Hummingbirds, with their iridescent plumage and aerial acrobatics, captivate observers across Missouri. These tiny birds, known for their rapid wing beats that create a humming sound, are significant pollinators. Weighing under a quarter ounce and measuring about 3.5 inches, they have a high metabolism, needing constant high-calorie food. Their flight capabilities, including hovering, flying backward, and even upside down, distinguish them. Their annual return signals spring’s arrival.
Typical Arrival Times in Missouri
The most commonly observed hummingbird species in Missouri is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. These birds embark on an impressive migratory journey from their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central and South America. Their arrival in Missouri typically occurs from early to mid-April, though the precise timing can vary slightly each year. Male hummingbirds generally precede the females by about a week or two, arriving first to establish breeding territories. By early May, the migration of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds through Missouri usually peaks.
Factors Influencing Arrival
Several environmental and biological factors influence the exact timing of hummingbird arrival in Missouri. Changes in the length of daylight, a phenomenon known as photoperiodism, are a primary trigger for their migratory instincts. As spring progresses and days lengthen, hummingbirds begin their northward journey. Weather patterns also play a significant role, with warmer springs potentially leading to earlier arrivals, while late frosts or cold snaps can delay their return. The availability of food sources, such as early blooming flowers and insects, also guides their migration, ensuring they have sustenance upon arrival.
Their Stay and Departure
Upon arrival in Missouri, hummingbirds focus on breeding, feeding, and raising young, with males performing courtship displays involving U-shaped dives to attract females. After mating, the female alone builds a small, cup-shaped nest, camouflaged with lichen and spider silk, and incubates two tiny eggs. During their stay, hummingbirds feed frequently on nectar and insects, which provide protein for growing chicks. As summer wanes, usually by late August or early September, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds begin their southward migration, triggered by shortening daylight and reduced food. Most depart by early October, though some may linger if food remains abundant, making it a solitary journey back to warmer climates.
Attracting and Observing Hummingbirds
For those wishing to welcome hummingbirds, providing suitable food sources and habitat is beneficial. Hummingbird feeders filled with a simple solution of one part granulated white sugar to four parts water can offer supplemental nutrition. Avoid red dyes in nectar, as they are unnecessary and potentially harmful; rely on the feeder’s red components to attract birds. Feeders should be cleaned every few days, or more often in warm weather, to prevent bacterial growth. Planting native, nectar-rich flowers is another effective way to attract hummingbirds, as they are drawn to tubular-shaped flowers, especially those in red, orange, and pink hues.
Excellent native options for Missouri gardens include:
Trumpet creeper
Cardinal flower
Bee balm
Native honeysuckles
Placing feeders and plants in areas with some shade and near cover, such as trees or shrubs, can make the space more inviting. Providing multiple feeders, spaced 10 to 15 feet apart, can also help accommodate territorial hummingbirds and increase viewing opportunities.