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Hummingbird Migration
Zoe Ann Hinds
Hummingbird migration occurs in both the spring and fall each year. Many people believe that some of the best hummingbird watching can occur during fall migration because the birds seem to pass through in more concentrated numbers. That doesn't mean that spring migration is dull.
If you suspect that hummingbirds winter over in your area you may want to check with your local birding organizations about leaving feeders up.
Keeping your feeders up and full will not keep the birds from migrating. Hummuingbirds need lots of protein in their diets too and that doesn't come from sugar feeders, but is gained when the birds eat insects! Shortened days, not lack of food, will tell the hummingbirds when to begin their journey. Hummingbird feeders should be left up at least three weeks after seeing your last bird. This will help migrating birds that pass through your area.
It is important to leave your feeders up and full. Migrating birds need all the quick and easy nourishment they can find to sustain the incredible energy demands of migration. It is vital that hummingbirds fatten up for their extended trips, particularly those crossing the Gulf of Mexico.
Yes, you may see some hummingbirds well after freezing temperatures have chased most hummingbirds south! I do not know why or how these little dynamos survive for days in freezing temperatures but they do. We ALL worry when this happens but don't take your feeder down. The hummingbird may know it needs to fatten up on your feeder for several days before leaving. Eventually, hummingbirds do get sick and too old to make the journey. I don't know how you would tell the difference between a late migrant and a hummingbird that isn't going to finish the journey so leave those feeders up.
Each year will have unique circumstances. Some years will provide better weather and food sources than others. Nature has to take its course for better or worse.
Hummingbirds can go into a state of torpor during cold temperatures. In this state, they might appear to be dead. The hummingbird can conserve energy this way. As soon as the bird warms up, it will revive and all of its functions will return to normal. If you find a hummingbird hanging upside down on your feeder in the morning, do not assume that it is dead.
Different species of hummingbirds winter in different locations. Some migrate to the southern USA, Mexico, Central America and South America. Ruby-throated - southern Texas and Florida, Cuba and down to southern Mexico.
By the time fall migration comes, many hummingbirds are relying on worn-out feathers. They will begin to molt anytime from September to November, while out of view of most US and Canada hummingbird watchers. Each feather will take several weeks to regain its size and shape.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Migration
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds normally spend the winter in Central America. From March through May they migrate north, some through the eastern two thirds of Texas, some apparently through Cuba and Florida, and some apparently directly across the Gulf of Mexico. Birds reach the southern Gulf coast in late February and early March. Later migrants fly to breeding grounds further north. The farther north they are going the later they travel. Arrival time on the breeding grounds tends to not occur until food plants are blooming. Departure time also corresponds with the end of the blooming season for food plants. Fall migration lasts from late July until late October in the southern states.
Black-chinned Hummingbird Migration
In spring Black-chinned Hummingbirds can be seen returning to Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona from mid-March through May. They reach Southern California by late March. It may be May before the species reaches the northwest states and British Columbia.
In fall they leave west-coast areas in mid-August and September. In Texas they are usually gone by mid-October. Most Black-chinned Hummingbirds winter in Mexico.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird Migration
Broad-tailed Hummingbirds spend the winter in the mountains of Mexico. During spring migration they reach west Texas in March and April. In Arizona Broad-tails usually show up in March or early April. More northern states like Wyoming may not get Broad-tails until May. Broad-tails regularly migrate as far west as eastern California.
In fall they leave Wyoming and Colorado in September. Arizona, New Mexico and Texas may see fall migrants as late as October.
Rufous Hummingbird Migration
In spring Rufous Hummingbirds migrate up the Pacific coast, passing through California from February to May. The birds reach British Columbia in early April and Alaska by mid-April. Birds arrive in Idaho and Montana around the end of April.
Calliope Hummingbird Migration -- Breeds in western mountains as far north as central British Columbia. Spring migrants arrive in southern California in early March. Arrives in Oregon in early May. Birds may not arrive in Idaho and Montana until mid-or late May. Fall migration is early. Calliopes depart from Washington, British Columbia, and Idaho in late August. Migrating birds can be seen in Arizona and New Mexico.
The hummingbird will migrate in the fall and spring of each year. There are far too many species of hummingbirds to mention every variety in this article, but this article will give you some general information on the migration of these most fascinating creatures as well as some specific migration facts on several different species of hummingbirds.
It is important to remember that when and where these birds will migrate depends on where you live. Keep watching for the hummingbirds in your area, and happy bird watching to all!
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Read the next About Hummingbirds article on Hummingbirds and Torpor
