Hummingbirds, with their iridescent feathers and rapid wingbeats, captivate observers with their aerial acrobatics and unique feeding habits. Their seasonal appearance signals the arrival of warmer months and abundant blooms.
Understanding Hummingbird Migration
Hummingbirds undertake migratory journeys. Changes in daylight duration and fluctuating temperatures cue their long flights. These birds instinctively seek areas with abundant nectar and insect populations for their high energy demands. While many species migrate thousands of miles, some, like Anna’s Hummingbirds, may remain year-round in milder climates along the Pacific Coast.
Their migration is a solitary endeavor, often following the same paths annually. Before embarking on these trips, hummingbirds build up significant fat reserves, sometimes gaining 25-40% of their body weight to fuel their journey. They navigate using a combination of cues, including the sun’s position, the Earth’s magnetic field, and visual landmarks. This ability allows them to return to specific breeding and feeding grounds year after year.
Regional Arrival Times
Hummingbird arrival times vary across North America, progressing northward as spring advances. In the Southeast, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds begin to appear along the Gulf Coast by early March, with males often arriving about ten days before females. They then spread further north through states like Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee by late March and early April. This early arrival allows them to recuperate and establish territories.
In the Northeast, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrive later in the spring, from late April into early May, reaching northern states and southern Canadian provinces. The Midwest sees arrivals from late April to early May. These timelines can shift slightly based on yearly weather patterns.
In the Southwest, Allen’s Hummingbirds start their northward migration as early as December, reaching coastal California and southern Oregon by January or February. Black-chinned Hummingbirds arrive in the region in March or April, settling in valleys and towns. Rufous Hummingbirds also begin arriving in the Pacific Northwest around February, continuing their journey up the coast.
Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard
Creating an inviting habitat can encourage hummingbirds to visit your outdoor space. A simple nectar solution can be prepared by mixing one part refined white sugar with four parts water. It is important not to use honey, artificial sweeteners, or red dyes, as these can be harmful to the birds. This solution should be brought to a simmer until the sugar dissolves, then cooled completely before filling feeders.
Feeder maintenance is important for the health of visiting hummingbirds. Feeders should be cleaned every two to three days, or daily during hot weather, to prevent mold and bacterial growth. Cleaning can be done with hot tap water and a brush, and a weak vinegar solution can be used periodically for a more thorough cleaning. Positioning feeders in visible spots near protective cover, such as shrubs or trees, makes them feel secure.
Planting nectar-rich flowers also provides a natural food source and attracts hummingbirds. They are particularly drawn to tubular-shaped flowers, especially those in red, orange, and pink hues. Examples of popular choices include Salvia, Bee Balm, Columbine, and Trumpet Honeysuckle. Offering a water source, such as a mister or a shallow dripper, can also attract hummingbirds for bathing, as they prefer gentle sprays over traditional deep bird baths.
When Hummingbirds Depart
As the seasons change, hummingbirds begin their southbound migration. Most species start this journey in late summer and early fall, from late July through October. Adult males often depart first, followed by adult females and then juveniles of both sexes. This staggered departure allows males to establish territories in wintering grounds, while younger birds have more time to build energy reserves.
The primary cues for their departure are shortening daylight hours and a decrease in natural food sources like flowers and insects. Most North American hummingbirds, including the Ruby-throated and Rufous species, journey to Mexico or Central America for the winter. Some Ruby-throated Hummingbirds undertake a 500-mile non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico.
It is a common misconception that feeders should be removed early to encourage migration. Hummingbirds are driven by instinct and day length, not by the availability of feeder nectar, so keeping feeders clean and filled into late fall can provide an energy source for late migrants. Their ability to return to the same locations year after year highlights their migratory fidelity.