As the weather cools and days shorten in the fall, hummingbirds undergo an incredible migration. These tiny birds, some weighing less than a penny, travel hundreds or even thousands of miles to their winter homes in Mexico, Central America, and the southern United States. Their migration is an amazing feat of endurance for such small creatures.
Where do hummingbirds go in the fall?
Most hummingbirds that breed in the United States and Canada migrate south in the fall to warmer climates. Ruby-throated hummingbirds, the most common hummingbird in eastern North America, fly across the Gulf of Mexico in a single nonstop flight of up to 500 miles to reach their wintering grounds in southern Mexico and Central America. Rufous hummingbirds, common in the Pacific Northwest, migrate through western Mexico to winter as far south as central Mexico. Other species, like Anna’s and Allen’s hummingbirds, are year-round residents along the West Coast and do not migrate.
Here are the winter ranges for some common hummingbird species that migrate:
- Ruby-throated hummingbird – Southern Mexico to Panama
- Rufous hummingbird – Southwest U.S. to central Mexico
- Calliope hummingbird – Mexico
- Black-chinned hummingbird – Mexico
- Broad-tailed hummingbird – Mexico
When do hummingbirds migrate in the fall?
Most hummingbirds migrate south between mid-August and early October. Their departure coincides with the end of the nesting season in their northern breeding grounds. Shortening daylight, flowers going to seed, and cooler temperatures provide the signal to migrate. Some species, like rufous hummingbirds, begin migrating as early as June and July.
Young hummingbirds generally migrate before adults. In late summer and early fall, people may notice more juvenile birds visiting their feeders. These are the young of the year fattening up for their first migration south. Adult hummingbirds follow later in the fall migration season.
How far do hummingbirds migrate?
Migration distances vary by species, but ruby-throated hummingbirds typically travel between 500-2000 miles from their breeding to wintering grounds. Rufous hummingbirds may fly up to 4000 miles round trip. Here are estimated migration distances for some common hummingbird species:
| Species | Migration Distance |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 500-2000 miles |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 3000-4000 miles |
| Calliope Hummingbird | 2000-3000 miles |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | 500 miles |
Considering their tiny size, these migration distances are incredible! The ruby-throated hummingbird weighs only 2-6 grams but makes a nonstop 500 mile flight over the Gulf of Mexico every fall.
How do hummingbirds migrate?
Hummingbirds migrate by flying during the day and resting at night. They travel alone, not in flocks, and defend feeding territories along the migration route. Their wings beat up to 70 times per second, allowing these masterful hoverers to adjust to crosswinds and headwinds during migration.
Hummingbirds get their energy for migration from flower nectar and sugars from tree sap and feeders. They need to store enough fat reserves to fuel these long flights. Prior to migration, they may double their weight by building up fat stores. As they fly, hummingbirds get extra boosts by going into torpor – a mini-hibernation where they lower their body temperature and heart rate so they burn fewer calories overnight.
What routes do hummingbirds take?
Hummingbirds follow established migration flyways along coasts and mountain ranges where they can stop to refuel on nectar. Banding studies and citizen science observations help map their migration routes. Ruby-throated hummingbirds follow an inland path across the eastern U.S. before crossing the Gulf of Mexico. Rufous hummingbirds migrate along the Pacific Coast and through mountain passes. Planning routes with regular stopping points allows the birds to replenish their energy reserves along the way.
How do hummingbirds know when to migrate?
Hummingbirds appear to rely on a combination of instinct and environmental cues to know when to migrate. As days get shorter in late summer, hormonal changes trigger hyperphagia – increased appetite and fat storage. Lower temperatures and changes in food sources provide additional signals. Young birds may instinctively migrate at the appropriate time without learning from older birds. Hummingbirds likely use the sun for orientation during migration. Their internal circadian rhythms help guide their navigation.
How long does hummingbird migration take?
The duration of migration depends on the distance travelled. Shorter migrations may take a few weeks or a month. Ruby-throated hummingbirds likely complete their 500 mile Gulf crossing in 18-22 hours. Rufous hummingbirds could take 2 months to travel 4000 miles to their winter grounds. Frequent stops to rest and refuel prolong the total migration time. The birds may pause for a few days or weeks before crossing major barriers like the Gulf of Mexico to build up fat reserves.
