Yes, it is currently hummingbird season in Houston, Texas. Hummingbirds are migratory birds that travel between their summer nesting grounds in North America and their winter homes in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. In Houston, hummingbird season typically lasts from March through October, which coincides with the blooming of nectar-rich flowers that attract these tiny birds.
The most common hummingbird species seen in the Houston area are the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and the Black-chinned Hummingbird. Ruby-throats are bright emerald green on their backs and white underneath, with the adult males having a brilliant iridescent red throat. Black-chins are darker overall, with a black chin and throat and deep purplish feathers on the head and back.
When do hummingbirds arrive in Houston?
Hummingbirds usually start arriving in the Houston area in early March. The earliest arrivals are adult male Ruby-throats seeking to establish breeding territories. As spring progresses, more Ruby-throats will arrive, including females and immature birds. Black-chinned Hummingbirds follow behind, typically showing up in late March or April.
By early May, hummingbird activity is in full swing, with males displaying territorial behavior and females busy building nests and raising their first brood of the season. The population peaks in Houston in May and June, when natural food sources are most abundant.
When do hummingbirds leave Houston?
Most hummingbirds start their southward migration in late summer or early fall. Black-chinned Hummingbirds are typically the first to leave, departing Houston in August and September. Ruby-throats follow in September and October. By late October, only a few stragglers may remain.
Some clues that hummingbird season is winding down in Houston are:
- Less vocal displays and chasing by males
- Flower beds with fewer hummingbird visitors
- Empty, abandoned nests
By November, the bulk of the hummingbird population has left the Houston area for their wintering grounds farther south.
Ideal flowers and feeders for attracting hummingbirds
To make your yard or garden as attractive as possible to hummingbirds during their Houston stay, focus on providing their two key needs: nectar-rich flowers and fresh supplemental nectar in feeders.
Best flowers for hummingbirds
Native plants that bloom during hummingbird season are ideal, as hummingbirds rely on local, wildflowers during migration. Some top options include:
- Coral honeysuckle
- Trumpet creeper
- Cardinal flower
- Firecracker plant
- Columbine
- Bee balm
Tubular flowers in colors like red, orange, and pink are preferred, as they contain more nectar.
Best feeders for hummingbirds
While flowers provide food, a good nectar feeder will help ensure hummingbirds stick around. Look for feeders that:
- Offer a concentrated sugar-water solution (4 parts water to 1 part white sugar)
- Have red accents to attract the birds
- Are easy to clean and refill
- Are leak-proof when hanging
- Have built-in ant/bee guards
Multiple feeders placed strategically around your yard will accommodate more hummingbirds.
Hummingbird behavior in Houston
In addition to feeding, hummingbirds engage in some interesting behaviors while in the Houston area for the season:
Courting displays
Males can perform elaborate courtship rituals to impress females, including aerial maneuvers and shuttle displays where they fly back and forth repeatedly.
Territorial behavior
Males are very territorial and will chase other males out of their domain, as well as females once breeding is complete. Fierce high-speed chases are common.
Nest building
Females build tiny cup-shaped nests out of spider silk, moss, and lichen glued together with saliva. Nests are often camouflaged on branches.
Perching and sunning
Hummingbirds will perch to rest and preen their feathers. Periodic sunning helps regulate body temperature.
Attracting hummingbirds to your Houston garden
Here are some useful tips to make your yard or garden as hummingbird-friendly as possible during their Houston visit:
Provide a water source
A mister, drippers, or small fountain gives hummingbirds a place to bathe and drink. Move water in the sun so insects gather for feeding.
Allow natural vegetation
Letting some areas go more wild provides shelter and nesting spots. Allow moss, lichens, and spiderwebs.
Plant native flowers and trees
Red buckeye, redbud, coral honeysuckle, and other local, native plants provide the nectar and habitat hummingbirds rely on.
Avoid pesticides
Pesticide use reduces insects that hummingbirds feed on. Organic gardening is best.
Strategically place feeders
Have at least 1-2 feeders in open spots with good sightlines spaced around your yard. No need to hang near every flower.
Change nectar regularly
Every 2-3 days in warm weather, up to 5 days in cooler temps. This prevents mold and bacteria.
Key facts and figures about hummingbirds
Here are some interesting statistics and information about hummingbird traits and behavior:
| Fact | Info |
|---|---|
| Number of species | Over 300 worldwide |
| Size | 2-8 inches long |
| Average wingspan | 3-4 inches |
| Heart rate | Up to 1,260 beats per minute |
| Breaths per minute | 250 at rest |
| Body temperature | 105° Fahrenheit |
| Wing speed | 30-80 beats per second |
| Flight speed | 30+ miles per hour |
| Daily nectar needs | 2-3 times body weight |
| Migration distance | Hundreds to thousands of miles |
Ruby-throated Hummingbird facts
| Fact | Info |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 3.5 inches |
| Length | 2.8-3.5 inches |
| Weight | 0.1-0.2 oz |
| Heart rate | 1,260 beats/minute |
| Breaths/minute | 250 at rest |
| Average lifespan | 3-7 years |
| Migration | 500 mile nonstop over Gulf |
Conclusion
In summary, hummingbird activity picks up in the Houston area around March as migrants arrive from their southern wintering grounds. Sightings peak in May and June before tapering off in late summer and fall as they depart back south. Providing nectar flowers and feeders, water, shelter, and a pesticide-free habitat are the best ways to attract hummingbirds to your Houston garden during their spring and summer stopover. Enjoy observing these energetic, acrobatic birds while they are in town!
