Hummingbirds are a familiar sight in Washington state during the spring and summer months. Their small size and fast-beating wings make them a joy to watch as they zip from flower to flower. But where do they go when the weather turns cold? Do hummingbirds that spend the warmer months in Washington migrate for the winter?
Summary
Most hummingbird species that breed in Washington state migrate south for the winter. Of the four common hummingbird species seen in Washington, only the Anna’s hummingbird sticks around through winter. The other three – rufous, calliope, and black-chinned hummingbirds – all migrate south to warmer climates in Mexico and the southern United States. The timing of migration varies by species, with rufous hummingbirds leaving earliest in mid-summer. Migration allows hummingbirds to take advantage of optimal flower and food availability through the seasons.
Hummingbird Species of Washington
There are four hummingbird species that routinely breed and nest in Washington:
- Rufous hummingbird
- Calliope hummingbird
- Black-chinned hummingbird
- Anna’s hummingbird
Of these, only the Anna’s hummingbird stays year-round in western Washington. The other three species migrate south in the fall to overwinter in warmer regions.
Rufous Hummingbird
The rufous hummingbird is the smallest hummingbird species in Washington. Males have bright orange plumage on their throats and flanks. Females and juveniles have greenish-orange plumage. Rufous hummingbirds feed on flower nectar and small insects.
Rufous hummingbirds breed throughout Washington state and western North America. Most migrate south to winter in Mexico and along the Gulf Coast. Some may overwinter in warm, southern coastal regions of the United States. Migration takes place in July and August. By late summer, few rufous hummingbirds remain in Washington.
Calliope Hummingbird
The calliope hummingbird is the smallest breeding bird in North America. Males have colorful plumage with bright purple-red throats. Females lack the bright throat and are more dull green-brown overall. Calliopes build tiny nests out of plant down and spider webs.
Calliope hummingbirds breed in mountain meadows and pine forests in eastern Washington, eastern Oregon, and western Montana. They migrate south in late summer and early fall, wintering primarily in Mexico. A few may overwinter in Arizona and New Mexico.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
Black-chinned hummingbirds are slightly larger than calliope and rufous hummingbirds. Males have a dark, shimmering purple throat patch and white collar below. Females are pale green overall with white throats speckled with dark spots.
In Washington, black-chinned hummingbirds breed east of the Cascade Mountains but are uncommon west of the mountains. They migrate relatively early, leaving Washington by mid-July. Their wintering range includes Mexico and the southern United States from Texas to Florida.
Anna’s Hummingbird
Anna’s hummingbird is the only hummingbird species that does not migrate out of Washington for winter. Males have iridescent rose-pink throats and crowns. Females lack the pink coloring and are instead gray-green overall.
Anna’s hummingbirds breed west of the Cascade Mountains in Washington and prefer savannas, parks, and suburban gardens. Some migrate short distances south in winter. But many remain year-round in western Washington, taking advantage of feeders and non-native flowering plants.
When Do Hummingbirds Migrate Out of Washington?
The timing of hummingbird migration out of Washington varies by species:
| Species | Migration Period |
|---|---|
| Rufous hummingbird | Mid-July to mid-August |
| Calliope hummingbird | Mid-August to early September |
| Black-chinned hummingbird | Mid-July to early August |
| Anna’s hummingbird | Partial migration in October-November or no migration |
As this table shows, rufous hummingbirds leave Washington earliest, migrating south in mid-summer. Calliope and black-chinned hummingbirds follow soon after. Anna’s hummingbirds are the last to leave, with partial migration taking place in fall. But many Anna’s hummingbirds simply stay year-round in the relatively mild climate of western Washington.
Where Do the Migrating Hummingbirds Go?
When hummingbirds leave Washington in late summer and fall, they migrate south to warmer climates where food is more abundant in winter. Here are the typical wintering regions for each species:
Rufous Hummingbird
- Mexico
- Gulf Coast of the United States
- Some individuals may winter in California, Arizona, Florida
Calliope Hummingbird
- Mexico
- Small numbers in Arizona and New Mexico
Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Mexico
- Southern U.S. from Texas to Florida
Anna’s Hummingbird
- Most remain year-round in western Washington and western Oregon
- Some migrate short distances south to Oregon, California, Arizona
Warmer southern regions provide hummingbirds with the abundant flowers, nectar, and insects they need to survive the winter. The exception is the Anna’s hummingbird, which is the only species adapted to endure cooler Pacific Northwest winters.
What Cues Do Hummingbirds Use to Migrate?
