Hummingbirds are a beloved sign of summer in Western Pennsylvania. These tiny, vibrant birds arrive in the region each spring to breed and take advantage of the abundant flower nectar during the warm summer months. But how long do these aerial acrobats stick around before migrating back to their wintering grounds?
Typical Timeline
Most hummingbirds arrive in Western Pennsylvania in early May and stay until late September or early October. Here is a general timeline:
- Early May: The first ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive from their wintering grounds in Central America or Mexico.
- Mid-May: More hummingbirds arrive as the spring migration peaks.
- May to August: Hummingbirds breed and nest in Western PA. Females lay eggs and raise their young through the summer.
- August to September: Hummingbird numbers increase as migrants from farther north move through on their way back south.
- Late September to Early October: Food sources diminish and most hummingbirds depart for their southern wintering grounds.
So while a few early birds may arrive in April, the bulk of the hummingbird population stays in Western PA for about 5 months from May through September. But this can vary slightly based on weather and food availability each year.
Do Any Hummingbirds Stay Through Winter?
The vast majority of hummingbirds migrate south where they can find adequate food through the winter months. But in rare cases, a lost or wayward hummingbird may linger into the winter in Western Pennsylvania. These are likely young birds migrating for the first time that fail to join the rest of the population moving southward.
Without abundant flowers and insects, wintering hummingbirds are unlikely to survive long in Western PA’s cold climate. They may visit feeders for a brief period, but most will not make it through the winter unless they are captured and rehabilitated by licensed wildlife rehabilitators until spring. So while possible, winter hummingbirds are highly unusual in this region.
What Factors Influence How Long Hummingbirds Stay?
The exact timing of when hummingbirds arrive and depart Western Pennsylvania depends on a few key factors:
Food Availability
Access to food is the most important factor controlling hummingbird migration and how long they remain in an area. Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and must consume nectar or insects almost constantly to survive.
In Western PA, natural food peaks during the summer and declines in fall. Hummingbirds will leave when flowers begin to fade and insect numbers drop off, generally by late September or October. Harsh weather like an early frost can also kill flowers and accelerate hummingbird departure.
Providing nectar feeders may allow some birds to remain a bit longer into fall, but most will leave once temperatures drop even if feeders are available.
Breeding and Nesting
Most hummingbirds that summer in Western Pennsylvania are breeding adults or recently fledged young-of-the year.
Adults arrive on the early side, in April and May, to establish breeding territories. They usually depart by mid-September after raising their young.
Young hummingbirds often stick around a bit longer into September or October before migrating for the first time. This explains the influx of hummingbirds seen in late summer and early fall – it’s primarily juveniles dispersing from local nest sites.
Weather Conditions
Temperature and precipitation influence both food availability and energetic demands experienced by hummingbirds.
Unusually hot, dry weather can accelerate flowering and food resources, allowing earlier arrival and later departure of hummingbirds.
But extremes like early frosts, droughts, or cold snaps force hummingbirds to depart early when food disappears. Torrential rains during migration can also displace them and alter migration timing.
Strong winds like those from hurricanes have even blown some vagrant hummingbirds far off course into Western PA later than expected. So unusual weather patterns definitely impact hummingbird movements each year.
Individual Variation
There is individual variation in migration patterns among different hummingbirds.
Younger birds often arrive slightly later in spring and leave later in fall than older, more experienced adult hummingbirds. Some hardy individuals may attempt to overwinter far north of the normal range, while others depart at the earliest sign of cold weather.
Migration timing also varies between males and females, with males typically arriving first to secure the best breeding territories.
So while most follow predictable annual rhythms, each bird has its own optimal timing and response to changing conditions. This ensures some hummingbirds reach suitable habitat at the appropriate time each year.
How to Provide for Hummingbirds in Western PA
Here are some tips for supporting hummingbirds during the time they grace Western Pennsylvania with their presence:
Early and Late Blooming Flowers
Plant native wildflowers and gardens with continuous bloom from April through September. Early options include columbine, bee balm, and sage. Late blooms like cardinal flower, turtlehead, and asters prolong food into fall.
Nectar Feeders
Supplement natural nectar with clean feeders. Use a 4-parts water to 1-part white sugar solution. Avoid food dyes. Change nectar every 2-3 days to prevent spoilage in warm weather.
Water Features
Provide dripping water sources for bathing and drinking. Hummingbirds bathe daily to keep their feathers in top flying condition.
Native Plants
Landscape with tubular native flowers that attract hummingbirds. Favorites include trumpet creeper, cardinal flower, penstemon, lobelia, bee balm, and coral honeysuckle. Avoid pesticides.
Habitat Protection
Preserve natural meadows, forests, and riparian corridors used by hummingbirds. Contact elected officials to support policies that designate protected green spaces within communities rather than developing every area.
Citizen Science
Report hummingbird arrivals and departures at sites like Hummingbirds at Home or eBird. This data helps scientists track long-term trends in hummingbird migration timing in response to changing climate and habitat conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when hummingbirds arrive in my yard in Western PA?
The first arrivals are usually in early May, with numbers increasing through mid-May. Having feeders and preferred flowers available in advance will help attract them. Arrivals can vary by several weeks depending on weather. Keep an eye out for the first flash of ruby-throated green!
What is the peak time to see hummingbirds in Western PA?
June and July are typically the peak months to observe hummingbirds in the region, especially at feeders or flowering gardens. This coincides with the breeding season when energetic males display to attract mates and females work hard gathering food for their hungry offspring.
Do hummingbirds migrate at night or during the day?
Most migration happens at night when air currents are calmer. This allows hummingbirds to hover and rest periodically if needed. They defend feeding territories during the day and then continue their journey after dark.
How can I provide late season food for hummingbirds in fall?
Keep feeders clean and filled through early October. Plant late-blooming tubular flowers like cardinal flower, bee balm, turtlehead, and native asters. Trees like maples, tulip poplars, and ash provide autumn nectar too. Protect flowers from frost with covers.
What is the average lifespan of a wild hummingbird?
Most hummingbirds only live 3-5 years. The oldest known wild ruby-throated hummingbird was 9 years old. Threats include predators, disease, collisions, drought, extreme weather events, and loss of critical food resources along migration routes.
Conclusion
Western Pennsylvania provides critical breeding habitat and migratory stopover sites for hummingbirds each summer. Creating a welcoming oasis with food, water, shelter and nest sites allows these tiny travelers to rest and refuel for their incredible journey. Supporting research, habitat conservation, and citizen science efforts can help ensure hummingbirds continue to brighten our landscapes from May through September for years to come. With some planning to provide basics like flowers, feeders, and native plants, we can extend a helping hand during their brief stay in Western PA.
