Yes, hummingbirds are a regular presence in New Jersey during the warmer months. The species you will encounter is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the only type that breeds throughout the eastern United States, including the Garden State. These tiny, iridescent flyers arrive each spring to nest and raise their young before migrating south for the winter. Understanding their habits and seasonal timing can help you appreciate and support these visitors. They constantly seek nectar, making them a delight for anyone who plants the right flowers or maintains a clean feeder.
The Primary Resident: Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the sole species that regularly nests in New Jersey. Males are identified by their brilliant, iridescent ruby-red throat patch, known as a gorget, which can appear dark or black depending on the angle of the light. Both sexes share a bright metallic green back, head, and wings. The female lacks the red throat, instead displaying a white or lightly streaked underside.
These birds typically measure about three to three and a half inches in length and weigh less than a quarter of an ounce. They are found in habitats that offer a mix of open areas and cover, such as suburban gardens, open woodlands, and forest edges. Their diet primarily consists of high-energy flower nectar, which they extract using their long bills and specialized tongues while hovering.
A significant part of their nutrition also comes from tiny invertebrates, including small insects and spiders, which provide necessary protein. A female may catch hundreds of these invertebrates daily to feed her nestlings. They possess extraordinary aerial abilities, capable of flying forward, backward, and hovering, thanks to wingbeats that can reach over 50 strokes per second. This rapid movement produces the distinctive humming sound that gives the species its name.
The Seasonal Schedule: Migration Timing in New Jersey
The annual appearance of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in New Jersey is dictated by their migration pattern. The first arrivals, typically adult males, are sighted in the state around late April or early May. They return to their breeding territories, often arriving about a week before the females.
Once the breeding season concludes, the birds prepare for their southward journey to wintering grounds extending from southern Florida to Central America. The southward migration generally begins in late July, with the largest number of birds departing throughout August and early September. By mid-September, most summer residents have left, though late stragglers may pass through from points farther north.
This migration involves flying non-stop across the 500-mile expanse of the Gulf of Mexico. To prepare, they must significantly increase their body weight by building up fat reserves. Leaving feeders out until late September or early October ensures that late-migrating individuals have access to a fuel source.
Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Yard
Attracting hummingbirds involves providing the two main components of their diet: nectar and insects. For supplemental feeding, a simple sugar-water solution is effective, created by mixing one part white granulated sugar with four parts water. Boil the mixture briefly to dissolve the sugar and let it cool before filling the feeder. Never add red food coloring, as it is unnecessary and potentially harmful.
Feeder hygiene is important because the sugar solution ferments quickly, especially in high summer temperatures, which can be toxic. Clean your feeders thoroughly every two to three days using hot water; a vinegar solution can prevent mold buildup. Placing feeders in partial shade helps slow fermentation, keeping the nectar fresh longer.
Planting native flowers is the most sustainable way to provide a consistent food source. Hummingbirds are drawn to red, orange, and pink tubular flowers that contain high levels of nectar. Excellent native New Jersey choices include Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), and Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). Arranging these plants in dense groupings of the same color increases their visibility, making your yard more appealing.
To offer protective cover, situate your feeders near a tree or shrub where the birds can perch and survey their territory. Since hummingbirds rely on tiny insects for protein, minimizing the use of broad-spectrum insecticides is beneficial. Providing a shallow bird bath or a fine water mister can also attract them, as they enjoy bathing and drinking from moving water sources.