Hummingbirds rely on a mix of innate and external cues to know when to migrate each year. These include:
- Internal clock and breeding cycle – Hummingbirds are programmed with an annual migration clock tied to breeding. After nesting, hormones signal it’s time to migrate.
- Day length – Decreasing daylight in late summer triggers hummingbirds to prepare for migration.
- Food availability – Lack of flowers and nectar motivates hummingbirds to seek new food sources.
- Weather – Cold temperatures, rain, and wind prompt hummingbirds to move to warmer climates.
- Orientation – Hummingbirds use the earth’s magnetic fields and position of the sun to orient south.
Young hummingbirds rely completely on instinct for their first migration. Older birds use experience as well to navigate optimal routes and timing.
How Do Hummingbirds Know Where to Go?
Hummingbirds have excellent built-in homing abilities that guide them on migration routes up to thousands of miles long. Here’s how they navigate:
- Compass sense – Hummingbirds can detect magnetic fields to determine direction.
- Celestial cues – They use the sun’s position as a compass point.
- Visual landmarks – They follow coastlines, mountains, rivers, and other familiar landmarks.
- Fat stores – Built-up fat provides energy for nonstop flights over barriers like the Gulf of Mexico.
- Scents – Migrating hummingbirds follow plant scent clues that indicate food-rich areas.
Younger hummingbirds may imprint on their first migration path and retrace it in following years. With experience, older birds further refine routes and timing.
What Are the Dangers Hummingbirds Face During Migration?
Hummingbird migration is an arduous journey, presenting many hazards along the way:
- Food shortages – Lack of nectar plants can starve hummingbirds during migration or layovers.
- Exhaustion – Long nonstop flights over hundreds of miles drain fat reserves.
- Bad weather – Storms, wind, and rain can blow hummingbirds dangerously off-course.
- Predators – Hawks, falcons, and other birds prey on hummingbirds in flight.
- Collisions – Hummingbirds can hit buildings, towers, and other structures during migration.
Despite the risks, most hummingbirds successfully complete migration thanks to their excellent navigational abilities. Providing nectar feeders along migration routes helps sustain hummingbirds on their strenuous seasonal journey.
Are Hummingbird Migration Patterns Changing?
Scientists are studying how climate change and urbanization may be impacting hummingbird migration patterns. Some observations include:
- Earlier spring migration due to warmer temperatures and earlier blooms.
- Shorter migrations overall due to warmer winters and more winter feeding.
- Shift from coastal to more inland migration routes.
- Increasing numbers overwintering farther north than historical ranges.
Researchers are investigating how warmer regional climates may allow Anna’s hummingbirds to expand their ranges farther north in the Pacific Northwest. This could result in fewer migrating south out of Washington in winter.
Urban areas with ample feeders and non-native flowering plants provide more winter habitat for hummingbirds as well. However, buildings and towers also increase collision risks during migration.
Summary of Hummingbird Migration in Washington
In summary:
- Four hummingbird species regularly breed in Washington: rufous, calliope, black-chinned, and Anna’s.
- Rufous, calliope, and black-chinned hummingbirds migrate south in late summer and early fall.
- Anna’s hummingbirds mostly stay year-round in western Washington.
- Migrating hummingbirds winter in Mexico and the southern coastal U.S.
- Day length, food availability, weather, and internal rhythms cue migration timing.
- Hummingbirds use a magnetic compass sense and visual landmarks to navigate.
- Climate change and urbanization may be altering some migration patterns and timing.
The mass migration of tiny hummingbirds to and from Washington is an amazing phenomenon. Learning about their migratory habits and resilience helps bird lovers appreciate the challenges hummingbirds undertake each year.
Conclusion
Most hummingbird species that spend the spring and summer in Washington state migrate south in late summer to overwinter in warmer regions. Of the four common hummingbird species in Washington, rufous, calliope, and black-chinned hummingbirds undertake migrations covering thousands of miles. In contrast, the Anna’s hummingbird is the only species well-adapted to endure Pacific Northwest winters. Some Anna’s hummingbirds migrate short distances south, but many simply remain year-round, taking advantage of feeders and non-native plants. Hummingbird migration is driven by innate programming and cues from day length, food availability, weather, and orientation senses. Their excellent navigational abilities guide hummingbirds over incredible distances to winter homes and back again each spring. While climate change and human settlements present new migration hazards, hummingbirds continue to successfully complete their epic seasonal journeys thanks to their resilience and homing instincts.
