Hummingbirds are amazing little birds that make an incredible migration each year. These tiny birds, some species weighing less than a nickel, fly hundreds or even thousands of miles between their summer breeding grounds in Canada and the United States to their winter homes in Mexico and Central America.
Quick Answer
It takes most hummingbirds between 5-7 weeks to complete their fall migration journey from Canada and the northern United States to Mexico. The longest migrations can take up to 2 months. It’s a long and arduous trip for such tiny birds!
Overview of Hummingbird Migration
There are over 300 different species of hummingbirds in the Americas. The majority breed in the United States and Canada in the summer months. As cold weather approaches in late summer, they begin a long migration south to warmer climates in Mexico and Central America where they will spend the winter.[1]
Some key facts about hummingbird migration:
- Most hummingbirds migrate alone, not in flocks like some other birds.
- They fly during the day, resting at night by clinging to branches.
- Their preferred habitat during migration are woodlands and forests that provide food and shelter.
- They feed on energy-rich nectar from flowers along the migration route.
- Some species fly across the Gulf of Mexico nonstop, an 18-24 hour journey over 500 miles of open water.
The most common summer breeding hummingbirds found in Canada that migrate to Mexico include:[2]
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird
- Allen’s Hummingbird
How Far Do They Migrate?
For some hummingbirds, it’s an incredibly long journey. Here are some examples of migration distances:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird – Between Canada and Mexico, ~4,000 miles round trip
- Rufous Hummingbird – Between Alaska and Mexico, ~5,000 miles one way
- Allen’s Hummingbird – Between Canada and Mexico, ~2,600 miles one way
- Costa’s Hummingbird – Between Canada and Mexico, ~1,800 miles one way
As you can see, the Rufous Hummingbird makes the longest migration of any hummingbird, an astonishing 5,000 mile one-way journey. Their route takes them from as far north as Alaska to wintering grounds in Mexico – a distance equal to flying coast to coast across the United States two times![3]
Timing of Hummingbird Migration
Hummingbirds begin migrating south in late summer and early fall. The exact timing varies by species and depends on food availability in their breeding territory:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds – Begin migrating in August from Canada, peak migration in September
- Rufous Hummingbirds – Start leaving Alaska in July, peak migration August-September
- Calliope Hummingbirds – Leave Canada beginning in early August
- Broad-tailed Hummingbirds – Migrate south from late July onwards
- Allen’s Hummingbirds – Leave breeding grounds along Pacific Coast in September
By late October to early November, most hummingbirds have completed migration and arrived on their wintering grounds in Mexico. The birds will reside there until the return trip in early spring.[4]
How Long Does the Migration Take?
For most species, the fall migration takes 5-7 weeks to travel from Canada and the northern U.S. to Mexico. However, the longest migrations can take up to 2 months to complete.
Here are estimates for how long it takes some hummingbird species to complete fall migration:[5]
| Species | Migration Duration |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated | 5-7 weeks |
| Rufous | 6-8 weeks |
| Calliope | 5-6 weeks |
| Broad-tailed | 5-7 weeks |
| Allen’s | 6-8 weeks |
As you can see, most species take 5-7 weeks to fly from Canada to Mexico. Given the immense distances travelled, it’s an impressive feat!
What Affects Migration Speed?
There are several factors that affect how fast hummingbirds can complete migration:
- Weather – Strong headwinds or storms can slow down progress.
- Food availability – Lack of flower nectar along the route causes longer rest stops.
- Predators – Need to avoid hawks, falcons and other birds that prey on hummingbirds.
- Geography – Mountains, deserts and other barriers affect route efficiency.
- Age and health – Young and weaker birds may migrate slower.
By timing migration with peak flower blooming, seeking shelter and gaining weight before crossing barriers like the Gulf of Mexico, hummingbirds optimize their migration speed. However, changing climate patterns and habitat loss can disrupt their route and food sources, slowing the journey.[6]
How Do Hummingbirds Navigate Migration?
Considering their tiny size, it’s incredible that hummingbirds can find their way over such huge distances. So how do they navigate migration?
Hummingbirds are believed to use several techniques for navigation:[7]
- Sun compass – They determine direction using the sun’s orientation.
- Stars – On cloudy days they may navigate using stars.
- Visual landmarks – Recognizing hills, coastlines and other landmarks.
- Sense of smell – Detecting plant odors and geomagnetic scents.
- Internal compass – They may have an innate magnetic compass sense.
Young hummingbirds make their first migration by following adult birds. Over time they learn and memorize key stopovers and feeding areas along the route. Each generation passes on this collective navigation knowledge.
