Hummingbirds are a favorite backyard bird for many people on Long Island. Their bright colors, acrobatic flights, and hovering at feeders captivate us. A common question many people have is when do hummingbirds first start showing up in the spring? Knowing the timing of migration helps us get feeders up and ready for their arrival.
When Do Hummingbirds Migrate Through Long Island?
Most hummingbirds that breed in the eastern United States and Canada migrate south for the winter. There are a couple main species found on Long Island during summer including the Ruby-throated Hummingbird and the Rufous Hummingbird. Here is a quick overview of the migration timing:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds – This is the most common summer breeding hummingbird on Long Island. Most arrive in mid to late April and stay through September.
- Rufous Hummingbird – This species is a vagrant but regular visitor in small numbers, mostly along the south shore. They may arrive as early as late March and into early April.
Migration times can vary slightly from year to year depending on weather patterns and other factors. But mid-April is a good target for when to expect the bulk of hummingbirds coming through Long Island.
When to Put Up Hummingbird Feeders
Many people wonder when they should put up their hummingbird feeders each spring. Here are some guidelines:
- Early April – Rufous and very early Ruby-throats may begin passing through. You can put up a feeder by early April, especially if you live near the south shore.
- Mid April – Increase sightings of Ruby-throats usually begin around the second week of April. Have feeders up by mid-month.
- Late April – Migration should be in full swing by late April. Make sure your feeders are cleaned and filled for the waves of hummers coming through.
Having your feeders up by mid April is a good way to welcome the bulk of migrant Ruby-throated Hummingbirds that will spend the breeding season on Long Island.
What Do Hummingbirds Eat?
Hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from drinking nectar or feeding on insects:
- Nectar – Hummingbirds have a very high metabolism and need a constant energy source from drinking high-sugar nectar. They get this in the wild from flowers and feeders provide an excellent supplemental nectar source.
- Insects – Hummingbirds get most of their protein from eating small insects and spiders. They regularly feed on flies, mosquitoes, aphids, gnats and more. Keeping shrubs and flowering plants provides habitat for these prey items.
The most efficient way to attract and feed hummingbirds in your yard is by setting up nectar feeders. Let’s look at how to make your own nectar next.
How to Make Sugar Water for Hummingbirds
Here is an easy homemade “recipe” for hummingbird nectar:
Ingredients:
- 1 part white granulated sugar
- 4 parts water
Instructions:
- Mix 1 cup of white sugar into 4 cups of water. The 4:1 ratio is a good standard for hummingbird nectar.
- Heat the mixture in a pan or microwave until the sugar fully dissolves and the liquid is clear.
- Allow to cool before filling feeders.
- Store any extra nectar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Avoid using honey, brown sugar, artificial sweeteners or other ingredients. Plain white table sugar and water is best. The finished nectar should have the equivalent sweetness of white granulated sugar dissolved in tap water.
Tips for Feeding Hummingbirds
Follow these tips to get the most success attracting hummingbirds to your feeders:
- Use red feeders – Red is very attractive to hummingbirds and helps draw them in.
- Clean frequently – Every 3-5 days, clean feeders thoroughly with hot water to prevent mold.
- Avoid letting nectar ferment – Change nectar out frequently, especially in hot weather when sugar water spoils faster.
- Use ant moats – Prevent crawling insects with a water-filled ant moat below the feeder hanger.
- Supplement with flowers – Plant native flowers and shrubs that provide natural nectar sources.
- Avoid pesticides – Provide a chemical-free environment for hummingbirds when possible.
With clean nectar and the right feeder setup, you can provide fueling stations for migrating and breeding hummingbirds on Long Island.
When Do Hummingbirds Leave?
Hummingbirds begin leaving Long Island in late summer or early fall to start their southern migration. Here are the typical departure timeframes:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds – Most leave between mid-August and late September.
- Rufous Hummingbirds – These earlier fall migrants are usually gone by mid-September.
Some hummingbird stragglers may linger into early October, but most should be finished passing through by the end of September.
Keep feeders up through the first few weeks of October to provide late migrants fuel for their journey south. Then take down and properly clean feeders for the season once hummingbird activity is finished.
Hummingbird Migration Route
Here is a map showing the migration route and wintering grounds for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds that breed in the eastern United States and Canada:
Ruby-throats take a over-water route across the Gulf of Mexico in fall and spring migrations between the Yucatan Peninsula and the Southern United States. This 500 mile nonstop flight requires extensive fat reserves and suitable weather conditions.
Rufous Hummingbirds take a different inland route along the Pacific Flyway through western North America. Their migration is one of the longest for bird species their size.
Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard
Here are some key tips for making your yard attractive to hummingbirds:
- Plant a variety of bright, tubular flowers – Examples include bee balm, cardinal flower, trumpet vine, impatiens, petunias, fuchsia.
- Grow native plants – Native species adapted to your region provide the best nectar and habitat.
- Supply feeders – Hang multiple feeders around your yard and keep them filled with fresh nectar.
