The Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a small, brightly colored hummingbird that breeds in northwestern North America and migrates long distances to spend the winter in Mexico and the southern United States. Their migration is one of the longest among all hummingbirds.
Quick Facts
- The Rufous Hummingbird migrates up to 5,000 miles each way during spring and fall migration.
- Their total round trip migration can cover up to 10,000 miles.
- They travel between their breeding grounds in Alaska and Canada to winter grounds in Mexico and the southern U.S.
- Rufous Hummingbirds have one of the longest migration routes of any North American hummingbird.
- Their migration route is a figure 8 pattern rather than a straight north-south route.
- Spring migration happens over 2-3 months, and fall migration over 4-5 months.
- During migration they stop frequently during the day to feed and rest.
Spring Migration
In spring, Rufous Hummingbirds begin migrating north in late January and February. The males tend to start migrating earlier than the females. They follow flower blooms and sap flows along their route, stopping frequently during the day to feed.
| Month | Migration Pattern |
|---|---|
| January – February | Depart winter grounds in Mexico |
| March – April | Travel through U.S. Southwest and West Coast; first males reach breeding grounds |
| May | Females and younger males arrive on breeding grounds in Alaska and Canada |
In early spring, most Rufous Hummingbirds migrate up the Pacific Coast through California and the Northwest. Some migrate through the central U.S. and over the Rockies into the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. Their spring migration can cover 3,900-5,000 miles over 2-3 months.
Speed and Route of Spring Migration
During migration, Rufous Hummingbirds may travel alone or in small groups. They fly low, stopping frequently to feed on nectar and insects. On travel days, they can cover 20-40 miles in a day. However, they spend up to two weeks at some stopover sites waiting for flowers to bloom.
Their route forms a clockwise loop up the West Coast in spring, sometimes swinging east across the Rockies. This follows the bloom sequence of flowers and emergence of insects they feed on. Males arrive on the breeding grounds first to establish territories before the females arrive.
Fall Migration
The southbound fall migration starts in July and August. The females and young birds migrate south first. Adult males are the last to leave the breeding grounds, departing in late August and September.
The fall migration lasts longer, from 4-5 months. The birds make even more frequent stops, following the sequence of flowers and food supplies. They migrate leisurely, in no rush to reach the winter grounds early.
| Month | Migration Pattern |
|---|---|
| July – August | Females and young migrate from breeding grounds |
| August – September | Adult males leave breeding grounds later |
| September – October | Travel south through California, Rockies, Texas to Mexico |
| October – November | Arrive on winter grounds in Mexico and southern U.S. |
Speed and Route of Fall Migration
On fall migration, Rufous Hummingbirds follow flower bloom sequences through mountain meadows. They may migrate along the Pacific Coast, through the Rockies, and down through the center of the U.S. into Mexico.
Their clockwise loop migration pattern covers between 3,900-5,000 miles over 4-5 months. They travel 30-40 miles on travel days, with extended stopovers lasting up to three weeks in areas with abundant food.
Total Migration Distance and Time
By following a figure 8 shaped route both in spring and fall, the total migration distance of Rufous Hummingbirds can add up to 5,000 miles one way, or up to 10,000 miles round trip.
Their spring migration of 2-3 months is more direct as they hurry to reach breeding areas early. The fall migration lasts longer at 4-5 months as they follow food sources and make more frequent stops.
Combining both trips, the Rufous Hummingbird spends 6-8 months a year migrating between their breeding and wintering grounds. This is an incredible feat for a bird that weighs only 3-5 grams!
Migration Strategies
Rufous Hummingbirds have many physiological and behavioral adaptations that enable their long migration:
- Efficient feeding – They can lick nectar with their tongues up to 13 times per second while feeding.
- Fat reserves – They store enough fat reserves prior to migration to survive 7-8 hours of nonstop flying over the Gulf of Mexico.
- Torpor – They use torpor (a short term dormant state) to conserve energy overnight.
- Good vision and memory – They remember locations of reliable food sources along migration route.
- Dedicated travel and rest – They alternate travel days with rest days to feed and build up fat reserves.
- Flexibility – They are flexible in choosing routes and timing based on weather and food supplies.
Threats and Conservation
Rufous Hummingbirds face threats during their migration, including:
- Habitat loss along migratory routes
- Pesticides reducing insect food supplies
- Extreme weather events
- Collision hazards like buildings and towers
Conservation measures can help protect Rufous Hummingbirds during migration:
- Protecting and planting native flowers along migration routes
- Providing sugar water feeders in yards and gardens during migration
- Reducing use of pesticides
- Adding anti-collision markings to windows
- Keeping outdoor cats indoors
Conclusion
The Rufous Hummingbird undertakes one of the most incredible migrations of any North American bird. They travel up to 10,000 miles round trip each year between their breeding and wintering grounds. Their migration takes 6-8 months in total. While migrating long distances, they use a variety of behavioral and physiological adaptations to conserve energy and find food supplies. This epic migration is an amazing feat for a bird that weighs less than a nickel!
