Hummingbirds are abundant in Houston, transforming the city into a vibrant hub for these tiny, fast-moving birds. The Texas Gulf Coast location makes the metropolitan area an important stopover point for one of the world’s major avian migrations. Hummingbirds use Houston as a refueling station to replenish energy reserves for thousands of miles of travel. They are a regular, noticeable presence for residents throughout much of the year, providing food and rest during their biannual journey.
Houston’s Main Migratory Visitors
The most common and numerous species passing through the Houston area is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. These birds complete one of the longest migrations of any hummingbird species, traveling between breeding grounds in eastern North America and wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. Their migratory pattern makes them highly visible across the city twice annually.
The northbound spring migration typically begins with the first arrivals showing up along the Gulf Coast in late February or mid-March. These individuals are in a hurry to reach their northern breeding territories and usually only linger for a few weeks to feed before continuing their journey. The southbound fall migration is a much more prolonged event for Houston residents.
Fall numbers begin to build in August and peak throughout September and into October as the birds prepare to cross the Gulf of Mexico. Houston’s gardens and feeders provide the energy needed to fuel the final leg of their journey, which can involve a non-stop flight over the water. This concentration of migrating Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in the fall offers the best viewing opportunities.
Winter Sightings and Transient Species
While the Ruby-throated Hummingbird dominates the spring and fall, the Houston area also hosts a different set of species during the non-peak seasons. Hummingbirds from Western regions follow the Gulf Coast and occasionally choose to winter in the milder climate. These appearances occur primarily from late fall through the early spring months.
Two of the more commonly observed winter residents are the Rufous Hummingbird and the Black-chinned Hummingbird. The Rufous Hummingbird is known for its aggressive nature at feeders and will often defend a food source throughout the winter season. Spotting a Black-chinned Hummingbird in the winter is also possible, and these can sometimes be mistaken for the more common Ruby-throated species.
Other transient species, such as the Allen’s, Anna’s, Broad-tailed, and Buff-bellied Hummingbirds, can be recorded by local observers. These visitors rely on consistent food sources to survive the winter months, confirming that hummingbirds can be found in Houston year-round.
Creating a Hummingbird Friendly Habitat
Residents can support these tiny travelers and temporary residents by providing a reliable source of high-energy food. Hummingbird feeders should be filled with a simple sugar solution mixed at a ratio of one part refined white sugar to four parts water, mimicking the natural sucrose content of flower nectar. Avoid using honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners, and never add red dye, as these substances can be detrimental to the birds.
Feeder maintenance is important, especially in the warm, humid Houston climate. The sugar solution should be replaced and the feeder cleaned every day or two when temperatures are high to prevent mold or fermentation. Cleaning can be done with hot tap water and a weak solution of vinegar or a mild bleach solution, followed by a thorough rinsing. Placing the feeder in a shady spot can also slow spoilage.
In addition to feeders, planting specific flowering species creates a sustainable and natural food source. Tubular, red, or orange flowers provide the concentrated nectar the birds seek to fuel their high metabolisms. Native plants that thrive in Houston and attract hummingbirds include:
- Firebush (Hamelia patens)
- Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus)
- Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
- Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea)