Hummingbirds are some of the most popular and beloved backyard birds in the United States. Known for their energetic flight and hovering ability, as well as their beautiful and tiny size, hummingbirds capture the fascination and admiration of people everywhere they occur. Hummingbirds are native to the Americas, with over 300 different species found from Alaska to Chile. In the United States, there are several species that breed during the summer months and migrate south to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean for the winter. In South Carolina, there are a few species of hummingbirds that pass through in migration or breed in the state. Knowing when these hummingbirds return to South Carolina each year is valuable information for people who want to attract and enjoy them in their yards or gardens.
What hummingbird species occur in South Carolina?
There are three main species of hummingbirds found in South Carolina each year:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only species that commonly breeds in the state. However, Rufous Hummingbirds and Black-chinned Hummingbirds may occasionally breed in small numbers or pass through during migration. Here is some background on each species:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most widespread and commonly observed hummingbird in Eastern North America. They breed in all states east of the Great Plains and winter along the coasts of Mexico and Central America. Ruby-throats are a greenish-colored hummingbird with an iridescent ruby red throat in the males. Females lack the red throat and are duller in color. Ruby-throats make a small nest out of plant down and fibers attached to a tree branch. They lay 2-3 tiny white eggs that are only about the size of a jellybean.
Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous Hummingbird is one of the more common western hummingbird species. Their breeding range extends along the Pacific Coast and into the Rocky Mountains. However, Rufous Hummingbirds are famous for wandering far outside their normal range during migration and showing up in unusual locations across Eastern North America. They are bright orange-rufous colored on their backs and sides. The males have a bright orange throat. Rufous Hummingbirds are rare summer residents and breeders in parts of South Carolina.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
The Black-chinned Hummingbird breeds across the western United States and migrates through the southern parts of the country to winter in Mexico. Occasionally, Black-chinned Hummingbirds may wander into South Carolina, mainly in fall and early winter. Adults are dark green above with a dark purple throat and white below. They look very similar to the Ruby-throat but the purple chin helps distinguish them.
When do hummingbirds arrive in South Carolina?
The timing of when different hummingbird species arrive in South Carolina depends on whether they are summer breeders that migrate north or more transient migrants passing through the state. Here are the typical timeframes:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Spring Migration Arrival: Late March to Mid April
- Fall Migration Departure: September to early October
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds begin arriving in South Carolina in late March from their wintering grounds in Mexico or Central America. However, the peak of their spring migration through the state occurs from mid-April to early May.
In the fall, Ruby-throats start heading south again in August and September. However, some individuals, particularly adult males, may linger until October before migrating back to the tropics.
The Ruby-throat’s arrival and breeding season in South Carolina coincides with spring flowering. Their spring migration allows them to follow the bloom of hummingbird-adapted flowers like native columbines and mints spreading northward.
Rufous Hummingbird
- Peak South Carolina Occurrence: Late October to November
Rufous Hummingbirds do not regularly breed in South Carolina. However, they occasionally appear in the state, mainly during fall migration between October and November. This species winters primarily in Mexico after breeding farther north and west. The sporadic appearance of Rufous Hummingbirds in South Carolina represents individuals straying east from the core of their migration routes.
Some Rufous Hummingbirds may attempt to overwinter in South Carolina if feeders are maintained into December and January. But their numbers dwindle as cold weather continues.
Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Peak South Carolina Occurrence: November
Like the Rufous, Black-chinned Hummingbirds occur irregularly in South Carolina as a migrant and winter visitor. The peak chances to see this species are between October and November as they pass through on their way to wintering areas in Mexico or Central America. Numbers rapidly decline by late November.
Where do hummingbirds go after leaving South Carolina?
In the fall, hummingbirds departing South Carolina migrate south to their wintering grounds primarily in Mexico and Central America. A few key wintering destinations include:
- Southern Mexico
- Panama
- Costa Rica
- Belize
- Guatemala
These tropical areas provide the warmer climates and flowering plants that hummingbirds rely on during the winter period when their breeding range in eastern North America becomes inhospitable.
