Yes, most hummingbirds do migrate away from Alabama in the winter months. Hummingbirds are not able to survive cold temperatures very well, so they must fly south to warmer climates in the fall. There are a few hummingbird species that are year-round residents in parts of Alabama, but the majority leave the state to spend the winter further south.
When do hummingbirds migrate from Alabama?
In Alabama, the main hummingbird migration period is from mid-August through late October. By early November, most hummingbirds have left the state. Here is a look at when some of the common hummingbird species depart Alabama in fall:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird – Most leave between mid-August to mid-October
- Rufous Hummingbird – Most leave between late September and late October
- Black-chinned Hummingbird – Most leave between mid-October and early November
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird – Most leave between early October and early November
The timing can vary slightly from year to year depending on food availability, weather conditions, and other factors. But mid-August through late October is considered Alabama’s main fall hummingbird migration window.
Where do the hummingbirds that summer in Alabama migrate to?
When hummingbirds depart Alabama in the fall, they primarily migrate to wintering grounds in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Here are some of the main wintering destinations for hummingbirds that breed in Alabama:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird – Southern Mexico, Central America, Caribbean islands
- Rufous Hummingbird – Mexico
- Black-chinned Hummingbird – Mexico, Central America
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird – Mexico
Some vagrants may end up along the U.S. Gulf Coast or in Florida for the winter, but most migrate farther south to warmer tropical climates. The long journey allows them to take advantage of abundant nectar supplies and insect populations during the winter months.
Why do hummingbirds migrate?
Hummingbirds migrate for a few key reasons:
- Cold temperatures – Hummingbirds have high metabolisms and struggle to survive cold weather. Migrating south allows them to stay in warm climates year-round.
- Food availability – The nectar sources and small insects that hummingbirds rely on become much scarcer in winter at higher latitudes. Migrating to the tropics allows access to plentiful food.
- Breeding – Some species migrate north to take advantage of seasonal food and nesting conditions for breeding during the summer months.
Without migrating, hummingbirds would be hard pressed to survive the winter in northern areas like Alabama and successfully breed and raise young during the short northern summer. So migration allows them to enjoy the best of both worlds seasonally.
Do any hummingbirds stay in Alabama year-round?
While most species migrate away, there are a handful of hummingbird species that are year-round residents in some parts of Alabama:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird – Some may overwinter in southern Alabama, particularly adult males.
- Rufous Hummingbird – Some winter along the Gulf Coast.
- Buff-bellied Hummingbird – An uncommon winter resident along the Gulf Coast.
- Calliope Hummingbird – A rare winter visitor, mainly in southern Alabama.
The very mild winter climates along the Gulf Coast and in far southern Alabama allow small numbers of some species to find enough food to get by. However, even for resident species, the majority of individuals still migrate south for the winter.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds overwintering in Alabama
A small but increasing number of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are becoming year-round residents along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. Bird surveys indicate that a few hundred males typically spend the winter in this region now. They seem to be taking advantage of feeders and winter-blooming flowers at private homes and gardens.
Rufous hummingbirds wintering on the Gulf Coast
Rufous Hummingbirds are very rare but regular winter visitors to Alabama, mostly along the coast. Some migrate east after breeding out west to take advantage of Gulf-blooming flowers and southern hummingbird feeders. The number overwintering in Alabama is still very small but may be increasing slightly in recent years.
Do hummingbirds migrate through Alabama?
Alabama’s location between northern breeding grounds and southern wintering grounds means that substantial numbers of hummingbirds pass through the state each fall and spring. Some key stopover sites include:
- Gulf Coast – Used by westward migrants like Rufous Hummingbirds.
- Tennessee Valley – Used by long-distance migrants like Ruby-throated Hummingbirds heading between the Appalachians and Gulf Coast.
- Suburban gardens – Hummingbirds refuel on nectar from bird feeders and flowers.
- State parks and forests – Offer protected resting spots during migration.
Alabama’s networks of gardens, parks, and natural areas provide critical stopover habitat for refueling during migration. This allows the birds to rest and regain energy before continuing their strenuous journeys.
Spring migration through Alabama
Most hummingbirds pass back through Alabama in March and April as they migrate north to breeding grounds. Arrivals tend to be earliest along the Gulf Coast and latest in northern parts of the state.
Fall migration through Alabama
From July through October, millions of hummingbirds funnel through Alabama on their southbound migrations. Coastal areas and southern Alabama peak first from July to September. Northern parts of the state peak in September and October as birds push farther south.
How can I support migrating hummingbirds in Alabama?
Here are some tips for providing resources to help migrating hummingbirds successfully refuel in Alabama:
- Plant native nectar flowers and shrubs that bloom in spring and fall.
- Keep feeders up and freshly stocked from March through November.
- Include a water feature like a mister or bird bath for drinking and bathing.
- Limit or avoid pesticide use which reduces insect populations.
- Let some areas grow wild to provide shelter and insect habitat.
Supporting networks of habitat like this across the state allows exhausted migrating hummingbirds to properly refuel and rest in Alabama as they travel to and from their breeding and wintering grounds each year.
Conclusion
Most ruby-throated, rufous, black-chinned, and broad-tailed hummingbirds migrate away from Alabama each fall to spend the winter in Mexico, Central America, or the Caribbean. Only small numbers of a few species overwinter along the Gulf Coast or in far southern Alabama. During migration, millions of hummingbirds pass through the state. Providing nectar plants, feeders, water features, and shelter can help support these amazing migrants on their incredible journeys.
