Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds found in nature. Their ability to hover mid-air and fly backwards sets them apart from other avian species. Hummingbirds are native to the Americas and many species migrate annually, traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles between their summer breeding grounds and winter homes. In the case of Central Pennsylvania, hummingbirds are a seasonal delight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. They arrive in spring to take advantage of the region’s plentiful nectar supplies and warm weather, stay for the summer to breed, and depart in fall to escape the cold winter. But exactly how long do these tiny birds stay in Central Pennsylvania each year? Let’s take a closer look.
Spring Arrival of Hummingbirds
Most hummingbirds that spend the summer in Central Pennsylvania are neotropical migrants that winter in Mexico and Central America. As spring approaches and days become longer, they embark on their northward migrations, traversing the Gulf of Mexico or skirting along its coastline. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are typically the earliest spring hummingbird arrivals in Central Pennsylvania, usually showing up in early-to-mid April. Rufous hummingbirds arrive slightly later, in late April or early May.
Factors like weather patterns and food availability influence exact arrival dates, which can vary by one or two weeks from year to year. However, mid-April marks the time when birdwatchers in Central Pennsylvania should have their feeders cleaned and filled in anticipation of the first hummingbird sightings. Here are the approximate spring arrival dates for common hummingbird species in Central Pennsylvania:
| Species | Spring Arrival |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Early to mid-April |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Late April to early May |
| Calliope Hummingbird | Early to mid-May |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | Mid-to-late May |
Departure in Fall
Hummingbirds have an innate ability to know when it’s time to start migrating south again in the fall. Shortening daylight, flowers going to seed, and drops in nighttime temperatures all serve as cues to begin their southbound journey.
Most hummingbirds leave Central Pennsylvania in September or October. Here are the approximate fall departure periods for common species:
| Species | Fall Departure |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Mid-September to early October |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Mid-September to mid-October |
| Calliope Hummingbird | Late September to late October |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | Early to mid-October |
Rufous hummingbirds tend to be some of the last to leave, as they are one of the most cold-hardy species. However, most hummingbirds will be gone by late October at the latest. Stragglers may stick around into early November if food resources remain available.
Time Spent in Central Pennsylvania
By looking at average spring arrival and fall departure dates, we can determine approximately how long hummingbirds typically spend in Central Pennsylvania each year:
| Species | Time in Central PA |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 5-6 months |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 5-6 months |
| Calliope Hummingbird | 4-5 months |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | 4-5 months |
The ruby-throated hummingbird, the most common and widespread species in the region, spends the longest amount of time in Central Pennsylvania, about 5-6 months from April through September/October. Rufous hummingbirds are also present for a similar duration. Calliope and broad-tailed hummingbirds only pass through briefly in spring and fall, spending approximately 4-5 months in the area.
Do Any Hummingbirds Stay Year-Round?
The vast majority of hummingbirds that breed in Central Pennsylvania migrate south before winter. However, a very small number of rufous and calliope hummingbirds have been reported overwintering in the state. There are only a handful of documented cases, likely involving birds already weakened or ill that were unable to complete the strenuous return migration.
Healthy, adult hummingbirds cannot survive Pennsylvania winters. They rely on insects and nectar as their food sources, both of which become extremely scarce. Freezing temperatures and snow also make it impossible for them to survive. Banding data shows that hummingbirds have high site fidelity, returning to the same breeding grounds each summer. So the rare overwintering hummingbirds likely perished and did not return the following spring.
So in summary, while migrating hummingbirds spend 4-6 months in Central Pennsylvania from spring through fall, they do not stay through the winter. The state’s harsh winters make year-round survival impossible for these tiny birds. They must migrate south to warmer climates each year to find adequate food supplies.
Do Hummingbird Numbers Vary by Year?
The number of hummingbirds stopping over in Central Pennsylvania can fluctuate somewhat from year to year. A number of factors influence their migration routes and population sizes, including:
- Breeding productivity – A highly successful breeding season leads to more young birds migrating south in the fall.
- Habitat quality – Good flower and food resources attract more migrating individuals.
- Weather patterns – Severe storms like hurricanes can blow birds off course. Cold snaps trigger earlier fall departures.
- Predators and disease – Threats reduce overall population sizes and migration numbers.
- Banding and survey efforts – More active efforts lead to increased reported numbers.
That said, most species appear to have relatively stable annual migration numbers in Pennsylvania and the Northeast U.S. Here are some general trends:
| Species | Population Trend in Central PA |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Stable to increasing slightly |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Stable |
| Calliope Hummingbird | Stable to increasing slightly |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | Stable but rare |
While ruby-throated hummingbirds are consistently the most abundant migrants through the region, banding data shows calliope hummingbirds are being reported more regularly in recent years. But overall, the migrating hummingbird population appears relatively steady in Central Pennsylvania.
Importance of Habitat Conservation
To ensure migrating hummingbirds continue to stop over in Central Pennsylvania each spring and fall, it is vital to protect and maintain adequate habitat and food resources along their migration routes. This includes:
- Preserving wildflower meadows and other natural areas with native nectar plants.
- Planting pollinator gardens with red tubular flowers that provide nectar.
- Providing supplemental nectar through feeders and monitoring programs.
- Reducing or banning pesticide use which threatens insect populations.
- Being mindful of predators like house cats that can take a heavy toll.
Everyone can play a role in creating a welcoming stopover for hummingbirds during migration by cultivating food sources and minimizing threats. With broad community involvement, these incredible migrants will continue passing through Central Pennsylvania for generations to come.
Conclusion
Central Pennsylvania serves as important migratory habitat for hummingbirds each spring and fall. Arriving as early as April and departing as late as November, most species spend 4-6 months in the region over the course of the year. While healthy adult hummingbirds do not stay through the winter, a small number of ill or weakened individuals have been documented overwintering in rare cases. Overall populations appear stable for species like the ruby-throated and rufous hummingbird, with some potential increases in calliope hummingbirds in recent years. Maintaining adequate food resources and habitat along their migration route through thoughtful conservation practices will help ensure Central Pennsylvania continues to provide a vital stopover for hummingbirds for years to come. With a diverse landscape and passionate birdwatching community, the area is ideally positioned to serve these remarkable migrants on their epic seasonal journeys.
