Hummingbirds, particularly the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, are a familiar sight across Georgia during much of the year. These agile birds spend warmer months in the state before embarking on their migratory journeys.
Typical Departure Timeline
Hummingbirds in Georgia typically begin their southward migration in late summer, with a gradual departure extending into early fall. Adult male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are generally the first to leave, often by late August. Females and younger birds follow through September.
The peak of their departure usually occurs by October, with most hummingbirds having left Georgia for their wintering grounds. While most are gone by mid-October, some late migrants can still be observed into November, especially in southern parts of the state. The exact timing can vary slightly each year depending on local weather patterns.
Factors Triggering Migration
Hummingbirds embark on their migratory flights in response to environmental and biological cues. A primary trigger for their autumn migration is the decreasing length of daylight hours, known as photoperiod. This change in sunlight initiates hormonal shifts within the birds, signaling preparation for their journey.
Alongside changes in daylight, cooler temperatures and diminishing natural food sources, such as nectar-producing flowers and insects, also prompt their departure. These environmental signals activate an instinctual drive for migration, leading hummingbirds to undertake a feeding binge to build up fat reserves for their journey.
Preparing for Their Journey
Homeowners can support hummingbirds as they prepare for migration by maintaining feeders and offering natural food sources. Keep feeders clean and filled with a sugar-water solution (one part sugar to four parts water, boiled and cooled) throughout late summer and fall. No red food coloring is needed. Clean feeders every 2-3 days, or more often in warm weather, to prevent spoilage.
Leaving feeders up does not prevent hummingbirds from migrating, as their departure is driven by day length rather than food supply. It is generally safe to remove feeders in Georgia around late October or early November, or after no hummingbirds have been sighted for at least two weeks. Planting late-blooming, nectar-rich flowers like salvias, Rose of Sharon, trumpet honeysuckle, and bee balm can also provide natural sustenance during this period.
Their Winter Destinations
After departing Georgia, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds undertake journeys to their wintering grounds. The majority migrate to central Mexico and southward into Central America, including Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Some also spend the winter in southern Florida and along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of the United States.
These tiny birds often make a continuous flight across the Gulf of Mexico, a journey of approximately 500 miles that can take 18-22 hours. Alternatively, some may follow an overland route through Texas and Mexico. Their winter habitats offer warmer climates and abundant food sources, allowing them to survive the colder months before returning north in the spring.