Illinois is home to one of the most fascinating and energetic birds in North America. These tiny, jewel-toned marvels are not year-round residents, but their annual visit makes the spring and summer landscape exciting. Watching them dart between flowers and feeders is a captivating experience for any nature enthusiast.
The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
The primary species in Illinois is the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). This bird is the smallest in eastern North America, averaging only three to three and three-quarter inches in length. They are easily identified by their iridescent emerald-green backs and crowns, which shimmer brightly in the sunlight.
The male possesses a brilliant, metallic red throat patch, known as a gorget, and a distinctly forked tail. Females and young birds lack this red plumage, showing a duller grayish throat and a blunter, white-tipped tail. This species is capable of hovering, flying backward, and beating its wings up to 53 times per second. Hummingbirds consume large amounts of nectar for fuel, but they also capture tiny insects and spiders for protein.
Understanding Their Migration Schedule
The seasonal presence of hummingbirds in Illinois is dictated by migration. Spring migrants typically begin arriving around mid-April, becoming widespread by early May. This timing coincides with the blooming of early spring flowers that provide their first sources of nectar.
They spend the summer months nesting and raising one or two broods before starting their southward journey. Fall migration begins in late August, triggered by shortening daylight hours, and most birds have left Illinois by mid-to-late September. Many travelers undertake a non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico to reach wintering grounds in southern Mexico and Central America. Even late-season stragglers can be seen passing through until early October, fueling up for the remaining distance.
Setting Up Effective Feeders and Habitats
To attract and support these birds, creating a reliable food source and habitat is essential. Supplemental food is typically a simple sugar-water mixture, requiring a precise four-to-one ratio of water to refined white granulated sugar. This 1:4 ratio mimics the natural sucrose content found in floral nectar, providing necessary energy.
Feeder maintenance is important to prevent the spread of pathogens. Nectar should be replaced and the feeder thoroughly cleaned every three to five days, especially during hot weather, to prevent fermentation and mold growth. Feeders should be placed in the shade to prevent spoiling and hung at least four feet above the ground to deter predators.
Planting native flowering species provides a natural and sustainable food supply in addition to feeders. Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to tubular flowers, which they are uniquely adapted to feed from. Excellent choices for an Illinois habitat include Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), and Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans).