If you are an avid bird watcher and hummingbird lover like me, you may have noticed that your feeders don’t seem as busy this year as they were in previous years. The buzzing of tiny wings and the fluttering at your nectar feeders may have slowed to barely a blink-and-you’ll-miss it pace. You peer out your windows searching for those beautiful, blurry flashes of irridescent feathers zipping by but instead are met with disappointment. Where have all your hummingbirds gone?
What time of year do hummingbirds migrate?
Hummingbirds are migratory birds that breed during the summer months in the United States and Canada before migrating south to their wintering grounds in Mexico, Central America, and sometimes as far south as Panama. Most hummingbirds migrate south between August and November, depending on the species and local conditions. Here are the typical migration times for some common hummingbird species:
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird – August to November
- Rufous Hummingbird – July to September
- Allen’s Hummingbird – August to November
- Anna’s Hummingbird – October to November
- Calliope Hummingbird – August to October
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird – September to October
- Black-chinned Hummingbird – August to October
So if you start noticing your yard hummingbirds disappear by mid-August, it likely means they are heading south to their wintering grounds. The exact timing can vary slightly depending on weather patterns each year.
Why do hummingbirds migrate?
Hummingbirds migrate south each year for a few key reasons:
- Food availability – There are not enough flower and nectar resources available in their breeding grounds to sustain them throughout the winter. The long winter months limit availability of nectar-producing flowers and insect food sources.
- Survivability – Hummingbirds are at risk of freezing due to their small body size and high metabolism in colder northern climates. Migrating south allows them to survive.
- Breeding instincts – Migration is triggered in part by hormonal changes and the drive to move to appropriate breeding grounds.
Hummingbirds have evolved over centuries to time their migration precisely with bloom periods across North America. Heading south allows them to find warmer climates and adequate food supplies to survive until the return trip north in spring.
What route do hummingbirds take when migrating?
Hummingbirds don’t make their incredible migration across the Gulf of Mexico in one nonstop flight. They actually follow important rest stop areas along their route called flyways. Flyways provide crucial feeding and resting spots that allow hummingbirds to replenish their energy and fat stores while migrating. Here are some key hummingbird migration flyways:
- Ruby-throated – This species follows a central eastern flyway across the Great Lakes, through the Appalachian Mountains, along the northern Gulf Coast, and into Central America.
- Rufous – These hummingbirds use a Pacific flyway through California and Mexico to the Pacific Northwest.
- Allen’s – They migrate along the Pacific Coast and through Mexico’s Baja Peninsula.
- Calliope – Their migration follows a path across the Rocky Mountains into Mexico.
Major resting stops include areas like southeastern Arizona, southern New Mexico and Texas, western Mexico, and southern Florida. Backyard feeders along these flyways become critical nectar sources for refueling. Some younger hummingbirds getting their first taste of migration may even overshoot their destination and end up far off course along their journey.
How far do hummingbirds migrate?
The distance a hummingbird migrates varies widely depending on the species:
| Hummingbird Species | Migration Distance |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated | Over 2,000 miles |
| Rufous | 3,000+ miles |
| Allen’s | Around 1,000 miles |
| Calliope | 2,000+ miles |
As you can see, tiny hummingbirds are incredibly resilient long-distance migrants. Their small size allows them to efficiently burn energy while flying approximately 25-30 miles per hour. Maintaining flower-rich stopover sites along their migration flyways is crucial to completing their epic journeys.
How do hummingbirds know when to migrate?
Hummingbirds have an internal clock and respond to changing seasonal cues that prompt their migration:
- Decreasing daylight – As days get shorter in late summer, hummingbirds are triggered to migrate.
- Food availability – Lack of flowering plants and nectar spurs migration.
- Hormones – Changes in hormones linked to reproduction stimulate migratory restlessness.
- Weather – Cooler temperatures and winds shift from the north spurn migration.
- Fat stores – Hummingbirds wait until building up enough fat reserves to sustain energy for migration.
Younger hummingbirds also follow the lead of mature adults that have previously migrated. These innate and external factors all drive hummingbirds to begin their southerly journeys at the ideal times.
Do hummingbirds migrate at night?
While not strictly nocturnal, hummingbirds do typically migrate and travel at night when conditions are optimal. Here are reasons why hummingbirds migrate after dark:
- Cooler temperatures prevent overheating.
- Winds are usually calmer so less energy spent.
- No hunters like hawks are active to threaten them.
- They can feed on nectar during the day and travel at night.
Hummingbirds have been tracked flying nonstop for over 500 miles during an overnight migratory flight. They will stop to rest and refuel during the daytime when migrating long distances.
Do hummingbirds migrate across the Gulf of Mexico?
One of the most incredible feats of the hummingbird migration is when some species make a nonstop, 18-24 hour flight across the Gulf of Mexico from the Yucatan Peninsula to the southern United States.
This daring 500+ mile journey is made by Ruby-throated hummingbirds and Rufous hummingbirds annually. They can burn up to half their body weight during this part of their migration over open waters.
Using a combination of fat stores and muscle protein, hummingbirds are able to sustain their energy in a rushed dash across the Gulf. Stopping anywhere along the Gulf would be perilous so they make the trip nonstop or become completely exhausted and perish.
What risks do hummingbirds face when migrating?
The strenuous journey south poses many threats and challenges for hummingbirds:
- Lack of food/water sources along the route
- Exhaustion from long flights over mountains or open water
- Collisions with buildings, towers, and other structures
- Predators like hawks, falcons, and roadrunners
- Extreme weather events like storms, winds, or cold snaps
Young birds migrating for the first time face the highest risks. Having food sources planted along migration flyways can help reduce dangers to migrating hummingbirds.
