Hummingbirds are found throughout Virginia. These tiny, migratory birds are well-known for their unique flight capabilities, including the ability to hover and fly backward, which allows them to feed on nectar with precision. Their presence in Virginia is seasonal, coinciding with the warmer months when their primary food sources are abundant. Their high metabolism requires them to consume large amounts of nectar and small insects daily, fueling their rapid wingbeats and energetic movements.
The Primary Hummingbird Species in Virginia
The species predominantly encountered in Virginia is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the only hummingbird that regularly breeds in eastern North America. These birds measure about three inches in length, featuring an iridescent emerald-green back and a long, slender bill. The male is distinguished by its brilliant, metallic ruby-red throat patch, known as a gorget, which can appear dark or black when not catching the light.
The female lacks the striking red throat, instead displaying a white or grayish throat and chest. Females also have a slightly rounded tail with white tips on the outer feathers, while the male’s tail is forked.
Although other species, such as the Rufous Hummingbird, are occasionally documented as rare winter vagrants, the Ruby-throated variety is the one residents consistently see from spring through fall.
Seasonal Arrival and Departure
The appearance of hummingbirds in Virginia is tied to their annual migration from wintering grounds in Central America and Mexico. Adult males are typically the first to arrive, often appearing in the state by early to mid-April after a long northward journey. This early arrival allows the males to establish and defend breeding territories before the females arrive a week or two later.
The breeding season extends through the summer months. Virginia serves as a destination for nesting and raising young, or as a brief stopover for birds continuing further north. The shift in daylight hours signals the start of their southward migration, which usually begins in late August.
Most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds depart Virginia by late September or early October, traveling south to prepare for their non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico. Birds rely on local food sources to build up the fat reserves necessary for their long journey. Leaving feeders operational until two weeks after the last sighting ensures late-migrating individuals have access to energy before they leave.
Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard
Providing reliable sources of high-energy food and appropriate habitat attracts hummingbirds. The most direct method is using a nectar feeder, which should contain a simple mixture of one part refined white sugar dissolved into four parts water. This 1:4 ratio closely mimics the natural sucrose concentration found in the flowers the birds prefer.
Avoid adding red food coloring to the mixture, as these additives are unnecessary and potentially harmful. The feeders themselves are usually designed with red parts to attract the birds, which associate the color with high-nectar flowers. Feeders should be placed in a partially shaded location, which helps keep the sugar water fresh and prevents fermentation caused by direct sunlight.
Maintaining hygiene is important for the health of visiting hummingbirds. The sugar water must be changed every two to three days, or even daily during periods of high heat above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Regular cleaning with hot water and a brush is necessary to remove black mold or yeast, which can be detrimental to the birds’ health.
Supplementing a feeder with native, nectar-rich plants provides a more natural and sustainable food source. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to tubular, red, and orange flowers, whose shapes are perfectly suited for their long bills. Excellent choices for Virginia gardens include native species like Trumpet Honeysuckle, Bee Balm (Monarda), and Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis). Planting a variety of these species ensures a continuous bloom cycle, providing a consistent supply of nectar throughout the hummingbirds’ summer residence.