Hummingbirds, with their iridescent plumage and rapid wingbeats, are a source of fascination for many nature enthusiasts in Ohio. These tiny birds, known for their ability to hover and dart, bring vibrant flashes of color to gardens and backyards during the warmer months. As the seasons change, these birds undertake an impressive journey, signaling the approach of winter.
Typical Departure Schedule
Hummingbirds typically begin their departure from Ohio in late summer and early fall. While some southern migration can commence in late August, the peak period for their exodus is generally throughout September. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the most common species found in Ohio, is the primary species migrating. By mid-October, the vast majority of these birds will have completed their departure.
The departure is not a sudden, synchronized event, but rather a gradual process. Male hummingbirds often initiate their southward journey earlier than females and juveniles, who may follow a week or two later. While these timeframes provide a general guide, the exact timing can vary slightly depending on specific locations within Ohio and the prevailing weather patterns of a given year.
Triggers for Migration
Hummingbirds begin their southward journey primarily due to environmental cues. Decreasing daylight hours, known as photoperiod, signal these birds. This reduction triggers hormonal changes, prompting migration preparation.
Cooler temperatures also indicate declining food sources like nectar and small insects. Before their strenuous flight, hummingbirds undergo hyperphagia, significantly increasing food intake to build vital fat reserves. These fat deposits, though small, provide the necessary energy for their long-distance travel, demonstrating an innate migratory instinct.
The Long Journey South
Once triggered, Ohio’s hummingbirds journey to their wintering grounds. Their typical destinations include warmer climates in Mexico, Central America, including Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, and occasionally the Caribbean Islands. This southward migration often involves a challenging non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico, a distance of approximately 850 kilometers (about 500 miles).
Given their minuscule size, this trans-Gulf crossing is a feat of endurance. The entire journey from Ohio to their wintering sites can span around 2500 kilometers (1500 miles). This arduous trip demands energy, with hummingbirds metabolizing significant body fat daily to sustain flight. Along their route, these tiny travelers face various hazards, including adverse weather conditions, potential predators, and the constant threat of exhaustion.
Ways to Help Before They Leave
As hummingbirds prepare for migration, individuals can support these birds. Maintain clean feeders with fresh sugar water. A solution of one part granulated sugar to four parts water is suitable; avoid red dyes. Regular cleaning prevents mold and bacterial growth, which could harm birds.
Keep feeders available until mid-October, or at least two weeks after the last sighting. This ensures late migrants or stragglers have access to food. Dispelling the misconception that feeders delay migration, the birds’ departure is primarily governed by environmental cues like decreasing daylight, not food availability. Supplementing feeders with late-blooming, nectar-rich flowers also provides natural sustenance, alongside insects that form part of their diet.