North Carolina is home to several species of hummingbirds that migrate through the state each year. Hummingbirds are attracted to the abundance of flowering plants and artificial feeders filled with sugar water that North Carolinians put out to attract these tiny birds. The timing of hummingbird migration and presence varies across North Carolina based on latitude, elevation, and other factors. Generally speaking, the hummingbird season in North Carolina runs from April through October, with peak activity in the spring and fall when hummingbirds are migrating through the state.
What hummingbird species can be found in North Carolina?
There are three main species of hummingbirds that are regularly seen in North Carolina:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common and widespread hummingbird species in eastern North America. In North Carolina, ruby-throats are present from April through October and are found statewide. The adult male ruby-throat has metallic green upperparts, a brilliant red throat, and a forked tail. Females lack the red throat and are duller overall. Ruby-throats nest in North Carolina and commonly visit both artificial feeders and flowering plants and trees.
Rufous Hummingbird
The rufous hummingbird is a western species that migrates through North Carolina during spring and fall migrations. In spring, rufous hummingbirds pass through from March to May as they migrate north to breeding grounds, primarily in the Pacific Northwest. During fall migration, rufous hummingbirds are again seen passing through North Carolina from mid-August through October as they head south to wintering grounds in Mexico. The male rufous hummingbird has beautiful coppery-red plumage on its back and belly. Females are greener overall.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
The black-chinned hummingbird was originally a western species but has expanded its breeding range eastward in recent decades. Black-chins are now regular migrants through western North Carolina, primarily during fall migration in August and September. Adult males have a metallic green back and a distinctive black throat with a thin band of iridescent purple. Females lack the black chin and purple band.
When do hummingbirds arrive in North Carolina in spring?
The timing of spring hummingbird migration in North Carolina is dependent on a number of factors including weather patterns, elevation, and latitude:
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
– In coastal areas of North Carolina, ruby-throats may arrive as early as the last week of March. But more consistently they show up in the first or second week of April.
– In the Piedmont region of central North Carolina, ruby-throats typically arrive in mid-April.
– In higher elevation mountain areas they may not arrive until early May.
Rufous Hummingbirds
– Rufous hummingbirds pass through western North Carolina in April and early May, with peak numbers in mid- to late April.
– They become more common in the higher mountain elevations where spring comes later. Occasionally a rufous hummingbird lingers into early May.
Black-chinned Hummingbirds
– Black-chinned hummingbirds are rare spring migrants in North Carolina, typically only seen in May in western parts of the state.
When do hummingbirds leave North Carolina in fall?
The timing of fall hummingbird migration shows less geographic variation compared to spring. But elevation still has an impact on departure dates:
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
– On the North Carolina coast, ruby-throats begin leaving in late August and September. Some may linger into early October.
– In the Piedmont and foothills, most ruby-throats depart in September and early October.
– In higher mountain elevations they tend to leave later in October.
Rufous Hummingbirds
– Rufous hummingbirds pass through western North Carolina from mid-August through early October, with peak numbers in September.
Black-chinned Hummingbirds
– Black-chins migrate through western North Carolina primarily in August and September.
What triggers hummingbird migration in North Carolina?
Hummingbirds precisely time their migration to take advantage of seasonal food resources. Several environmental cues trigger them to move:
Changes in Day Length
Hummingbirds respond to the lengthening days of spring and shortening days of fall to begin their migratory movements at the appropriate times.
Food Availability
The flowering and nectar production schedules of plants dictate hummingbird movements. In spring they migrate north just as flowers are beginning to bloom. In fall they depart when food plants start to wane.
Weather Patterns
Optimal migration conditions are cool temperatures with tailwinds. Hummingbirds wait for favorable winds and avoid storms, cold temperatures, or hot weather.
Hormonal Changes
Fluctuating levels of hormones related to reproduction and migration drive hummingbirds to move at the appropriate times.
Where do spring hummingbirds migrating through North Carolina come from?
In spring, North Carolina’s hummingbirds are coming up from these wintering grounds:
Ruby-throated
– Coastal Mexico, Central America, Caribbean islands
Rufous
– Mexico
Black-chinned
– Mexico, southwestern U.S.
The birds time their departure and route to intersect with the blooming of nectar plants as they migrate northward.
Where do fall hummingbirds migrating through North Carolina go?
