Texas is important for hummingbirds, serving as a breeding ground, a major migratory corridor, and a wintering haven for various species. The presence of these tiny, energetic birds changes from one region to the next and throughout the calendar year. Texas hosts many hummingbird species, ranging from common migrants traversing the state to those that make the Lone Star State their year-round home.
Seasonal Patterns and Migration
The presence of hummingbirds in Texas is defined by two major migratory pulses: the spring arrival and the fall passage. Northbound migration generally begins in early to mid-March, with the first males pushing up from their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America to reach their breeding territories. This spring migration peak typically lasts through early May, as the birds quickly pass through the state toward destinations further north.
The southbound migration is a much more prolonged event, beginning as early as mid-July and continuing strongly through October, with stragglers seen into November. During this time, enormous numbers of birds, including newly fledged juveniles, move through Texas. Many pause along the Gulf Coast to build up fat reserves for the non-stop flight over the Gulf of Mexico, though some populations in South Texas are either year-round residents or winter visitors.
Identifying Common Texas Species
Most hummingbirds encountered in Texas belong to a few common species, each with distinct features and behaviors. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most widespread species across the eastern two-thirds of the state and is the only one that breeds regularly in eastern North America. The male is easily identified by his iridescent ruby-red throat, which can appear black in poor light, contrasting with his metallic green back and white underparts. Females lack the red throat but share the bright green back.
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is the counterpart to the Ruby-throat, being the most common breeder in the western half of Texas. The male’s gorget is black, which gives the species its name, but a narrow, iridescent violet-purple band is visible at the lower edge when the light catches it correctly. This species has a slightly duller green back than the Ruby-throat, and the males perform a characteristic U-shaped pendulum flight display during courtship.
The Rufous Hummingbird is a notable late fall and winter visitor, known for its aggressive and territorial nature, even toward much larger birds. Adult males are unique among North American hummingbirds for having a mostly orange-red back and flanks, paired with a fiery orange-red throat patch. Females and juveniles are greenish above with rusty-washed flanks; their identification often relies on the ruddy patches in their tail feathers.
Geographic Distribution Across Texas
Hummingbird distribution is highly regional across Texas due to the state’s varied ecological landscapes. East Texas and the Gulf Coast serve as the primary migration corridor for the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. These areas see a dense concentration of migrants, especially during the fall as they prepare for the arduous Gulf crossing, often massing along the coast to feed voraciously.
Central Texas and the Hill Country are the core breeding grounds for the Black-chinned Hummingbird, particularly in riparian and semi-open habitats. The breeding ranges of the Ruby-throated and Black-chinned species overlap narrowly in the central part of the state, roughly between the 96th and 98th meridians. The highest abundance of breeding Black-chins in North America is found within this region.
In West Texas and the Trans-Pecos mountains, the environment supports different species, including the Broad-tailed Hummingbird at higher elevations and the Lucifer Hummingbird in desert scrub habitats near the border. This region also sees western species like the Broad-billed, Blue-throated, and Magnificent hummingbirds.
The South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley region is unique, supporting year-round residents like the Buff-bellied Hummingbird and acting as a magnet for tropical vagrants from Mexico. The Buff-bellied Hummingbird is a resident in the southernmost tip of the state, easily recognized by its reddish bill with a black tip. This area’s proximity to the tropics means that rare species are occasionally documented.
Creating a Hummingbird Habitat
Welcoming hummingbirds to a yard involves providing reliable sources of high-energy nectar and appropriate cover. The sugar-water solution for feeders should be mixed at a ratio of one part refined white sugar to four parts water, then boiled briefly and cooled before use. It is important to avoid using honey, artificial sweeteners, or red dye, as these can be detrimental to the birds’ health.
Feeder hygiene is paramount, requiring frequent cleaning; in hot Texas weather, the nectar can ferment quickly and should be changed every one to three days. Feeders should be thoroughly disassembled and scrubbed with hot water or a mild vinegar solution to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Complementing feeders with native plants is highly effective, as the birds also rely on small insects and spiders for protein. Excellent native Texas plants offer the tubular, nectar-rich flowers that hummingbirds prefer.
Recommended Native Plants
- Turk’s Cap
- Autumn Sage
- Flame Acanthus
- Red Yucca