Major Hazards and Threats
Hummingbirds face many life-threatening hazards along their epic migration journey including:[8]
- Inclement weather – Storms, high winds, fog and rain can be deadly.
- Lack of food – Flowers and nectar needed for fuel.
- Predators – Hawks, falcons and other birds prey on hummingbirds.
- Exhaustion – The long trip is physically grueling.
- Collisions – Hummingbirds often collide with buildings and towers.
Up to 50% of hummingbirds may perish on migration from these hazards. Human impacts like habitat loss, climate change and buildings are increasing migration dangers.
Notable Migration Records
There are some record-breaking migration feats of hummingbirds that highlight their incredible endurance:[9]
- Longest distance in a day – A Rufous Hummingbird was recorded migrating over 600 miles in just 24 hours.
- Fastest speed – A male Allen’s Hummingbird was recorded at a top speed of 38 mph during migration.
- Gulf crossing – Some Ruby-throated Hummingbirds fly nonstop across 500+ miles of the Gulf of Mexico in 18-24 hours.
- High altitude – Hummingbirds have been spotted migrating over 10,000 feet elevation in mountain passes.
- Age range – The oldest known wild hummingbird was 9 years old, making many migrations.
Their long distance flight records and age range show the incredible capabilities of hummingbirds.
Key Stopover Sites
Hummingbirds use a network of stopover sites along their migration route to rest and refuel. Some of the most important habitat sites include:[10]
- Texas Gulf Coast – Provides critical rest stop after crossing Gulf of Mexico.
- Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve – Protected forest in Mexico with food-rich flowers.
- White Mountain National Forest – Wooded mountain range crossing New Hampshire and Maine.
- Appalachian Mountains – Stretching from Alabama to Canada, provides food and shelter.
- Point Pelee National Park – Stopover along Lake Erie before crossing the lake.
Preserving migration stopover habitats helps ensure hummingbirds have the food and shelter needed to successfully complete their yearly journeys.
Research and Tracking Methods
How do scientists track and study hummingbird migration? Some methods include:[11]
- Banding – Small numbered bands placed on legs to identify individual birds.
- Radio telemetry – Tiny radio transmitters attached to hummingbirds to follow routes.
- Stable isotope analysis – Examining bird tissues to trace changes in location and diet.
- Citizen science – Bird watchers submit sightings to databases to map migrations.
- Doppler radar – Detects clouds of migrating birds including hummingbirds.
Tracking studies have revealed fascinating details about hummingbird migration routes, timing, speed, population sizes and threats.
Unique Adaptations for Migration
Hummingbirds have many unique evolutionary adaptations that enable their long migrations:[12]
- Fast metabolisms – Burn fuel efficiently while hovering and flying.
- Fat storage – Can store enough fat to double body weight before migrating.
- Rotating arms – Wings can rotate in full circles for power and stability.
- Reduced organs – Shrunken digestive systems and bones minimize weight.
- Torpor – Lower body temperature and heart rate to conserve energy.
Other adaptations like grooved tongue tubes for nectar eating and hyper-flexible bills also aid their migration and lifestyle.
Importance of Flowers and Habitat
Access to flower nectar for food is critical for hummingbirds to complete migration. Some important nectar flowers include:[13]
- Trumpet Vine
- Bee Balm
- Sage
- Wild Columbine
- Jewelweed
- Impatiens
- Fuchsia
Planting native nectar flowers along migration routes provides essential refueling stops for hummingbirds. Preserving wildflower meadows and varied woodland habitats also gives them abundant food options.
How You Can Help Hummingbird Migration
There are a few ways you can help support hummingbirds on their epic yearly migrations:[14]
- Provide nectar feeders – Fill feeders with fresh sugar-water when they pass through.
- Plant native flowers – Grow tubular red and orange flowers they are attracted to.
- Install a mister – Misting helps hummingbirds keep cool and hydrated.
- Report sightings – Submit data to citizen science databases to track migration.
- Keep cats indoors – Cats kill millions of migrating songbirds each year.
Protecting habitat, reducing collisions and contributing to research are other ways you can support hummingbird conservation.
Conclusion
The fall migration of hummingbirds from Canada to Mexico is an epic journey. For birds that weigh only a few grams, they display incredible endurance flying hundreds or thousands of miles over mountains, deserts and open water. Their navigation abilities, adaptations and stopover habitats allow most hummingbirds to complete the 5-7 week migration and arrive safely in Mexico by late October. Supporting these tiny travelers through native plants, food sources and citizen science data can help ensure the migration continues for generations to come.
