The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the primary species that visits Illinois each year, making the state its summer home before undertaking an extensive migration. These birds travel thousands of miles from their wintering grounds in Central America to breed in the eastern United States. Their annual return is a highly anticipated event, signaling the arrival of spring and offering a summer season of activity before they depart. The schedule of their presence is predictable, though influenced by local weather patterns.
The Migration Calendar
The spring migration brings the first Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to Illinois starting in mid-April. The earliest arrivals are typically noted in the southern counties. The birds progress northward, reaching central Illinois around the beginning of May and northern Illinois shortly after. This northward movement is a gradual process, establishing a clear progression across the state’s latitude.
The males are the first to arrive, preceding the females by approximately one to two weeks. They make the journey earlier to establish and defend their breeding territories. Once settled, the hummingbirds spend the late spring and summer months breeding, with nesting activity generally taking place from May through July.
The fall migration begins as early as August, as the breeding season concludes. The birds begin to build up the necessary fat reserves for their long flight south, following a reverse of the spring pattern. Most of the population departs Illinois throughout August and September. Stragglers may be seen into the first or second week of October, especially those migrating from farther north.
Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard
To greet the earliest arrivals, have nectar feeders ready about two weeks before the expected mid-April sighting. The birds rely on these energy sources, especially if early spring blooms have not yet provided a natural food supply. Maintaining a clean feeder is important, requiring the nectar to be changed every two to three days, or even daily during the warmest summer months.
The nectar solution is simple to prepare using a ratio of one part white granulated sugar to four parts water. Boil the water first to dissolve the sugar completely and allow it to cool before filling the feeder. There is no need to add red dye, as the red coloration on the feeder itself is sufficient to attract the hummingbirds’ attention.
Complementing a feeder with specific plants offers a more sustainable food source and a more natural environment. Species with tubular flowers are effective because the shape is adapted to the birds’ long bills. Excellent native choices for Illinois include Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Bee Balm (Monarda species), and Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens).
Feeder placement influences how quickly hummingbirds will find and use the resource. Placing the feeder in a location that is partially shaded prevents the nectar from spoiling too quickly. The birds appreciate having a nearby tree or shrub, which offers a safe perch where they can rest and survey their feeding territory. Once the fall migration has passed, keep feeders up for about two weeks after the last sighting to ensure late travelers can refuel.