What challenges do hummingbirds face during migration?
Hummingbirds must overcome many obstacles during their fall migration, including:
- Bad weather – Storms, high winds, and rain can blow the tiny birds off course.
- Lack of food – Flowers and nectar availability along the route affects their ability to refuel.
- Predators – Hawks, falcons, and other birds prey on hummingbirds during migration.
- Exhaustion – The long nonstop flights require immense energy.
- Orientation – The birds must navigate using mental maps and environmental cues.
Given these challenges, it is estimated that 40-50% of juvenile hummingbirds do not survive their first fall migration. Adults have higher survival rates thanks to experience and stronger flight muscles.
Do any hummingbirds stay in their breeding range?
A few hummingbird species do not migrate and instead spend the winter in their summer breeding range. Anna’s hummingbird and Allen’s hummingbird are year-round residents along coastal California and the Pacific Northwest. Some rufous hummingbirds and black-chinned hummingbirds may overwinter in parts of the southwestern United States rather than migrating to Mexico if food sources are adequate.
In the Southeast, a small but increasing number of ruby-throated hummingbirds are attempting to overwinter rather than migrate. These rarities are called “winter hummers.” They rely on feeders and other manmade nectar sources to survive the cold months when flowers are not blooming.
How do hummingbirds know when to migrate north in the spring?
Increasing daylight and temperature provide the signals that tell hummingbirds when to begin spring migration. For ruby-throated hummingbirds wintering in Central America, spring migration may start as early as January. Rufous hummingbirds are one of the last species to head north, leaving Mexico in March and April. Males tend to migrate earlier so they can claim the best breeding territories.
To prepare for spring migration, the birds feed heavily to store fat. Flowers blooming along the migration route provide essential fuel stops. Hummingbirds rely on their sharp memory to retrace their path back to their breeding grounds, navigating using the sun and landmarks.
When do hummingbirds return from migration?
Hummingbirds arrive back on their breeding grounds anywhere from March to May depending on the species and latitude. Here are approximate spring arrival times:
- Ruby-throated hummingbird – Early April in southern U.S., mid-May in northern U.S. and Canada
- Rufous hummingbird – Mid-March to early May, males before females
- Calliope hummingbird – Mid-April to early May
- Broad-tailed hummingbird – Late April to early May
- Black-chinned hummingbird – Late March to mid-April
Males precede females by about 1-2 weeks to secure the best territories. Arrival dates can vary by several weeks depending on weather conditions during migration. Ruby-throats are often the last spring migrants to return because of their long migration across the Gulf of Mexico.
Do hummingbirds return to the same place each year?
Incredibly, individual hummingbirds have shown the ability to return to the exact same breeding sites year after year. Banding data has documented ruby-throated hummingbirds returning to the same yards and even feeders where they previously nested. Their homing ability and sharp memory guide them back hundreds of miles with precision. Males in particular will try to reclaim a former territory.
Not all hummingbirds migrate back to the exact same spot. Young birds may establish new territories. Drought or habitat change can also force birds to pick new breeding locations when they return in spring. But mature males especially exhibit loyalty to previous breeding sites through accurate long-distance navigation.
How can I support migrating hummingbirds?
Here are some tips to help hummingbirds as they migrate through your area in spring and fall:
- Keep feeders clean, filled, and available into autumn as food sources dwindle.
- Provide a water source like a mister, fountain, or bird bath for drinking and bathing.
- Offer high energy feeder nectar made with 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.
- Include flowering plants and shrubs that provide natural nectar.
- Eliminate pesticides which can poison the birds.
- Let birds rest overnight; don’t knock them off perches.
Even a small effort to provide resources in your yard can fuel migrating hummingbirds on their incredible journeys.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are amazing long-distance migrants despite their tiny size. In fall, most species make arduous journeys of hundreds or thousands of miles from their breeding grounds in the U.S. and Canada to winter homes in Mexico and Central America. These birds prepare for migration by building up fat stores then navigate using mental maps, the sun, and stars. Along their precisely timed routes, the hummingbirds stop to refuel on nectar from flowers and feeders. While migration is challenging, hummingbirds demonstrate incredible endurance and homing skills to reach their northern breeding sites each spring. Backyard birders can support these remarkable migrants by providing food, water, and shelter in their yards along the way.
