Hummingbirds are migratory birds that bring vibrant flashes of color and energetic activity to gardens across Virginia each spring. Their annual return signals warmer weather and the reawakening of the natural world. Understanding their seasonal patterns in the state allows enthusiasts to anticipate their arrival and prepare welcoming habitats.
Typical Arrival Times
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common species observed in Virginia and the only one that breeds within the state. These tiny birds begin their northward journey, with first arrivals appearing in Virginia around mid-April. In southern regions like Hampton Roads, sightings can occur slightly earlier, between April 1 and April 15.
Male hummingbirds are the first to arrive, often by mid-April, preceding females to establish and defend breeding territories. Females and younger birds follow a few weeks later, appearing in late April or early May. The peak period for hummingbird migration through Virginia spans April and May, with sightings becoming more widespread across the state.
Factors Influencing Arrival
Hummingbird arrival dates are not fixed; they are influenced by environmental and biological factors. Weather patterns play a role, as warmer springs can prompt earlier arrivals, while unseasonably cold temperatures or late frosts may delay their northward progression. These birds rely on favorable conditions for their journey.
The availability of food sources, primarily nectar from blooming flowers and small insects, also dictates their timing. Hummingbirds follow the progression of spring blooms, which provide the nectar they need for energy. Changes in climate can lead to a mismatch, where birds arrive before sufficient natural food is available. Their internal biological clock, sensitive to temperature shifts and decreasing daylight, guides their migration.
How to Attract Hummingbirds
To welcome hummingbirds, residents can provide supplemental food sources and suitable habitats. Setting up feeders with a sugar-water solution involves mixing one part granulated sugar with four parts water. It is not necessary to use red dye in the nectar, as it can be harmful to the birds.
Feeders should be cleaned every three to four days to prevent mold and bacterial growth, and placed in a shaded location to keep the nectar fresh. Position feeders by early April or even mid-March for the first arriving migrants. Complementing feeders with native plants that offer natural nectar is also beneficial. Hummingbirds are particularly drawn to long, tubular, red or pink flowers.
Native Virginia plants that attract them include:
Trumpet creeper
Trumpet honeysuckle
Cardinal flower
Bee balm
Beyond nectar, hummingbirds consume small insects like gnats, aphids, and spiders, which are a source of protein for them.
Departure and Migration
As summer transitions into fall, hummingbirds begin their southward migration from Virginia. This departure occurs from late August through early October. Similar to their spring arrival, male hummingbirds are the first to leave, departing in early September.
Females and juvenile hummingbirds follow several weeks later, with most birds having left the state by October. Their primary wintering grounds are in Mexico and Central America, a journey of thousands of miles. These tiny birds do not remain in Virginia year-round, relying on an instinctual drive triggered by environmental cues like shortening daylight hours and declining food supplies to begin their migration. Before departure, they consume significant amounts of nectar and insects to build up fat reserves, increasing their body weight by 25 to 50 percent to fuel their long flight.