Hummingbirds are a beloved part of the ecosystem in Houston and the greater Texas region. Their tiny size, incredible speed, and beautiful colors make them a joy to observe. Many homeowners in Houston install feeders specifically to attract these little birds to their yards. If you love watching hummingbirds, you may wonder what time of year they are around.
When do hummingbirds arrive in Houston?
Hummingbirds typically start arriving in Houston in early spring. The most common species in the area are ruby-throated hummingbirds, which winter in Central America and migrate up to the United States to breed. The earliest sightings of ruby-throated hummingbirds usually happen in late February or early March. However, most hummingbirds don’t show up until later in the spring.
Here is an approximate timeline for when hummingbirds return to the Houston area each year:
- Late February to early March: Earliest sightings of male ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive.
- Mid-March: Ruby-throated hummingbird migration peaks. More males and the earliest females start appearing.
- Late March: Nesting and breeding seasons begin.
- Early April: Male and female ruby-throats are abundant.
- Mid to late April: Black-chinned hummingbirds begin migrating through the area.
The timing can vary slightly from year to year depending on weather conditions along the migration route. However, early spring is when Houstonians can count on seeing those first flashes of iridescent green or ruby red zipping by their feeders again.
When do hummingbirds leave Houston?
Just as spring brings hummingbirds back to Houston, the fall months signal that they are getting ready to leave again. Here is an overview of the hummingbird departure timeline in Houston:
- Early August: Adult male ruby-throated hummingbirds begin leaving for their southern wintering grounds.
- Mid-August through September: Female ruby-throats and juveniles take off on migration.
- September: Black-chinned hummingbird numbers dwindle as they pass through on migration.
- October: Most ruby-throated and black-chinned hummingbirds have left the area by the end of the month.
- November to March: Very few to no hummingbirds remain around Houston until spring migration brings them back.
The departure dates can vary slightly based on food availability and cold fronts that push the birds to start migrating sooner. But in most years, Houstonians can expect hummingbird activity to slow significantly by late September and taper off almost completely by November.
What months are hummingbirds most active in Houston?
While a few very early and very late hummingbirds may be spotted, the peak viewing season for hummingbirds in Houston runs from April through September. Here are the best months to see hummingbirds buzzing around your yard:
- April – Ruby-throats are abundant and black-chins start migrating through.
- May – Nesting season is in full swing, with males courting females and defending territories.
- June to August – Breeding season peaks. Females are busy feeding babies in nests.
- September – Some black-chins and ruby-throats still remain before migration ramps up later in the month.
During these peak months, both ruby-throated hummingbirds and black-chinned hummingbirds will be defending feeding territories, courting mates, raising babies, and fueling up for lengthy migrations. Your feeders will see the most action from April to September as the tiny birds work hard to take advantage of the season.
What is the best time of day to see hummingbirds in Houston?
Hummingbirds are most active in the early morning and late afternoon hours. Here are the prime times to spot them at feeders or flowering plants:
- Early morning – Sunrise through mid/late morning
- Late afternoon – Early evening through sunset
These are the times of day that hummingbirds are buzzing around to refuel. They have the highest energy demands in the mornings after burning through their reserves overnight and in the evenings to store up energy before the night. They tend to rest more in the heat of midday.
You may see hummingbirds briefly stopping by to drink throughout the day. However, they’ll spend the most time feeding and fighting over feeders during the more active morning and evening hours.
What months do hummingbirds nest and breed in Houston?
Most hummingbird breeding in Houston occurs between March and July. Here are the key months for hummingbird nesting and raising young:
- March: Nest building begins.
- April – May: Eggs are laid and incubated.
- May – June: Chicks hatch and are fed by mothers.
- June – July: Fledglings leave the nest and are fed outside it.
- August: Nesting tapers off.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds typically have two broods each summer, one in early summer and one in mid-summer. So May through July are the busiest months for females incubating eggs and caring tirelessly for hungry nestlings.
How to attract hummingbirds during their Houston season
To take advantage of seeing hummingbirds in Houston during their spring and summer stopovers, follow these tips:
- Put up feeders in early March so they’re ready when the first arrivals appear.
- Use a simple nectar mix of four parts water to one part white sugar.
- Select red feeders or add red accents, as hummingbirds are attracted to them.
- Change nectar every two to four days, or when it looks dirty.
- Position feeders in a shady spot to keep nectar fresh longer.
- Plant native flowers and shrubs that hummingbirds favor, like honeysuckle, bee balm, and Indian blanket.
- Avoid using pesticides, as the birds eat small insects too.
- Install a hummingbird bath or drip fountain for drinking and bathing.
Taking these steps will invite hummingbirds to take up residence in your yard during their Houston season from March to October. It’s always magical when these tiny summer visitors return each year!
Conclusion
Hummingbirds grace the Houston area with their presence primarily in the spring and summer months as they migrate through and breed. The peak viewing season runs from April through September, which is when energetic ruby-throats and black-chins are easiest to spot buzzing around flowers and feeders. With some effort to provide food, water, shelter, and nesting habitat, you can attract these special birds to bring joy and wonder to your yard for months.
