Hummingbirds are seasonal visitors to Georgia, arriving in spring to breed and departing for warmer climates as seasons change. These tiny birds are temporary residents of the Peach State during the warmer months. Their annual departure is a carefully timed event that signals the close of the breeding season before their long flight south.
Identifying the Primary Species and Timing
The vast majority of hummingbirds seen in Georgia are Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, the only species that regularly nests in the state. Their mass departure begins in late August and continues through September, marking the end of their summer residency. This timing is a gradual process that varies by location; birds in northern Georgia often leave earlier. The bulk of the population moves out by mid-to-late October. It is possible to see late-season visitors, such as the Rufous Hummingbird, into November, extending the season before winter.
What Signals the Start of Migration
Migration is not triggered by temperature or lack of food, but by a biological instinct. This instinct is triggered by the decreasing photoperiod, or the shortening of daylight hours in late summer and early fall. This reduction in light initiates a hormonal change, signaling the birds to leave regardless of local weather conditions or abundant nectar. To prepare for the arduous trip, the birds enter hyperphagia, a phase of dramatically increased feeding. They accumulate fat, which fuels their migration. They must gain 25% to 40% of their normal body weight to complete the long flight to their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.
Preparing Feeders for the Migration Season
A common misconception is that leaving feeders full will prevent hummingbirds from migrating, but migration is driven by changes in daylight. Keeping feeders clean and full throughout the fall provides necessary sustenance for both resident birds preparing to leave and transient birds passing through from farther north. Maintaining a reliable food source helps them meet the energy demands of hyperphagia.
It is recommended to keep feeders up for one to two weeks after the last sighting. This ensures late-migrating individuals have a final opportunity to refuel. In Georgia, this means keeping feeders operational until late October or early November. Feeders should be cleaned every few days, especially in warmer weather, to prevent fermentation and mold.
When They Return to Georgia
The return journey to Georgia follows a predictable schedule. The first Ruby-throated Hummingbirds typically arrive in the southern parts of the state in late March. As spring progresses, the wave of arrivals moves northward, reaching the rest of Georgia by mid-April. Males are the first to arrive, preceding the females by one or two weeks, to scout and establish breeding territories. They aggressively defend the best feeding and nesting areas in anticipation of the females’ arrival. This early appearance signifies the start of the breeding season.