Hummingbirds, with their iridescent feathers and remarkable aerial agility, are a source of fascination for many who observe them in their gardens. These tiny birds are not year-round residents in many parts of North America, including Rhode Island, as they undertake an extraordinary annual migration.
The Departure Timeline
Hummingbirds typically begin their departure from Rhode Island in late summer, with most leaving during September. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the primary species seen in the state, responds to decreasing daylight hours. As days shorten, the availability of natural food sources like nectar from flowering plants and small insects also begins to decline. While some early individuals may start leaving in late August, the peak period for their southward migration from Rhode Island generally occurs in early to mid-September.
The Migration Journey
Hummingbirds leave Rhode Island primarily due to the impending colder temperatures and scarcity of food during the winter months. Their small size means they cannot store enough energy to survive prolonged periods of cold when nectar-producing flowers and insects are dormant or absent. They embark on an incredible journey, traveling thousands of miles to their wintering grounds in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America. Many Ruby-throated Hummingbirds undertake a non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico, a remarkable feat for a bird weighing only a few grams. This arduous migration ensures access to abundant food resources and a suitable climate throughout the colder half of the year.
Supporting Hummingbirds and Their Return
Residents can support hummingbirds before their departure by maintaining feeders and planting late-blooming native flowers. Keeping feeders filled with a solution of sugar water (one part sugar to four water) provides an energy source as they prepare for their long journey. Keep feeders available until at least two weeks after the last hummingbird sighting, ensuring late stragglers or migrating individuals have access to sustenance. These small actions can make a difference for birds building up fat reserves for their immense flight.
Hummingbirds begin their return to Rhode Island in the spring, completing their annual migratory cycle. The first arrivals are observed in late April, with their numbers increasing through early May. These early returning birds are often males, establishing territories before the females arrive a week or two later. Their return coincides with the blooming of early spring flowers, providing the nectar and insects they need to recover from their long journey and begin nesting.