As spring arrives in Austin, many residents eagerly await the return of hummingbirds to their gardens and feeders. Hummingbirds are a beloved part of the Austin ecosystem, adding color and activity to backyards and parks throughout the city. But when exactly do hummingbirds return to Austin each year, and what species can we expect to see?
When do hummingbirds return to Austin?
Hummingbirds typically start arriving back in the Austin area in early March. The most common species spotted first are Rufous and Black-chinned Hummingbirds. Numbers gradually increase through March and early April as more birds return from their southern wintering grounds.
By mid-April, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds begin to arrive in Austin from their migration across the Gulf of Mexico. Sightings of Ruby-throats peak in May, when overnight lows stay reliably above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some of the earliest spring hummingbird sightings in Austin include:
| Year | First Reported Sighting |
|---|---|
| 2021 | March 7 (Rufous) |
| 2020 | March 12 (Black-chinned) |
| 2019 | February 23 (Rufous) |
As the data shows, the first spring sightings can vary by several weeks year-to-year, likely depending on winter weather patterns further south. But Austin residents can generally expect to see the first hummingbirds in early to mid-March each year.
What hummingbird species can be found in Austin?
At least eight hummingbird species have been recorded in the Austin area. The most commonly seen include:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird
- Buff-bellied Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Here is more detail on each species:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the most widespread and common species seen in Austin. They have metallic green backs and white breasts. Adult male Ruby-throats have a distinctive bright red throat patch (gorget).
Ruby-throats make an arduous 500 mile journey across the Gulf of Mexico each spring on their way to breeding grounds in eastern North America. They start arriving in Austin in April on their way further north.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Black-chinned Hummingbirds are the most common early spring and year-round species in Austin. The adult males have a dark purple throat patch and a black chin.
Black-chinneds breed in Central Texas and can be found in Austin year-round, though their numbers increase in spring and fall during migration periods.
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbirds have bright orange-red throats and flanks. Their appearance in Austin typically peaks from March through May as they migrate through Central Texas between wintering grounds in Mexico and breeding grounds farther north.
Buff-bellied Hummingbird
One of North America’s least-known hummingbirds, Buff-bellieds breed primarily in the Rio Grande Valley and southern Texas. They occasionally wander as far north as Austin, especially later in summer.
Buff-bellied Hummingbirds have green backs and pale grey undersides. Adult males have a distinctive buff-colored belly.
Calliope Hummingbird
Calliope Hummingbirds are the smallest breeding hummingbird in the United States. They have vibrant magenta throats ringed in white. Calliopes are uncommon spring and fall migrants through Austin.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds breed across the Rocky Mountains and can be rarely found in Austin during spring and fall migration. Adult males have a distinctive high-pitched whistle and pinkish-red throat.
Rarer hummingbirds spotted over the years in Austin include Allen’s, Anna’s, Costa’s, and Lucifer’s.
Best places to spot hummingbirds in Austin
Here are some top spots in and around Austin to spot visiting hummingbirds each spring:
- Your own backyard!
- Zilker Botanical Garden
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
- Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
- Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center
The most important thing is having nectar feeders or native plants that provide food for the hummingbirds. Once word gets around the grape vine that your yard or a garden has good sources of nutrition, the hummingbirds will surely follow!
How to attract hummingbirds
Here are some tips to bring hummingbirds to your own yard in Austin:
- Get a nectar feeder – Fill it with a 4:1 ratio of water to white granulated sugar. Don’t use honey, artificial sweeteners, or food coloring.
- Change the nectar every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather.
- Get native plants – Flowers like coral honeysuckle, trumpet vine, and Cardinal flower attract hummingbirds seeking nectar.
- Provide insects – Hummingbirds feed their young insects, so plant zinnias, lantana, and butterfly weed to draw in bugs.
- Add a water feature – A mister, dripper, or fountain provides drinking and bathing water.
- Avoid pesticides – Chemicals can be lethal to hummingbirds. Use natural gardening methods.
With a little planning and luck, you may find your yard buzzing with the lightning-fast wings of hummingbirds zipping from flower to feeder and back again this spring!
Conclusion
Hummingbirds return on their spring migration to the Austin area as early as late February some years. The first sightings are often Rufous and Black-chinned Hummingbirds, followed by Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arriving in April. At least eight hummingbird species have been recorded around Austin, with Ruby-throated, Black-chinned, and Rufous being the most common. The best places to spot them are gardens and parks with nectar flowers and feeders. Attract hummingbirds to your own yard by providing nectar, insects, water sources, and native plants. With the right habitat, you’ll be enjoying the buzz and flutter of hummingbird activity in no time this spring!
