As spring arrives in New England, many people eagerly await the return of hummingbirds to their backyards and gardens. Hummingbirds are some of the most popular and beloved backyard birds, prized for their diminutive size, flashy iridescent plumage, and amazing hovering flight capabilities.
When do hummingbirds return to New Hampshire?
Most hummingbirds that breed in New Hampshire and northern New England spend their winters in Mexico and Central America. They migrate north again in the spring to take advantage of the flowering plants and proliferation of insects that summer brings. The timing of their arrival depends on a few factors:
- Weather – Hummingbirds won’t start migrating until the warm weather has reached their wintering grounds. This is usually around late February or early March.
- Food availability – Hummingbirds time their migration so they arrive just as flowers are starting to bloom. This ensures they have plenty of nectar.
- Species – Some hummingbird species arrive earlier than others. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are often the first to appear in early May.
Taking these factors into account, most ruby-throats start showing up in southern New Hampshire around the first week of May. They gradually spread northward, reaching central and northern areas around mid to late May. Here is a rough timeline for New Hampshire:
| Location | Expected Arrival Date |
|---|---|
| Southern NH | Early May |
| Central NH | Mid May |
| Northern NH | Late May |
What are the first signs of hummingbirds?
Here are some of the first signs that hummingbirds have returned to your area:
- Males arriving before females – The males arrive first to stake out the best territories.
- A flash of iridescence – Catching sight of their glittery feathers is a giveaway.
- Chasing and diving – Males perform spectacular dive displays to impress females.
- Buzzing around feeders – They’ll home in on any feeders that are set out.
- Feeder activity increases – More hummingbirds at feeders is a sure sign of arrivals.
- Singing and chip notes – Listen for their squeaky songs and chirps.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds
In New Hampshire, the vast majority of hummingbirds seen is the ruby-throated hummingbird. They have bright emerald green backs, white breasts, and adult males have a distinctive ruby red throat patch (females lack this patch). Watch for ruby-throats buzzing by feeders, defending territories, and visiting early spring flowers like columbines and weigela.
What flowers attract hummingbirds in spring?
Hummingbirds rely heavily on nectar from flowering plants. Here are some top flower varieties and blooms that will attract them in spring:
| Flower | Bloom Time |
|---|---|
| Colombine | April – June |
| Honeysuckle | May – June |
| Bee balm | May – September |
| Trumpet vine | June – September |
| Weigela | May – June |
| Petunias | May – September |
| Hostas | July – August |
Focus on planting some early season bloomers like columbines, honeysuckle, and weigela. Also make sure to have flowers that bloom in succession, so there is always something in bloom from spring through fall.
How to attract hummingbirds to your yard
Here are some tips to make your yard as attractive as possible to hummingbirds:
- Set up feeders before they arrive – Have nectar feeders up and ready in early May.
- Use the proper nectar mix – Make homemade nectar using just sugar and water or buy a premade mix.
- Don’t use food coloring – Coloring the nectar red is unnecessary.
- Change nectar often – Change every 2-3 days to keep it fresh.
- Plant native hummingbird flowers – Choose plants specially adapted to your climate.
- Use bee and pesticide free plants – Pesticides can be toxic to hummingbirds.
- Provide small water features – Hummingbirds like to bathe and drink too.
- Avoid trimming blooms – Leave flowers on the stem so hummingbirds can access nectar.
- Provide perches – Have small branches or feeder perches available for resting.
Best feeders
There are many excellent hummingbird feeder options, but here are two of the best styles:
- Saucer style – These wide, shallow feeders have multiple feeding ports and provide easy access.
- Tube/bottle style – Tube feeders hold more nectar and their cylindrical shape protects the nectar from sunlight.
Look for feeders that are easy to clean and fill. And make sure it can’t leak, or the nectar will attract ants and bees.
When do hummingbirds migrate south?
Hummingbirds begin leaving New Hampshire and migrating south again in early fall in order to return to their tropical wintering grounds. Here is when most species make their southern departure:
- Ruby-throated hummingbirds – Early September
- Rufous hummingbirds – Mid August
- Calliope hummingbirds – Late August
- Broad-tailed hummingbirds – Early September
Migrating early enough ensures they have ample food supplies and ideal habitat conditions for overwintering. Providing a continuous nectar supply in your yard will help fuel the birds on their long journeys.
How far is the hummingbird migration?
For their small size, hummingbirds make incredibly long migrations. The most common distances traveled include:
- Ruby-throats – Over 2,000 miles between Canada/U.S. to Mexico/Central America
- Rufous – Up to 3,000 miles between Alaska and Mexico
- Allen’s – Over 2,000 miles between California and Mexico
- Calliope – Up to 6,000 miles between Alaska and Mexico
Some amazing facts about their migration:
- Travel over 23 miles per hour
- Fly nonstop over the Gulf of Mexico (500+ miles)
- Burn up to 3 times their body weight in fat each day
- Double their body weight before migrating
They depend on food-rich stopover sites along their migration route to replenish their energy and continue their journey.
Ruby-throated migration route
Here is the typical migration route and timeline for ruby-throated hummingbirds that breed in the northeastern U.S. and Canada:
| Month | Location |
|---|---|
| March – May | Mexico and Central America to breeding grounds in Northeast U.S. and Canada (northward spring migration) |
| May – August | Breeding grounds in Northeast U.S. and Canada |
| August – September | Breeding grounds in Northeast to Gulf Coast and Mexico/Central America (southward fall migration) |
| September – March | Overwintering grounds in Mexico and Central America |
This shows their incredible journey that connects northern backyards to tropical climates!
Conclusion
Watching for returning hummingbirds marks an exciting seasonal transition, signaling that warmer weather and spring wildflower blooms are right around the corner. Pay attention for the first quick flashes of metallic feathers at feeders and buzzes among flower beds – the beautiful hummingbirds are coming back! With some landscaping for nectar sources and proper feeders, you can attract these migratory birds to visit and refuel in your own yard as they pass through New Hampshire.
