Hummingbirds are among Ohio’s most anticipated seasonal guests. These tiny birds are not year-round residents but undertake an incredible migratory journey that dictates the length of their stay. Their annual presence frames the warmer months, beginning as a sign of spring and concluding as a marker of early autumn.
The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird’s Spring Arrival in Ohio
The primary species that breeds and summers across Ohio is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Their northbound migration typically brings the first arrivals to the southern regions of the state by early to mid-April. This initial wave of travelers is composed mostly of adult males, which push north ahead of the females to establish feeding and breeding territories.
The timing of their return is influenced by temperature and the availability of early spring blooms, causing slight variation in dates yearly. Birders in northern Ohio generally see the first individuals appear approximately two weeks later, from mid-to-late April. These early visitors have completed a non-stop flight of up to 500 miles across the Gulf of Mexico, making them reliant on early food sources.
The Typical Duration of Their Summer Stay
Once the birds have arrived in Ohio, the summer residency period begins, lasting approximately four to five months. The birds remain highly active, with the primary focus shifting to breeding and the raising of young. Females construct tiny, cup-shaped nests using plant down and spider silk.
Peak breeding activity occurs in June and July, with the female typically laying two eggs and often producing two broods in a season. During this period, the birds aggressively defend their established territories, ensuring a consistent supply of nectar and protein-rich insects for themselves and their offspring. Once the young fledge, the population remains resident until the shortening of the days triggers the biological impulse to migrate south.
Signals for the Autumn Departure
The southward migration begins in late summer, with the first adult males starting their journey as early as late August. The main trigger for this departure is the change in photoperiod, or the shortening of daylight hours, which acts as an internal clock for the birds regardless of the weather. This instinct ensures they depart in time to fuel up along their migratory route before cold weather becomes a factor.
The majority of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in Ohio leave throughout September, followed by females and the newly fledged juveniles. By the end of September, most summer residents have departed, though some late-season migrants may linger into the first half of October. Leaving feeders out will not cause the birds to delay their migration, as their biological programming overrides the presence of artificial food sources.
How to Attract and Support Hummingbirds During Their Visit
Feeders should be filled with a simple solution of one part refined white cane sugar dissolved in four parts water, mimicking the sucrose content of natural nectar. It is not necessary to add red food coloring, as the red color of the feeder itself is sufficient to attract their attention.
The sugar water must be changed frequently, ideally every one to two days in warm weather, to prevent fermentation and mold growth, which can sicken the birds. Hummingbirds also rely heavily on insects and spiders for protein, so avoiding the use of pesticides in the garden is important for their complete diet. Placing feeders near a source of dense foliage provides a safe perch, as they spend a significant amount of time resting between their intense feeding bouts.
Planting native flowers is the most effective long-term method for attracting and sustaining hummingbirds, as they provide a natural and reliable nectar source. A diverse selection of plants that bloom from spring through fall ensures a consistent food supply from the moment the first males arrive until the last juveniles depart in autumn. Favorite native options include trumpet-shaped blooms:
- Trumpet creeper
- Coral honeysuckle
- Cardinal flower
- Bee balm