Quick Answer
Most hummingbirds leave Houston by late October or early November. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the most common species in the area, and they typically migrate south by mid-October. A few stragglers may linger into early November. Cooler temperatures and declining natural food sources signal it’s time for hummingbirds to continue their migration journey to their winter grounds in Mexico or Central America.
When Do Hummingbirds Migrate Through Houston?
Houston is located along the migration route for many hummingbird species that breed in the United States and Canada and winter in warmer climates to the south. Here is an overview of when hummingbirds are most likely to be seen in the Houston area:
Spring Migration
The first returning hummingbirds usually arrive in Houston in mid-February. Numbers continue to increase through March and April as more birds fly through on their way north. Ruby-throated hummingbirds typically arrive in late February and are common from March through May.
Summer
Ruby-throated hummingbirds that nested farther north may stop to rest and refuel in Houston for a few weeks during their summer migration. Hummingbird numbers decline somewhat after spring migration, but localized breeding birds and wandering migrants maintain a presence throughout the summer.
Fall Migration
Southbound migration starts as early as late July for some species, though most activity occurs between mid-August and mid-October. Numbers peak in September when both the breeding population and transient migrants pass through. The last stragglers usually depart by late October or early November.
What Time of Year Do Hummingbirds Leave Houston?
Most hummingbirds leave Houston in September and October as they migrate south for the winter. Here are the typical departure timeframes for common hummingbird species in the area:
| Species | Fall Migration Period |
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Mid-September to mid-October |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Mid-August to early October |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | Mid-September to late October |
| Buff-bellied Hummingbird | September to November |
| Calliope Hummingbird | Mid-September to early November |
As you can see, most hummingbirds migrate through Houston in September and October on their way to their wintering grounds. A few species like the Rufous may pass through earlier, while the latest stragglers may linger into early November. But by late October, the vast majority have moved through the area.
The timing of migration depends on a number of factors like food availability, weather patterns, and completion of the breeding cycle farther north. But as days shorten and temperatures cool in the fall, hummingbirds know it’s time to depart south.
What Triggers Hummingbirds to Migrate?
Hummingbirds migrate in response to certain environmental cues that signal it’s time to move on, including:
Day Length
Changes in day length help trigger hummingbirds’ migratory instincts to prepare to move to warmer climates for winter. As days get shorter in late summer, hummingbirds start their southbound migration.
Food Availability
Declining natural food sources, such as nectar from flowers, help spur hummingbirds to migrate. As many flowers bloom in spring and summer, there is plentiful nectar. But nectar availability declines heading into fall, signaling to hummingbirds it’s time to depart.
Temperature
Cooling temperatures in late summer and fall indicate to hummingbirds that it’s time to get ahead of the cold and migrate south where it stays warm and food is available. Most hummingbirds cannot survive prolonged freezing temperatures.
Internal Clock
Hummingbirds seem to have an internal clock or rhythm that is synchronized with seasonal events like migration. Even in captivity, they become restless and energetic around typical migration periods.
Orientation
Hummingbirds appear to use a combination of landmarks, celestial cues, and inborn magnetic compass senses to orient themselves during migration. These navigational abilities help guide them over long distances between their breeding and wintering grounds.
So in summary, shorter days, declining food supplies, cooling temperatures, internal instincts, and navigational cues together spur hummingbirds to leave Houston and continue their migratory journey in the fall.
What Do Hummingbirds Do Before Migrating?
Hummingbirds undergo several changes and behaviors prior to migration to prepare for their long journey:
Hyperphagia
Hyperphagia refers to increased eating to store up extra fat before migration. Hummingbirds start eating more a few weeks prior to migration to put on weight. This provides extra energy reserves to fuel their long flight.
Moult
Many hummingbirds moult and grow fresh feathers prior to migration. New feathers reduce wear and improve flight efficiency. Adult male ruby-throats also moult into their dull green non-breeding plumage.
Restlessness
As migration approaches, hummingbirds become more active and aggressive as they prepare to depart. You may see them roaming more widely in search of food.
Directional Feeding
Hummingbirds start exhibiting directional bias in feeding behavior aligned with their migratory orientation. This restless behavior indicates their urge to migrate.
Nocturnal Flight
Hummingbirds typically make migratory flights at night when air currents are more favorable. Prior to migration, they may start making practice night flights.
So in the few weeks before migration commences, look for hummingbirds feeding more aggressively, displaying fresh plumage, wandering more erratically, and making odd nighttime flights as they prepare to depart.
How Do Hummingbirds Know When to Migrate?
