Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds found in North Carolina. With their iridescent feathers and ability to hover and fly backwards, they capture the imagination of birders and nature lovers alike. A common question asked about hummingbirds in North Carolina is whether they stay year round or migrate away for the winter.
The short answer is that some hummingbird species do reside in North Carolina year round, but the majority migrate away in the fall to warmer climates and return again in spring. Read on to learn more about the hummingbird species found in North Carolina and their migration patterns.
Hummingbird species in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to several species of hummingbirds throughout the year:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird – Most common hummingbird in eastern North America. They breed in North Carolina but most migrate south for winter.
- Rufous Hummingbird – Migrate through NC in spring and fall. Some overwinter on Gulf Coast.
- Black-chinned Hummingbird – Rare visitor, mainly in fall.
- Buff-bellied Hummingbird – Rare winter visitor from southern Texas and Mexico.
- Calliope Hummingbird – Very rare vagrant, mainly in fall/winter.
- Anna’s Hummingbird – Rare winter visitor, breed mainly in southwest.
The Ruby-throated is the main species breeding in North Carolina. The others are more common as migrants or winter visitors. The diversity of hummingbirds peaks in fall migration (August-October) when both summer breeders and winter visitors pass through.
Do hummingbirds migrate?
Most hummingbirds that breed in North America migrate south for the winter. They have very high metabolisms and struggle to survive cold winters with reduced food availability.
Here are some key facts about hummingbird migration:
- Ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive in NC in early spring to breed after wintering in Mexico and Central America.
- By late summer, adults begin moving south again ahead of the cold weather.
- Young ruby-throats depart later in fall for their first migration.
- Some western species like rufous and black-chinned migrate through NC in spring and fall.
- Buff-bellied and Anna’s hummingbirds winter along the southeast US coast and Mexico.
Banding studies have revealed the incredible distances tiny hummingbirds travel. Ruby-throats may log over 2,000 miles twice a year between their breeding and wintering grounds. Their migration is driven by seasonal changes in flower availability.
Do any hummingbirds stay in North Carolina?
While most hummingbirds leave North Carolina for the winter, a few species remain year-round or spend winters in the state:
- Buff-bellied hummingbirds regularly overwinter along the southeast coast including North Carolina.
- Some rufous hummingbirds overwinter along the Gulf Coast rather than migrating all the way to Mexico.
- There are occasional winter sightings of ruby-throated hummingbirds, likely young birds hatched the previous summer.
- Anna’s hummingbirds rarely overwinter in coastal North Carolina during warm winters.
These wintering hummingbirds seek out feeders and winter-blooming flowers to survive the cold months when insect populations are lower. Backyard feeders with sugar water or nectar can be a lifesaver for overwintering hummingbirds in North Carolina.
When do hummingbirds arrive in North Carolina?
Here is the typical hummingbird arrival and departure schedule for North Carolina:
- Mid-March: Earliest ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive from Mexico.
- April: Ruby-throats become widespread as main migration occurs.
- May: Ruby-throated hummingbird nesting season peaks.
- August: Adult ruby-throats begin fall migration south.
- September: Peak fall migration including western species.
- October: Majority of ruby-throats gone, last stragglers leave by November.
- November-March: Very few hummingbirds in state besides some wintering buff-bellied and rufous.
The exact timing of arrivals and departures can shift slightly depending on weather patterns each year. Fall migration tends to span a broader period than spring as it includes both adult and young birds heading south at different times.
Conclusion
To summarize, most hummingbirds including the ruby-throated hummingbird breed in North Carolina in spring and summer but migrate south in fall and winter. However, a few species such as the buff-bellied hummingbird are present year-round or overwinter in small numbers, especially along the coast. Providing nectar feeders and planting winter blooms can help attract and support these hardy hummingbirds that tough out North Carolina winters. Careful observation of hummingbird activity will reveal their patterns of seasonal occurrence throughout the state.
