Yes, there are several species of hummingbirds that do not migrate. While the majority of hummingbirds in North America migrate south for the winter, some populations have adapted to stay year-round in certain areas with favorable climates and food sources.
Overview of hummingbird migration
Hummingbirds are remarkable for their extraordinarily long migration. Many species travel thousands of miles each year between their breeding grounds in North America and their wintering grounds in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. For example, the tiny Rufous Hummingbird migrates up to 5,000 miles each year, making it one of the longest migrations relative to body size of any bird species.
The reason most hummingbirds migrate is that they cannot survive cold winters in much of North America where food sources, mainly nectar-producing flowers and insects, become unavailable during the winter months. By migrating, they follow the bloom of flowers and emergence of insects to find food year-round.
What species of hummingbirds don’t migrate?
While the vast majority (around 95%) of hummingbirds in North America migrate seasonally, there are about 25 species with some populations that have adapted to remain year-round in certain warm, temperate areas that sustain food supplies.
Anna’s Hummingbird
One of the most widespread non-migratory hummingbirds in North America is the Anna’s Hummingbird. Native to western North America from southern Canada to northern Mexico, Anna’s Hummingbird has expanded its breeding range northward and inland as more people plant gardens and winter-blooming exotic plants that provide nectar. Some key regions with year-round populations of Anna’s Hummingbird are:
- British Columbia and southwestern Ontario in Canada
- Western Washington, Oregon, and California
- Northern and southern Arizona
- New Mexico and western Texas
Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s Hummingbird is native to the Pacific Coast of North America. Some key areas along the Pacific Coast that support year-round populations include:
- Southwestern British Columbia
- Western Washington and western Oregon
- Northern and southern California
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous Hummingbird has the widest breeding distribution in North America, spanning from southeastern Alaska across Canada to the Rocky Mountains and Pacific Northwest. Some regions with year-round populations include:
- Coastal and inland regions of northern California
- Extreme southern Arizona
- Southern New Mexico and western Texas
- Louisiana Gulf Coast
- Central Florida
Calliope Hummingbird
Calliope Hummingbird summers across much of western North America and winters in Mexico. However, some birds have become year-round residents in regions such as:
- Southern Arizona
- Southern New Mexico
- Southern California
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Broad-tailed Hummingbird breeds across the Rocky Mountains and winters in central Mexico. Some areas that now support year-round populations include:
- Central Colorado
- Northern New Mexico
- Eastern Arizona
How do hummingbirds adapt to avoid migration?
Hummingbirds that have adapted to stay year-round in certain regions utilize behavioral and physiological adaptations to survive the colder months when food is more limited compared to their tropical wintering grounds:
- They conserve energy by entering torpor, a hibernation-like state where their body temperature and metabolic rate drops at night.
- They feed on insects more when flowering plants are not available.
- They utilize sugar-rich foods provided by artificial feeders.
- They patrol a wider territory seeking any available food sources.
Are populations increasing?
In recent decades, many of these non-migratory populations of hummingbirds have increased significantly as more people plant winter-blooming gardens and provide artificial feeders. For example, Anna’s Hummingbird populations have expanded dramatically far north of their native range in California and Arizona, with wintering populations taking hold in Canada and the interior Northwest.
| Species | Population Trend |
|---|---|
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Increasing population, expanding range |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | Relatively stable population |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Increasing population in some regions such as the Southeast |
| Calliope Hummingbird | May be increasing in southwest |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | Stable or increasing slightly in parts of Rocky Mountains |
Challenges for overwintering hummingbirds
Despite some advantages of avoiding migration, overwintering in temperate areas still poses significant challenges for hummingbirds:
- Thermoregulation in cold weather requires extra energy expenditure.
- Lower insect availability in winter.
- Declines in natural food plants in winter mean higher reliance on feeders provided by humans.
- Freezing temperatures, rain, and snow can be hazardous.
This means that overwintering hummingbirds occupy an ecological niche that remains extremely challenging in many areas. Periodic cold snaps and winter storms can still impact populations. Additional challenges are posed if human-provided feeders are not consistently available in winter.
How to support overwintering hummingbirds
Here are some tips for providing habitat and food for hummingbirds that reside year-round in your area:
Provide feeders
Supplying nectar in feeders is crucial to provide supplemental food when flowering plants are not available. Use a nectar mix of 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. Do not use honey, artificial sweeteners, or food coloring. Clean feeders regularly to prevent mold.
Plant native flowers
Landscape with native plants that provide nectar in late winter and early spring when other food is scarce, such as currants, gooseberries, or manzanita.
Supply insects
Provide protein sources such as mealworms or insects in feeders specially designed for hummingbirds.
Provide shelter
Hummingbirds will use shelters such as dense trees and shrubs to get out of severe weather. Native pines, spruces, and junipers provide protected roosting sites.
Avoid pesticides
Avoid spraying pesticides that may kill insects hummingbirds rely on for food.
Install heat lamps
In the coldest climates, special feeders with electric heat lamps can help prevent nectar from freezing.
The future of overwintering hummingbirds
Due to climate change and urbanization, more hummingbirds are adapting to stay year-round in areas where they were previously only summer residents. The availability of winter food from feeders allows populations to persist. However, reliance on artificial feeders also poses risks if human behavior changes. The future success of overwintering hummingbirds will likely depend on a combination of milder winters and continued enhancement of habitat and food sources by dedicated individuals and communities.
Conclusion
While most hummingbird species migrate long distances, some populations of species like Anna’s, Allen’s, Rufous, Calliope, and Broad-tailed hummingbirds have adapted to remain year-round in certain regions with available food supplies. These resident populations utilize adaptations like torpor to survive challenging winters. Overwintering hummingbirds appear to be increasing but face ongoing thermoregulation challenges in cold climates. Supporting these unique birds by providing natural and supplemental food sources can help ensure their persistence as year-round residents.
