Hummingbirds, with their shimmering colors and rapid wingbeats, mark the arrival of spring in Ohio. These tiny, migratory birds journey thousands of miles to reach their breeding grounds, bringing life and activity to gardens and natural spaces across the state.
When to Expect Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds begin arriving in Ohio in early April. Southern Ohio sees the first arrivals between April 1 and April 15. Northern parts of the state welcome these birds between April 15 and April 30. Male ruby-throated hummingbirds, the most common species in Ohio, lead the migration, appearing one to two weeks before the females. This staggered arrival allows males to establish territories and prepare for the females’ later arrival.
Arrival dates can vary annually. Most hummingbirds arrive through May, with some settling in Ohio until mid-June. These birds remain in Ohio throughout the summer, feeding and raising their young, before beginning their southward migration in late August or September.
What Influences Their Arrival
Hummingbird arrival in Ohio is influenced by environmental cues and biological programming. Weather patterns, especially temperature and wind, influence their migration. Warmer temperatures can lead to earlier arrivals.
Migration patterns are complex and not solely dictated by temperature. Hummingbirds also rely on other environmental factors, such as the sun’s position and Earth’s magnetic field, to guide their journey. Early blooming flowers and nectar sources along their migration route and in Ohio also attract them. As flowers bloom, providing sustenance, hummingbirds are drawn northward, ensuring adequate food upon arrival.
Why Ohio is a Destination
Ohio serves as a summer breeding ground for ruby-throated hummingbirds, the primary species in the state. The state’s diverse landscapes, including woodlands, meadows, and urban gardens, provide suitable habitats for nesting and foraging. Ruby-throated hummingbirds construct tiny, cup-shaped nests, often in trees near the edge of woods or open areas.
The abundance of food sources, particularly nectar from native plants and small insects, makes Ohio an attractive summer residence. Hummingbirds primarily consume nectar, but they also supplement their diet with protein from small insects and spiders, essential for their high energy demands and feeding young. Ohio’s blooming flora offers a consistent supply of nectar-rich flowers throughout the summer, supporting these active birds and their offspring.
How to Welcome Them Back
Preparing for the hummingbirds’ return involves providing food sources and habitat. Setting out hummingbird feeders filled with a simple sugar-water solution is an effective way to welcome them. This solution should be a mixture of one part white sugar to four parts water, without any added red dye, which can be harmful. Feeders should be placed by mid-April to ensure they are available for the first arrivals, who are often hungry after their long migration.
Beyond feeders, planting early-blooming, nectar-rich flowers can attract these birds. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to red, orange, and pink tubular-shaped flowers. Examples of attractive plants include trumpet vine, honeysuckle, bee balm, and cardinal flower, many of which are native to Ohio. Providing a variety of plants that bloom throughout the season ensures a continuous food supply, encouraging hummingbirds to frequent your garden.