Hummingbirds are present in Kentucky throughout the warmer months. The vast majority of these birds are the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, which are the only species that regularly breeds east of the Mississippi River. Their presence is seasonal, tied to the annual cycle of migration that brings them north for the summer breeding season.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Kentucky’s Main Visitor
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird measures only about three and a half inches long and weighing roughly as much as a quarter. Males are easily identified by their iridescent emerald-green back and a brilliant, ruby-red throat gorget when the light hits it directly. In different lighting, this patch can look dark or black, often confusing first-time observers.
The females and juvenile birds lack this scarlet throat patch, presenting instead with a white or pale gray throat and a similar metallic green back. Females are slightly larger than males and possess white tips on their outer tail feathers, distinguishing them from the male’s forked, all-dark tail. These birds prefer the edges of open woodlands, suburban gardens, and areas with dense flowers. They exhibit territorial behavior, with a single male often aggressively defending a prime feeding location against all intruders, including insects and larger birds. Their wings beat at remarkable speeds, allowing them to hover motionless, fly backward, and achieve flight speeds up to 30 miles per hour.
The Seasonal Schedule of Arrival and Departure
Spring migration begins, with the first arrivals appearing in late March to mid-April. The adult males are the first to arrive from their Central American wintering grounds, quickly establishing feeding territories before the females follow a week or two later. Their arrival coincides with the blooming of early spring flowers, providing them with nectar after their long journey, which often includes a non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico.
Throughout the summer, these birds breed and raise their young, relying on a combination of nectar and small insects for their diet. The breeding season involves females building tiny nests on tree branches using plant down and spider silk. The southward migration begins toward the end of summer, starting in late August and continuing through September. Most Ruby-throats will have departed Kentucky by mid-September, though some may linger into early October, depending on local weather conditions and food availability.
Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Habitat
Supporting these migratory birds involves providing both a sugar source and natural forage plants. A homemade nectar solution is simple to prepare, using a ratio of one part white granulated sugar in four parts water. The solution should be boiled, and it must never contain red dye.
Feeder hygiene is important to prevent the growth of mold and fermentation. Feeders require cleaning every two to three days during hot weather and at least once a week in cooler conditions. Placement is also important, with feeders hung in a shaded area to slow fermentation and spaced far apart to prevent a single territorial male from dominating feeding spots.
Natural nectar sources are important, as hummingbirds also consume insects for protein. Planting native Kentucky species with tubular, colorful flowers will provide a consistent food supply. Excellent choices include Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), and Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). Establishing a mix of these plants ensures a continuous bloom cycle, offering nectar when the birds arrive in spring, throughout the summer, and as they prepare for their fall departure.