The hummingbird migration is a phenomenon where hummingbirds migrate hundreds or thousands of miles between their summer breeding grounds and their winter non-breeding grounds. This migration allows hummingbirds to take advantage of abundant food sources and favorable climate conditions during the summer, while escaping harsh winters. But how long does this remarkable journey take?
When does the hummingbird migration start and end?
Hummingbirds begin migrating north from their winter grounds as early as January and February. The timing depends on the species and geographic location. For example, Anna’s and Rufous Hummingbirds begin migrating north along the Pacific Coast in January and February. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds follow soon after in February and March as they leave Central America and Mexico. Most hummingbirds complete their spring migration and arrive on their summer breeding grounds by May.
In the fall, the migration process reverses. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds start heading south in August. Rufous Hummingbirds begin migrating south in July and August. Anna’s Hummingbirds wait until October or November to migrate. By December, the vast majority of hummingbirds in North America have completed their fall migration back to their tropical winter grounds in Mexico, Central America, and a few Caribbean islands.
How long is the migration journey?
The length of the migration journey varies widely depending on the species and the specific nesting and wintering locations. Here are some examples of hummingbird migration distances:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds may migrate over 2,000 miles between their breeding range east of the Rocky Mountains and their winter range in Central America.
- Rufous Hummingbirds breeding in Alaska migrate around 3,000 miles to reach their winter grounds in Mexico.
- Allen’s and other Selasphorus hummingbird species follow a similar very long migration path when breeding in the Pacific Northwest and wintering in Mexico.
- In contrast, Anna’s and Costa’s Hummingbirds that breed along the West Coast only migrate a few hundred miles inland and south to warmer climates in winter.
Researchers have attached tiny tracking devices to hummingbirds to gain insight into their migration routes and timing. This technology confirms that most migrating hummingbirds travel hundreds or thousands of miles between their seasonal ranges.
How long does it take hummingbirds to complete their migration?
Hummingbirds migrate relatively quickly for such small birds. Complete migration journeys often take about a month, but timing depends on the length of the trip. Here is how long it takes some hummingbirds to complete spring and fall migrations:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds may complete their 1,000+ mile spring migration from Central America to the Eastern U.S. in just 3-4 weeks.
- Rufous Hummingbirds breeding in Alaska spend about 5-6 weeks migrating north in the spring.
- Allen’s and other Selasphorus hummingbirds also require around 5-6 weeks to reach their Pacific Northwest breeding grounds.
- Fall migration durations are similar for the long-distance migratory hummingbirds.
- Shorter-distance migrants like Anna’s Hummingbirds may complete their relatively short migrations in just a few weeks.
This means most hummingbirds are traveling hundreds of miles a week at times as they migrate. However, hummingbirds rarely make these continuous nonstop flights. Instead, they stop frequently to rest and refuel during their migration, making the journey in multiple short segments.
How do hummingbirds migrate so quickly?
Hummingbirds are built for rapid long-distance movement. Here are some of their key migration adaptations:
- Flight efficiency – Hummingbird wings are specially adapted to the demands of hovering and migratory flight. Their wing shape and muscle composition allow very efficient flapping flight.
- Fat stores – Hummingbirds nearly double their body weight before migration by building up fat reserves to fuel their journey.
- Rapid metabolism – Even at rest, hummingbirds have incredibly high metabolic rates. This gives them energy and allows rapid refueling.
- Minimal sleep – Migrating hummingbirds appear able to get by with very little sleep. They may sleep on the wing and/or through very short periods of torpor.
- Navigation ability – Hummingbirds utilize a variety of orientation mechanisms including the earth’s magnetic field to navigate during migration.
Thanks to these adaptations, hummingbirds are capable of maintaining a rapid migration pace as they commute between their seasonal homes each year.
What are the longest nonstop hummingbird flights?
Most migration segments are relatively short for hummingbirds, but some exceptional nonstop flights have been documented:
- A Rufous Hummingbird was recorded migrating 620 miles nonstop over the Gulf of Mexico – possibly the longest recorded hummingbird flight.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds may make 500 mile nonstop flights across the Gulf of Mexico.
- Banding data has recorded Rufous Hummingbirds making 400 mile nonstop flights in a single day.
- Allen’s Hummingbirds have been documented flying up to 600 miles nonstop over the Pacific Ocean.
Despite their small size, hummingbirds are truly remarkable long-distance travelers when necessary. However, most of their migration consists of much shorter flights from one rest stop to the next as they work their way between seasonal ranges.
Conclusion
In summary, the hummingbird migration is a long but rapid process for most species. The longest migrations of 3000+ miles take around 5-6 weeks to complete in each direction. Shorter migrations may be completed in 3-4 weeks. This means hummingbirds can travel hundreds of miles in a week when migrating. Key adaptations like efficient flapping flight, fat stores, rapid refueling, minimal sleep, and navigational mechanisms allow hummingbirds to maintain an impressive pace. While most migration flights are short segments between rest stops, some remarkable nonstop flights of 500 miles or more have been recorded, proving the endurance and capabilities of these aerial travelers.
