Hummingbirds bring vibrancy to West Virginia’s landscapes during warmer months. These tiny, jewel-toned birds are known for their rapid wingbeats and hovering flight. While a welcome sight throughout spring and summer, hummingbirds are migratory, departing annually for warmer climates.
Peak Departure Times
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common and widely observed hummingbird species in West Virginia. These birds typically begin their southward migration from the state in late August. Adult males are often among the first to depart after the breeding season concludes. By early September, a significant portion of the hummingbird population has started its journey south.
Most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will have left West Virginia by early October. While there is a general timeframe for their departure, the exact timing can vary. Factors such as local weather conditions, including early cold snaps, and the availability of food sources can influence when individual birds decide to migrate. Some stragglers, or birds migrating from areas further north, might still be observed in West Virginia later in September or even into October.
The Urge to Migrate
Hummingbird migration is driven by biological cues and environmental factors. A primary trigger is the change in daylight hours, or photoperiod, as days shorten in late summer and early fall. This signals the birds to begin their journey south. Their internal biological clock, or circannual rhythm, also initiates this instinctual movement.
Environmental conditions reinforce this drive. As autumn progresses, natural food sources like nectar-producing flowers and insect populations decline. Dropping temperatures also make it less hospitable for these small, high-metabolism birds. These factors compel hummingbirds to seek warmer regions where food remains abundant.
Supporting Late Departures
Even after most hummingbirds appear to have left West Virginia, continue maintaining feeders. Late-migrating individuals, or those passing through from northern areas, may rely on these resources to refuel for their long journey. Removing feeders too early can negatively impact these birds, as they need consistent energy to complete their migration.
Keep feeders clean and filled until at least mid-October, and ideally, until two weeks after the last hummingbird sighting. Regular cleaning, every few days, and providing fresh nectar prevent disease and ensure a healthy food source. This continued support ensures migrating hummingbirds have access to nourishment as they make their way to their wintering grounds.