Hummingbirds are common seasonal visitors across Wisconsin during the warmer months. They are the smallest birds in the world and appear consistently throughout the state every year. Their high metabolism and rapid wing-beat frequency, which can reach up to 80 beats per second, require them to feed almost constantly. This need for frequent refueling makes them a captivating sight in backyards and gardens throughout the summer.
Identifying Wisconsin’s Hummingbird
The vast majority of hummingbirds observed in Wisconsin belong to a single species, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris). This is the only species that regularly breeds east of the Mississippi River, establishing its summer range throughout the state. Males and females share an iridescent emerald-green coloration across their backs and crowns.
The primary difference between the sexes is the throat patch, known as a gorget. The adult male possesses an iridescent ruby-red gorget, which appears dull black when not illuminated by direct sunlight. Females lack the red throat patch, displaying a white or pale gray throat that may have faint green streaking.
These birds measure only about three to three and a half inches in length, weighing roughly the same as a nickel. They are seen statewide, frequenting forested areas, fields, and suburban gardens where nectar and small insects are abundant. The Ruby-throated is the consistent summer resident, though a few other species, like the Rufous Hummingbird, are occasionally sighted as accidental visitors.
The Annual Migration Cycle
The seasonal presence of hummingbirds in Wisconsin is determined by their annual migration cycle. Arrival typically begins in late April and early May, with adult males appearing first to establish feeding territories. Females arrive about a week or two later, following the bloom of early nectar flowers.
The male’s role in the breeding cycle is brief; once mating is complete, he departs, leaving the female to handle all parental duties. The female constructs a lichen-covered nest, incubates her two eggs, and feeds the hatchlings until they fledge. Nesting generally occurs between May and July.
The southward migration begins in late summer, driven by cues like reduced daylight hours. Adult males start their departure first, often in mid to late August. Females and juveniles follow through early to mid-September, with peak migration occurring during the first two weeks of September.
This migration requires immense energy reserves, often requiring the birds to double their body mass. Many individuals undertake a non-stop, 500-mile flight across the Gulf of Mexico to reach wintering grounds in Central America and Mexico. Feeders should be kept up well into October to support late-departing birds or those migrating from farther north.
Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Yard
Supporting these birds involves providing reliable sources of high-energy food and a safe habitat. Feeders offer a dependable source of nectar, but the solution must be made correctly using a ratio of one part granulated white sugar to four parts water. This mixture closely mimics the natural sugar concentration found in most flowers they visit.
The solution should never contain red food coloring, which can be harmful to the birds. The red color of the feeder itself is sufficient to attract them. Feeders require frequent cleaning, ideally every few days, especially during hot weather, to prevent the growth of mold and fermentation. Placing multiple feeders far apart can help reduce the territorial aggression common among males.
Beyond feeders, planting specific flowers guarantees a natural and continuous food supply. Hummingbirds are drawn to native, tubular-shaped flowers, which are well-suited to their long bills. Excellent choices for a Wisconsin yard include Wild Bergamot, Cardinal Flower, and Spotted Jewelweed. These plants also attract the small insects and spiders that hummingbirds need for protein, which is important for the developing young.