Hummingbirds are one of the most fascinating birds to observe. With their tiny size, fast wing beats, and ability to hover and fly backwards, hummingbirds seem almost magical. These tiny birds captivate people, and many enjoy attracting hummingbirds to their yards with feeders and planting flowers that hummingbirds like. When trying to attract hummingbirds, one of the most common questions people have is what time of year is best to see hummers.
Hummingbird Migration
Hummingbirds are found only in the Americas. There are over 300 different species of hummingbirds, the vast majority of which live in South America. In North America, there are 16 regular species, though some tropical species may wander north during summer months or after storms. The most widespread and commonly seen hummingbird in North America is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird which summers east of the Rockies.
Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and need to eat frequently to power their wing beats and energetic activities. They get their energy from drinking nectar and eating small insects and spiders. Because of their need for lots of food, most hummingbirds migrate with seasonal bloom cycles and the availability of food. The long migrations require huge amounts of energy, and some Ruby-throats double their weight before migration to build up fat stores that allow them to fly up to 23 hours at a time.
Spring Migration
In early spring, hummingbirds begin to migrate north from their winter grounds in Mexico and Central America. The timing of the spring migration varies by species and location. In general though, hummingbirds return very early in the spring, often while it is still quite cold. Here are some average timeframes for spring hummingbird migration:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
– Southern U.S. states – late February to early March
– Northern U.S. states – mid to late April
– Canada – May
Rufous Hummingbird
– Pacific Northwest – early to mid March
– Southwest Canada – late April
– Alaska – late May
Anna’s Hummingbird
– Pacific Coast – February
– Inland western states – March to April
Flowers for Early Spring
Even though it may still be cold when hummingbirds first arrive, it is important to put out food for them in the form of nectar feeders and flowering plants. Early blooming flowers that provide nectar for hummingbirds arriving in early spring include:
– Crocuses
– Henbit
– Weeping cherry trees
– Currant bushes
– Columbine
– Larkspur
– Coral honeysuckle
– Jewelweed
– Penstemon
– Native wildflowers like Indian paintbrush and fire pink
Having some of these flowers blooming in the garden will provide food for the hummingbirds as they arrive. It is also essential to have nectar feeders up and available by early March at the latest. Use a 1 part sugar to 4 parts water nectar recipe, and change and clean the feeders at least once a week.
Peak Hummingbird Season
The peak viewing season for hummingbirds varies by region. But in general, late spring and summer are the best times to see hummingbirds. Here are some general peak hummingbird times:
Northeast
From May through August, ruby-throated hummingbirds are most abundant in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. The birds establish breeding territories in May and June and are active at backyard feeders throughout the summer months. Numbers begin decreasing in July as some birds start migrating south, with sharper declines in August and September.
Southeast
In the southeastern U.S., the season is a bit longer. Ruby-throats begin arriving in February and March. Numbers increase through April and May and remain high from May through September. Some southern states like Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida may host hummingbirds year-round or most of the year.
Western States
The peak hummingbird season in the western United States runs from about April through August but varies by state and species. The Ruby-throated hummingbird is less common in western states, while species like Anna’s, Black-chinned, Costa’s Calliope, Allen’s, and Rufous hummingbirds are regular visitors in the west. Each species has its own migration timing. Rufous hummingbirds peak from May to July, while Calliope hummingbirds peak from July through September.
Best Flowers for Summer
To attract hummingbirds during the peak summer season, make sure your garden includes plenty of the following hummingbird favorites:
– Bee balm
– Trumpet vine
– Cardinal flower
– Petunias
– Fuchsia
– Zinnias
– Lilies
– Sages
– Cannas
– Hollyhocks
– Columbine
– Foxglove
– Penstemon
– Weigela
– Butterfly bush
Have flowers in bloom successively so there are different plants providing nectar from spring through fall. Also make sure feeders are cleaned and refreshed regularly during peak season when hot temperatures and rain cause nectar to spoil more quickly. Increase the number of feeders in your yard to accommodate more birds during summer.
Fall Migration
In late summer and early fall, hummingbirds begin migrating south again. The timing varies by species and location:
Ruby-throated
– Begins mid-August in northern range
– Peaks in September
– Mostly gone by late September and October
Rufous
– Begins migrating south in July and August
– Numbers rapidly decline September to November
Anna’s
– Begins leaving inland and northern areas in August and September
– Coastal areas may host Anna’s through winter
Allen’s
– Leave southern California breeding areas in late summer
– Begin arriving in Mexico early September
Best Fall Flowers
Important flowers for providing fuel for the energy-draining return migration include:
– Cardinal flower
– Trumpet vine
– Salvia
– Petunias
– Cannas
– Butterfly bush
– Lantana
– Turk’s cap
– Fuchsia
– Rose mallow
– Sages
– Plumbago
Also make sure feeders are cleaned and full through September. Consider leaving feeders up later in the fall than normal to provide a food source for migrating hummers that may stop in your yard.
Winter Hummingbirds
Most of North America loses its hummingbirds in the fall as cold weather sets in and flowering plants die off or go dormant. However, some hardy hummingbird species may overwinter in certain areas if food is available:
Anna’s Hummingbird
Some Anna’s hummingbirds overwinter along coastal California and the Pacific Northwest if winter temperatures stay relatively mild and food is available. These are mostly adult male Anna’s. They can survive temperatures below freezing by entering a nighttime hibernation-like state called torpor.
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous hummingbirds are regular winter residents along the Gulf Coast states, particularly Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida. Some Rufous hummingbirds may remain as far north as the Pacific Northwest if they have access to food. Their ability to use torpor helps them survive.
Other Species
Rarely, other species like Calliope, Allen’s, Broad-tailed, and Broad-billed hummingbirds may overwinter in sheltered areas in California, Arizona, and Texas if food sources exist.
Providing Winter Food
In areas where overwintering hummingbirds are a possibility, provide food by:
– Keeping feeders clean, thawed, and full
– Planting winter-blooming flowers like fuchsia, petunias, snapdragons, and sage
– Provide shelter such as dense evergreen trees and shrubs
This supplemental food and shelter could mean the difference between life or death for overwintering hummingbirds. Even in cold areas, keep feeders up until hard freezes set in so lingering migrants have food.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds need a consistent food source spring through fall in most areas to fuel their impressive migration journeys. Here are some key tips for providing food during the best hummingbird seasons:
– Get feeders up and flowers planted by early spring for arriving migrants
– Make your garden appealing from May-September by providing a variety of nectar flowers and cleaned/full feeders
– Keep fresh nectar and flowers available August-October for southbound migrants
– Consider leaving feeders up into winter and planting winter blooms in mild areas for hummingbirds that may attempt to overwinter
By meeting hummingbird needs during spring and fall migration and peak summer breeding season, you can attract these tiny dynamos to your own yard and enjoy their captivating behaviors and beauty during the times of year they’re most likely to be around. With preparation and knowledge of their migration timing and food preferences, you can create an enticing and nourishing oasis that will have hummingbirds buzzing excitedly through your garden.
