The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the only hummingbird species that regularly breeds across Ohio. These creatures are not permanent residents but undertake an annual migration between their northern breeding grounds and their wintering habitats in Central America. Consequently, their time in Ohio is limited to the warmer months, spanning from late spring through early autumn as they breed and prepare for their long journey.
The Spring Arrival Window
The return of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird to Ohio is a staggered event, dictated by rising temperatures and the availability of early nectar sources. Adult males are the pioneers of the spring migration, arriving first to establish feeding territories and await the females. The earliest sightings occur in the southern counties of Ohio between April 1st and April 15th, following the warming front.
The arrival wave moves northward as the season progresses. Hummingbirds generally become widespread across central and northern Ohio between April 15th and the first week of May. Females usually follow the males by about one to two weeks, arriving to mate and begin nesting.
The Fall Departure Window
The duration of a hummingbird’s stay culminates with departure, which is triggered by the shortening of daylight hours, not a lack of food. This hormonal shift prompts the birds to enter a period of hyperphagia, consuming large amounts of nectar and insects to accumulate fat reserves for migration. Hummingbirds can gain 25 to 40 percent of their body weight to fuel their journey.
The migration south begins with the adult males, who often start their journey as early as late August after completing their breeding duties. Females and the season’s young follow this initial wave, with the largest decline occurring throughout September. Most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have left the state by the end of September, but late-season travelers may still be spotted. The last sightings in Ohio generally taper off by mid-October.
Supporting Hummingbirds During Their Stay
Providing supplemental food sources requires using a simple sugar solution mixed at the correct concentration. The standard nectar recipe is a ratio of one part pure white granulated sugar dissolved into four parts water, which closely mimics the sucrose level found in natural flower nectar. Avoid using honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners, as these can be harmful to the birds.
Feeder cleanliness is important, as fermented nectar or mold growth can lead to illness in hummingbirds. In cooler spring and fall weather, the solution should be changed every four to five days. During periods of high summer heat, the nectar may need to be refreshed and the feeder cleaned daily.
Providing a diverse garden of native Ohio plants offers natural nectar sources and attracts the small insects that hummingbirds rely on for protein. Excellent native choices include Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Scarlet Beebalm (Monarda didydma), and Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). Leaving feeders up past the main departure window will not discourage migration, but it provides a necessary refueling station for any birds passing through late.