The annual presence of hummingbirds in Indiana is a seasonal event defined by their long-distance migration cycle. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the only species that regularly nests in the state. These birds spend their non-breeding season in Central America and Mexico, making their stay in Indiana a period dedicated to breeding and refueling. Their residency consistently lasts from spring to fall, dictated by instinct and environmental conditions.
The Timing of Spring Arrival
The first Ruby-throated Hummingbirds begin appearing in Indiana as early as late March. Their northward journey is triggered by environmental cues, such as rising temperatures and changing sunlight. Arrival follows the state’s latitude, with the southernmost counties seeing the first individuals in early April.
These initial arrivals are often tired after their journey, which can include a non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico. By mid-April, the migration front typically reaches central Indiana, settling into northern regions by late April or early May. Residents should place nectar feeders out around mid-April to ensure a vital food source is available as natural flowers begin to bloom.
Summer Stay and Breeding Activity
Once settled, hummingbirds spend the summer establishing territories and raising the next generation. Males arrive first and fiercely defend their chosen feeding and breeding areas. Females follow to select nesting sites, often building nests on tree branches in woodlands, forest edges, or suburban gardens.
The breeding period involves raising one or sometimes two broods throughout the summer. Females perform all parental duties, including nest construction and feeding the hatchlings a diet of nectar and small insects. Their consistent presence provides reliable pollination for native plants.
Preparing for the Southern Migration
The summer residency concludes as the birds prepare for their southward journey. This preparation phase, known as hyperphagia, involves intense feeding to build fat reserves, increasing their body weight by 25 to 40%. This increase in feeding activity often begins in late July and early August.
The main departure from Indiana starts in late August and peaks during the first two weeks of September. Males usually migrate first, followed by females and then younger birds, guided by instinct and shortening daylight hours. While most have left by mid-September, stragglers or late migrants are common well into October.
Do not remove feeders prematurely, as they provide a crucial energy stop for late travelers. The presence of a feeder does not delay migration, which is driven by biological instinct. Keep nectar feeders fresh and available until at least two weeks after the last sighting, often meaning they remain out until late October.