Do Hummingbirds Migrate? The Incredible Journey of the World’s Smallest Birds
Every year, millions of bird watchers ask: do hummingbirds migrate? The answer is a resounding yes for most species. Despite their tiny size, these birds are marathon flyers. Understanding when do hummingbirds migrate and where do hummingbirds migrate to can help you better support them in your own backyard.
Table of Contents
When Do Hummingbirds Migrate South?
The trigger for migration isn’t the temperature, but the changing angle of the sun and shortening daylight. When do hummingbirds start migrating south? For most in North America, this begins in late August and peaks in September.
- Male Hummingbirds Migrate First: Surprisingly, males often leave up to two weeks before the females and juveniles.
- Fueling Up: Before leaving, they enter a state of hyperphagia, eating constantly to double their body weight in fat for the long haul.
Birdfy Hummee Smart AI Feeder
- Log Every Visitor: Track exactly when do the hummingbirds migrate through your area with time-stamped HD videos.
- AI ID Tech: Identify specific species like the Ruby Throated Hummingbird as they pass through on their south-bound journey.
- Social Sharing: Share your migration captures with a global community of birders.
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Where Do Hummingbirds Migrate to in the Winter?
Where do hummingbirds migrate to in the winter? Most North American species, especially the Ruby-throated, fly to Central America and Mexico.
- The Gulf Crossing: Ruby-throated hummingbirds fly 500 miles non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico! This is a 20-hour feat of pure endurance.
- California Residents: Many Anna’s Hummingbirds do not migrate south for the winter; they stay in California and the PNW year-round.
Solo Travelers: Do Hummingbirds Migrate in Flocks?
Unlike geese, do hummingbirds migrate in flocks? No. Hummingbirds are fiercely independent. They migrate individually. They do not follow their parents; their internal biological clock and magnetic sense guide them solo to their wintering grounds.
Busting the Myth: There is a popular old myth that hummingbirds “hitch a ride” on the backs of geese. This is false. No bird has ever been seen riding another bird to migrate!
Do Hummingbirds Return to the Same Feeders?
Do hummingbirds return to the same feeders every year? Yes! They have incredible spatial memory. Research shows they can remember the exact location of a feeder from the previous year. If your feeder isn’t out when they arrive in the spring, you might see them hovering exactly where it used to be, waiting for you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When should I take down my hummingbird feeders?
Wait until you haven’t seen a bird for two full weeks. Keeping your feeder up will not stop them from migrating—their urge to leave is too strong—but it will help late migrators refuel.
How far do hummingbirds migrate in a day?
On average, they cover about 20 to 25 miles per day, but during their Gulf of Mexico crossing, they cover 500 miles in a single flight.
Why put aluminum foil around a hummingbird feeder?
Some users use foil to deter bees or wasps, as the metallic flash can sometimes scare away unwanted insects. However, a feeder with bee guards is usually a more effective long-term solution.
How high do hummingbirds fly when they migrate?
They usually fly just above the treetops or water, though pilots have reported seeing them as high as 10,000 feet!
Summary
From the how do hummingbirds migrate solo to the record-breaking distance they cover, these birds are true athletes. By understanding when do hummingbirds migrate south, you can ensure your feeders are clean and full to help them on their epic journey.
