Hummingbirds are found throughout California and many species do migrate from the northern parts of the state to warmer climates in the winter. Here is a quick overview of hummingbird migration in Northern California:
Summary
Most hummingbirds that breed in Northern California migrate south for the winter. The most common species that migrate are:
- Rufous Hummingbird
- Allen’s Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
Some Anna’s Hummingbirds and Black-chinned Hummingbirds may remain in Northern California year-round. Migration typically occurs between July and September. They return again between February and April to breed.
Do Hummingbirds Migrate from Northern California?
The majority of hummingbirds found in Northern California in the summer migrate south in the fall to spend the winter in warmer climates. The most common migratory species are:
- Rufous Hummingbird – This is one of the farthest traveling hummingbird species. They breed throughout the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada during summer. In winter, most migrate south through California and into Mexico.
- Allen’s Hummingbird – Most breed along coastal California and southern Oregon in summer. They migrate south to winter in Mexico.
- Calliope Hummingbird – They breed inland in Northern California, Oregon, Washington and southern British Columbia. These tiny hummingbirds migrate all the way to central Mexico for winter.
Some Anna’s Hummingbirds and Black-chinned Hummingbirds may overwinter in Northern California rather than migrating south. They are able to withstand colder temperatures better than other species. However, their populations decline in winter as most individuals migrate south.
When Do They Migrate?
Most hummingbirds leave Northern California between July and September to start their southern migration for winter. The timing depends on the species:
- Rufous Hummingbirds – Begin migrating south as early as June and July.
- Allen’s Hummingbirds – Start migration in July and August.
- Calliope Hummingbirds – Leave between August and September.
They typically start arriving back again in Northern California in February and March. Some early returning males may come back as early as January. Migration timing is dependent on weather and food availability.
Where Do They Migrate To?
The wintering grounds of migrating hummingbirds from Northern California include:
- Rufous Hummingbirds – Mexico and the Gulf Coast region
- Allen’s Hummingbirds – Mexico
- Calliope Hummingbirds – Central to southwestern Mexico
Some hummingbirds may overwinter in Southern California, Arizona, and the Gulf Coast region as well. Anna’s and Black-chinned Hummingbirds mostly migrate only short distances south within California.
Why Do Hummingbirds Migrate?
Hummingbirds migrate to warmer climates in winter because:
- Cold temperatures – Hummingbirds are small and have high metabolisms. Colder temperatures increase their risk of starvation.
- Lack of food – The nectar sources and insects they rely on are not available in Northern California in winter.
- Lack of shelter – Flowers and leaves that provide cover are gone during the winter.
Migrating allows them to survive until spring when food and nesting conditions are favorable again farther north. Some species like Anna’s and Black-chinned Hummingbirds can tolerate colder winters and minimal food, so they may not migrate every year.
Interesting Facts About Hummingbird Migration
- The Rufous Hummingbird makes one of the longest migration routes of any hummingbird species. They travel between 4000-5000 miles roundtrip each year from Alaska and Canada to Mexico.
- Hummingbirds migrate alone and do not fly in flocks like some other birds.
- They can fly up to 25 miles per hour and flap their wings up to 70 times per second during migration.
- Some hummingbirds fly nonstop over the Gulf of Mexico, a 500 mile journey.
- They double their body weight before migration to add fat stores that provide extra energy.
- Younger hummingbirds may not migrate their first year and can survive some northern winters.
Key Takeaways on Hummingbird Migration
Here are some key points to remember about hummingbird migration in Northern California:
- Most species migrate south in fall, though some Anna’s and Black-chinned may remain year-round.
- They return again in early spring to breed.
- Migration occurs from July-September in fall and February-April in spring.
- The long-distance migrants travel to Mexico or farther south.
- They migrate to find adequate food, shelter, and warm temperatures.
- Hummingbirds are capable of remarkable nonstop endurance flights during migration.
Understanding migration patterns helps provide nectar and feeders when the birds return in spring and leaves extra for winter residents that stick around.
Conclusion
Most of the hummingbirds gracing backyards and feeders in Northern California spend their winters in warmer climates primarily in Mexico. Species like the Rufous, Allen’s, and Calliope undertake remarkable long-distance journeys each fall and spring between their northern breeding grounds and southern wintering habitats. Paying attention to when they leave and return aids in providing care for resident and migrating hummingbird populations in the region.