The hummingbird season in Missouri typically lasts from early spring through late fall each year. Hummingbirds start arriving in Missouri in early April and numbers peak in May and June when spring migration is in full swing. Some hummingbirds nest and breed in Missouri and remain throughout the summer. The busy summer hummingbird season lasts through August. Most hummingbirds depart Missouri by late September or October as they migrate south for the winter.
When do hummingbirds arrive in Missouri?
The earliest spring migrant hummingbirds start arriving in Missouri in early April. These are usually Ruby-throated Hummingbirds returning from their wintering grounds in Central America or Mexico.numbers of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds continue to pass through Missouri throughout April as part of their spring migration north to breeding grounds.
By early May, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are widespread and common throughout Missouri as spring migration hits its peak. Other less common species, like Rufous and Calliope Hummingbirds, may also migrate through Missouri in small numbers in April and May.
What is the peak hummingbird season in Missouri?
The peak of hummingbird activity and diversity in Missouri occurs in May and June. During these months hummingbirds are most abundant as spring migration winds down and summer residents settle in to breed. Up to a dozen hummingbird species have been recorded in Missouri in late spring, including Ruby-throated, Rufous, Allen’s, Calliope, Broad-tailed, and Buff-bellied.
By late May and June, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds – the only species that regularly nests in Missouri – are nesting and raising their first broods of the season. Males establish breeding territories and compete for mates. The familiar buzzing sound of hummingbird wings fills backyards and gardens statewide.
When does the breeding season start?
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds usually arrive on their Missouri breeding grounds by early May. Courting and mating occurs soon after arrival. The female builds a tiny delicate nest out of plant down, spider webs, lichens, and moss. It is lined with soft plant fibers.
Nests are typically located on the upperhorizontal branch of a deciduous tree about 10-20 feet above ground. Egg laying starts by late May or early June. The female lays two pea-sized white eggs and incubates them for 12-16 days.
How long do hummingbirds stay in Missouri in summer?
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are present in Missouri throughout the summer to nest and raise young. The breedingseason spans from May through August.
Females incubate the eggs and care for the young without help from males. The nestlings fledge and leave the nest about 18-25 days after hatching. Within a few days, they are able to fly skillfully and forage on their own.
By late summer, many of the adult male Ruby-throats depart the breeding grounds, heading south up to a month before the females and young. The female and juvenile hummingbirds follow later in the fall migration.
When does the hummingbird migration end?
Most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds leave Missouri by late September or early October. Only a few stragglers may linger into late October or early November, especially if feeders are maintained into the fall.
Rufous Hummingbirds are usually the last to migrate through Missouri in fall, passing through in October on their way to wintering grounds along the Gulf Coast. By November, hummingbird migration is essentially over and winter sets in the Show-Me State.
How many broods do hummingbirds have in Missouri?
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds often raise two broods per summer in Missouri. The female builds a nest and lays eggs for the first brood in May or June. She may start a second nest while the first brood is still in the nest, or shortly after they fledge.
She will lay two more eggs in the second nest and raise another set of young. The second brood fledges by late July or August. Having two broods each season is common in Missouri’s long, warm summers.
What is the hummingbird population in Missouri?
Missouri represents the northwestern extent of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s breeding range in eastern North America. The species has expanded its range westward by 130 miles across Missouri over the past several decades as more people plant gardens and supply feeders.
Based on the Breeding Bird Survey, Missouri’s Ruby-throated Hummingbird population is estimated at around 160,000 pairs. Numbers peak from May through August when birds are concentrated on breeding territories. Peak statewide population may reach 500,000 or more birds during summer.
Where are the best places to see hummingbirds in Missouri?
Hummingbirds can be found statewide in Missouri during summer, especially in areas with flower gardens, feeders, and naturalized meadows with native wildflowers. Some top spots include:
- Shaw Nature Reserve in Franklin County
- Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in St. Louis County
- Runge Conservation Nature Center in Jefferson County
- Busch Conservation Area in St. Charles County
- Hulah Lake, Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Ozark County
Any location with adequate food sources and nesting habitat should attract hummingbirds in summer. Keep an eye on red tubular flowers and any backyard feeders.
How can I attract hummingbirds to my yard?
To attract hummingbirds to your yard in Missouri:
- Put up nectar feeders filled with a 4:1 ratio of water to white refined sugar. Do not use brown sugar, honey, or artificial sweeteners.
- Hang feeders on porches, under eaves, or from tree branches.
- Plant plenty of nectar-rich flowers like bee balm, trumpet vine, cardinal flower, and native wildflowers.
- Supply a water mister or shallow bath for birds to drink and bathe.
- DO NOT use pesticides which can be toxic to hummingbirds.
- Consider setting up lights directed at feeders to extend feeding after dark.
Conclusion
In summary, the hummingbird season in Missouri runs from April through October with peak activity in May, June and July. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the main breeding species, raising two broods per summer. Planting flowers, providing feeders, and reducing pesticide use can help attract more hummingbirds to your yard to enjoy their graceful beauty all season long.
