Yes, there are several species of hummingbirds that can be found in upstate New York during the warmer months of the year. Hummingbirds are small, colorful birds that are specialized nectar feeders. Their unique ability to hover in midair while sipping nectar from flowers makes them a delight to observe.
Summary
Upstate New York provides suitable habitat for hummingbirds during the summer breeding season and migration periods. The three most commonly seen hummingbird species are the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, the Rufous Hummingbird, and the Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Factors like the abundance of flower nectar sources, prevalence of sugar water feeders, and increasing sightings indicate that upstate New York hosts vibrant populations of hummingbirds each year.
Which hummingbird species can be found in upstate New York?
The most common hummingbird species reported in upstate New York is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. This is the only breeding hummingbird in eastern North America. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds can be found in forests, meadows, suburbs, and parks where flower nectar is available.
Some of the other hummingbird species that have been sighted in upstate New York include:
- Rufous Hummingbird
- Allen’s Hummingbird
- Anna’s Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
- Ruby-crowned Kinglet
However, most of these vagrant sightings are rare and do not indicate breeding populations in the region. The Rufous Hummingbird is the most commonly seen vagrant species that passes through upstate New York during migration.
When do hummingbirds arrive in upstate New York?
Most hummingbirds arrive in upstate New York in early May to breed during the summer months. The timing of their arrival depends on several factors:
- Weather – Arrival times can fluctuate by two weeks or more depending on weather conditions. Chilly temperatures and storms may delay migration.
- Latitude – Hummingbirds arrive earlier in southern upstate New York than in northern areas.
- Species – Ruby-throated hummingbirds tend to precede rufous and other vagrant species by 1-2 weeks.
Here is a table summarizing the estimated arrival and departure times of hummingbirds in upstate New York:
| Species | Approximate Arrival Time | Approximate Departure Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Mid April to Early May | September |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Mid May | Mid September |
What is the migration pattern of hummingbirds through upstate New York?
Upstate New York is mostly a summer breeding ground and migratory stopover for hummingbirds. Very few individuals overwinter there. Here are the typical migration patterns for common hummingbird species:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird – This species summers across Eastern North America. In spring, they follow flower blooms northward from Central America and Mexico up to breeding grounds. In fall, they migrate south to wintering grounds in Florida, Mexico, and Central America.
- Rufous Hummingbird – This species breeds in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. During migration, some individuals fly east across Canada before heading south via an interior route through the Great Lakes and down the Mississippi River Valley. Upstate New York is along this migratory route.
Other vagrant species such as Allen’s and Anna’s hummingbirds occur as stray migrants that get blown off course by storms during their coastal migrations along western North America.
Where do hummingbirds live in upstate New York?
Hummingbirds occupy a variety of habitats in upstate New York during summer:
- Forested areas – Especially along forest edges, trails, streams, and clearings that provide nectar flowers.
- Meadows and fields – Those with native wildflowers and bushes that bloom from May to September.
- Wetlands – Marshes and bogs with plants like cardinal flower, swamp milkweed, and blue vervain.
- Suburban gardens – Gardens and backyards with nectar-rich ornamental flowers and hummingbird feeders attract hummingbirds.
- Public parks – Parks with flower gardens and naturalized areas provide habitat.
Hummingbirds regularly inhabit both rural and urbanized areas of upstate New York as long as sufficient food resources are present.
What do hummingbirds eat in upstate New York?
Hummingbirds have a specialized diet consisting mostly of nectar and small insects such as gnats and fruit flies. Here are some of the natural nectar sources used by hummingbirds in upstate New York:
| Spring Flowers | Summer Flowers | Fall Flowers |
|---|---|---|
| Coltsfoot | Trumpet creeper | Turtlehead |
| Redbud | Bee balm | Jewelweed |
| Wild geranium | Foxglove | Cardinal flower |
Supplemental nectar can be provided by home gardeners using hummingbird feeders filled with a 4:1 ratio of white granulated sugar dissolved in water. Hummingbirds also forage on small spiders and insects attracted to nectar sources. They supplement their diet with tree sap, plant juices, and pollen.
How can I attract hummingbirds to my yard in upstate New York?
Here are some tips for making your yard attractive and welcoming to hummingbirds:
Provide nectar sources
Plant native nectar flowers and flowering shrubs that bloom through the summer. Favorites include bee balm, trumpet vine, columbine, honeysuckle, coral bells, and weigela. Maintain flower beds free of pesticides.
Set up feeders
Use hummingbird feeders with a quality nectar mix diluted with water. Place near sheltered perches where birds can rest. Clean feeders weekly to prevent mold.
Offer water
Install a hummingbird bath, misters, or drippers. Provide fresh running water to aid hydration and feather cleaning.
Provide habitat spaces
Leave brush piles and sections of garden with leaf litter or dead wood to encourage insect populations. Avoid trimming all vegetation too neatly.
Limit pesticide use
Hummingbirds consume small insects too, so restrict use of insecticides. Herbicides also limit flower and nectar sources.
Set up nesting sites
Hummingbirds nest in trees and shrubs. Allow some vegetation to grow densely to provide potential nest sites.
Provide perches
Add branches, poles, or clothes lines nearby feeding areas so the birds have perches between feedings.
Be patient
It may take a few weeks for hummingbirds to discover new feeders and food sources. Persist with maintaining habitat and food to eventually attract them.
Conclusion
Upstate New York provides suitable summer breeding and migratory habitat for hummingbirds, especially the Ruby-throated species but also rarer visitors like the Rufous. Backyard feeders, flower gardens, and natural areas that offer nectar sources and insect populations will attract hummingbirds during their active seasons. With abundant nectar and some strategic landscaping for these tiny energetic birds, New Yorkers can enjoy watching and listening to hummingbirds hover and feed around them throughout the warmer months.
