As spring approaches in Virginia, many people eagerly await the return of hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are some of the most popular and beloved backyard birds, known for their diminutive size, iridescent feathers, and ability to hover and fly backwards. When do these tiny dynamos typically arrive in the state and take up residence for the spring and summer?
When do hummingbirds return to Virginia?
Most hummingbirds that breed in Virginia and other parts of the eastern United States migrate south to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean for the winter. They start their long journey back to their breeding grounds in late winter and early spring. Weather conditions and food availability play a big role in migration timing.
In Virginia, the most common visiting hummingbird is the ruby-throated hummingbird. These hummingbirds usually arrive in the Commonwealth anywhere from early to mid-April in coastal and southern regions. Hummingbirds take a bit longer to reach northern parts of the state, closer to early May.
Some key arrival timeframes for ruby-throated hummingbirds in Virginia cities and regions are:
- Norfolk/Virginia Beach area: late March to mid-April
- Richmond area: Mid-April
- Roanoke area: Late April
- Northern Virginia: Late April to early May
- Western mountains: Early to mid-May
A few rare vagrant species like rufous, calliope, and broad-tailed hummingbirds may arrive slightly earlier than ruby-throats. However, ruby-throated hummingbirds make up over 99% of the state’s hummingbird population.
What’s the best way to attract hummingbirds?
To bring hummingbirds to your yard, having nectar-rich flowers and sugar-water feeders available are key. Here are some top tips for making your yard hummingbird-friendly:
- Get feeders up by early April before any early arrivals.
- Use a basic 4:1 ratio sugar-water nectar (4 parts water to 1 part white sugar). Do not use honey, artificial sweeteners, or food dyes.
- Choose red tubular flowers like bee balm, cardinal flower, and trumpet vine to attract hummingbirds.
- Plant clusters of flowers and let some go to seed for protein-packed pollen and nectar.
- Avoid pesticides that could impact insect populations hummingbirds rely on.
- Provide a water feature like a misting system, fountain, or bird bath for drinking and bathing.
- Situate feeders in shady spots to keep nectar cool and fresh.
Signs that hummingbirds have returned
How do you know when hummingbirds are back in your area? Here are some clues:
- Males will arrive first and you may hear chipping and buzzing sounds as they try to claim prime territory.
- Females turn up 1-2 weeks after males and will visit feeders.
- You’ll see increased activity and fierce competition at feeders among males.
- Frequent emptying of feeders or new holes poked in flowers are a tell-tale sign of hummingbirds.
- Males performing courtship displays for females, like rapid ascents and dives or flying in loop patterns.
Keep an eye out for any of these behaviors in your yard to know hummingbirds have returned for the season!
Interesting hummingbird facts
Here are some fascinating facts about ruby-throated hummingbirds, the species most commonly seen in Virginia:
- They are the smallest breeding bird in eastern North America at just 3-4 inches long.
- Their wings can beat up to 200 times per second, allowing them to fly 25-30 mph.
- Ruby-throats have the lowest nest failure rate of any North American bird at around 10%.
- Most travel over 500 miles nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico during migration.
- They eat up to half their weight in nectar daily and also eat insects for protein.
- Males do not help build the nest or care for young, the female does it all.
- The ruby-red throat of males only appears in certain lighting conditions.
When do hummingbirds leave Virginia?
Hummingbirds stick around Virginia through the spring and summer while they breed and nest. Most adults and juveniles depart between mid-August through late September. Some may linger into early October if food sources allow.
Key departure timeframes are:
- Coastal Virginia: Mid to late August
- Central Virginia: Late August to mid-September
- Western mountains: Mid-September
- Northern Virginia: Late September to early October
Providing nectar and leaving feeders up through fall gives migrating hummingbirds the energy they need for their long journey back to wintering grounds.
How to report hummingbird arrivals
Want to help track hummingbird migration? Consider reporting first sightings through Journey North or the Virginia Society of Ornithology. This data helps scientists study changes in arrival patterns over time.
To report sightings:
- Journey North: Submit a report at https://www.journeynorth.org/hummingbirds
- Virginia Society of Ornithology: Use the bird reporting form at https://virginiabirds.org/varc/
Try to include the date, location, and number of individuals seen when reporting arrivals for helpful data.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds grace Virginia with their presence each spring and summer, bringing color, motion, and energy to backyards and gardens across the state. Observing the return of these tiny migrants offers a sure sign that winter is over and warmer days have arrived. Watch for activity at feeders, look for winged flashes of iridescent red and green, and listen for the buzzing sounds of hovering males to know that hummingbirds have come back for the season.