The span of coastline stretching from southern Mexico to northwestern Costa Rica is a vitally important winter refuge for hundreds of millions of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds where they form large mixed flocks. Other species like Black-chinned and Rufous Hummingbirds also flock along sections of the Mexican coast and interior highlands until returning north and inland to breeding areas again in spring.
What is the migration like for hummingbirds?
The spring and fall migrations undertaken by hummingbirds to travel between their breeding and wintering grounds are incredible feats of endurance for such tiny birds. Here are some key facts about their migration:
- Ruby-throats may travel over 2,000 miles each way during migration. Their whole round-trip spans North America.
- Many hummingbirds fly non-stop over the Gulf of Mexico in spring at around 500 miles.
- They gain weight before migration to fuel their flights. Hummingbird weigh about 3-4 grams normally but gain 25-40% body mass in fat stores pre-migration.
- Their wings beat up to 70 times per second and hearts reach over 1,200 beats per minute during flight.
- They fly by day, resting and refueling by night. Migration lasts up to 2-3 months for Ruby-throats.
- Hummingbirds navigate using the earth’s magnetic fields, visual landmarks, and star patterns.
Tracking studies have revealed the incredible migrations of tiny hummingbirds. Each spring these energetic birds fly hundreds and thousands of miles, crossing deserts and oceans to return to the places they left several months before. Their navigational capabilities and physiology allow them to achieve these marathons of migration.
How can I attract hummingbirds to my yard in South Carolina?
Here are some tips to create an appealing backyard habitat for hummingbirds in South Carolina:
Provide Feeders
Use feeders designed specifically for hummingbirds and fill them with a nectar solution of 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. Don’t use honey or artificial sweeteners. Clean feeders thoroughly every few days to prevent mold.
Supply Native Flowers
Plant a variety of tubular native flowers that provide nectar for hummingbirds like bee balm, cardinal flower, columbine, mints, and trumpet creeper. Have flowers in bloom from spring through fall.
Fountains and Baths
A mister, dripper, or fountain provides a welcome water source for drinking and bathing. Ensure a shallow area for perching and bathing.
Trees and Shrubs
Hummingbirds appreciate resting and nesting spots provided by trees and shrubs, especially red maples, oaks, and willows near water.
Avoid Pesticides
Minimize or eliminate pesticide use so hummingbirds have access to natural food sources like spiders and insects for protein.
Interesting hummingbird facts
In addition to their remarkable migration, here are some other fascinating facts about hummingbirds:
- Their wingbeat is about 15-80 times per second
- They have the fastest metabolism of any animal.
- Hummingbird hearts can beat up to 1,260 times per minute.
- They consume up to their weight in nectar daily and also eat insects for protein.
- There are over 300 described species found only in the Americas.
- They can fly forwards, backwards, up, down, sideways, and even upside down.
- Their feet are only used for perching, not walking or hopping.
- Hummingbird tongues can dart in and out up to 13 times per second when feeding.
- They are the only bird that can truly hover in one place by rapidly beating their wings forwards and backwards.
- Hummingbirds see into the ultraviolet spectrum we can’t detect.
These characteristics all enable hummingbirds to energetically feed on flower nectar while also defending feeding territories. Understanding their unique adaptations provides insight into the lives of these captivating birds.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are a favorite bird for many people due to their diminutive size, bright colors, and energetic behavior. In South Carolina, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the species most commonly found during spring and summer. They migrate north to the state from tropical wintering grounds in March and April. In the fall, ruby-throats depart South Carolina by September and October headed south again.
Rufous and Black-chinned Hummingbirds may also rarely occur in South Carolina during fall migration. Attracting these tiny migrants is possible by planting native flowers and providing clean nectar feeders, water, perches, and nesting sites. Hummingbirds make a rewarding addition to any backyard habitat with their beauty and spirited activity. Learning the migration timing and behavior of hummingbirds helps people better enjoy these special birds.