Hummingbirds are captivating migratory birds that grace the diverse landscapes of Texas. These tiny, jewel-toned creatures embark on remarkable annual journeys, prompting frequent questions about their departure times each year. Understanding when these energetic flyers leave Texas provides insight into their natural cycles and the broader patterns of avian migration.
Peak Departure Periods
Hummingbird departure from Texas occurs during the late summer and early fall. The fall migration generally begins in August and continues through October, with activity peaking in September. For Ruby-throated hummingbirds, a common species in East Texas, the return journey south can start as early as mid-July for some adults, though most depart in late August or early September.
Peak sightings of Ruby-throated hummingbirds in Texas in early September, with these birds gathering along the South Texas coast before their onward journey. Black-chinned hummingbirds typically start their fall migration from September to mid-October. Rufous hummingbirds migrate through western Texas from mid-July to early October. While most hummingbirds depart by late October, some species, like Buff-bellied hummingbirds in southern Texas, may remain into the winter.
Factors Influencing Departure Timing
Several environmental and physiological factors influence the timing of hummingbird departure from Texas. The most significant trigger for migration is the decreasing length of daylight hours, which signals winter and prompts hormonal changes. This biological clock is a more consistent cue than temperature or food availability, ensuring birds prepare for their journey.
Hummingbirds also respond to diminishing food sources, like nectar-producing flowers and insects, as autumn progresses. While feeders can supplement their diet, the instinct to migrate is powerful and not deterred by available food. Older, experienced hummingbirds migrate earlier than younger birds, and males often precede females, allowing them to establish territories in their wintering grounds.
Their Journey South
After leaving Texas, most North American hummingbirds journey to their wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America. Ruby-throated hummingbirds, for example, typically winter in southern Mexico and Central America, extending to Panama. Rufous hummingbirds continue their migration to winter along the west coast of Mexico.
This migration often involves a non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico, a formidable feat for small birds. This crossing can span 500 miles and take 18 to 22 hours of flight. To prepare, hummingbirds intensely feed to build fat reserves, sometimes doubling their body weight for fuel. During this flight, they face risks from adverse weather, strong winds, and lack of food over open water.