Hummingbirds, with their iridescent feathers and remarkable aerial agility, are captivating visitors to New England gardens. These small, jewel-like birds are renowned for their rapid wingbeats, which create a distinctive humming sound, and their ability to hover while feeding. They are a familiar sight throughout the warmer months, but their presence is seasonal, as these birds embark on migratory journeys.
Timing Their Departure
Hummingbirds begin their southward migration from New England in late summer, with the peak departure occurring from late August through September. Males often precede females and younger birds on the migratory route, with some adult males starting to leave in late July, while most females and first-year birds depart by mid to late September. A few stragglers may linger into early October, especially if weather conditions remain mild.
Several factors influence the timing of their departure. Decreasing daylight hours and cooler temperatures signal the approaching change in seasons, prompting the hummingbirds to prepare for their journey. The availability of food sources also plays a role; as native flowers begin to fade, the birds sense the need to move to areas with more abundant nectar.
Reasons for Migration
Hummingbirds migrate south from New England due to changing environmental conditions. As autumn progresses, the availability of their primary food sources—nectar from flowering plants and small insects—declines. Their high metabolic rate requires a constant supply of energy, making it impossible to sustain themselves in colder climates.
Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures is another driving factor for their migration. Despite their ability to enter a state of torpor to conserve energy, hummingbirds cannot endure the freezing conditions of a New England winter. They travel thousands of miles to warmer regions, with the vast majority of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, the most common species in the eastern U.S., heading to Central America and Mexico for the winter. This journey, which can include a non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico, requires them to build up fat reserves, sometimes doubling their body weight before departure.
Supporting Hummingbirds Before They Leave
Supporting hummingbirds as they prepare for their migration involves providing food sources. Maintaining clean, full hummingbird feeders throughout late summer and early fall is beneficial, offering energy for their long journey. It is a common misconception that keeping feeders out will prevent hummingbirds from migrating; however, their departure is driven by instinctual cues like changing daylight, not by the presence of food.
Planting late-blooming, nectar-rich flowers in your garden can also provide sustenance. Species like salvia, fuchsia, and cardinal flower are good choices, as they continue to flower into the fall. A shallow water source, such as a bird bath, can also be helpful. These efforts allow hummingbirds to fuel up efficiently, increasing their chances of a successful migration.