The annual return of hummingbirds is a highly anticipated event for many Missouri residents, signaling the arrival of spring. The species most commonly observed is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris), which travels thousands of miles from its wintering grounds in Central America. These tiny neotropical migrants spend their breeding season across the eastern United States, making their seasonal presence in Missouri a predictable spectacle.
The Expected Spring Arrival Timeline
The earliest sightings of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird in Missouri generally occur in late March, with the main wave of arrivals beginning in early April. The migration proceeds in a predictable pattern, with the first birds appearing in the southern counties of the state before gradually moving northward. Residents in the northern half of Missouri, including the Kansas City area, typically see the majority of arrivals a week or two later than those in the Bootheel region.
The busiest period for spring migration generally peaks in early May, as the population settles into its summer breeding territories. Given the variability of spring weather, it is a good practice to have feeders ready by the last week of March, especially in southern Missouri. Preparing feeders slightly ahead of the earliest expected date ensures that exhausted birds completing the long journey have a reliable food source immediately upon reaching the state.
Environmental Triggers for Their Return
The precise timing of this northward journey is governed by environmental cues, primarily hormonal changes triggered by increasing daylight hours, known as photoperiod. As the length of daylight increases in the tropics, the birds’ endocrine systems signal the onset of migration. This instinctual drive compels them to depart from their wintering grounds in southern Mexico and Central America.
Rising regional temperatures and the subsequent availability of natural food sources act as secondary signals, helping to time their final arrival in Missouri. Early arriving hummingbirds often rely on sweet tree sap from sapsucker-drilled holes, or on small insects for protein. They quickly transition to consuming nectar from early blooming native flowers as the season progresses.
Preparing Your Yard for Arrival
Setting up a feeder correctly is the most direct way to welcome and support these returning birds. The proper nectar solution mimics the sugar concentration of natural flower nectar and consists of four parts water to one part granulated white sugar. It is important to mix the solution until the sugar is fully dissolved. Avoid using red dye, honey, or artificial sweeteners, as these can be harmful.
Feeder hygiene is paramount for hummingbird health, requiring frequent cleaning to prevent the growth of mold and fermentation of the sugar water. In warmer temperatures, the nectar should be changed every two to three days, and the feeder should be thoroughly cleaned with hot water. Strategically placing feeders in areas that offer both sun and partial shade can help slow the spoilage of the nectar.
Placing feeders near natural cover, such as shrubs or trees, offers the birds a safe place to rest and hide from predators. A distance of at least 15 to 20 feet from windows is recommended to reduce collision risk. Supplementing feeders with native Missouri plants like cardinal flower, trumpet creeper, and bee balm provides a richer, natural nectar supply and attracts the insects that nesting hummingbirds rely on for protein.
When the Hummingbirds Depart
The annual cycle concludes as the days shorten in late summer, triggering the instinct for southward migration. Most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds begin their departure from Missouri in mid-to-late August. The peak of the fall migration occurs throughout September, and by early October, the vast majority of the summer population will have left the state.
A common misconception is that leaving feeders up too late prevents migration, but departure is controlled by day length, not food availability. It is helpful to keep feeders filled until at least mid-October, or for two weeks after the last sighting, to assist late-migrating individuals or rare species passing through. Feeders provide much-needed fuel for the challenging journey back to their wintering grounds.