- Install a water mister – Dripping or misting water attracts hummingbirds to bathe and drink.
- Avoid pesticides – Provide a chemical free habitat for hummingbirds to safely forage.
- Welcome insects – Plant to attract bees, butterflies, and small insects that hummingbirds eat.
Following these tips will create an enticing stopover for hummingbirds visiting your Long Island yard during spring and fall migration.
Hummingbird Nesting Facts
Here are some key facts about hummingbird nesting:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds breed across Eastern North America from Canada down to the Gulf Coast.
- Females build a small cup nest out of plant down, spider silk and lichens glued together with saliva.
- Nests are only about 1.5-2 inches wide and often built on the branch of a tree or shrub.
- 2 white eggs are laid and incubated for about 2 weeks before hatching.
- Chicks fledge in 2-3 weeks, gaining their independence quickly.
- Ruby-throats produce 1-2 broods each summer before migrating south.
Providing nesting habitat with suitable trees and shrubs can help local breeding hummingbirds raise their young.
Unique Hummingbird Behavior
Hummingbirds have evolved some unique adaptations and behaviors:
- Flight – Their wings beat up to 70 times per second, allowing them to hover in place while drinking nectar.
- Feeding – Their long tongues stick out to retrieve nectar while hovering at flowers.
- Aggressive Defense – Males aggressively defend flower and feeder territories from intruders.
- Migration – They complete one of the most incredible migratory journeys of any bird species their size.
- Torpor – They can lower their metabolism and body temperature to conserve energy on cool nights.
- Ant Moats – Hummers learn to collect droplets of water from around ant moats below feeders.
Observing and learning about hummingbirds provides insight into their unique lives and the special adaptations that allow them to thrive.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Description
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird gets its name from the vibrant red iridescent throat patch found on males. Here are some identification notes:
- Size – 3 to 3.5 inches long with a 4 inch wingspan
- Bill – Long, straight and very slender
- Coloring
- Male – Metallic green above, gray-white below with ruby-red throat
- Female – Green above, white below with small dark spots on throat
- Young – Resemble adult female but with buffier sides
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only breeding hummingbird found east of the Mississippi River. In the west, additional species like the Rufous, Calliope, Broad-tailed and others can occur.
Popular Hummingbird Flowers
Here are some favorite flower varieties that hummingbirds are attracted to:
| Flower | Color | Bloom Time |
|---|---|---|
| Petunia | Red, pink, purple | Summer |
| Bee Balm | Red | Summer |
| Fuchsia | Pink, red | Summer through Fall |
| Trumpet Vine | Orange, red | Summer |
| Verbena | Purple, red | Summer |
| Gladiolus | Pink, yellow, red | Summer |
| Cardinal Flower | Red | Summer |
| Columbine | Red, yellow | Spring |
| Honeysuckle Vine | Red, orange, yellow | Summer |
| Butterfly Weed | Orange, yellow | Summer |
Choosing a variety of tube or bell-shaped flowers in colors like red, orange or yellow will help attract visiting hummingbirds throughout the seasons.
Top Hummingbird Flowers for Long Island
Here are some of the best options for hummingbird-friendly flowers that grow well on Long Island:
- Bee Balm – A member of the mint family. Thrives in full sun with moist soil.
- Coral Honeysuckle – A popular vine that grows well on trellises and arbors.
- Cardinal Flower – A showy red flower that grows along pond edges.
- Impatiens – Annual flowers that do well in shady beds and pots.
- Petunias – Abundant blooms from summer into fall. Prefer full sun.
- Fuchsia – Prolific red and pink blooms through summer and fall.
- Zinnias – Easy to grow from seed. Bright orange and red varieties.
- Salvia – Drought tolerant with spiky red or purple flowers.
Consult a local nursery for more native plant ideas that provide food and habitat for hummingbirds local to your region of Long Island.
Dealing with Hummingbird Aggression
Hummingbirds are very territorial, especially males defending a food source. Here are some tips for dealing with aggressive behavior at your feeders:
- Hang multiple feeders to spread birds out – Use at least 1 feeder per hummingbird.
- Use feeder models with more ports – Allow more birds to feed at once.
- Site feeders out of sight from each other – Block sight lines between feeders
- Provide shelter and perches – Nearby trees/shrubs give hiding spots from aggressors.
- Supplement with flowers – More natural nectar sources reduce feeder competition.
- Don’t give up! – Aggression means they are using your yard. Keep feeders out.
With some adjustments, you can manage typical hummingbird aggression and keep your yard an attractive place for them to visit and feed.
Conclusion
Part of the magic of spring on Long Island is seeing those first hummingbirds return to backyards and gardens. Hanging feeders, planting flowers, and tuning into their yearly migration rhythms provides many rewarding opportunities to enjoy hummingbirds. Following the tips in this article will help you welcome hummingbirds and make the most of their time spent around your own yard. Enjoy hosting these special visitors!
