Hummingbirds captivate observers with their iridescent plumage and astonishing aerial maneuvers. Their rapid wing beats create a characteristic humming sound. Their annual return to Kansas is a much-anticipated event, signaling the arrival of warmer seasons and a burst of natural activity. These tiny birds embark on remarkable migratory journeys each year.
Typical Arrival Windows
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common species observed returning to Kansas each spring. They typically arrive in mid-April, with some sightings as early as the first week, especially in southern regions. Males are generally the first, arriving a week or two ahead of females to establish breeding territories. Peak spring migration across Kansas usually occurs throughout May. Hummingbirds remain in Kansas through summer, most departing by October for wintering grounds.
Environmental Influences on Timing
Hummingbird migration patterns are primarily regulated by internal biological clocks, known as circadian and circannual rhythms. External environmental elements significantly influence their return timing. Weather conditions, including early spring warmth or late frosts, can accelerate or delay arrival.
Food source availability, such as nectar from blooming flowers and insect populations, plays a role. A scarcity of early-blooming flowers or insects can challenge birds in replenishing energy reserves depleted during migration. Pesticide use can also affect insect availability, which is an important part of a hummingbird’s diet, especially during nesting season.
Preparing for Their Return
To welcome hummingbirds, set out feeders by the second week of April for early arrivals. Make a simple nectar solution by mixing four parts water with one part white sugar; boil the water, dissolve the sugar, and cool completely before filling feeders. Avoid using red food coloring, as it is unnecessary and potentially harmful. Clean feeders every few days, or at least weekly, to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
Planting native flowers is another effective way to attract hummingbirds, providing natural nectar sources and attracting insects for protein. Appealing species include Bee Balm, Salvia, Trumpet Creeper, Cardinal Flower, and various Honeysuckle types, with their tubular, often red or orange, blossoms. Provide shallow water sources, such as misters or birdbaths with dripping water, for drinking and bathing. Refrain from using pesticides in your garden to ensure a healthy insect population, which hummingbirds rely on for important nutrients.
Common Kansas Species
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common species found throughout Kansas, particularly in the eastern half of the state. Males are identifiable by their iridescent ruby-red throat patch, which can appear dark in certain lighting, contrasting with bright emerald green back and gray-white underparts. Females share the green back but have a white throat that may show pale green streaks, lacking the red gorget. Both sexes possess a slender, slightly downcurved bill.
While the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the primary resident, other species are occasionally sighted during migration. The Rufous Hummingbird, known for aggressive territorial behavior, passes through, particularly in late summer and early fall; males exhibit striking copper-orange or reddish-orange plumage. The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is another less common visitor, identifiable by the rose-red gorget on males. Rare vagrants like the Black-chinned, Calliope, Anna’s, Allen’s, Broad-billed, and Costa’s hummingbirds have also been recorded in Kansas, adding to the state’s avian diversity.