Hummingbirds are tiny, brightly colored birds native only to the Americas, known for their incredible speed and unique flight capabilities. Their small size necessitates a remarkably fast metabolism, requiring them to consume nearly half their body weight in nectar and insects daily just to survive. The seasonal appearance of hummingbirds in northern regions, often referred to as “coming out,” follows a long journey from their wintering grounds during their annual migration.
The Annual Migration Timeline
The annual movement of most North American hummingbirds is a precise journey timed less by temperature and more by the length of the day, a cue known as photoperiod. To prepare for the demanding flight, a hummingbird will rapidly gain 25 to 40 percent of its body weight in fat to serve as fuel. The northward migration typically begins very early, with the first birds starting their journey from Central America and Mexico in late February or early March. Males generally depart first, a week or two ahead of the females, to claim the best breeding territories along the route. Once the breeding season is complete, the fall migration is triggered by shortening days and dwindling food sources, with the journey south beginning as early as late August in the northernmost areas.
Regional Differences in Arrival Dates
While the general timeline is fixed by the photoperiod, the specific arrival date in any given location varies significantly based on latitude and geography. The earliest arrivals of species like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird are consistently reported in the Gulf Coast states, including Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, starting in late February to mid-March. The migration then filters northward, extending across the continent over the next two to three months. States in the mid-Atlantic and Midwest, like Pennsylvania and Illinois, generally see the first arrivals around late April or early May, which is also when they reach their northern breeding limits in the southern Canadian provinces. Local weather conditions, such as an unseasonably cold spring or late snow, can slightly delay the exact date of arrival in a specific location.
Daily Activity Patterns
The high energy demands of a hummingbird’s metabolism dictate an intense daily feeding schedule, making them active only during daylight hours. They must feed almost constantly throughout the day to replenish the sugar they burn, which can be depleted in as little as 10 to 15 minutes. This constant need for fuel results in a bimodal feeding schedule with two main peaks of activity. The first peak occurs right at dawn as the birds emerge from a deep, sleep-like state called torpor, where their heart rate and body temperature drop dramatically to conserve energy overnight. The second major feeding peak happens in the late afternoon and early evening, when the birds gorge themselves to build up the necessary energy reserves to survive the night.
Where Hummingbirds Stay Year-Round
Not all hummingbirds participate in the seasonal migration, as some populations remain in warmer regions throughout the entire year. Along the Pacific Coast, for example, Anna’s Hummingbirds are considered permanent residents from British Columbia down to Baja California. This hardy species adapts to the milder, year-round climate of the western coast. In the southeastern United States, particularly along the Gulf Coast, a growing number of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and other species like the Rufous and Buff-bellied Hummingbirds are increasingly found year-round. These non-migratory populations rely on naturalized plants and supplemental feeding sources to survive the winter months when natural flower nectar is scarce.