The answer to the question “Have hummingbirds arrived in Connecticut yet?” depends on the time of year. Hummingbirds are migratory birds that spend the winter in central Mexico and the southern United States. They usually start arriving back in Connecticut in early May. So if it is before May, the answer is likely no. If it is May or later, then there is a good chance hummingbirds have returned to Connecticut for the summer.
When do hummingbirds arrive in Connecticut?
Hummingbirds typically start arriving in Connecticut in early May. The exact timing can vary slightly from year to year depending on weather conditions along their migration route. Here is an overview of when most hummingbirds arrive in Connecticut each spring:
- Early May: The first ruby-throated hummingbirds usually arrive in early May. These are males arriving ahead of females to scout out territories and food sources.
- Mid-May: More males and the first females start appearing. Hummingbird numbers continue building through May.
- Late May: Hummingbird sightings should be common by late May as more birds reach their breeding grounds in Connecticut.
So by late May, hummingbirds are usually easy to spot at nectar feeders or visiting flowering plants. But a few early arrivals may show up as soon as early April in some years if conditions allow for a very early migration.
What is the migration route for hummingbirds coming to Connecticut?
Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrating to Connecticut in spring follow a pathway up through Mexico and the Gulf Coast states. Their migration route includes these key stops:
- Mexico – Most ruby-throats spend the winter along Mexico’s central plateau.
- Gulf Coast – Birds start following the Gulf Coast north through Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida in February.
- Southeast – The migration path continues northward along the southeastern U.S. in March and April.
- Mid-Atlantic – Birds reach the mid-Atlantic states like Virginia and Maryland in April and early May.
- New England – By May, ruby-throats begin appearing all across New England, including Connecticut.
This pathway allows hummingbirds to follow the seasonal bloom of nectar-producing flowers as they migrate north. It enables them to regularly refuel on their long journey back to their breeding grounds.
What are some signs that hummingbirds have returned?
Here are some clues that hummingbirds have come back to Connecticut:
- Increased activity at feeders – Watch for frequent feeding visits from small, fast-moving birds.
- High-pitched chipping sounds – Males make distinct squeaking and chipping sounds.
- Aerial courtship displays – Males perform dramatic dive displays to impress females.
- Buzzing wings – The rapid wingbeat of hummingbirds produces a distinct buzzing or humming noise.
- Territorial behavior – Males act aggressively and chase intruders from feeders.
- Nest building – Females start gathering nest materials like down, moss, and spider silk.
If you spot any returnee behaviors like these, there’s a good chance hummingbirds have come back for the breeding season and will stick around all summer.
How long do hummingbirds stay in Connecticut?
The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only breeding hummingbird species in Connecticut. Males start arriving first in May and establish breeding territories. Females arrive shortly after to build nests and lay eggs. Connecticut’s summer hummingbird population peaks in June.
Most hummingbirds leave Connecticut again in August or September to start their fall migration south. But some stragglers may linger into early October if food sources remain. By late October, nearly all hummingbirds have left the state for warmer southern climates where they can overwinter.
So the time that hummingbirds are present in Connecticut each year spans about 5 months from May to October. But their key breeding and nesting season is a shorter window from May through July.
Conclusion
In summary, hummingbirds typically arrive back in Connecticut each year in early to mid May. Their spring migration brings them up from Mexico and the Gulf States along established flyways. Signs of their arrival include activity at feeders, vocalizations, courtship displays, and nest building. Most hummingbirds leave Connecticut again by mid-October after spending the spring and summer breeding season in the state. So May through October is when you are most likely to see ruby-throated hummingbirds buzzing around in your Connecticut backyard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common hummingbird species seen in Connecticut?
The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most widespread and only breeding hummingbird in Connecticut. However, occasional rare sightings of other vagrant hummingbird species do sometimes occur, especially in fall. These include the rufous hummingbird, Calliope hummingbird, black-chinned hummingbird, and broad-tailed hummingbird.
What plants attract hummingbirds in Connecticut?
Some native plants that attract hummingbirds seeking nectar in Connecticut gardens include:
- Bee balm
- Cardinal flower
- Colombine
- Trumpet vine
- Butterfly bush
- Hosta
- Fuchsia
When do hummingbirds migrate south from Connecticut?
