Hummingbirds are common and reliable seasonal visitors to Michigan. During the warmer months, these energetic birds arrive to breed and feed before returning south for the winter. Michigan residents can expect to see these captivating fliers utilizing the state’s woodlands, gardens, and flowering meadows for their annual cycle.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Michigan’s Main Visitor
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the main species in Michigan, and the only type that regularly nests east of the Mississippi River. The male is easily recognized by his iridescent green back and a brilliant, red throat patch, known as a gorget, which appears black from certain angles.
The female is slightly larger than the male but has a duller appearance, lacking the red gorget and instead showing a white throat with faint streaks of green. Both sexes share metallic-green plumage on their upper parts and pale gray underparts. These birds are drawn to habitats including forest edges, open woodlands, and residential gardens, seeking out both nectar and small insects.
This tiny bird, weighing less than a nickel, is capable of hovering and flying backward due to its specialized wing structure that beats over 50 times per second. They have successfully adapted to human-altered landscapes, provided there is adequate food and shelter. While a few other species, like the Rufous Hummingbird, are occasionally spotted, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the one Michigan residents will most reliably encounter.
Tracking the Annual Migration Schedule
The first arrivals, typically the males, usually reach the southern parts of the state in late April, with the main population following in early May. Their arrival is tied to the availability of nectar-rich flowers and insects that provide the necessary fuel for breeding.
The journey originates from their wintering grounds in Central America and Mexico. This migration involves a non-stop flight of approximately 500 miles across the Gulf of Mexico that can take up to 20 hours. Once they reach Michigan, they establish territories and begin nesting and raising young throughout the summer months.
The departure begins in late summer, usually between late August and early September. The adult males are the first to depart, followed by the females and then the juveniles, who navigate the long route alone for the first time. During this time, they engage in a feeding frenzy to build up the fat reserves necessary for the long flight.
Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Garden
To encourage hummingbirds to visit a garden, use nectar feeders. The sugar solution should mimic natural nectar, using a ratio of one part granulated white sugar dissolved in four parts water. Boil the mixture briefly to dissolve the sugar and sterilize the solution, then allow it to cool completely before filling the feeder.
Feeders should be cleaned every two to three days to prevent the fermentation of the sugar water and the growth of mold. Never use red dye in the solution, as the red color of the feeder itself is sufficient to attract them. Placing feeders in shady areas helps keep the nectar fresh longer, and hanging multiple feeders far apart can reduce territorial fighting among males.
Supplementing feeders with nectar-rich plants provides a more natural and sustainable food source while also attracting the small insects they need for protein. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to flowers that are red or orange and have a tubular shape, which is a plant structure less appealing to most bees.
Recommended Plants
Excellent choices for Michigan gardens include:
- Bee Balm (Monarda)
- Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
- Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
- Petunias
- Impatiens
Providing a variety of plants that bloom at different times ensures a steady supply of food from their spring arrival through their fall departure. Minimizing or eliminating pesticide use is necessary, as hummingbirds rely on small arthropods for a significant portion of their diet, especially when feeding their young.