Hummingbirds captivate with their iridescent plumage and rapid wingbeats. These tiny birds undertake impressive annual migrations, traveling thousands of miles between their wintering grounds and summer breeding territories. Their return each spring is a much-anticipated event, signaling the change of seasons. Understanding when and why these aerial acrobats reappear in our backyards offers insights into their remarkable biology.
General Timing of Their Return
Hummingbirds begin their northward migration from wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America as early as February. The first arrivals in the southernmost U.S., particularly along the Gulf Coast, can be seen from late February to mid-March. As spring progresses, these birds continue their journey north.
By early April, sightings extend further north. Mid-April brings them to areas such as Oklahoma, Kansas, and Kentucky, while by late April, they reach regions including Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Northern states and Canadian provinces typically see their first arrivals in April or May, with some reaching breeding grounds as late as the end of May. This progression follows warming temperatures and the emergence of food sources.
Key Factors Influencing Arrival
Hummingbird migration is triggered by biological and environmental cues. Changes in daylight duration, known as photoperiod, play a significant role in initiating their migratory instincts. As days lengthen, these birds sense the approach of breeding season, prompting their journey north.
Temperature is another important environmental factor that guides their return. Hummingbirds migrate into areas where warming temperatures have led to the availability of spring flowers and insects, their primary food sources. Their migration is also influenced by the presence of blooming plants and associated insects.
Regional Differences and Species Specifics
The exact timing of hummingbird return varies by geographical location and species. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, prevalent in Eastern North America, typically arrive along the Gulf Coast in early to mid-March. Their migration then spreads north, reaching Canadian provinces by early May.
Rufous Hummingbirds, common in Western North America, undertake one of the longest hummingbird migrations, traveling up to 4,000 miles from Mexico to Alaska. They start their northern migration earlier, leaving Mexico as early as January and reaching the Pacific Northwest by late April. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds also show distinct timing, reaching southern Arizona in late February or early March, and northern areas like Colorado by late April. These variations highlight how different species adapt their migratory schedules to align with resource availability.
Welcoming Returning Hummingbirds
Preparing your yard can support returning hummingbirds after their long journey. Setting up hummingbird feeders with a sugar-water solution is a practical way to provide an energy source. A common recipe involves mixing one part refined white sugar with four parts water, ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved. Boiling the mixture can help it keep longer, but it should be cooled before filling.
Feeders should be cleaned regularly, ideally every two to three days, or even daily in hot weather, to prevent mold and bacterial growth. Using hot water and a brush, or a weak vinegar solution, ensures proper hygiene.
Planting native flowering plants is also beneficial, as they provide natural nectar and attract the small insects that hummingbirds eat for protein. Examples include trumpet honeysuckle, bee balm, cardinal flower, and columbine, which offer tubular, nectar-rich blooms.