Most ruby-throated hummingbirds leave Connecticut in August and September to start migration. Some linger into early October but nearly all are gone by late October. They migrate south along the Gulf Coast to wintering grounds in Mexico.
What is the best way to attract hummingbirds in Connecticut?
Providing nectar feeders is the best method to attract and feed hummingbirds in Connecticut. Use a 1:4 ratio of sugar to water and change nectar every 2-3 days to prevent spoilage. Having flowering plants, running water features, and perches can also help draw in hummingbirds.
How fast do hummingbirds fly?
Hummingbirds are incredibly fast flyers. They can reach speeds of 30 mph and up to 60 mph when diving. Their wings beat up to 70 times per second, allowing them to hover and fly backwards.
How often should hummingbird feeders be cleaned?
It is recommended to clean hummingbird feeders at least every 2-3 days during peak usage times. Empty, wash and rinse the feeder with hot water, and refill it with fresh nectar solution. This helps prevent potentially fatal bacterial or fungal diseases.
Can hummingbirds get trapped in rain?
Hummingbirds can get caught in rainstorms during migration. Their small size and fast metabolism makes them prone to using up their energy reserves quickly if they can’t refuel. Providing feeders with shelter or overhangs allows hummingbirds to safely stopover if caught in rain.
Do hummingbirds reuse the same nest?
Ruby-throated hummingbirds do not reuse nests between seasons. The female builds a new delicate nest each year in spring. She constructs it out of soft plant down bound with spider silk on top of a small tree limb.
How long do hummingbirds live?
In the wild, the average lifespan of a ruby-throated hummingbird is 3-5 years. The oldest known wild hummingbird was 12 years old. With ideal care in captivity, hummingbirds may occasionally live up to 10 years.
Do hummingbirds sleep while hovering?
Hummingbirds have the unique ability to enter a deep sleep state known as torpor. During torpor, their metabolic rate and energy needs are greatly reduced. This allows them to conserve energy overnight by entering torpor while perching, not hovering.
Why do hummingbirds have long beaks?
Hummingbirds have slender, elongated beaks that are perfectly adapted for accessing nectar from flowers. Their long beaks allow them to reach into tubular flowers and feed on energy-rich nectar that other birds cannot access.
Do hummingbirds mate for life?
No, ruby-throated hummingbirds are polygamous and the males and females both mate with multiple partners each breeding season. Male hummingbirds do not participate in raising young. Females build a nest on their own, lay eggs, and care for the chicks alone.
How many eggs does a female hummingbird lay?
A female ruby-throated hummingbird lays 2 small white eggs per clutch. She may raise 2-3 broods each summer, producing 4-6 eggs total for the breeding season on average.
Why do hummingbirds hover at feeders?
Hovering allows hummingbirds to lick nectar from feeders while staying stationary in one place. Their specialized flight muscles and aerodynamic bodies enable them to beat their wings incredibly fast to generate the force needed to hover.
Do hummingbirds sleep in nests at night?
No, hummingbirds do not use their nests for sleeping. They sleep perched on a branch at night. The nest is strictly for mothering eggs and sheltering newly hatched chicks during the day.
Can I use red dye in my hummingbird nectar?
Red dye should not be added to hummingbird nectar. The red dye can be harmful if ingested. Hummingbirds are attracted by the nectar itself and bright colors of feeders, not color of the liquid.
Why are hummingbirds territorial?
Male hummingbirds are very territorial and aggressive in defending feeding areas to have exclusive access to nectar for themselves and potential mates. They will try to chase off intruders encroaching on their turf.
What predator animals eat hummingbirds?
Predators that hunt hummingbirds include hawks, falcons, owls, snakes, squirrels, and cats. Hummingbirds face threats from predators at all life stages from eggs to fledglings to adults.
Do hummingbirds carry diseases?
Hummingbirds do not typically transmit diseases to humans. However, dirty feeders can spread parasites or diseases among hummingbird populations. Cleaning feeders thoroughly every 2-3 days helps prevent spread of contagions.
