Hummingbird Migration: When Do These Birds Travel?

Hummingbirds are widespread in the US, Canada, and other North American regions. The top feature of this bird is that it has more than 300 species. Not only that, but many of them are also migratory. This is why you may notice a hummingbird in your yard in summers but not in the winters.

If you’re looking for more information about hummingbird migration, your search ends. Here is a comprehensive guide that will help you learn when the species start their journey and how you can assist the migration.

How Do Hummingbirds Know When To Migrate?

The top thing to understand is that there may not be a fixed date as to when hummingbirds migrate. Typically, a species will travel when it has an inner urge that now is the right time. Some birds also know the migration period by watching for daylight intensity changes.

Besides that, many other factors also affect hummingbird migration. For instance, some species have to travel because of food limitations. Meanwhile, others set out on a journey due to weather changes.

Factors That Affect Hummingbird Migration

Here are the top things that affect hummingbird migration in various regions:

Food Sources

The key thing to note is that hummingbirds build their migration route based on natural food sources. For instance, flowers with nectars play an integral role in the journey. Most hummingbirds use such plants for getting energy during migration.

Besides that, many hummingbirds also migrate if they face food shortages in their habitat during specific weather seasons. Typically, the species migrate during spring and reach their destinations by fall.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions affect hummingbird migration significantly because of various reasons. Storms and high winds cause the journey to delay by one or two days. This is a minor thing that does not affect the hummingbird migration much.

However, some hummingbirds may suffer from bird fallouts during springtime. Besides that, fall is also a tough migration time for many species. This is because the birds have to find a safe space and stay hidden for one or two weeks due to poor weather.

Age

An essential thing you must understand is that hummingbirds migrate depending on their age. Mature members travel before the younger hummingbirds. This is because this animal type requires high energy and strength for flying.

So you may notice some birds migrating in the summer and winters from the same region. This happens when the first batch is of mature birds while the next one includes younger members.

Gender

The bird gender also has some effect on hummingbird migration. This is because male members tend to fly a few days before the females. Ruby-throated hummingbirds follow this pattern during their spring and fall journeys.

Typically, males fly before to find a safe territory before other birds arrive. It also allows them to breed with their counterparts easily and increases the hummingbird population.

Distance

The migration distance plays an integral role in the starting time of the journey. Typically, hummingbirds begin the migration early when they have to cover a long distance. For instance, the rufous species have the longest migration route.

So you may see rufous hummingbirds passing from your region earlier than other species. The members that fly north during spring usually start their journeys in January. Meanwhile, some species travel in July to begin their fall migration.

How To Help With Hummingbird Migration?

Here are the top things that will allow you to assist hummingbird migration:

Put Nectar Feeders In Your Backyard

The top feature of hummingbird migration is that the species make multiple stops on the way. This is because they require high energy for traveling. You must note that hummingbirds are small creatures, so their energy reserves run out faster.

Typically, you can help the birds feed by putting a nectar feeder in your backyard. Many members get attracted to the solution and will visit your home for feeding. So you can enjoy the chirping of these birds in the backyard. Placing a red feeder is the best way to attract hummingbirds.

Plant Flowers

Home nectar is easy to make and will help you energize the birds. However, you may not have space to put the feeder. Besides that, the item may also attract pests that discourage hummingbirds from visiting. Luckily, you can avoid this by planting flowers.

Nectary flowers attract migratory hummingbirds without making much effort. Many species will visit your garden during different times to get nectar for the journey ahead.

Typically, you should plant early and late blooming flowers. This will ensure adequate natural food sources for spring and fall migratory birds.

Provide Nesting Materials

Hummingbirds may stop in a specific region for a few weeks or days before resuming their journeys. However, sometimes it is tough for them to find a safe living space. Luckily, you can help the birds by providing them with nesting materials in your yard.

For instance, you should avoid cutting down trees on your property so that the birds can build their nests. This mainly helps hummingbirds during spring migration because the time includes the breeding season.

Keep Feeders Clean

Another thing to note is that you must keep the feeders clean to help hummingbirds feed during the journey. Typically, you should wash the item two to three times every week in the summers. Besides that, try to offer fresh nectar each day.

You should also avoid wastage of nectar by making small quantities at first. After that, you can increase the amount if a high number of hummingbirds visit your backyard for food.

Final Words

This is everything you need to know about hummingbird migration. The top thing to note is that the species prepare for the journey by gaining weight. This is because they start feeding more to build muscle mass and energy reserves for the journey.

Another thing you must remember is that some hummingbirds migrate in the spring while others travel in the fall. So you may observe the birds in your region throughout the year.