Hummingbirds are captivating creatures, recognized by their tiny size and incredibly rapid wingbeats that often create a distinctive humming sound. These vibrant birds are a common sight in many gardens during warmer months, leading many to wonder about their whereabouts when colder weather arrives. Their disappearance from northern landscapes each year prompts a common question: where do hummingbirds go during winter? The answer lies in an impressive annual journey, a testament to their remarkable adaptations.
The Driving Force Behind Migration
Hummingbirds migrate primarily for survival. As temperatures drop in northern regions, the availability of their main food sources—nectar from flowering plants and small insects—diminishes significantly. Hummingbirds possess an exceptionally high metabolism, requiring vast amounts of food daily to sustain energy. Without a consistent supply, they cannot survive freezing winter conditions in many parts of North America.
Migration allows these birds to relocate to environments where food remains abundant year-round. While changes in daylight duration trigger migration, cueing hormonal shifts, the impending scarcity of food and inability to withstand prolonged cold are the underlying forces. This urge prompts journeys for continued nourishment.
Their Winter Retreats
Most North American hummingbirds journey to warmer climates for winter. Key wintering grounds are predominantly in Mexico and Central America, south to Panama. For instance, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, common in eastern North America, typically winters from southern Mexico to Panama.
Western species also head south, with Calliope and Black-chinned Hummingbirds migrating to southwestern Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. Rufous Hummingbirds, known for one of the longest migrations, often winter in southern Mexico, though some are increasingly observed along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
While most species migrate, Anna’s Hummingbirds are a notable exception, often remaining year-round along the Pacific Coast from California north to British Columbia. Milder climates and human-provided food sources allow them to persist. Some Ruby-throated and Rufous hummingbird populations also overwinter along the U.S. Gulf Coast, from Texas to Florida, especially during mild winters.
The Rigors of the Journey and Life in Wintering Grounds
Their migration is an extraordinary feat, often spanning thousands of miles. Before departure, hummingbirds intensely feed to build fat reserves, sometimes doubling their body weight. This stored fat fuels their long flights, providing over twice the energy of carbohydrates or protein. Some species, like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, undertake non-stop flights across large bodies of water such as the Gulf of Mexico, a journey lasting 18 to 22 hours.
During migration, hummingbirds typically fly alone and by day, just above treetops or water, allowing them to spot food sources. They can travel approximately 23 miles daily, but with favorable tailwinds, they may cover up to 500 miles at a time. Challenges include adverse weather, predation, and finding suitable stopover locations to refuel.
In wintering grounds, they continue foraging for nectar and insects to maintain their high metabolic rate. They may also utilize torpor, a state similar to hibernation, to conserve energy during cold nights. This allows them to survive periods of food scarcity or temperature drops until they return north for breeding.