Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds. Their ability to hover mid-air and fly backwards sets them apart from other birds. These tiny creatures bring joy with their buzzing wings and energetic personalities. When caring for hummingbirds, it’s important to understand their migration patterns. This is especially true in states like South Carolina which serve as a stopover point for many hummingbird species along their migration routes.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common hummingbird found in South Carolina. They spend their summers breeding in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. When winter approaches, ruby-throats migrate south to Mexico, Central America, and Florida. Their migration route passes through South Carolina where they stop to refuel on nectar before crossing the Gulf of Mexico.
Ruby-throats start arriving in South Carolina in early spring, around late March and early April. Numbers peak in May when spring migration is in full swing. They quickly move north to breeding grounds. Some ruby-throated hummingbirds remain in South Carolina through summer to nest and raise young. By September, most ruby-throats have departed South Carolina on their journey back to southern wintering grounds.
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous hummingbirds are a western species that also passes through South Carolina during migration. Their breeding range extends from the Pacific Northwest through British Columbia and Alberta. As winter approaches, Rufous hummingbirds take a circuitous migratory route. Many travel down the Rocky Mountains to Mexico. Others migrate east across the Great Plains and Gulf States including South Carolina before crossing the Gulf of Mexico.
In South Carolina, Rufous hummingbirds appear primarily during fall migration in August and September. Some linger through October and November. Occasional winter sightings occur, especially along the coast. Numbers start increasing again in spring as the survivors make their way back to the northwest US and Canada to breed.
Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s hummingbirds are a Pacific Coast species that occasionally wanders east during migration. Most records in South Carolina occur between October and April. These rare vagrants likely got off course while migrating between breeding grounds in California and wintering areas in Mexico. With a little luck, birdwatchers in South Carolina may spot an occasional Allen’s hummingbird at a feeder in fall or winter.
Calliope Hummingbird
Like the Rufous hummingbird, the Calliope hummingbird normally migrates through the Rocky Mountains. But in fall and spring, a few stray individuals end up in the Southeast. South Carolina birders have documented a handful of Calliope hummingbird sightings over the years, primarily between September and November. These vibrant, tiny birds occasionally stop by feeders during their irregular migratory journeys.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Broad-tailed hummingbirds breed across the Rocky Mountains and mountainous regions of Mexico. They migrate through Arizona and New Mexico to reach their wintering grounds in Mexico. Rare broad-tailed hummingbird sightings have occurred in fall and winter in South Carolina, likely representing lost migrants traveling far off course.
Other Species
In addition to the species above, a few other vagrant hummingbird species have appeared in South Carolina including black-chinned hummingbird, Anna’s hummingbird, and buff-bellied hummingbird. These unusual visitors generate excitement among birding enthusiasts hoping to glimpse these western and southwestern species far from their typical ranges.
ideal Hummingbird Habitat
To attract migrating and wintering hummingbirds, South Carolina residents should provide nectar feeders and flowering plants. Good nectar plants include native honeysuckles, bee balm, cardinal flower, trumpet creeper, and coral honeysuckle. Non-native flowers like nasturtiums, fuchsias, and lantana also provide nectar that hummingbirds rely on. Trees and shrubs that support small insect populations give the birds a natural food source besides nectar.
Threats to Migrating Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds face threats during their seasonal journeys. Loss of feeding and resting habitats makes migration more difficult. They need regular stops to refuel. Pollution and insect population declines may also impact hummingbirds. Strong storms like hurricanes sometimes blow hummingbirds far offshore or force them to seek shelter inland. Domestic cats take a heavy toll on migrating songbirds, including hummingbirds.
People can help hummingbirds migrate successfully by providing nectar feeders, native plants, and shelter from bad weather. Keeping cats indoors protects hummingbirds and other birds passing through. Supporting efforts to preserve and restore natural areas also gives hummingbirds the habitat they need during migration.
Tracking Hummingbird Movements
Scientists have attached tiny tracking devices to hummingbirds to follow their migration routes and timing. Banding hummingbirds with numbered leg bands also provides information on movements and survival rates when birds are recaptured or found. New tracking technologies and citizen science efforts like online databases of hummingbird sightings shed light on when different species pass through South Carolina and their migratory habits.
Conclusion
South Carolina serves as an important migratory corridor for hummingbirds each spring and fall. The most common species observed is the ruby-throated hummingbird, though rufous and other species also pass through the state. Providing nectar sources and nesting habitat helps sustain hummingbird populations on their incredible journeys between their far-flung breeding and wintering grounds.
