The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the sole species that breeds east of the Mississippi River, making its arrival a highly anticipated seasonal event across Tennessee. Weighing less than a nickel, these birds complete a migration journey of thousands of miles from their wintering grounds in Central America and Mexico.
This journey often involves a non-stop flight of approximately 500 miles across the Gulf of Mexico. Upon arrival, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird spends the warmer months in Tennessee, where it serves as a powerful pollinator. Their status as a seasonal visitor makes them a beloved sight in gardens and woodlands statewide.
Understanding the Standard Arrival Schedule
The initial arrival of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird in Tennessee generally begins in late March. These early sightings are the vanguard of the migration, with the main wave of birds arriving throughout April and into mid-May. The exact timing depends on the specific location within the state.
The males are the first to complete the northward journey, often arriving up to two weeks before the females. They establish and defend a suitable breeding territory before the rest of the population arrives. These early arrivals are often spotted at feeders as they replenish energy reserves after their long flight.
The migration follows a predictable pattern moving north, with the southern and western parts of Tennessee usually seeing the first arrivals. As temperatures warm, the migration front progresses across the state toward the eastern mountains. Citizen science tools like eBird allow observers to monitor the real-time progress of this northward movement.
It is helpful to consider April 1st as the target date for preparing for their return. Putting up feeders slightly before the first expected arrival ensures a vital food source is available for these pioneers.
What Influences Yearly Timing Changes
While there is a standard window for arrival, the exact timing of the hummingbird return varies yearly. The speed of the northward migration is directly influenced by environmental factors along their route. Birds are sensitive to cues that indicate the availability of sustenance.
Changes in temperature and daylight hours are primary signals that prompt the birds to begin their journey north. Warmer weather can accelerate the migration, causing earlier arrivals. Conversely, a prolonged cold snap can slow the entire process as the birds wait for suitable conditions.
The availability of nectar and small insects along the migratory path is a significant factor determining movement. If early spring warmth causes flowers to bloom sooner, the hummingbirds follow the advancing food supply. Broader climate shifts have caused some Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to migrate earlier than in previous decades.
An early arrival presents a challenge if the local flora has not yet bloomed, making natural nectar sources scarce. Hummingbirds rely on both nectar and tiny insects for energy and protein. A mismatch between their arrival and the emergence of these food supplies can be problematic.
Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Location
Preparing for the arrival of hummingbirds involves ensuring a readily available source of high-energy food. The recommended mixture for feeders is a simple solution of one part refined white sugar dissolved in four parts water. This ratio closely mimics the sugar concentration found in natural flower nectar.
Avoid using red dye in the solution, as these additives offer no nutritional benefit and may be detrimental to the birds’ health. The color red on the feeder itself is sufficient to attract their attention, as they are naturally drawn to red and orange blossoms. Feeders should be placed in visible locations, ideally protected from direct afternoon sun.
Maintaining cleanliness is paramount for the health of the visiting birds. The sugar solution can ferment or grow mold rapidly, especially in warm weather. Feeders should be thoroughly cleaned every few days with hot water and a brush, or more frequently if temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Native Plant Sources
Supplementing feeders with natural nectar sources provides a more sustainable food supply. Planting native flowers that bloom early in the season offers essential sustenance. Excellent choices for Tennessee include trumpet creeper (also known as trumpet vine), bee balm, and cardinal flower, which produce the tubular blooms that hummingbirds favor.
Supporting Insect Life
Hummingbirds also feed on small soft-bodied insects, which provide necessary protein. Creating a pesticide-free garden environment supports this insect population, which is a component of a healthy hummingbird diet. A combination of clean feeders and native plants offers the best chance of supporting these migratory birds throughout the season.