Hummingbirds are a captivating presence across Texas, known for their rapid flight and iridescent feathers. These tiny birds are not year-round residents, as their annual movements are driven by instinctual migratory patterns. The exact timing of their departure from the state each year is a common question.
Understanding Departure Timelines
The departure of hummingbirds from Texas varies by species and location. Generally, the fall migration period spans late July to October. Adult male hummingbirds initiate this southward movement first, with females and juveniles following a few weeks later.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds gather along the South Texas coast in September before moving south. Black-chinned hummingbirds depart by late August, though younger birds born in the spring can remain until early fall. In West Texas, Calliope hummingbirds pass through in September or early October.
The Migration Journey
Hummingbirds migrate due to declining food sources, such as nectar and insects, and dropping temperatures in their summer breeding grounds. Their wintering destinations span across Mexico and Central America. Texas serves as a significant stopover point for many species, lying within both the Central and Mississippi Flyways.
The journey involves long distances and non-stop flights, particularly across the Gulf of Mexico. Trans-Gulf flights cover 500 miles and take 18 to 22 hours. To fuel this demanding travel, hummingbirds engage in hyperphagia, consuming large quantities of food to gain 25-40% of their body weight in fat reserves. They navigate their solitary journeys instinctively.
Helping Hummingbirds Prepare
To support hummingbirds before their migratory journey, provide readily available resources. Maintaining feeders with fresh nectar offers energy. The recommended mixture is one part refined white sugar to four parts water, without any added red dye.
Regular cleaning of feeders is important, at least weekly, and more frequently during warmer weather. Planting late-blooming, nectar-rich flowers, especially red or orange tubular varieties like salvia, bee balm, or firebush, provides natural food sources. Providing a shallow water source or a mister can attract and benefit these birds. Continuing to offer food will not prevent hummingbirds from migrating, as their departure is driven by instinct. Feeders can be left up for at least two weeks after the last hummingbird sighting for late stragglers.
Hummingbirds That Stay
While most hummingbirds depart Texas for warmer climates, some species overwinter in the state. Rufous hummingbirds are common winter residents, prevalent along the Gulf Coast and in the Houston area. Anna’s hummingbirds are rare winter visitors, particularly along the Upper Texas Coast.
Some black-chinned hummingbirds also remain throughout the winter in southern regions, including areas near the Rio Grande Valley and Corpus Christi. Buff-bellied hummingbirds are found year-round in the southernmost tip and coastal sections of Texas. Milder winter conditions and consistent food sources, both natural and from feeders, allow these birds to overwinter.