Hummingbirds are small, energetic creatures known for their shimmering plumage and remarkable hovering flight. These birds are a familiar sight in Northeast gardens during the warmer months, darting among flowers and feeders. As seasons change, their presence becomes less frequent. This article explores the typical departure patterns of these tiny birds from the Northeast.
Typical Departure Schedule
Hummingbirds begin their southward journey from the Northeast in late summer, extending through early fall. Male Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, the most common species in the region, are often the first to depart, in late July or August. Females and younger birds follow, leaving throughout September. Most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have left the Northeast by mid-September, although some may linger into early October. The exact timing can vary slightly depending on the specific location within the Northeast, with birds in more northern areas departing earlier than those further south.
Reasons for Their Southern Journey
Hummingbirds migrate south due to environmental changes. As autumn progresses, the availability of their main food sources—nectar from flowering plants and small insects—begins to diminish significantly. Additionally, their tiny bodies are not equipped to withstand the sustained cold temperatures that arrive with late fall and winter in the Northeast. Migration serves as a survival strategy, allowing them to escape the scarcity of food and the harsh cold, moving to regions where resources remain abundant.
Preparing for the Long Flight
Before embarking on their demanding migratory journey, hummingbirds undergo significant physiological and behavioral changes. They enter a period known as hyperphagia, characterized by an intense increase in feeding activity. During this time, they visit feeders and flowers more frequently, consuming large quantities of nectar and insects to build up crucial fat reserves. This fat acts as the primary fuel for their long flight, with hummingbirds typically gaining 25-40% of their body weight, and some even doubling it. Their internal biological clock, cued by the decreasing daylight hours, helps trigger this intense preparation and the instinct to migrate.
Their Winter Homes
The majority of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds that spend their summers in the Northeast migrate to warmer climates in Mexico and Central America for the winter. Some individuals may also spend the winter along the U.S. Gulf Coast, including parts of southern Florida. This incredible journey often involves a non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico, a distance of approximately 500 miles that can take 18 to 22 hours to complete. After enduring the challenges of migration and spending several months in their wintering grounds, these resilient birds begin their northward return journey to the Northeast in the spring.