Among these are Anna's hummingbird, a common resident from California inland to Arizona and north to British Columbia. Hummingbirds are overwintering on the Gulf Coast in greater numbers than in the past, and many can be found at feeders in South Texas and South Louisiana during mild winters.įor example, in South Louisiana, several species are often spotted during the winter months, including the Ruby-throated, Rufous, Black-chinned, Buff-bellied, Calliope, Allen's, Broad-tailed, and Broad-billed.Ī few hummingbird species are year-round residents in the warmer Pacific coastal and southern desert regions of the United States. Some End Their Fall Migration in the U.S. While some hummingbirds begin their fall migration as early as late July, most don't start their journey south till August or September. But in certain circumstances, like the journey over the Gulf of Mexico, they can fly for more extended lengths of time, like 22 hours, nonstop! At that rate it can take several weeks to reach their wintering grounds from summer breeding grounds in the northern U.S. Research indicates a hummingbird normally can travel as many as 23 miles in one day. They are also experts at using tail winds to help reach their destination faster and by consuming less energy and body fat. Flying low allows the birds to see, and stop at, food supplies along the way. Hummingbirds fly by day when nectar sources such as flowers are more abundant. Young hummingbirds must navigate without parental guidance, or previous flight experience. They fly alone, often on the same path they have flown earlier in their life, and fly low, just above tree tops or water. To support this high energy level, a hummingbird will typically gain 25-40% of their body weight before they start migration in order to make the long trek over land, and water. Making the Trip Southĭuring migration, a hummingbird's heart beats up to 1,260 times a minute, and its wings flap 15 to 80 times a second. Instinct, their internal biological calendar, and cooling weather conditions also play a role in making the decision to migrate. The Fall Migration TriggersĪlthough there are differing views in the birding community as to what triggers the start of fall migration, it is generally thought that hummingbirds sense changes in daylight duration, and declining numbers of flowers, nectar and insects. Some, however, do not migrate, in areas like California and the upper Pacific coast.īy late summer and early fall, breeding is completed and the southward migration back to Mexico and Central America is underway. The first arrivals in spring are usually males. and western states as early as February, and to areas further north into Canada later in the spring. ![]() ![]() Many hummingbirds spend the winter in Central America or Mexico, and migrate north to their breeding grounds in the southern U.S. ![]() It's crowded, but one more in the top corner is trying to find a spot to feed. Rain makes Ruby-throats thirsty! Scene at our yard, September 8, 2022, approaching peak fall migration.
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