Hummingbirds are amazing migratory birds that make an arduous journey each year between their summer breeding grounds in the United States and Canada to their winter homes in Mexico and Central America. Of the 17 species of hummingbirds found in the US, several migrate through or spend the winter in Texas including the Ruby-throated, Rufous, Calliope, Broad-tailed, and Black-chinned Hummingbirds.
Winter Hummingbird Migration in Texas
Texas represents an important migratory corridor and wintering ground for many hummingbird species. The diverse habitats and climate of the state provide plentiful nectar for these energetic birds to fuel up on during their migration. Here is a summary of the major regions hummingbirds migrate to and through in Texas:
Coastal Texas and Southern Plains
The Coastal Prairie region of southeastern Texas attracts wintering Buff-bellied Hummingbirds and Rufous Hummingbirds that breed further north and west. This area provides ideal winter habitat of shrublands, woodlands, and gardens. The Rio Grande Valley represents the northernmost limit for tropical species like the Green-breasted Mango and is an important stopover site. Gulf coastal towns attract many vagrant western species in winter.
The Southern Plains and Edwards Plateau encompassing central-west Texas also sees Rufous, Buff-bellied, Black-chinned, and occasionally Calliope hummingbirds overwintering. Mild weather and flowering plants like Salvia, Agave, and Turk’s cap provide essential food.
Trans Pecos and Big Bend Region
West Texas including the Trans Pecos, Big Bend region, and Guadalupe Mountains host incredible hummingbird diversity in winter. At least a dozen species have been recorded here including Rufous, Black-chinned, Anna’s, Costa’s, and Broad-tailed among others. The varied desert and canyon habitats provide winter blooms of ocotillo, agave, and desert willow.
Panhandle and North Texas
While less common, Rufous and even Calliope Hummingbirds can sometimes be found overwintering as far north as the Texas Panhandle. Backyard feeders in this region may host wintering hummers when natural food is scarce. The Arlington area around Dallas-Fort Worth attracts Rufous Hummingbirds in winter to its urban gardens and parks.
Migration Timing Through Texas
Different hummingbird species pass through Texas in waves beginning in July through October on their southbound journey and again March through May as they return north. Here is an overview of when key species migrate through the state:
| Species | Fall Migration Period | Spring Migration Period |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | August – October | March – May |
| Rufous Hummingbird | July – October | February – May |
| Calliope Hummingbird | August – September | April – May |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | July – September | April – May |
As this table shows, Rufous Hummingbirds pass through Texas in huge numbers both spring and fall as they travel between their breeding grounds in the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, and Alaska to their winter range in Mexico and the Gulf Coast. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds primarily pass through in fall and spring on their trans-Gulf journeys between eastern North America and Central America.
Stopover Habitats and Food Sources
During their epic migrations, hummingbirds require plentiful sources of high energy nectar and small insects to fuel up. Here are some of the top stopover habitats and food sources they rely on in Texas:
Backyard Feeders
Backyard nectar feeders provide a vital source of food for migrating hummingbirds traversing urban and suburban areas of Texas. Keep feeders clean and use a 4:1 ratio of water to white refined sugar only to provide needed calories. Be sure to provide insect feeders too for protein. Rotate feeder locations to provide diverse feeding opportunities.
Native Flowers and Plants
Texas native plants like Turk’s cap, cardinal flower, trumpet vine, Indian blanket, and firewheel provide nectar from late summer through fall. Other key natural food sources include desert blooms like ocotillo, prickly pear cactus, agave, and mountain laurel in west Texas.
Riparian Areas
Riparian corridors and wetlands along the Texas Gulf Coast, inland river basins, and desert oases in west Texas provide vital migrant hotspots. Diverse flowers and shelter help hummingbirds rest and refuel.
Hummingbird Gardens
Many parks, nature centers, and private gardens in Texas intentionally plant native flowers and provide feeders to create pit-stops for hummingbirds. Some top examples include the Rockport HummerBird Celebration gardens, Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, and Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens.
Major Threats Faced During Migration
Hummingbirds face many hazards and challenges during their annual odyssey through Texas. Some of the major threats they encounter:
Habitat Loss
Coastal development, urbanization, and agriculture practices like overgrazing diminish the native flowering plants and trees hummingbirds rely on for food. Habitat loss along their migratory path forces them to burn more energy searching for pit-stops.
Extreme Weather
Storms like hurricanes and cold fronts with high winds or rain can Push migrating hummingbirds dangerously off course and prevent them from feeding properly to refuel. Early or late freeze events further reduce food supplies.
Predators
Hawks, falcons, and other birds of prey hunt hummingbirds on migration. Domestic cats also take a heavy toll. Migrants weak from their journey are especially vulnerable to predators.
Collisions
During migration, hummingbirds can become disoriented by artificial lights at night or confused by structures like windows and towers, increasing collisions. Exhaustion makes them prone to flying into buildings.
Pesticides & Pollution
Chemical contamination from pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and other pollutants can poison flowers and nectar at stopover sites. Hummingbirds ingesting toxins may become ill or die.
Ways to Support Migrating Hummingbirds in Texas
Here are some great tips to help provide critical habitat and food sources to assist hummingbirds stopping over in Texas:
- Plant native species they rely on like sage, ocotillo,Turk’s cap, and columbine in your yard or garden.
- Avoid or limit pesticide use which can contaminate nectar sources.
- Put up feeders with fresh nectar in spring and fall and clean them regularly.
- Add dripping water sources for drinking and bathing.
- Limit outdoor lighting which can disorient migrants at night.
- Provide small branches or shrubs for shelter and rest.
- Report banded hummingbird sightings to research projects like HummerBird.
- Join community programs like wildlife habitat certification to promote healthy environments.
Fascinating Facts About Hummingbird Migration Through Texas
Here are some incredible facts about the epic journeys hummingbirds make through the state each year:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds fly nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico, a 500 mile journey.
- Rufous Hummingbirds fly an incredible 3,000 miles each way between Alaska and Mexico.
- Hummingbirds double their weight before migrating to build fat stores for energy.
- Their tiny hearts beat up to 1,200 times per minute while flying.
- Some hummingbirds migrate along the same exact routes year after year.
- They can fly up to 30 mph with tailwinds assisting their journey.
- Migrating hummingbirds have hyperphagia – they eat up to 8 times their normal amount to fuel up!
- They may lose 10-20% of their body weight on nonstop Gulf crossing flights.
These long distance travelers display incredible endurance flying thousands of miles, crossing deserts and mountains and major ecological barriers like the Gulf of Mexico. Providing habitat and energy sources in Texas is crucial helping hummingbirds complete their extraordinary migrations between their summer and winter homes each year.
Conclusion
Texas plays an integral role in the migration of hummingbirds across North America. The state’s diverse habitats, plentiful nectar sources, and position along the Gulf Coast make it a vital stopover for refueling. Southeast coastal regions, west Texas canyons, and even urban gardens in central cities provide essential pit-stops for species like Rufous, Ruby-throated, Buff-bellied, and Calliope Hummingbirds during their spring and fall journeys. Supporting these incredible tiny travelers through conservation of native plants and flowers, reducing threats like buildings and pesticides, and providing supplemental feeders with nectar helps ensure hummingbirds can successfully migrate through Texas and reach their wintering grounds each year.
