to tubular-shaped flowers. Excellent plant choices for Georgia include:
Agastache (Hummingbird Mint)
Bee Balm
Butterfly Bush
Summersweet Clethra
Abelia
Bottlebrush Buckeye
Daylily
Foxglove
Gaura
Trumpet Creeper
Cardinal Flower
Various salvias
Providing a diverse selection of these plants ensures a continuous bloom throughout the seasons, offering consistent nourishment for hummingbirds.