Hummingbirds are a seasonal presence in Philadelphia and the surrounding Mid-Atlantic region. These tiny, acrobatic birds are highly anticipated visitors each year. The species you will encounter is almost exclusively the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, which travels thousands of miles to spend the warmer months here. Understanding their habits, what attracts them, and where to look can greatly increase your chances of observing these magnificent fliers.
The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird in Philadelphia
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the only hummingbird species that breeds regularly in eastern North America. Adults are remarkably small, measuring only about three to three and three-quarter inches long and weighing roughly two to six grams. Both sexes display a glistening, emerald-green back and a pale gray-white underside, which provides camouflage in foliage.
The male is easily identified by his signature gorget, an iridescent patch of feathers on the throat that shines a brilliant ruby-red when the light hits it directly. Females lack this red throat, instead displaying a white throat patch and possessing broad, white tips on their outer tail feathers.
Seasonal Migration Patterns
The presence of hummingbirds in the Philadelphia area is dependent on their annual migration cycle. The first males typically arrive in the spring, usually around the last week of April or the first few days of May, with females following a week or two later. Their arrival often coincides with the blooming of early nectar sources like the native Eastern Red Columbine.
These birds spend the summer months breeding and raising their young across the region. Most hummingbirds depart Pennsylvania by the end of August or early September, though some stragglers may be seen into early October. Their journey takes them south to wintering grounds stretching from southern Mexico to Central America.
Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Habitat
Attracting these birds requires providing two primary resources: clean nectar and appropriate flowering plants. For a feeder, the recommended mixture is a simple solution of one part refined white sugar dissolved in four parts water. This 1:4 ratio closely mimics the sugar concentration found in natural nectar, and it is important to avoid using honey, brown sugar, or red dyes, as these can be harmful to the birds.
Feeder maintenance is important to prevent the growth of mold and harmful bacteria. The sugar water should be changed and the feeder thoroughly cleaned every three to five days, particularly during warm summer weather, using hot water and a brush. Placing the feeder near dense foliage or a water source can encourage visits by providing a safe, sheltered location for them to perch and drink.
Supplementing feeders with tubular flowers is an effective long-term strategy for local attraction. Native plants adapted to the Northeast are particularly successful, including Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), and Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). These plants offer the high-quality nectar and tube shape that hummingbirds have evolved to feed from, ensuring a continuous food supply throughout their breeding season.
Top Philadelphia Locations for Viewing
Large parks and nature preserves offer the most consistent viewing opportunities, as they maintain the diverse habitat needed for both nesting and foraging. The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, located near the Philadelphia International Airport, is a prime spot during the spring and fall migration periods due to its extensive wetlands and flowering meadows.
Fairmount Park provides numerous flowering edges and wooded areas where hummingbirds can be reliably spotted. Specific gardens and arboretums like Bartram’s Garden and the nearby Tyler Arboretum are also excellent resources, as they actively cultivate a variety of nectar-rich plants. Searching along the edges of open meadows and near brightly colored, tubular flowers significantly increases the chance of observation.