Hummingbirds - migration facts about departures, arrivals, food,
torpor, freezing temperatures, energy and feeders

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Information about hummingbird migration. Myths and facts about the migration of hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds - migration facts and myths

Hummingbirds in North America

Page 3 - Some Hummingbird Migration Information

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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.

We find ourselves ducking under some of the stunning aerial maneuvers that the males perform while in pursuit of an interloper! They zip within a foot of our heads!

When will your hummingbirds return in spring?

Well, I couldn't begin to tell you the dates for your specific locations but many visitors have supplied the dates of their returning hummingbirds and we have charted them for you to review. They are divided by states (plus some of our neighbors in Canada), by cities or regions, and by specific dates. Your city could be listed more than once.

Be sure to send in your OWN spring arrival dates. Your neighbors and community will appreciate it! There is an e-mail link on the page which you can use to send in your dates. Our chart is not scientific. It is a record created by our visitors.

Some hummingbirds will begin arriving back in the southern states in February! The males return first so keep your binoculars ready to watch for colorful gorgets.

If you suspect that hummingbirds overwinter in your area you may want to check with your local birding organizations about leaving feeders up.

When will your hummingbirds depart in fall?

Keeping your feeders up and full will not keep the birds from migrating. Remember, they eat lots of protein in their diets too and that doesn't come from sugar feeders. They need insects! Shortened days, not lack of food, will tell the hummingbirds when to begin their journey. Leave the feeders 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.

I do not know why or how these little dynamos survive for days in freezing temperatures but they do. I hear from folks every year. 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.

A hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico can spell disaster for a migrating hummingbird. Frankly, I find it hard to believe that a hummingbird can fly nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico in perfect weather...with a tailwind!

Here are some more hummingbird migration facts and myths:

Hummingbirds do not migrate on the backs of geese...not on, under or near the wings of bigger birds and not coasting on their backdrafts. 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. If you find what looks like a dead 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. Information on Hummingbirds: Index of Pages Hummingbird Feeders - Care, Placement, Aggressive Birds Hummingbirds - General Information More Migration Information - you are here Hummingbirds - FAQ Hummingbird Books More Hummingbird Pages: Hummingbirds - Spring Arrival Dates Gardening to Attract Hummingbirds, Butterflies, etc. Hummingbird Crafts

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