Hummingbirds disappear from many regions during colder months, embarking on extensive annual journeys. Their return signals warming temperatures and the reawakening of landscapes. People eagerly anticipate their arrival, marking the changing seasons.
The Journey North: Understanding Hummingbird Migration
Most North American hummingbirds migrate thousands of miles from Mexico and Central America to breeding territories across the United States and Canada. This movement is driven by the availability of food sources, such as nectar-rich flowers and insects, and suitable breeding habitats. The changing length of daylight also cues their journey. Some Ruby-throated Hummingbirds make a non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico, a distance of approximately 500 miles.
Regional Return Dates: When to Expect Them
Hummingbird arrival dates vary significantly by region, with birds progressively moving northward as spring unfolds. Along the Gulf Coast, including Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds often appear in late February to mid-March. Their journey continues across the Southeast, reaching Georgia and South Carolina by early April, and extending into the Midwest and Northeast, including Pennsylvania and New York, by late April or early May.
In the western United States, migration patterns involve different species. Rufous Hummingbirds begin moving northward from Mexico as early as January, following the Pacific Coast and reaching Alaska and British Columbia by May. Anna’s Hummingbirds are largely non-migratory residents along the Pacific Coast, though some may undertake short-distance movements. These timelines serve as general guidelines, as specific arrival times can shift annually.
Welcoming Their Return: Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard
To prepare for their return, set up feeders about a week before their expected arrival for an early food source. A simple nectar solution is one part white sugar to four parts water; red dye is not necessary and can be harmful. The sugar does not need to be boiled, just stirred until dissolved.
Feeder hygiene is important; clean feeders every three to five days, or daily in hot weather, to prevent mold and bacterial growth. A solution of warm water and white vinegar works well for cleaning, and feeders should be thoroughly rinsed. Placing feeders in shaded areas helps keep nectar fresh longer. Supplementing feeders with nectar-rich, tubular flowers, especially red ones, such as bee balm, salvia, trumpet honeysuckle, fuchsia, and columbine, also attracts these birds.
Factors Influencing Arrival Times
The timing of hummingbird arrivals varies each year due to environmental factors. Weather patterns influence both their migration pace and food source availability. Cold fronts, for example, can create difficult conditions for migrating birds.
The blooming schedule of flowers, a primary nectar source, is another influencing factor. Hummingbirds often time their migration to coincide with these blooms, but shifting climates can lead to a mismatch between their arrival and peak flowering. Climate change is altering migratory schedules, pushing some species to arrive earlier or prompting them to seek new habitats and resources.