Hummingbirds are a welcomed sign of spring across North America, marking the end of winter with their iridescent arrival. These tiny, high-energy birds undertake one of the most remarkable migrations, traveling immense distances from their wintering grounds. The timing of their appearance varies widely depending on geography and species, creating a dynamic schedule that bird enthusiasts follow closely. Understanding this migratory schedule helps observers know exactly when to anticipate the return of these flying jewels.
The Spring Arrival Timing
The primary trigger for a hummingbird’s northward migration is the change in photoperiod, or the increasing duration of daylight hours, rather than a specific temperature. This biological cue prompts the birds to leave their winter homes in Mexico and Central America. As they travel, they rely on the availability of early-blooming flowers and insects for the continuous fuel needed to power their high-speed journey.
The first wave of arrivals, typically adult males, often begins to appear along the U.S. Gulf Coast as early as late February or early March. These males travel ahead of the females by about one to two weeks, establishing territories and preparing for the breeding season. The northward movement follows the progression of spring, utilizing the blooming sequence of nectar-producing plants. From the southern states, the migration progresses steadily, reaching the northernmost parts of their range by mid-to-late May.
Regional Differences in Migration Schedules
The specific arrival dates for hummingbirds are heavily influenced by the latitude and the primary migration routes they follow. Along the Eastern Seaboard and the central United States, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the dominant species. They reach coastal Texas and Louisiana in late February to early March, moving into the Carolinas, Kansas, and Oklahoma by April, and finally arriving in the Midwest and Northeast states in May.
In the Mountain West, species like the Broad-tailed, Black-chinned, and Rufous Hummingbirds follow a different schedule. Broad-tailed Hummingbirds typically arrive in southern Arizona in late February or early March, reaching higher-altitude breeding grounds in Colorado by late April to late May. The Rufous Hummingbird is known for its long, clockwise migration up the Pacific Coast, reaching Washington and British Columbia by May. Western states often host multiple species arriving sequentially.
The timing of arrival is not solely fixed by an internal calendar, as local weather conditions can cause year-to-year variations. An unusually warm spring may see birds arrive earlier than average, while a late cold snap can delay their progression. This flexibility ensures the birds arrive when local food sources are available to support their intense metabolic needs.
Preparing Feeders and Habitats
Knowing the general timing of arrival is useful when preparing outdoor feeding stations, as a ready food source can be a lifesaver for early-arriving, exhausted migrants. It is recommended to set up feeders one to two weeks before the earliest anticipated arrival date for your specific region. This proactive approach ensures that pioneering scout males, which arrive first, find the necessary sustenance.
For those along the Gulf Coast, this means having feeders ready by mid-February, while residents in northern states should aim for mid-to-late April. Placing feeders out early will not prevent the birds from migrating, as their internal clock dictates their journey. The presence of a clean, full feeder provides a reliable resource when natural flowers may not yet be in full bloom.
Feeder maintenance is important to attract and support the returning birds. Nectar, a simple solution of one part table sugar to four parts water, should be changed every few days, or daily in very warm weather, to prevent spoilage. Clean the feeder thoroughly with hot water and a brush each time you refill it to prevent the growth of mold. Proper placement in an open area, often near a colorful, nectar-rich plant, increases visibility for the passing migrants.
Fall Departure and Wintering
After a summer of breeding and raising young, hummingbirds begin their reverse journey south, a process triggered by the shortening of daylight hours in late summer and early fall. This biological response signals the need to depart for their wintering grounds. In northern latitudes and Canada, the southward migration can begin as early as late July or August, starting with the adult males.
The majority of hummingbirds pass through the central and southern U.S. during September and October. Before embarking on this long flight to Mexico or Central America, the birds enter a state of hyperphagia, or intense feeding, to increase their body weight by 25 to 40 percent. This fat reserve is fuel for the demanding journey, which for Ruby-throats includes a non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico.
While most species vacate the U.S. entirely, a few small populations, such as the Anna’s Hummingbird on the Pacific Coast, remain year-round in milder climate areas. Feeders should be kept out for about two weeks after the last sighting to assist any late-migrating or vagrant individuals completing their southward journey.