Hummingbirds that spend the summer in the Midwest, primarily Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, migrate south to Mexico and Central America for the winter. The majority of Midwest hummingbirds fly across the Gulf of Mexico in a 500+ mile nonstop journey to their wintering grounds. Some key questions about Midwest hummingbird migration include:
When do hummingbirds migrate from the Midwest?
Most hummingbirds leave the Midwest in mid-August through late September. Young birds typically migrate first, beginning in July and August, followed by adult females and finally adult males. The timing depends on a number of factors, including weather conditions, food availability and individual health and physical condition. Migrating early, before cold temperatures arrive, improves their chances of surviving the long journey.
What triggers hummingbird migration from the Midwest?
Shortening daylight hours and dropping temperatures provide the main triggers for hummingbirds to start their southern migration from the Midwest. The lack of flowering plants and decrease in food, such as nectar, insects and tree sap, also motivates them to move on. Other external factors include weather fronts, rain, and winds that facilitate a long distance flight across the Gulf of Mexico.
How long does it take hummingbirds to migrate from the Midwest?
Most ruby-throated hummingbirds take 7 to 10 days to complete their fall migration trip of 1,500 miles from the Midwest to their winter grounds. However, some make the journey remarkably faster. Banding records show the fastest travel was a female that migrated from Wisconsin to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico in just 3 days, covering 1,700 miles.
Do Midwest hummingbirds migrate together in flocks?
No, hummingbirds always migrate individually. They are solitary travelers and do not form flocks at any time, including during migration. Each hummingbird makes the trip independently based on its own optimal timing and readiness. They do not follow a leader or join up with other hummingbirds along the migration route.
Where do hummingbirds go when they migrate from the Midwest?
The majority of hummingbirds migrating south from the Midwest travel across the Gulf of Mexico to Mexico and Central America for the winter. Their final winter destinations are typically in southern Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica.
What states or areas do Midwest hummingbirds pass through?
Midwest ruby-throats follow one of two main flyways on their southern migration:
- Western route: Michigan, Illinois, Eastern Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana
- Eastern route: Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama
What areas are their wintering grounds?
Most Midwest wintering grounds are located in:
- Southern Mexico
- Guatemala
- Belize
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Costa Rica
- Panama
Do they return to the exact same wintering site each year?
In many cases, yes, individual hummingbirds exhibit high site fidelity to their winter territories after the first migratory journey and will return to the same area each subsequent winter. Banding data has recorded ruby-throats returning to the same neighborhood and even the same backyard feeder year after year. However, exceptions can occur if conditions change, forcing them to seek new wintering habitats.
How do hummingbirds migrate long distances from the Midwest?
Hummingbirds have many physical and behavioral adaptations that enable them to accomplish their incredible migrations of up to 2,000 miles each way. Here are some of the ways hummingbirds are able to migrate long distances:
Making fuel stops
Hummingbirds break up their migration into shorter flights, stopping to rest and refuel along the way. They feed on nectar and insects in flowering meadows, gardens, and backyards across a broad migratory path.
Fat stores
Before migrating, hummingbirds nearly double their body weight by packing on fat stores to fuel their journey. This allows them to fly up to 8 hours nonstop over the Gulf of Mexico.
Torpor
Hummingbirds can enter a deep sleep state called torpor at night to conserve energy. Their metabolic rate drops to one-fifteenth normal levels, slowing body functions.
Optimal flight
Hummingbirds are uniquely adapted for sustained hovering and backward flight, allowing great agility and optimal migration flight efficiency.
Navigation
Hummingbirds use the earth’s magnetic fields, landmarks, and celestial cues to navigate during migration. They can compensate for wind drift and retain internal maps and compass bearings.
Favorable winds
Hummingbirds time migrations to coincide with favorable winds. For example, cold fronts produce north winds that help push them across the Gulf of Mexico.
What risks and threats do migrating hummingbirds face?
Midwest hummingbirds undergo an arduous journey spanning thousands of miles in their annual migration to and from Mexico and Central America. Some key threats they encounter along the way include:
Extreme weather events
Storms, high winds, rain, and cold snaps can all be deadly during migration. Being small, hummingbirds are vulnerable to weather extremes that can knock them off course or force them down.
Lack of food
Insufficient nectar plants along their route leads to starvation risk and fewer chances to refuel. Development has removed many flowering meadows they once relied on.
Habitat loss
Urbanization and clearing of forests on wintering grounds is destroying crucial shelter needed for their survival.
Ocean crossings
The 500+ mile Gulf crossing is a major obstacle and source of mortality. Headwinds or storms over open water can be fatal.
Predators
Hawks, falcons, and other birds prey on hummingbirds during migration. Cats, snakes, and other animals also ambush them at stopover spots.
| Threat | Details |
|---|---|
| Extreme weather | Storms, high winds, rain, cold snaps |
| Lack of food | Insufficient nectar plants at stopovers |
| Habitat loss | Destruction of forests on wintering grounds |
| Ocean crossings | 500+ mile Gulf crossing is major obstacle |
| Predators | Hawks, falcons, cats, snakes |
How can people help migrating hummingbirds?
Here are some ways people can help support migrating hummingbirds on their incredible journeys:
Provide food and habitat
Plant native flowers and keep feeders full to provide critical energy stops. Avoid pesticides so insects remain available.
Be a citizen scientist
Join projects to report sightings and help researchers track migrations and identify key stopover regions.
Keep cats indoors
Cats kill millions of migrating songbirds every year. Keeping cats inside protects hummingbirds.
Spread awareness
Share facts and the challenges hummingbirds face. Generate interest in protecting these amazing migrants.
Support conservation groups
Donate or volunteer for groups working to protect hummingbird habitats and migration routes.
Influence policy
Support legislation and policies aimed at preserving open spaces, reducing threats, and mitigating climate impacts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ruby-throated hummingbirds migrating south from the Midwest in late summer embark on an arduous journey of up to 2,000 miles to Central America and Mexico. These tiny birds display remarkable endurance flying nonstop over the Gulf of Mexico, orienting themselves with magnetic fields, and fattening up on food before migrating. Providing habitat and avoiding pesticides can help hummingbirds refuel along their route. Citizen scientists play an important role tracking migrations and identifying threats. More conservation action is still needed to protect hummingbirds and the habitats they depend on during this epic annual migration.
