The “hummingbird season” is defined by the periods of activity, breeding, and movement that characterize their annual cycle. For most North American species, this season represents the window of time they are present in a given location before or after migration. The precise timing varies widely based on geography, which determines the availability of the nectar and insects they rely on. Understanding this seasonality dictates when these birds are most active in any specific ecosystem.
Understanding Migration Timelines
The hummingbird season begins with the arrival of migratory species from their southern wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, which dominates the eastern half of North America, starts its northbound journey early, with the first males reaching the Gulf Coast states as early as late February or mid-March. This wave of arrivals gradually pushes north, with the birds not reaching the northernmost states or Canadian provinces until April or May.
The western United States sees the arrival of other species, notably the Rufous Hummingbird, which undertakes one of the longest migrations relative to its body size. These birds follow a clockwise circuit, moving up the Pacific Coast in late winter and spring, reaching their breeding grounds in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska by May. The season concludes as the birds depart for the south, which can begin as early as late July for Rufous Hummingbirds traveling down the Rocky Mountains.
Most migratory hummingbirds begin their fall journey between August and September, with the adult males usually leaving first. The last stragglers, often the females and young of the year, will continue to move south through late October before the cold weather sets in. The exact duration of their stay is highly dependent on a location’s latitude, with the season lasting only a few months in the far north but extending for more than half the year in the southern states.
Recognizing Year-Round Species
Not all hummingbirds follow the strict seasonal pattern of long-distance migration. The Anna’s Hummingbird, for instance, maintains a year-round residency across much of the Pacific Coast, including California and the Pacific Northwest. For these sedentary populations, the “hummingbird season” is continuous, though their activity and breeding intensity may fluctuate with the local climate.
The ability of Anna’s Hummingbirds to remain in northern latitudes is partly attributed to their tolerance for cooler winter temperatures and their use of artificial food sources. Urban and suburban environments, with their ornamental plantings and bird feeders, provide reliable nectar and shelter even during the colder months. This adaptation has allowed their range to expand northward and inland, making them one of the most common year-round hummingbirds in North America.
While the majority of the population is non-migratory, some western populations of Anna’s Hummingbirds may still perform minor seasonal movements. These movements are often localized, such as shifting to lower elevations in the winter rather than undertaking a long-distance migration. This behavior contrasts sharply with the seasonal absence observed for species like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird.
Seasonal Drivers: Breeding and Feeding
The timing of the hummingbird season is linked to the biological needs of breeding and the demand for food resources. The spring arrival is timed precisely to coincide with the peak bloom of nectar-producing flowers and the availability of small insects. Males arrive first to establish and defend feeding territories before the females arrive to begin nesting.
The breeding season demands significant energy, as females must build a nest, incubate two eggs, and raise the young alone. Females feed their nestlings a mix of nectar for energy and protein-rich insects for growth, requiring constant foraging. The high metabolic rate of these birds means they must consume roughly half their body weight in food every day to sustain these activities.
The conclusion of the season is marked by preparation for migration or the onset of winter cold. Hummingbirds enter a hyperphagic phase, feeding to double their body weight in preparation for the journey south. This increased feeding behavior in late summer and early fall is a final peak of seasonal activity before the birds depart for their wintering grounds.