Hummingbirds are remarkable little birds that captivate people with their beauty and aerial acrobatics. These tiny birds undertake some of the most incredible migrations in the animal kingdom, traveling thousands of miles between their summer and winter homes. Of the many hummingbird species found across North America, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only breeding hummingbird in Minnesota. As summer ends and winter approaches, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds embark on a strenuous journey south to warmer climates where they can find enough food to sustain themselves until spring.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) is the most common and widely distributed hummingbird species in eastern North America. Adults measure only 3-4 inches long and weigh 2-6 grams, about the same as a penny. Despite their tiny size, these tiny birds are fierce competitors and aggressively defend flower-rich territories from other hummingbirds as well as insects. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds get their name from the iridescent ruby-red throat patch found on the males. Females lack this colorful patch and are more dull green overall with a pale throat.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds breed across the eastern United States and southern Canada during the summer months. Their breeding range extends as far north as central Alberta in the west and southern Ontario and Quebec in the east. These hummingbirds inhabit meadows, parks, backyards, and forest edges where flower availability is abundant. Although they prefer native wildflowers, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds readily visit backyard feeders for supplemental nectar. They play an important role in pollination by feeding on the nectar of various wildflowers and garden plants.
Migration of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are neotropical migrants, breeding in North America during the summer and migrating to Central America and Mexico for the winter. Their annual migratory journey is an incredible feat given the tiny size of these birds. Ruby-throats fly approximately 500 miles nonstop over the Gulf of Mexico, a journey taking up to 20 hours depending on the winds.
By late July, Ruby-throats in the northern United States and Canada begin migrating south. Migration peaks in August and September as birds move through the U.S. on their way to southern wintering grounds. The birds travel alone, both day and night, stopping periodically to rest and refuel. Adult males start migrating first, followed by adult females and juveniles. The birds follow established routes, migrating along coastlines or using mountain ridges to navigate their way south.
The winter range for most Ruby-throated Hummingbirds breeding in the eastern U.S. extends from southern Mexico to Panama. However, research using tiny geolocators attached to hummingbirds shows migration routes can be quite complex. Some Ruby-throats that breed in the eastern U.S. migrate across the Gulf of Mexico while others follow coastlines south and around the Gulf. A few even head west before turning south.
Migration Route of Ruby-throats from Minnesota
The migratory path for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds breeding in Minnesota is generally southward through the country’s midsection. Birds first travel south through the Great Plains states such as Iowa and Missouri. As they approach the Gulf Coast, Minnesota hummingbirds either cross the 500-mile Gulf of Mexico or follow the Texas coastline before reaching Mexico.
Based on hummingbird banding data, the majority of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds breeding in Minnesota likely cross the Gulf of Mexico in a nonstop, 20+ hour flight. Some birds, especially juveniles on their first migration south, follow the longer coastal route around the Gulf which provides more rest stops. Either way, most Minnesota hummingbirds eventually pass through eastern Mexico and Central America on their way to winter grounds.
Winter Range in Mexico and Central America
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds winter in a region extending from southern Mexico through Central America, primarily between latitudes 19 degrees north and 12 degrees north. This includes the countries of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama.
The majority of Ruby-throats from Minnesota spend the winter in southern Mexico and Guatemala. Small numbers reach Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Very few make it as far south as Costa Rica or Panama. The main requirements for their winter habitats are mild temperatures and flowers from which to feed.
Southern Mexico
Southern Mexico supports the largest number of wintering Ruby-throated Hummingbirds from across the eastern U.S. They are abundant in the lowland tropical forests along the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. The dry forests along Mexico’s Pacific Coast also provide excellent winter habitat.
Some specific locations in Mexico where Minnesota’s Ruby-throats can be found in winter are Veracruz, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Campeche, and the Yucatan Peninsula. These areas have diverse native flowers and flowering trees that provide essential food through the winter.
Guatemala
Guatemala is another prime winter destination for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrating out of Minnesota. They occupy both coastal and inland areas across the country. Wintering habitat includes tropical forests, shade coffee plantations, gardens, and edge habitats.
Some top sites to spot Minnesota’s wintering Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in Guatemala are the departments of Escuintla, Retalhuleu, Suchitepéquez, and Petén. Protected areas like Tikal National Park also host wintering Ruby-throats.
Belize
A small portion of Minnesota’s Ruby-throated Hummingbirds overwinter in the small Central American country of Belize. These birds primarily occupy coastal habitat such as mangroves where winter-blooming flowers are available. Inland lowland broadleaf forests also provide habitat.
Key areas in Belize to find wintering Ruby-throats include coastal districts such as Corozal, Belize City, and Stann Creek. Inland protected areas like Guanacaste National Park and Chiquibul National Park host Ruby-throats during the winter months.
Threats Faced During Migration and Winter
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds face many threats during their strenuous migration and in their winter range. Exhaustion, starvation, predation, and collisions take a heavy toll on migrating hummingbirds. Loss of habitat, pesticide use, climate change, and competition with other species impact them in winter areas. Here are some specific threats:
- Exhaustion during migration over the Gulf of Mexico or other open water
- Lack of stopover habitat along migration routes
- Starvation during migration if insufficient food resources are available along the route
- Collisions with towers, buildings, and other structures
- Predators like hawks, shrikes, and spiders that catch the small birds in flight
- Habitat loss in wintering grounds from deforestation and development
- Pesticide use that reduces insect prey and contaminates nectar sources
- Increasing competition for food from other tropical hummingbird species
- Climate change that disrupts timing of flowering or alters migration patterns
Researchers estimate that only about 30-50% of fledgling Ruby-throated Hummingbirds survive their first southward migration. En route threats and winter habitat loss contribute to ongoing declines of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds breeding in the eastern U.S. and Canada.
Return Migration in Spring
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds begin leaving their Central American winter homes in February and March. The northward spring migration occurs over a broader time period compared to the southward fall migration. Adult males depart first, followed by adult females and juveniles.
The birds follow the same general migration routes north through Mexico and the U.S. as they traveled in autumn. They take advantage of any early flowers along the way to refuel. Flowering trees like red maples provide an important food source during spring migration.
The birds arrive back on their Minnesota breeding grounds starting in May. Adult males reach breeding territories first. Upon arrival, the males establish breeding territories centering around food sources. Females follow anywhere from a few days to weeks later. Upon returning, the females build nests and raise young.
And so completes the Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s incredible annual migration loop between their Minnesota summer homes and Central American wintering grounds. These tiny flying jewels make one of the most arduous migratory journeys in the animal world up to thousands of miles roundtrip!
Conclusion
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds breeding in Minnesota undertake an incredible migration each year all the way to Central America and back. As summer ends, the tiny hummingbirds fly south through the Great Plains and along the Gulf Coast. Most cross the Gulf of Mexico, while some follow the coastline before reaching Mexico. They spend the winter primarily in southern Mexico and Guatemala where flowers are abundant.
The return northward migration starts in February and March as the birds retrace their route back to Minnesota. Arriving in May, males reach the breeding grounds first to establish territories before the females arrive. Despite their small size, Ruby-throats complete one of the most impressive migrations in the bird world. These incredible journeys connect Minnesota’s beautiful summer hummingbirds to tropical wintering grounds thousands of miles away.
