Hummingbirds are one of the most beloved backyard birds. Their tiny size, incredible speed, and beautiful colors make them a joy to watch. Many people put up hummingbird feeders and plant flowers in their yard specifically to attract these special birds. But when exactly should you expect to see hummingbirds arrive in your area?
The timing of hummingbird migration and arrival varies depending on your location. Hummingbirds migrate northward from their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America to breed during the summer months. The timing of their migration is closely tied to flower bloom and the availability of food. Here is a general guide for when you can expect to see the first hummingbird sightings based on your region:
Western States
In the western United States, the first Ruby-throated Hummingbirds typically start arriving in late January and February along the Pacific Coast. Some of the earliest sightings happen in California. The birds gradually spread inland through spring. Here are some estimated first sightings for major western cities:
- Los Angeles, CA: Late January
- San Francisco, CA: Mid February
- Portland, OR: Early March
- Seattle, WA: Mid March
- Boise, ID: Late April
- Phoenix, AZ: Early March
- Las Vegas, NV: Late March
- Salt Lake City, UT: Early May
- Denver, CO: Mid May
In the southwestern states like Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, some hummingbirds are year-round residents. For other species, migrants start arriving as early as January. The peak of spring migration is from mid-March to early May.
Midwestern States
In midwestern states, hummingbirds arrive later than along the coasts, ranging from April to early May. Here are average sighting dates for some major Midwest cities:
- Chicago, IL: Mid April
- St. Louis, MO: Late April
- Kansas City, MO: Early May
- Tulsa, OK: Early May
- Minneapolis, MN: Mid May
- Des Moines, IA: Mid May
- Omaha, NE: Mid May
- Indianapolis, IN: Early May
- Detroit, MI: Early May
The peak spring migration through the Midwest runs from early May through June. Some hummingbirds such as Ruby-throated are passage migrants while others like Rufous Hummingbirds take up summer residence.
Northeastern States
In northeastern states, the first Ruby-throated Hummingbirds usually arrive in mid to late April. Here are estimated arrival dates for major cities:
- Washington, D.C.: Mid April
- Philadelphia, PA: Late April
- New York, NY: Late April
- Boston, MA: Late April
- Buffalo, NY: Early May
- Pittsburgh, PA: Early May
Some southern states like Maryland and Virginia may see the first birds as early as late March. The peak migration runs from early May through June as the birds continue to push north into Canada.
Southeastern States
In the southeastern United States, hummingbirds may overwinter in Florida and coastal areas. For other species, the spring migration starts as early as January in Florida, reaching northward through March and April. Here are estimated first arrival dates for some major Southeast cities:
- Miami, FL: January
- Orlando, FL: February
- Atlanta, GA: Early April
- Nashville, TN: Mid April
- Charlotte, NC: Mid April
- Raleigh, NC: Late April
- Richmond, VA: Late April
The peak of spring migration is from mid-March through May as hummingbirds funnel up the Mississippi Flyway and Atlantic Coast. Some species like Ruby-throated move through while others summer in the region.
Factors Affecting Arrival Time
There are a few main factors that affect when hummingbirds arrive in your particular location during spring migration:
- Food availability – Hummingbirds time their migration to correspond with flower blooming. An early spring with flowers blooming ahead of schedule may prompt earlier arrivals.
- Weather – Unfavorable weather like late cold snaps may delay hummingbird arrival while warm, mild weather may cause earlier arrivals.
- Location – Latitude, elevation, proximity to the coast, and other geographic factors influence arrival dates across the range.
- Species – Different hummingbird species migrate on different schedules. Rufous Hummingbirds migrate earlier than Ruby-throated in many regions.
In general, you can expect hummingbirds to arrive approximately one week earlier for every 200 miles south you are in any given region. Keep an eye on flowering plants and trees to gauge when natural food sources become available in spring.
Preparing for Hummingbirds
To welcome hummingbirds when they arrive, follow these tips:
- Provide nectar in a clean hummingbird feeder. Use a 1:4 ratio of white sugar dissolved in boiling water that is cooled before filling the feeder.
- Supply fresh nectar and clean the feeders every 2-3 days, more often in hot weather.
- Plant native flowers and trees that provide nectar for hummingbirds like trumpet vines, bee balm, and hummingbird bushes.
- Have feeders up and flowers blooming by early migration dates to attract the first arrivals.
- Avoid using pesticides that could be harmful to hummingbirds.
- Be patient! It may take a week or two for hummingbirds to find and regularly use your feeders.
With a little planning and some patience, you can provide a welcoming habitat full of food and flowers to attract magnificent hummingbirds to your yard. Observing their spring arrival and summer antics will give you hours of enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of hummingbirds I may see?
Some of the most common hummingbird species in the United States and Canada include:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird – Most common in the East and Midwest, summer range
- Rufous Hummingbird – Common in the West, migrates early
- Allen’s Hummingbird – Along the Pacific Coast
- Anna’s Hummingbird – Pacific Coast, some now year-round
- Black-chinned Hummingbird – Western states
- Calliope Hummingbird – Mountain states
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird – Rocky Mountains
How long do hummingbirds stay in my area?
In summer breeding areas, Ruby-throated and Rufous Hummingbirds typically arrive in early spring and stay until late summer or early fall before migrating south. Some southern species like Anna’s may become permanent residents. Migration south picks up in late summer and early fall.
What is the best way to attract hummingbirds?
Providing nectar feeders with a proper sugar/water mix is the best method to attract and feed hummingbirds. Planting tubular flowers and trees that offer nectar will also draw in hummingbirds. Avoid pesticide use. Supply feeders and fresh nectar regularly once the birds arrive.
When should I take down hummingbird feeders?
Keep feeders up through late summer or early fall until hummingbird activity and sightings decline. This allows migrating birds to refuel. In warmer climates where birds overwinter, feeders can be kept up year-round as long as nectar is changed regularly to prevent spoilage.
Conclusion
With a range that covers much of North America, hummingbirds bring beauty and joy to backyards across the continent. Paying attention to flowering schedules and average arrival dates for your region can help you know when to expect these special birds. Preparing your yard with flowers, feeders, and habitat will create a welcoming space for them and give you the delight of watching them up close. Tracking hummingbird migration and activity is a great way to connect with nature and participate in citizen science.
