Hummingbirds are among the smallest avian species, undertaking long migratory journeys. Their small size, typically weighing less than a US nickel, requires them to consume enormous amounts of energy, feeding every 10 to 15 minutes. To sustain their high metabolic rate, most species that breed in North America travel thousands of miles south to Mexico and Central America for the winter. This seasonal movement ensures a constant supply of the nectar and insects they rely on.
The Environmental Triggers for Migration
The northward migration is triggered by an internal biological clock responding to the changing photoperiod, not local weather conditions. Increasing daylight hours serve as the initial cue signaling the beginning of spring and prompting physiological changes. This increase in light exposure initiates hormonal shifts that drive hyperphagia, where hummingbirds rapidly increase their fat reserves by 25 to 40 percent of their body weight to fuel the journey.
While the internal clock sets the stage, external environmental factors dictate the precise timing of movement. Hummingbirds follow the northward progression of suitable temperatures, tracking areas where the average nightly temperature is just above freezing. This is because their food sources—flowering plants and insects—only become available once the cold weather has retreated.
Mapping the Annual Arrival by Region
The timing of spring arrival depends on geography and species, with the Ruby-throated Hummingbird common in the East and the Rufous Hummingbird in the West. The earliest arrivals occur along the Gulf Coast states. The first males, who travel ahead of the females, can be seen as early as late February and throughout mid-March in areas like Texas and Louisiana. These birds often complete a non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico, a journey of up to 500 miles.
As spring advances, the migratory wave pushes further north, reaching the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions throughout April. By May, hummingbirds arrive at their northernmost breeding grounds, extending into the northern United States and Canada. This staggered arrival synchronizes them with the blooming season across the continent, providing the nectar sources needed for nesting.
The western migration follows a distinct pattern. The Rufous Hummingbird begins its 4,000-mile journey from Mexico as early as January, traveling north along the Pacific coast. This species is adapted to colder temperatures, allowing it to reach its breeding grounds in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska by mid-May, often sooner than the Ruby-throated Hummingbird. The Anna’s Hummingbird is an exception, having become a year-round resident in the coastal Pacific Northwest by adapting to cold nights using torpor to conserve energy.
Preparing Your Yard for Their Return
Once you have determined the approximate arrival window for your region, it is helpful to have supplemental food sources available one to two weeks before the expected date. This early preparation is helpful for the first-arriving, energy-depleted males who are scouting territories and need reliable sustenance. Setting up a feeder early can also help ensure these birds choose your yard as part of their established route, as they are known to return to the same feeding locations year after year.
The sugar solution should strictly follow a ratio of one part refined white sugar to four parts water, which closely mimics the sucrose concentration found in natural flower nectar. It is important to use only pure white cane sugar, avoiding honey, brown sugar, or artificial sweeteners, as these can be detrimental to the birds’ health. The solution should never contain red dye, as the red color of the feeder itself is sufficient to attract the birds.
Feeder cleanliness is important, as fermented or contaminated nectar can rapidly grow mold and bacteria that are harmful to hummingbirds. The nectar should be changed every two to three days, and more frequently if the ambient temperature exceeds 90°F. In addition to feeders, planting native, nectar-rich flowers is the most beneficial way to support the birds. Specific examples like bee balm, salvias, and trumpet honeysuckle provide a natural, sustained food source throughout the breeding season.