Quick Answer
Yes, there are hummingbirds found in Calgary, Alberta during the summer months. The main species is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird which migrates from Central America up to Canada for the breeding season. They arrive in Calgary usually in early May and stay until late August or early September before migrating south again for the winter.
Overview of Hummingbirds in Calgary
Calgary is located in the foothills region of Alberta, which provides good habitat for hummingbirds during the summer. There are flowering plants, shrubs and trees that hummingbirds rely on for nectar. Some common backyard plants that attract hummingbirds in Calgary include:
– Columbine
– Trumpet Vine
– Bee Balm
– Fuchsia
– Native Wildflowers
Hummingbirds are small, fast flying birds that have an extremely rapid wing beat. They can hover in place by rapidly flapping their wings up to 70 times per second. They have long slender bills adapted for reaching into flowers to drink nectar.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the most common and widely distributed hummingbird species found in Calgary. The male has distinctive bright emerald green plumage on its back and head, with a ruby red throat patch. Females lack the red throat and are more dull green on top with a pale underside.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate huge distances, flying across the Gulf of Mexico in spring and fall between their wintering grounds in Central America and breeding grounds as far north as Canada. In early May, the males arrive first in Calgary and establish breeding territories. Females arrive approximately a week or two later.
Hummingbird Habits in Calgary
During the breeding season, male hummingbirds are territorial and aggressive, chasing away intruders from their preferred nectar sources and potential mates. Males perform elaborate courtship flights to impress females.
Once a female chooses a mate, she builds a tiny cup-shaped nest out of plant down, spider webs and lichens glued together with saliva. She lines the inside with soft plant fibers. The nest is only about 2 inches wide and is hidden well camouflaged up in a tree, on a branch or other structure.
The female lays two pea-sized white eggs and incubates them for 12-16 days. When the chicks hatch, both parents help feed them with regurgitated nectar and insects. The chicks fledge in about 3 weeks. Many hummingbirds have two broods per summer in Calgary.
Attracting Hummingbirds
Here are some tips to attract hummingbirds to your yard in Calgary:
– Offer nectar in feeders – Use a 1:4 ratio of sugar to water and change nectar weekly. Don’t add food coloring.
– Plant native plants and flowers they like such as bee balm, fuchsia, trumpet vine.
– Provide a water source such as a mister, fountain or bird bath.
– Do not use pesticides which can be harmful to the birds.
– Put feeders in shady spots as the nectar heats up quickly.
– Avoid letting feeders hang empty when hummingbirds are present as they may abandon the unproductive feeder.
When Do Hummingbirds Arrive and Depart Calgary?
The timing of hummingbird migration in Calgary depends on weather and can vary slightly year to year. Here is an overview of the general time periods:
Spring Arrival
– Mid April: Very rare early arrivals, only in warm springs.
– Early May: Some males first arrive.
– Mid May: Majority of males arrive, numbers rapidly increase.
– Late May: Females begin arriving about 1-2 weeks after males.
Fall Departure
– Mid August: Adult females and juveniles begin migrating south.
– Late August/Early September: Adult males are last to depart.
– Mid to late September: Only stragglers remaining.
– By October: No more hummingbirds present.
So the key months to see hummingbirds in Calgary are May through August, with occasional sightings in April and September during migration periods. The peak is June during breeding season.
Migratory Route and Winter Range
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds make a remarkably long migratory journey each year between their breeding grounds in Canada and wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.
Fall Migration
In August, adult females and juveniles begin moving south through the eastern United States along the Appalachian Mountains. By late August, adult males join them. At some point during their southbound journey, most hummingbirds will cross the Gulf of Mexico, a 500 mile non-stop flight, arriving in Mexico and Central America by October.
Winter Range
They spend the winter in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. They are found in forest edges, shade coffee plantations, gardens and other semi-open habitats.
Spring Migration
In February, the northbound migration begins. The birds follow blooming plants and flower resources on their way north, moving up through Mexico and the U.S. Gulf States in March. By April they arrive back on their Canadian breeding grounds.
Month | Migration Status | Location |
---|---|---|
January-February | On winter grounds | Mexico, Central America |
March-April | Spring migration north | Gulf Coast U.S., Midwest U.S. |
May | Arriving in Canada | Alberta, other provinces |
June-July | Breeding season | Calgary and area |
August | Fall migration starts | Southern U.S. |
September-October | Peak fall migration | Gulf Coast U.S., Mexico |
November-December | On winter grounds | Mexico, Central America |
Interesting Facts About Hummingbirds
Here are some fascinating facts about these remarkably small birds:
– There are over 300 different hummingbird species in the world, found only in North and South America.
– They are the smallest birds in the world. Bee Hummingbirds in Cuba weigh only 2 grams as adults.
– Their heart rate can reach up to 1,260 beats per minute while in flight.
– They can fly forwards, backwards, upside down, and hover in place.
– Their wings beat in a figure 8 pattern and rotate at the shoulder. This allows the specialized flight abilities.
– Ruby-throated Hummingbirds fly approximately 500 miles nonstop over the Gulf of Mexico during migration.
– They have reduced skeletons and very little body fat, allowing them to be extremely light weight.
– Hummingbirds drink nectar equivalent to half their body weight per day.
– They catch and eat thousands of tiny insects each day for protein.
– Their long slender bill is perfectly adapted to reach into flowers. Their tongue shoots out to lap up nectar.
– Males perform elaborate aerial courtship displays to impress females.
– Hummingbirds are very aggressive and territorial, especially males defending flower patches.
– Building their tiny delicate nest takes 6-10 days using spider webs and plant fibers.
Threats and Conservation
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird has a wide range and is the most common hummingbird in Eastern North America. But they do face some conservation threats:
Habitat Loss
Development, logging and agriculture reduce their breeding habitat. They rely on meadows, prairies, parks and backyards that offer food flowers and nest sites.
Pesticides
Chemical use on farms, gardens and roadsides contaminate nectar sources and kill insect prey.
Climate Change
Flower and nectar availability may decline and migration could be disrupted due to altering of seasonal patterns.
Collisions
Hummingbirds can collide with buildings, houses, wires and cars, especially during migration. Keep lights off at night during migration.
Outdoor Cats
Cats prey on thousands of hummingbirds each year. Keep cats indoors.
Ways to help hummingbird conservation:
– Plant native flowers that provide nectar. Avoid pesticide use.
– Install safe bird feeders with clean nectar.
– Keep cats indoors.
– Participate in citizen science by reporting hummingbird sightings and band returns.
– Support conservation organizations who protect bird habitat.
– Avoid cutting down trees and shrubs that hummingbirds depend on.
Conclusion
In summary, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a regular summer visitor in Calgary that migrates all the way from Central America. They arrive in May to breed, with peak populations in June and July before migrating south again in August and September. This tiny bird makes an epic migratory journey over thousands of miles each year. Calgary residents can attract and help conserve hummingbirds by providing habitat and clean nectar sources in their yards and reducing threats such as pesticides and cats. Hummingbirds are fascinating birds that bring joy with their presence each summer.