Most hummingbirds migrate south for the winter. These tiny birds undertake impressive journeys, among the most remarkable in the animal kingdom.
The Annual Migration Journey
Hummingbirds undertake annual migrations, traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, common in eastern North America, often flies non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico. This journey spans approximately 500 miles and can take 18 to 22 hours.
During migration, a hummingbird’s heart beats up to 1,260 times a minute, and their wings can flap between 15 to 80 times per second. Their average speed in direct flight ranges from 20-30 miles per hour. Before these trips, hummingbirds gain 25-40% of their body mass by consuming nectar and insects to build fat reserves for fuel. They generally fly alone, often following the same routes each year.
The Driving Force Behind Their Journey
Hummingbirds migrate primarily to find consistent food sources and escape cold temperatures. As autumn progresses, nectar from flowering plants and small insects significantly decreases in northern regions. Their high metabolism necessitates a constant calorie intake; a hummingbird can consume up to 50% of its body weight in nectar daily.
While hummingbirds can enter torpor, a deep sleep that lowers their metabolic rate and body temperature to conserve energy during cold nights, this adaptation is not sufficient for prolonged periods without food. The diminishing food supply in colder climates drives them south to warmer regions where flowers and insects remain abundant. Decreasing daylight hours in late summer and fall also trigger migration.
Variances in Migration Patterns
While most North American hummingbirds migrate, some species or individuals exhibit different patterns. For instance, the Anna’s Hummingbird is a year-round resident along the Pacific Coast, including parts of California and the Pacific Northwest. In warmer areas like the U.S. Gulf Coast, Florida, and parts of the Southwest, some Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and others may overwinter instead of migrating fully to Mexico or Central America.
These variations can be influenced by local food availability, including artificial sources like feeders, and milder winter conditions. Climate change also subtly influences migration patterns, with some hummingbirds potentially leaving wintering grounds earlier or overwintering farther north due to warming temperatures. Despite these nuances, the majority of hummingbirds continue their long-distance journeys.
Supporting Migratory Hummingbirds
Individuals can support migratory hummingbirds by providing reliable food and water sources. Maintaining clean hummingbird feeders with a sugar solution is beneficial, especially during peak migration periods in spring and fall. A common and safe recipe involves mixing one part refined white sugar with four parts water; red dye should not be added. Feeders should be cleaned every other day to prevent mold growth.
Planting nectar-rich native flowers that bloom during different seasons can offer natural food sources. Examples include:
Cardinal Flowers
Salvia
Columbines
Bee Balm
Providing shallow water sources, such as birdbaths with a gentle spray, also helps hummingbirds maintain their plumage. Ensuring these resources are available can aid transient birds and any local residents.