In fall, hummingbirds take different routes to get to their respective winter homes:
Ruby-throated
– Central America, Panama, western Caribbean
Rufous
– Southwestern U.S. and Mexico
Black-chinned
– Mexico
Hummingbirds once again time their migration to match up with blooming flowers and food availability along their migration route.
Why do hummingbirds migrate?
Hummingbirds are driven to migrate each year for several key reasons:
Food Availability
Hummingbirds must travel to take advantage of the seasonal abundance of flower nectar and insects in different locations. As flower availability changes with the seasons, the birds move to find optimum food resources.
Breeding
Many hummingbirds migrate north in spring to take advantage of favorable breeding conditions and raise their young during the peak of summer when food is plentiful.
Ideal Climate Conditions
Hummingbirds migrate to avoid extreme weather and seek out optimal habitat conditions throughout the year in different locations.
Competition Avoidance
Migration reduces competition for limited food resources. With different species wintering and breeding in separate areas, the birds can take advantage of diverse habitats.
What is the ruby-throated hummingbird’s migration route through North Carolina?
The ruby-throated hummingbird takes the following migration path through North Carolina twice each year:
Spring
– Arrives along the southeastern Atlantic coast in March/April
– Passes inland through the Piedmont and foothills in April
– Reaches the Appalachian Mountains in April/May
– Continues north along the spine of the Appalachians into breeding range
Fall
– Starts southbound migration in September from northern breeding grounds
– Follows Appalachians through western North Carolina in September/October
– Passes through Piedmont and foothills in September and early October
– Departs from the southeastern North Carolina coast in late September/October
– Crosses Gulf of Mexico and winters in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean
What habitats and plants do hummingbirds rely on during migration through North Carolina?
North Carolina provides important rest stops for fueling up along hummingbirds’ migration routes. Key habitats include:
Backyard Gardens
Hummingbirds are drawn to backyard nectar feeders placed along their migration path, often in urban and suburban areas. This provides critical refueling stops.
Flowering Meadows and Fields
Natural meadows with native wildflowers like bee balm, columbine, and jewelweed provide essential food during migration.
Forest Edges and Openings
Trees and shrubs like native azaleas, buckeye, honeysuckle, and coral honeysuckle around forest edges offer nectar.
Riparian Areas
River and stream corridors with plants like trumpet creeper, cardinal flower, and impatiens provide migration habitat.
How does weather affect hummingbird migration in North Carolina?
North Carolina’s weather patterns significantly influence the timing of hummingbird migration through the state:
Cold Fronts and Inclement Weather
Cold snaps with rain or winds ground hummingbirds for days or weeks, delaying their migration. Extended bad weather can be deadly.
Warm Temperatures
Warm fronts with southern breezes assist northward spring migration. But hot weather can limit food flowers, so migrants wait for ideal conditions.
Wind Patterns
Tailwinds allow hummingbirds to efficiently migrate long distances. Headwinds hinder migration, while crosswinds blow birds off course.
Storm Systems
Hurricanes and tropical storms disrupt migration patterns. Hummingbirds may wait out storms before attempting to cross geographical barriers like the Gulf of Mexico.
Drought
Lack of rain can inhibit nectar production, limiting food resources during migration. Migrants will wait for drought conditions to improve.
How do you attract hummingbirds during migration in North Carolina?
Here are some tips for enticing hungry migrating hummingbirds to visit your North Carolina yard:
Put up feeders
Use nectar feeders with a 1:4 sugar-water ratio. Place near trees and shrubs to provide cover. Clean feeders weekly.
Plant native flowers
Grow long-tubed native plants like trumpet creeper, cardinal flower, bee balm, and coral honeysuckle.
Provide water
Offer a hummingbird bath, mister, or other water source for drinking and bathing.
Avoid pesticides
Chemicals can eliminate hummingbird food sources like insects, limit migration stopover food supplies.
Supplement insects
Hummingbirds eat small insects too. Let some aphids and flies remain to provide protein.
Time it right
Put up feeders in early April as migrants arrive. Take down in October once they pass through.
Conclusion
North Carolina provides critical migratory habitat for hummingbirds each spring and fall. Backyard gardeners play an important role supplementing food and habitat needs as the birds pass through the state. By understanding hummingbird stopover schedules, food preferences, and favored habitat plants, North Carolinians can support migrating ruby-throated, rufous, and black-chinned hummingbirds. With a welcoming environment and safe refueling opportunities, backyard habitats help sustain migratory hummingbird populations along their incredible seasonal journeys.
