The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the main species that migrates and breeds in Ohio. These tiny, iridescent flyers travel annually from their wintering grounds in Central America to their North American breeding territories. This article details the expected schedule of their yearly cycle in Ohio.
The Expected Spring Arrival Window
The northward migration of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird follows a predictable pattern. Ohio residents can generally expect the first males to appear between early and mid-April. Males typically arrive first to establish feeding territories before the females follow a week or two later.
Southern counties see the earliest arrivals, with residents anticipating the first sightings between April 1 and April 15. This initial wave then moves northward. The northern half of the state, including the Lake Erie areas, generally welcomes the first migrants between April 15 and April 30. By early May, the migration is essentially complete, and the birds are settled into their breeding territories across the entire state.
Environmental Triggers for Migration
The primary trigger for both spring arrival and fall departure is the changing duration of daylight, known as the photoperiod. As daylight hours lengthen in the spring, a hormonal response is initiated within the birds, signaling them to prepare for migration toward their breeding grounds.
Rising ambient temperatures and the corresponding availability of food resources also play a significant role in determining the speed and timing of their arrival. Hummingbirds rely heavily on nectar-producing flowers and small insects for energy. They follow the wave of blooming plants and insect emergence as they move north, only settling when a consistent food supply is available.
Preparing for the Hummingbird Season
Preparation should occur before the expected arrival window in April. Feeders should be thoroughly cleaned and placed outside approximately one to two weeks before the earliest expected arrival date for your specific region of Ohio.
The nectar provided should strictly adhere to a 4-to-1 ratio: four parts water to one part refined white cane sugar. It is important to avoid using brown sugar, honey, artificial sweeteners, or any form of red dye, as these can be detrimental to the birds’ health.
Feeder Placement and Maintenance
Feeder placement is important, ideally near protective cover like trees or shrubs, but far enough away from windows to prevent collisions. Supplementing feeders with native, nectar-rich plants like bee balm, cardinal flower, and trumpet vine will provide natural foraging opportunities and further encourage them to stay. The sugar water should be changed and the feeder cleaned every few days, or more often in hot weather, to prevent the growth of harmful mold.
The Departure: Fall Migration Timing
As the days begin to shorten, the birds prepare for the southbound journey. The fall migration from Ohio typically begins in late August, with adult males departing first. Females and the young of the year follow throughout September.
The vast majority of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will have departed Ohio by the end of September. While some may occasionally be seen into early October, their migration is triggered by the declining photoperiod, not by a lack of food. Keeping feeders replenished until mid-October, or at least two weeks after the last sighting, is a helpful practice. This ensures that any late-migrating individuals or rare, off-course species have a chance to refuel before continuing south.