Introduction
Many hummingbird species migrate south in the fall to spend the winter in Mexico. This includes ruby-throated hummingbirds that breed in the United States and Canada and travel through Mexico to reach their wintering grounds. By wintering in Mexico, hummingbirds can take advantage of warmer temperatures and blooming flowers and plants compared to their breeding grounds further north.
What Hummingbird Species Migrate to Mexico for the Winter?
There are over 300 species of hummingbirds in the world, and around two dozen of those occur in Mexico. Many are year-round resident species that breed and winter in Mexico. However, there are also several migratory hummingbird species that travel from the United States and Canada to overwinter in Mexico including:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most widespread and common hummingbird in eastern North America. They breed throughout the eastern United States and Canada during the summer. As flowers and food sources dwindle in autumn, ruby-throats start a long migration south to their wintering grounds in Mexico.
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous hummingbirds breed primarily in the Pacific Northwest and western Canada in summer. They are one of the furthest migrating hummingbirds, traveling up to 5,000 miles round trip. Their winter range extends along the Pacific coast from Mexico to Panama.
Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s hummingbirds breed along the Pacific Coast from southern Oregon to Baja California. Northern populations migrate south to the Mexico highlands for the winter. Some southern breeding birds in California and Baja are year-round residents.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Broad-tailed hummingbirds nest in the Rocky Mountains from Wyoming to New Mexico in summer. They migrate through Mexico to reach their wintering grounds in Mexico’s central plateau region.
Calliope Hummingbird
Calliope hummingbirds have the smallest breeding range of any North American hummingbird, nesting at high elevations in the mountains along the Pacific Coast. Northern breeders migrate south through Mexico, reaching as far as Guatemala and El Salvador for winter.
What Parts of Mexico do Hummingbirds Winter In?
Migrating hummingbirds disperse across Mexico during the winter months depending on the species. Below are some of the key wintering regions:
Southern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula
The tropical forests and scrublands of southern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula attract several wintering hummingbird species. This includes:
– Rufous hummingbirds that migrate down the Pacific coast through Mexico. They reach winter grounds on the Pacific slope of Chiapas and Oaxaca.
– Ruby-throated hummingbirds that cross the Gulf of Mexico to the Yucatan Peninsula and areas along the Caribbean coast.
– Some Calliope hummingbirds that travel as far south as Chiapas and the Yucatan.
Central Mexican Highlands
The temperate high elevation plateau region of central Mexico provides overwintering habitat for species like:
– Broad-tailed hummingbirds that migrate to high mountain forests and meadows in Jalisco, Michoacán, México state, and Puebla.
– Allen’s hummingbirds that travel from California to winter in similar highland areas like Guanajuato and Querétaro.
Northwestern Mexico
Some rufous hummingbirds spend the winter along Mexico’s Pacific coast states like Sinaloa, Nayarit, and Jalisco, not migrating as far south as Central America. Anna’s hummingbirds from California also winter in coastal areas of Baja California.
Gulf Coast
Ruby-throated hummingbirds follow the Gulf Coast of Mexico as they migrate south. They concentrate along the coastal plains and lowlands of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Tabasco, and Campeche during winter.
What Do Hummingbirds Eat in Mexico in Winter?
Flowers are the main food source for hummingbirds in Mexico during winter. Some key nectar plants include:
Agaves
Agaves are a critical winter food source, especially in central Mexico. Their flowers bloom from fall through spring, providing a reliable nectar source. Species like Agave salmiana offer abundant nectar for migrating hummers.
Trees
Native trees help sustain wintering hummingbirds. Examples include poui trees, jacarandas, and the Mexican cactus tree in coastal areas and ceibas in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Tropical Flowers
In southern Mexico, tropical flowers from plants like hibiscus, bougainvillea, and Heliconia provide essential food through the dry months.
Other Plants
Sages, lantana, and Turk’s cap are other plants hummingbirds seek out for nectar in winter. They also feed on small insects for protein.
Threats Hummingbirds Face in Mexico
Hummingbirds face a variety of threats and challenges while wintering in Mexico:
Habitat Loss
Logging, urbanization, and conversion of land for agriculture destroys the native flowering plants hummingbirds rely on. Protecting scrublands, tropical forests, and mountain habitat is crucial.
Pesticides
Pesticides reduce insect populations hummingbirds feed on and may poison the birds. Encouraging organic farming helps reduce exposure.
Climate Change
A changing climate may impact flowering patterns and food availability. Sustaining hummingbird habitat builds resilience.
Window Collisions
Hummingbirds can fatally collide with windows on buildings and homes. Placing decals on glass helps prevent strikes.
Ways to Help and Conserve Hummingbirds in Mexico
Here are some ways individuals and groups can support wintering hummingbird conservation in Mexico:
– Plant native nectar flowers and trees that bloom in winter to provide food. Agaves, sages, pines, jacarandas and ceibas are all good options.
– Reduce pesticide use in farms, gardens and landscaping to limit exposure. Promote organic practices.
– Participate in citizen science programs that monitor hummingbird populations and migration patterns. Examples include Hummingbirds at Home and Journey North.
– Support conservation groups like Pronatura that work to establish protected areas and restore habitat across Mexico.
– Limit deforestation through sustainable development and smart urban planning to preserve forests.
– Place decals on windows to prevent collisions. Use outdoor lighting selectively to avoid disorienting birds.
Conclusion
Mexico provides critical wintering grounds for dozens of hummingbird species that migrate from the United States and Canada. These hummingbirds disperse across Mexico depending on the species, inhabiting tropical forests, mountain meadows and scrublands. Food in the form of flowering plants and small insects sustains them through the winter dry months. Habitat loss, pesticides and climate change all pose threats to overwintering hummingbirds. But concerted conservation action can secure essential habitat and food sources for these incredible migrant birds. Protecting their winter homes in Mexico is key to ensuring their survival and epic migrations for generations to come.
| Hummingbird Species | Breeding Range | Winter Range in Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Eastern US and Canada | Southern Mexico, Yucatan Peninsula, Gulf Coast |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Pacific Northwest | Pacific Coast, Chiapas, Oaxaca |
| Allen’s Hummingbird | Pacific Coast | Central Mexican Highlands |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | Rocky Mountains | Central Mexican Highlands |
| Calliope Hummingbird | Pacific Coast Mountains | Southern Mexico, Guatemala |
