Hummingbirds are beautiful, tiny birds that bring joy to backyard bird watchers across North America. Their migration patterns vary by species, but in general, most hummingbirds start migrating south in late summer or early fall to their wintering grounds in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Migration Patterns Vary by Species
There are over 300 species of hummingbirds, but only a handful regularly breed in North America. These include the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Allen’s Hummingbird, Anna’s Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, and Costa’s Hummingbird.
Here are some key details about when these common feeder species typically leave for their southern wintering grounds:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird – August to October depending on latitude
- Rufous Hummingbird – July to September
- Allen’s Hummingbird – August to November
- Anna’s Hummingbird – Some remain year-round in mild climates like California, others migrate in October to November
- Black-chinned Hummingbird – August to October
- Costa’s Hummingbird – Those that migrate leave September to December
As you can see, migration times can vary significantly depending on the species. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird that summers in Canada will head south much earlier than an Anna’s Hummingbird in Southern California. Geography and climate play a key role.
Weather Triggers the Migration
What exactly causes hummingbirds to begin their southward migration in late summer? The key factor is the availability of food. Hummingbirds need a consistent supply of nectar and small insects to fuel their hyperactive metabolisms. As blooming plants die back and insect populations decline in late summer, food becomes scarce.
The timing varies by latitude and weather conditions. Colder temperatures and fewer daylight hours in northern regions result in earlier migration compared to more southern areas. If the weather remains warm and flowers continue to bloom, hummingbirds may linger longer before migrating. But once a cold snap hits, they will immediately begin their journey south to find food.
Preparing Feeders for Migration Season
Here are some tips for preparing your hummingbird feeders as migration approaches:
- In mid-summer, transition feeders to a 4:1 sugar-water ratio. The higher sugar concentration will help fuel the long migration.
- Keep feeders clean, sanitized, and filled consistently through late summer and fall.
- Consider leaving feeders up for 2-3 weeks after seeing the last hummingbird. Stragglers may still stop by.
- On the last filling, add a little red food coloring to the nectar. This will attract more hummingbirds to ensure none are left behind.
- Once migration is over, clean and store feeders so they are fresh for next spring.
With a little planning, you can provide important late-summer fuel stops for hummingbirds passing through your yard.
Migration Stopover Sites
As they travel south, hummingbirds make frequent stops to rest and refuel along the migration route at “stopover sites.” Backyards with feeders, gardens with late blooming flowers, and parks with adequate nectar sources all make ideal stopover sites.
Some key stopover sites used by migrating hummingbirds include:
- Private yards and gardens in cities, suburbs, and rural areas
- Botanical gardens and arboretums
- State parks and protected wildlife areas
- Backyard birding trails and other birdwatching hotspots
By replicating the habitat requirements hummingbirds need, homeowners can make their yards an attractive stopover location. Things like planting late-blooming native flowers and maintaining fresh nectar in feeders will provide essential resources.
How Long Does the Migration Take?
The total migration trip takes several weeks to a couple months depending on the species. Here are estimated travel times:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird – 45-60 days
- Rufous Hummingbird – up to 3 months
- Allen’s Hummingbird – 30-45 days
- Anna’s Hummingbird – 30 days on average
Keep in mind these are just estimates. Weather, food availability, and geographic barriers all impact travel time. Some younger or weaker birds may not survive the grueling trip.
Hummingbirds migrate alone, not in flocks, so they are dependent on their own endurance and fat reserves to complete the journey. With good stopover habitat along the way, they have a better chance of arriving safely.
Overwintering vs. Year-Round Residents
Most hummingbird species in the U.S. and Canada migrate south in fall, but a few populations have adapted to remain year-round in warmer climates:
| Species | Overwintering Range |
|---|---|
| Anna’s Hummingbird | Pacific Coast, Southwest U.S. |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Gulf Coast, Southern California |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | California Coast |
| Costa’s Hummingbird | Southwest deserts |
In these warmer climates with adequate flower and nectar sources, maintaining feeding stations through fall and winter will help resident hummingbird populations thrive.
When Do They Return North?
Hummingbirds begin flying back north to their breeding ranges as early as late January in the southernmost areas. Further north, they typically arrive in a predictable order:
- Pacific Northwest – Mid February to March
- Western U.S. – Mid March to early April
- Midwest and Northeast – Mid April to early May
- Canada – Late April to mid May
Males tend to arrive at the breeding grounds first to scout out territories before females arrive 1-2 weeks later. Arrival dates can vary by up to a few weeks depending on weather and food availability en route.
To prepare for the return of hummingbirds, have feeders cleaned, filled, and ready to hang in early spring. Avoid leaving them frozen overnight which can damage the nectar. Welcome these tiny travelers back by providing a reliable food source after their long migration.
Key Takeaways
- Most hummingbird species migrate south from late summer through early fall.
- Migration is triggered by declining food supplies and cold weather.
- Maintaining feeders into fall provides essential fuel for the journey.
- Stopover sites with food offer resting spots during migration.
- Return migration happens over a few months starting as early as January.
- Having feeders ready in early spring welcomes hummingbirds back.
Understanding hummingbird migration patterns allows us to support these incredible birds on their seasonal journeys. With a few simple strategies, backyard birders can make a difference by providing habitat and food needed both in spring and fall.
