Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds when it comes to migration. Their small size and need for frequent nourishment means they embark on truly epic journeys every year. Understanding the paths hummingbirds take on their migrations can provide insight into the lives and needs of these captivating creatures.
When do hummingbirds migrate?
Hummingbirds migrate twice a year, in the spring and fall. The timing varies by species and location, but generally hummingbirds start migrating north in late January and February as flowers begin to bloom. They continue traveling north, following the bloom of nectar-rich flowers and plants, through March, April and May. By mid to late May, most hummingbirds have reached their summer breeding grounds in the United States and Canada. In the fall, this process reverses, with hummingbirds migrating south starting in July and August through October and November, reaching their wintering grounds by December.
Why do hummingbirds migrate such long distances?
Hummingbirds migrate incredible distances each year, with many species traveling over 3,000 miles between their wintering and summer grounds. This is driven by their need for frequent nourishment. Hummingbirds can starve in under an hour if they run out of nectar, so they have to follow the seasonal bloom of flowers and plants for food. This leads them to travel all the way from Mexico and Central America in the winter up to Alaska and Canada in the summer, and back again.
What are the main migration routes for hummingbirds?
There are five major “flyways” or routes that hummingbirds use during migration in North America:
- The Atlantic Flyway – Along the Atlantic Coast from Florida to the Canadian Maritimes
- The Mississippi Flyway – Along the Mississippi River Valley from the Gulf Coast to Canada’s Great Lakes
- The Central Flyway – Through the Great Plains from Texas to Saskatchewan
- The Pacific Flyway – Along the Pacific Coast from Baja Mexico to Alaska
- The Gulf of Mexico – Directly across the Gulf of Mexico for species that winter in Mexico and Central America
These major flyways include important stopover spots where the birds rest and refuel during their migration. However, they are not exact flight paths – hummingbirds may take side trips and wander widely depending on food availability.
Do hummingbirds always follow the same routes?
Individual hummingbirds exhibit a strong instinct to follow ancestral migration routes passed down genetically. However, they do have some flexibility and ability to adapt their routes based on environmental conditions each year. For example, hummingbirds may shift their path north or south a bit to take advantage of early or late blooming flowers and nectar sources. Some younger birds dispersing from their birthplace for the first time may stray off the traditional routes as well.
What are some major hummingbird migration routes?
Here are some of the major migration paths followed by common hummingbird species:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Breeds: Eastern and central North America
- Winters: Southern Mexico to Panama
- Migrates: Through Gulf Coast states, follows Atlantic Flyway up Eastern Seaboard
- One-way distance: Over 1,500 miles
Rufous Hummingbird
- Breeds: Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Western Canada
- Winters: Mexico
- Migrates: Down Pacific Coast through California, crosses Rockies and Gulf of Mexico
- One-way distance: Over 3,000 miles
Calliope Hummingbird
- Breeds: Western North America
- Winters: Mexico
- Migrates: Through Pacific Flyway, crosses Southwest deserts and Gulf of Mexico
- One-way distance: Over 2,000 miles
Anna’s Hummingbird
- Breeds: Pacific Coast, Southwest U.S.
- Winters: Southern California south to Baja Mexico
- Partial migrant – northernmost birds migrate south through Pacific Flyway
- One-way distance: Up to 1,000 miles
What challenges do hummingbirds face during migration?
Hummingbird migration is an incredible feat for such tiny birds, and they face many hazards along the way including:
- Lack of food – Finding enough nectar required for their hyperactive metabolism
- Exhaustion – Flying hundreds of miles non-stop over barriers like the Gulf of Mexico
- Predators – Threats from birds of prey and other animals
- Severe weather – Storms, high winds, and precipitation
- Human-caused threats – Habitat loss, buildings and towers, light pollution
Researchers estimate 40-50% of young hummingbirds may not survive their first migration. Adults have higher survival rates, but the journey is still grueling and dangerous.
How do hummingbirds navigate on migration?
Hummingbirds utilize several astounding adaptations and abilities to navigate on their migrations including:
- Instinct – Following genetically imprinted ancestral routes
- Earth’s magnetic field – Detect changes in the angle of field lines
- Landmarks – Recognizing mountains, coastlines, rivers
- Sun compass – Using the sun’s orientation to determine direction
- Internal clock – Maintaining circadian rhythms and fat storage based on length of daylight
Remarkably, hummingbirds appear capable of incorporating information from all these sources to navigate accurately even on their first migration.
How can humans help protect migrating hummingbirds?
Here are some ways people can help support hummingbirds on migration:
- Provide nectar feeders along migration routes and in stopover areas
- Plant native flowers and gardens with nectar sources
- Avoid pesticide use which reduces insect food sources
- Keep cats indoors to reduce predation
- Reduce collisions by placing decals on windows
- Support habitat conservation of stopover sites
- Participate in citizen science projects that track migration
Even small actions by individuals can make a difference to help hummingbirds complete their epic seasonal journeys.
Conclusion
The tiny hummingbird’s migration is one of the most astonishing feats of the natural world. Tracking their migratory routes provides insight into the behavior, biology and conservation needs of these captivating species. While their migrations are driven by instinct, hummingbirds do show some flexibility and ability to adapt to changing conditions each season. These incredible journeys also highlight the threats hummingbirds face across habitats and political boundaries, requiring international cooperation to ensure their journeys can continue.
