Hummingbirds are a familiar sight during the warmer months in Tennessee, darting from flower to flower with their fast-beating wings. However, when winter approaches, most hummingbird species migrate south to warmer climates in Mexico and Central America. This leaves many people wondering if any hummingbirds stay in Tennessee during the winter.
Do any hummingbirds live in Tennessee year-round?
Most hummingbird species do migrate out of Tennessee before winter sets in. However, one species, the Rufous Hummingbird, is known for its ability to survive cold temperatures and has been spotted in Tennessee during the winter months. The Rufous Hummingbird breeds farther north than any other hummingbird and many individuals migrate south through Tennessee in the fall. Some of these birds become waylaid during migration and end up spending the winter in Tennessee rather than continuing on to Mexico.
Why do Rufous Hummingbirds stay in Tennessee in winter?
There are a few key reasons why individual Rufous Hummingbirds may stay in Tennessee during the winter rather than migrating all the way to Mexico:
- They become delayed or thrown off course during migration – Migration is an arduous process and birds can become delayed by weather events, lack of food, etc. A Rufous Hummingbird slowed by these factors may not make it all the way to Mexico before cold temperatures arrive.
- Lack of fat reserves for migration – Hummingbirds need fat reserves to survive the energy demands of migration. Hummingbirds that fail to build up enough fat may not be able to complete the full migration route.
- Injuries or illness – Any injuries or illness can affect a bird’s ability to migrate successfully. Rufous Hummingbirds hampered by these factors may end up staying further north than usual.
- Suitable winter habitat – In some cases, Rufous Hummingbirds may find areas in Tennessee that have suitable habitat, food sources, and temperatures to enable them to survive the winter.
How do Rufous Hummingbirds survive Tennessee winters?
Tennessee winters can be quite cold with temperatures frequently dipping below freezing and sometimes near 0°F. How do tiny Rufous Hummingbirds, weighing just a few grams, manage to survive? These resourceful birds have adaptations and strategies that allow them to tough it out including:
- Fat reserves – Rufous Hummingbirds build up fat reserves before winter by feeding heavily at the end of summer. This fat provides insulation and crucial energy reserves when food is scarce.
- Torpor – To conserve energy, Rufous Hummingbirds use torpor at night and sometimes during the day in winter. This is like a temporary hibernation where their metabolic rate and temperature drops.
- Wind-sheltered roosts – Rufous Hummingbirds seek out cavities in trees, crevices, or even burrow into loose tree bark to shelter from the wind at night.
- Sugary foods – Hummingbirds get energy from any remaining flowers and sip from sap wells they create by piercing tree bark with their bills.
- Insect eggs – Rufous Hummingbirds supplement their diet with protein from small insects and insect eggs during winter.
Where are Rufous Hummingbirds found in winter in Tennessee?
Although Rufous Hummingbirds can be found across most of Tennessee during migration, their winter range in the state is more localized. Here are some of the top places to spot overwintering Rufous Hummingbirds in Tennessee:
- Southeast Tennessee – Areas like Chattanooga, the Chickamauga Dam area, and around Knoxville have reliable wintering hummingbirds.
- Middle Tennessee – Some winter sightings occur around Nashville, but this area is at the northern limit of this species’ winter range.
- Southern Tennessee – More temperate areas like Memphis and areas along the border with Mississippi and Alabama host overwintering birds.
- Near feeders – Rufous Hummingbirds are often spotted at backyard feeders with sugar water, especially in more rural settings.
The Great Smoky Mountains provide excellent winter habitat, but Rufous Hummingbirds are rarely spotted at high elevations there in winter.
How to attract Rufous Hummingbirds in winter
Here are some tips to increase your chances of spotting a Rufous Hummingbird visiting your yard during winter in Tennessee:
- Provide sugar water – Keep feeders up year-round and make sure sugar water doesn’t freeze on cold nights.
- Include bright colors – Red is especially attractive to hummingbirds. Choose feeders with red accents.
- Position near cover – Place feeders near trees, shrubs, or porches that provide shelter and perches.
- Use platform feeders – Platform feeders are easier for the birds to cling to in windy conditions.
- Provide native plants – Supply tubular red flowers and leave seed heads for insects and spiders the birds eat.
- Install heaters – You can purchase heated bird baths and liquid heaters to keep feeders from freezing.
- Spread the word – Report Rufous Hummingbird sightings to help researchers track winter range.
Interesting facts about Rufous Hummingbirds
Some fascinating details about the tiny Rufous Hummingbird include:
- They have one of the longest migration routes of any North American bird, traveling up to 5,000 miles roundtrip from Alaska to Mexico.
- Their wings can beat a remarkable 53 times per second!
- They are very aggressive and will chase away other hummingbirds from feeders.
- A Rufous Hummingbird’s heart rate can reach over 1,200 beats per minute.
- They prefer nesting in coniferous forests across the northwest.
- Male Rufous Hummingbirds perform dramatic aerial displays during the breeding season.
- At just over 3 inches long, Rufous Hummingbirds are one of the larger hummingbird species in North America.
- Their name comes from the males’ bright orange-red throats.
- They consume up to half their weight in nectar each day!
Key identification features
Distinguishing a Rufous Hummingbird from other species during winter can be tricky but some key identification features include:
- Orange/russet colored back
- Greenish wings
- White breast
- Rufous-colored flanks
- Dark, slightly downcurved bill
- Males may retain some orange-red throat feathers
- Emits sharp, buzzing vocalizations
The Calliope Hummingbird is very small, the Broad-tailed Hummingbird has a wider tail, and the Ruby-throated Hummingbird lacks rufous coloring on the flanks.
Conclusion
While most hummingbirds migrate south for the winter, the hardy Rufous Hummingbird can sometimes be found overwintering in Tennessee. These tiny birds use adaptations like torpor and fat reserves to survive cold temperatures. Southeast Tennessee, areas around Nashville, and sheltered backyards with feeders are some of the best places to spot them. Providing a reliable winter food source can help attract them and contribute to research on their expanding winter range.
