Hummingbirds are a beloved sign of spring and summer in Michigan, zipping from flower to flower with their busy wings. But when the cold weather starts to set in, hummingbirds disappear from backyards and gardens across the state. Where do these tiny birds go when winter arrives in Michigan?
Do hummingbirds migrate out of Michigan for winter?
Yes, almost all of the hummingbirds that spend the spring and summer in Michigan migrate south in the fall to escape the cold weather. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the most common species of hummingbird seen in Michigan, and they migrate all the way to Mexico, Central America, and sometimes even Panama or southern Florida for the winter.
Other hummingbird species like Rufous hummingbirds and Calliope hummingbirds may pass through Michigan during migration but generally have more western wintering grounds in states like Texas, Arizona, and Mexico. Broad-tailed hummingbirds are rare but regular visitors to Michigan in migration and winter along the Mexican coast.
When do hummingbirds migrate from Michigan?
Most ruby-throated hummingbirds leave Michigan between mid-August and late September. The timing depends on many factors like food availability, weather, and maturation of young birds from the summer breeding season.
By late October, only a few stragglers may still be spotted in the state. Any hummingbirds still in Michigan by November are likely in trouble and won’t survive the winter without artificial feeders providing food.
What is the migration route for Michigan hummingbirds?
Ruby-throated hummingbirds take a direct southerly route to their wintering grounds, traveling over land across Mexico to Panama, with major barriers like the Gulf of Mexico crossed in a nonstop flight of up to 500 miles.
Research using tracking devices on dozens of hummingbirds shows their migration route runs through states like Illinois, Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana before crossing the Gulf and continuing through Mexico.
How long does the hummingbird migration take?
Ruby-throated hummingbirds complete their full fall migration of over 2,000 miles in an incredibly fast 7-10 days on average. They travel between 20-40 miles each day. Their small size allows ruby-throats to sustain this rapid pace.
In spring, the return trip north takes a bit longer – about 20-45 days – because of weather delays, food stops, and potential mating activities along the way.
What dangers do hummingbirds face during migration?
Hummingbirds face many threats during their long migration, including:
- Exhaustion – Birds can become extremely fatigued from flying hundreds of miles.
- Starvation – Lack of flowering plants and artificial feeders for fuel.
- Extreme weather – Storms, high winds, or temperature drops can be deadly.
- Predators – Birds of prey, snakes, and other animals prey on hummingbirds.
- Collisions – Windows, towers, vehicles, or other structures may collide with these small, fast-moving birds.
Research estimates between a quarter to half of all migrating ruby-throated hummingbirds perish on migration. It’s a treacherous journey requiring extensive fat reserves for the nonstop flights.
What do hummingbirds eat along their migration route?
During migration, ruby-throated hummingbirds will stop periodically to feed on any available nectar sources. They get energy from wildflowers, flowering trees and shrubs, and sap wells made by sapsuckers.
Backyard hummingbird feeders are also an important source of food and fuel during migration. Ruby-throats cannot survive long without stopping to eat, as they have some of the highest metabolisms in the animal kingdom.
Where do hummingbirds stay during their migration?
At night and during long trans-Gulf flights, hummingbirds have two main strategies:
- Flying nonstop – During the 18-24 hour Gulf crossing, they fly nonstop without stopping.
- Torpor – To rest overnight, they enter a deep, energy-saving sleep called torpor. Their heart rate, breathing, and temperature drop.
During shorter daytime flights, hummingbirds will eagerly stop to refuel if they encounter a food source or roost briefly in protected vegetation.
Where do ruby-throated hummingbirds spend the winter?
The majority of ruby-throated hummingbirds from Michigan and the eastern U.S. spend their winters in southern Mexico and Central America, with some reaching Panama. Specific wintering sites include:
- Southern Mexico
- Guatemala
- Belize
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Costa Rica
- Panama
Some younger male hummingbirds may only migrate as far south as the Gulf states like Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida.
Ruby-throats prefer tropical and subtropical forests, gardens, mangroves, and scrublands that offer bright, tubular flowers rich in nectar and small insects.
Do any hummingbirds stay in Michigan in winter?
Very few hummingbirds attempt to overwinter in Michigan, and most that try do not survive the harsh cold weather and lack of flowers. Any winter sightings are likely rarities like:
- Rufous hummingbirds – Some migrate in from the Pacific Northwest to winter in the Southeast.
- Calliope hummingbirds – Very rare in winter in the Southwest and Gulf states.
- Broad-tailed hummingbirds – Even rarer along the Gulf coast and Mexico border.
Without access to artificial feeders providing high-calorie sugar water, hummingbirds cannot find enough food to survive most Michigan winters.
When do hummingbirds return to Michigan in spring?
Ruby-throated hummingbirds usually begin arriving back in Michigan in early May. The males tend to arrive first and establish breeding territories. Females follow about a week or two later.
Spring arrivals continue through May. By late June, most ruby-throats have reached their breeding grounds across Michigan and the upper Midwest.
How do hummingbirds know when to migrate?
Hummingbirds appear to rely on the following cues to know when to begin fall migration:
- Decreasing daylight hours
- Changes in food supplies
- Cooler temperatures
- Genetics and innate instincts
In spring, increasing daylight hours, temperatures, and food availability signal it’s time to fly north and breed. Internal circannual rhythms fine-tune their migration timing.
Conclusion
Ruby-throated hummingbirds complete an incredible 2,000 mile long-distance migration each fall when they leave Michigan and fly south to Mexico, Central America, and their tropical wintering grounds. This journey lasts about 7-10 days, fueled by periodic stops to refuel on nectar. In spring, the hummingbirds make the return migration north to Michigan, arriving back by May.
Understanding the migration patterns of Michigan’s favorite hummingbird provides insights into their annual life cycle and highlights the amazing endurance of these tiniest of birds.
