Hummingbirds are seasonal residents in Pennsylvania, present throughout the warmer months. Understanding their cyclical presence, particularly their departure, helps us appreciate their journey and prepare for their absence.
The Hummingbird Season in Pennsylvania
The primary hummingbird species in Pennsylvania is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. They typically arrive in late April, with males often appearing before females. Their arrival coincides with early spring flowers, providing essential nectar. Throughout spring and summer, hummingbirds establish territories, build nests, and raise their young.
Understanding Hummingbird Migration
Hummingbirds undertake migration, traveling thousands of miles to warmer climates for the winter. This instinctual journey is primarily triggered by the shortening daylight hours as autumn approaches, rather than solely by temperature changes or food scarcity. They will spend the winter months in regions like southern Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Mexico, and Central America, some even reaching Panama.
To fuel their long journey, hummingbirds consume large amounts of nectar and insects, gaining significant body fat. They can increase their body weight by 25-40% before migrating.
Traveling alone, these tiny birds can cover impressive distances, sometimes flying up to 500 miles at a time, including a non-stop flight of nearly 600 miles across the Gulf of Mexico.
When Hummingbirds Depart from Pennsylvania
The departure of hummingbirds from Pennsylvania is a gradual process that spans several weeks in the fall. While some males may begin their southward journey as early as mid-August, the peak migration period for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds generally occurs throughout September. Females and juveniles tend to follow, with many birds departing in late August and early September.
By late September to early October, most hummingbirds have left Pennsylvania for their wintering grounds. However, it is not uncommon for occasional stragglers, particularly young birds or those from more northern regions, to linger into mid or even late October. Their departure is influenced by various factors, including local weather patterns like cold fronts, which can prompt a more immediate movement south, and the availability of food sources.
Preparing for Their Departure
As hummingbirds prepare for their arduous migration, supporting them during this time is beneficial. Continuing to keep hummingbird feeders clean and filled with fresh sugar water (a 1:4 sugar-to-water ratio) is helpful. This provides a crucial energy source for birds fueling up for their long journey.
It is a common misconception that leaving feeders out will delay their migration. Hummingbirds migrate based on internal biological cues, such as changing daylight, not the presence of feeders. Feeders serve as important refueling stations, especially for late migrants or those passing through. Cultivating late-blooming, nectar-rich flowers in your garden also offers natural food sources that can aid these remarkable travelers.