Hummingbirds are amazing little birds that capture the imagination. Their speedy flight, hovering abilities, and colorful plumage make them a delight to watch. Many hummingbird species migrate annually, traveling hundreds or thousands of miles between their summer breeding grounds and their winter homes. In Ohio, as in much of North America, the arrival of hummingbirds each spring is a welcome sign that winter is ending and warmer weather is on the way.
When do hummingbirds migrate to Ohio?
Most hummingbirds that spend the summer in Ohio leave by mid-October to migrate south. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the most common summer hummingbird in Ohio. They usually arrive in early May and are gone by October 10-15. Rufous Hummingbirds occasionally spend the summer in Ohio as well, arriving as early as late March and leaving by early October in most cases.
So by mid-October, the majority of hummingbirds have already migrated south from Ohio. A few stragglers may linger into late October or early November, but these are rare. By November, essentially all hummingbirds have left the state for their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.
What is the hummingbird migration path through Ohio?
Ohio lies along the primary migration route used by Ruby-throated Hummingbirds as they travel between their breeding range east of the Great Plains and their wintering grounds in southern Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. In spring, most Ruby-throats follow an inland route northward through the center of the country before fanning out across eastern North America. In fall, they trace a similar path in reverse.
Rufous Hummingbirds breeding in the Pacific Northwest take a very different route that brings some through Ohio in spring and fall. Their migration is elliptical, swinging southeast in fall through the Great Basin and Rockies before crossing the Gulf of Mexico and curving northeast up the Atlantic seaboard. In spring they retrace this oval route back to their northern nesting grounds.
What are the best places in Ohio to spot migrating hummingbirds?
In both spring and fall, migrating hummingbirds need stopover sites where they can rest and refuel. Gardens, parks, nature preserves, and backyards with abundant nectar sources see the most migrant hummer activity. Some top spots in Ohio include:
- Rocky River Nature Center in the Cleveland Metroparks
- Shawnee Lookout Park and Nature Preserve near Cincinnati
- Springville Marsh State Nature Preserve near Akron
- Blairsville Dam along the Ohio River in southeast Ohio
Having a backyard feeder stocked with fresh nectar can also help attract migrating hummers in both spring and fall. Just be sure to take feeders down by early November to encourage hummers to continue their migration rather than attempt to overwinter.
How do hummingbirds know when to migrate?
Scientists believe a combination of changes in daylight, hormone levels, temperatures, and food availability act as signals that trigger migratory restlessness and prompt hummingbirds to migrate at the appropriate times. As days get shorter and nights get longer in late summer, hummingbirds start feeling an urge to migrate south.
Cooling temperatures and other deteriorating conditions at the northern breeding grounds further spur the birds to depart. And declining food resources help ensure that hummingbirds leave rather than attempting to tough out the winter. By migrating, hummingbirds can take advantage of the seasonal abundance of flower nectar along their migration path and on their wintering grounds.
How long does the hummingbird migration take?
For Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, the fall migration trip from their summer range to southern Mexico takes around two months. They cover 20 to 25 miles per day on average by flying and stopping to rest and refuel often. Rufous Hummingbirds may migrate at a slightly faster daily pace thanks to their bigger body size.
In spring, the return trip north takes six to eight weeks. The birds are in less of a rush and can stop to feed more along the way. Adult males usually lead the way, arriving back on the breeding grounds first to stake out territories before the females arrive.
What risks and challenges do hummingbirds face during migration?
Hummingbirds undertake an incredibly strenuous migration for their small size. Some key hazards they must overcome include:
- Bad weather – Storms, high winds, or cold snaps can be deadly during migration. Hummingbirds need ample food reserves to survive delays from poor weather.
- Limited food resources – Hummingbirds need regular access to nectar-rich flowers. Urban development reduces food availability along migration routes.
- Predators – Birds of prey and other predators can take a heavy toll on hummingbirds during migration when they stop to rest and refuel.
- Obstacle collisions – Communication towers, wind turbines, buildings, and other structures claim many hummingbird lives during migration.
Research suggests mortality rates during migration may be substantial. But successful birds have honed impressive skills and physiology to overcome migration’s difficulties and minimize risks.
Do the same hummingbirds come back to Ohio each year?
In most cases, individual hummingbirds do return to the same breeding sites in Ohio year after year if they survive migration. Scientists have recaptured banded Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in the same Ohio yards or even at the exact same feeders in subsequent seasons.
Strong site fidelity improves breeding success since the birds know the food resources, predators, and other aspects that will maximize their chances of raising young. Some male hummers may even arrive weeks before the females to reclaim prime territory.
How can I attract hummingbirds migrating through my yard?
Here are some tips to help you entice migrating hummingbirds to stop at your yard:
- Put up feeders before hummingbirds arrive in spring and don’t take them down until October.
- Use a nectar mix of one part white sugar to four parts water. Avoid honey, artificial sweeteners, food coloring, etc.
- Clean and disinfect feeders every 2-3 days to prevent mold and bacteria.
- Plant native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees that provide natural food sources.
- Include vibrant red flowers and feeders with red parts to catch the birds’ attention.
- Avoid using pesticides that could poison hummingbirds and reduce insect prey.
- Provide a water source like a mister, fountain, or bird bath for drinking and bathing.
With a little planning and some hummingbird-friendly habitat additions, you can give migrating hummers needed resources in your yard as they pass through Ohio.
Conclusion
Most hummingbirds migrate out of Ohio by mid-October, Though a few stragglers may linger into early November in rare cases. Preparing your yard with food sources, feeders, and shelter can help attract and support migrating hummingbirds along their incredible journey between their summer and winter homes. Watching for returning hummers each spring is a sure sign warmer weather is on the way.