Why is migration so dangerous for hummingbirds?
A few key factors make migration particularly treacherous for hummingbirds:
- Tiny body size – With some species only 2-3 inches long and weighing a few grams, they are vulnerable and burn energy quickly.
- High metabolism – Hummingbirds need to eat every 10-15 minutes and risk starvation over long migrations if food isn’t available.
- Long distances – The hundreds to thousands of miles covered during migration requires lots of energy.
- Solitary migration – Most birds migrate in flocks, but hummingbirds fly solo which increases risks.
Despite all these challenges, hummingbirds have adapted to successfully complete strenuous seasonal migrations across North America.
How many times do hummingbirds migrate in their lifetime?
Most hummingbirds will migrate multiple times over the course of their short lifespan. Here are the typical number of migrations for common backyard hummingbirds:
| Hummingbird | Lifespan | Migrations in Lifetime |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby-throated | 5 years | 10 migrations |
| Rufous | 3 years | 6 migrations |
| Allen’s | 3-4 years | 6-8 migrations |
| Calliope | 5-6 years | 10-12 migrations |
As you can see, most hummingbirds only complete a handful of migratory journeys in their short lives. Providing stopover food sources in yards and gardens can help sustain them on these strenuous trips.
What do hummingbirds do while migrating south?
During their southerly migration, hummingbirds engage in some key activities and behaviors:
- Eat – Hummingbirds need to regularly refuel on nectar and insects to build up fat stores for migration. Backyard feeders provide crucial energy stops.
- Rest – Migration is exhausting so hummingbirds stop to sleep and rest along flyways after long flights.
- Navigate – Hummingbirds use landmarks, stars, and even magnetic fields to navigate their migration route south.
- Gain weight – Before big flights like across the Gulf, hummingbirds pack on as much fat weight as possible to sustain energy.
- Fly low – When migrating over land, hummingbirds fly close to sources of food and protection from the elements.
Understanding what hummingbirds require along migration flyways can help people plant the resources they need like nectar sources and shelter.
What do hummingbirds do in winter after migrating?
Once they reach their destination in Mexico, Central America, or the southern United States, here is how hummingbirds spend their winter away from their breeding grounds:
- Feed – They continue to eat nectar, insects, sap, and pollen to supply energy.
- Build up reserves – They work to store fat and muscle to prepare for the return north.
- Rest – Without the demands of mating and nesting, they can rest.
- Find shelter – They seek out tropical forests and trees to escape elements and predators.
- Compete for resources – Different species in close winter quarters must compete for limited food.
Hummingbirds’ winter needs are fairly straightforward – ample food sources and shelter. Providing sugar water feeders and planting winter-blooming flowers can help support overwintering hummingbirds.
What triggers hummingbirds to start migrating north again?
Hummingbirds rely on similar cues for timing their spring journey back to their breeding grounds:
- Increasing daylight signals breeding season approaching
- Warmer northern temperatures spur migration
- Changes in hormones with reproductive readiness
- Following mature adults that have migrated before
- Lack of food sources in the south
Hummingbirds carefully time their departure from wintering grounds to match arrival of flowers and prime breeding conditions up north. Their internal clocks and hormones guide them to begin the trip north as days lengthen in early spring.
When do hummingbirds return from migration?
Hummingbirds start arriving back from their winter grounds in the southern U.S. between February and April. Here are typical spring return dates:
- Mid-February to Mid-March: Rufous and Allen’s Hummingbirds along the Pacific Coast
- Early April: Ruby-throated Hummingbird in Gulf Coast states
- Mid April: Broad-tailed Hummingbird in the Rocky Mountains
- Late April: Calliope, Black-chinned, and Rufous Hummingbirds across the western U.S.
farther north they breed, the later hummingbirds arrive back to take advantage of newly emerging food sources. Providing early blooming flowers and clean feeders entices returning hummingbirds to stop at your yard.
Why are hummingbirds returning later than previous years?
There are a few possible reasons hummingbirds may be arriving later in recent springs compared to past records:
- Climate change shifting bloom periods and migration timing
- Urbanization disrupting habitat and food sources enroute
- Severe weather events delaying migration
- Competition at feeders encouraging later travel
- Stronger site fidelity keeping birds in the south longer
Ongoing research aims to understand these migration changes better. People can help by providing steady backyard resources like flowers and clean feeders when hummingbirds do arrive.
How can I support migrating hummingbirds?
Here are some great ways to help hummingbirds successfully migrate through your area:
- Put up fresh nectar feeders in early spring and keep them clean
- Plant native flowers and trees that bloom through fall to provide food
- Provide water sources like drippers, misters, and small pools
- Let some garden areas grow wild to support insect populations
- Limit or avoid pesticide use which can impact food supplies
- Keep outdoor lights off or down low at night during migration
Every little bit of habitat and food you provide helps hummingbirds rest and refuel during their epic migration journeys. They need all the help they can get!
Conclusion
While disappearing hummingbirds can be worrisome, understanding their migration cycle provides reassurance that they’ll return again soon. These incredible tiny travelers complete some of the most astonishing feats in the bird world. Fueling up at backyard feeders and gardens provides a valuable mid-flight buffet to help hummingbirds stay the course. With a little TLC from dedicated wildlife lovers, hummingbirds will continue gracing us with their beauty and mesmerizing hovering flights for years to come.
