It’s that time of year again when hummingbird enthusiasts eagerly await the return of these tiny birds to Illinois. Hummingbirds are some of the most popular backyard birds, captivating people with their speedy flight and hovering abilities. But when exactly do they arrive in the state each spring?
When do hummingbirds return to Illinois?
Most hummingbirds that breed in Illinois, primarily the ruby-throated hummingbird, migrate south for the winter and return in the spring. The timing of their spring migration is dependent on a few key factors:
- Weather – Warmer temperatures and availability of food sources further north help trigger their migration. Hummingbirds won’t return until freezing temperatures are mostly gone.
- Geography – Hummingbirds return earlier to southern parts of the state than northern regions.
- Species – Some rare western species may arrive slightly earlier or later than ruby-throats.
In general, most ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive back in Illinois between early April and early May. The first reports of returning hummingbirds usually come from the southernmost counties between mid-March and mid-April. They then gradually spread northward across the state through April and early May.
Some key return dates for hummingbirds in Illinois are:
- Late March to mid-April: Earliest sightings in far southern Illinois
- Mid/late April: Many sightings south of I-70
- Early May: Widespread sightings across southern half of state
- Mid May: Arrive in northern Illinois and statewide
These dates can vary by up to two weeks year to year depending on spring weather patterns. But mid-April through May is the peak time period to put up hummingbird feeders before any long migrations from the Gulf Coast occur.
Where do the hummingbirds spend the winter?
Ruby-throated hummingbirds that breed in Illinois fly south across the Gulf of Mexico each fall to spend the winter in Central America or southern Mexico. This is an arduous journey for a bird that weighs only a few grams!
The majority winter along the Pacific slope of Mexico, scattered across various coastal and mountain forest habitats from Sinaloa to Chiapas. A smaller number spend the winter in tropical forests along the Caribbean lowlands from the Yucatan Peninsula down through Panama.
While individual migration routes and destinations may vary, most Illinois hummingbirds cover 1,000 to 2,000 miles in each direction on their round-trip journeys each year. Their ability to survive frigid winters and navigate this immense distance is an incredible feat of avian biology and navigation.
What triggers their spring migration north?
In order to have sufficient food resources along their migration routes and on the breeding grounds, ruby-throats cannot begin spring migration too early while it’s still cold further north. But they also strive to arrive on the breeding grounds as soon as possible to claim prime nesting territory and find a mate.
Their internal annual migration cycle provides some impetus to move north. However, the main trigger is believed to be increasing daylight, which stimulates hormonal changes initiating migratory restlessness. Warmer temperatures and changes in food supply at their winter sites provide further environmental cues that it’s time to depart.
Males tend to begin migrating first, arriving in Illinois roughly a week or two ahead of females. This helps ensure they have time to establish a breeding territory to attract a female upon her arrival.
What is the migration route through Illinois?
Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrating through Illinois in the spring follow different routes than their looped fall migration through Texas and the Gulf Coast.
In spring, most fly overland northwest from the Gulf before fanning out across Midwestern states like Illinois as they approach their breeding grounds. This overland route provides more plentiful nectar sources from spring wildflowers to fuel their migration.
They tend to migrate through Illinois between mid-April and mid-May following this typical timeline:
- Mid-April: Enter southern Illinois first from the south/southeast
- Late April: Spread through central and northern Illinois
- Early May: Statewide migration peaks
- Mid-May: Stragglers passing through northern Illinois
Most ruby-throats pass quickly through Illinois in a few weeks or less on their way to breeding territories farther north. But some will stay and breed in the state as well once they arrive at suitable habitat.
What hummingbird species breed in Illinois?
The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only common hummingbird species that breeds in Illinois. Over 99% of hummingbirds sighted in the state will be ruby-throats passing through or summering.
Ruby-throats prefer open areas and forest edges with sufficient flowers providing nectar. They settle across the state in yards, parks, meadows, and woodland clearings.
Rufous hummingbirds are the only other regular hummingbird species seen, but they are very rare summer residents in Illinois. Only a handful of breeding records exist, mainly in northwest Illinois. Any sightings of rufous, calliope, or broad-tailed hummingbirds in the state should be reported to eBird or local experts.
How long do hummingbirds stay in Illinois?
Most ruby-throated hummingbirds only stay in Illinois to breed for the summer before migrating south again. The typical timetable is:
- May: Arrive and establish breeding territories
- May – July: Nesting and raising young
- August: Begin migrating south, with some stragglers into September
However, there are always some outliers that arrive very early or depart very late from these averages. For example, rare individuals attempting to overwinter in Illinois may arrive as early as March and depart as late as November. But the core breeding season is only 2-3 months for most.
Males begin leaving first in July and August, allowing time to arrive on the wintering grounds and establish territories again. Females and young follow later in August and September after the offspring are independent.
Do any hummingbirds stay in Illinois for winter?
The vast majority of ruby-throated hummingbirds do not attempt to overwinter in Illinois. Migrating south in fall and returning north in spring is vital for them to find adequate food supplies.
However, a few rare individuals are observed trying to overwinter each year, mainly in southern Illinois. This likely involves some migratory restlessness compelling certain birds to stay despite the scarcity of winter flowers.
Any winter hummingbirds spotted in the state should be reported and documented so experts can track this unusual phenomenon. Providing specialty feeders with sugar water may help sustain them through winter if they remain.
How do I attract hummingbirds to my yard?
To encourage hummingbirds to visit your yard in Illinois:
- Provide nectar feeders – Fill multiple feeders with a 4:1 ratio of water to white refined sugar only. No food coloring is needed. Change the nectar every few days.
- Supply a water source – A fountain, mister, or bird bath gives them fresh water for bathing and drinking.
- Grow native flowers – Plant tubular flowers like bee balm, columbine, trumpet vine, and others that provide live nectar.
- Avoid pesticides – Chemicals reduce insects that hummers eat and can harm the birds.
- Choose the right location – Place feeders and plants where hummers can shelter from wind, rain, and predators.
Following these tips will create an enticing and safe space for hummingbirds to refuel and feel at home on their migration or while breeding.
Conclusion
The spring return of hummingbirds to Illinois is an exciting event for birders and gardeners eager to welcome them back. While timing varies, most ruby-throats pass through the state between mid-April and mid-May as they migrate from southern wintering grounds to more northerly breeding territories.
Preparing nectar feeders, planting flowers, and monitoring sightings will help track the hummingbird migration and attract them. Their brief but spectacular stopover reminds us that winter is ending and vibrant summer is on the way.