Hummingbirds rely on a combination of internal and external cues to know when to initiate their seasonal migrations:
Internal Cues
– Circadian rhythms – Cyclical patterns help birds determine seasonal timing
– Changing hormone levels – Cues like elevated corticosterone influence migratory restlessness
– Genetic factors – Instincts and programming guide migration timing
Environmental Cues
– Day length – Decreasing daylight hours trigger migration instincts
– Temperature shifts – Colder weather indicates it’s time to migrate
– Food availability – Declining natural nectar sources signal need to depart
– Weather patterns – Fronts and winds influence migration timing
So it’s a mix of internal programming and external seasonal signals that help hummingbirds know when to head south each fall and north every spring. These cues initiate migratory preparations like hyperphagia, directional flight, and fat storage.
While climate change can shift migration timing, hummingbirds continue to rely on these cues to indicate the optimal timing to complete seasonal migrations between their breeding and wintering grounds.
What is the Migration Route for Houston Hummingbirds?
Most hummingbirds migrating through Houston follow an inland route across the Gulf Coast region to their wintering grounds:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
– Breeds: Eastern U.S. and Canada
– Migration Route: Across Gulf states, Mexico to Central America
– Winter Range: Florida, Mexico, Panama, northern Caribbean
Rufous Hummingbird
– Breeds: Northwest U.S. and Canada
– Migration Route: Through Southwest states, Mexico
– Winter Range: Coastal Mexico and Gulf of California
Calliope Hummingbird
– Breeds: Western U.S. and Canada
– Migration Route: Through Southwest to Mexico
– Winter Range: Mexico
So most Houston hummingbirds follow a path across the Gulf South into Mexico and Central America for the winter. Their long migrations demonstrate an amazing endurance for such tiny birds.
How Far Do Hummingbirds Migrate?
Different hummingbird species migrate varying distances between their summer breeding and winter ranges:
| Species | Migration Distance |
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Between 500-2,000 miles one-way |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Between 3,000-5,000 miles one-way |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | Between 1,500-2,500 miles one-way |
| Calliope Hummingbird | Between 2,000-3,500 miles one-way |
As you can see, migration distances vary widely depending on breeding and wintering ranges. The smallest hummingbird, the calliope, makes one of the longest migrations all the way from western North America to Mexico.
Given their tiny size, it’s incredible that many hummingbirds routinely complete migratory trips of a few thousand miles in spring and fall between habitats that provide ideal nesting and wintering conditions.
How Fast and High Do Hummingbirds Migrate?
Hummingbirds are built for speed and endurance during migration:
Speed
– Typical migration speed of 20-40 mph
– Maximum speed of around 60 mph during dive displays
– Wind assistance can boost airspeeds to over 70 mph
Altitude
– Migrate fairly low, from 500 feet up to about 10,000 feet
– Some highest recorded radar altitudes exceed 13,000 feet
– Often follow terrain like coastlines and mountain ranges
– Choose altitudes with favorable winds to conserve energy
So despite their tiny size, hummingbirds are capable of flying long distances at fast speeds and reasonably high altitudes during migration. This allows them to travel hundreds or thousands of miles between seasonal ranges.
Why Do Hummingbirds Migrate?
Hummingbirds migrate for a number of reasons:
Food Availability
Hummingbirds need ample sources of nectar and insects to fuel their hyperactive metabolisms. As flower blooms and insect populations decline in fall, they migrate to habitats where food remains available.
Nesting Conditions
Long daylight hours and peak flower blooms allow for optimal breeding conditions farther north in summer. Hummingbirds time their spring migration to take advantage of these conditions.
Climate Extremes
Many hummingbirds cannot survive prolonged freezing temperatures or snow. Their high metabolism and small size requires them to seek warmer climates in winter.
Competition
Lower competition for limited resources in different seasons motivates migration between breeding and wintering grounds.
So in summary, hummingbirds migrate primarily to find optimal food supplies, nesting conditions, climates, and lower competition throughout the year. Their migration instincts enable them to follow seasonal resources across a wide geographic range.
Conclusion
Most hummingbirds leave Houston by mid-October as they continue their fall migration to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean for the winter. Declining food, temperatures, and daylight trigger their migration instincts to depart for warmer climates. These tiny birds perform incredible long-distance migrations in spring and fall between their breeding and wintering grounds. Despite their small size, hummingbirds are built to fly fast and far seeking out the best habitat conditions throughout each season. So while we may miss the flash of color and buzz of activity they provide in our gardens, we can look forward to their return each spring.
