Yahoo Lifestyle Do Hummingbirds Migrate? Where Do They Go In the Winter?
Hummingbirds, the tiniest birds in the world, have some impressive flying and navigating skills.
Most North American hummingbird species are migratory. Each year, these minuscule creatures head south to spend the winter thousands of miles away in the tropics—only to return again next spring.
Migration is no small feat: Ruby-throated hummingbirds, the only species east of the Mississippi River, fly non-stop across the Gulf of Mexico.
“A long-distance migration from North America to Central America probably takes 2 to 3 weeks depending on how long they stay at resting spots along the way,” says Emma Grieg, PhD, project leader of Project FeederWatch at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
While ruby-throated hummers typically winter in Central America, some birds may stick closer to home, staying along the Gulf Coast or in southern Florida. Out west, other species of hummingbirds, such as Anna’s hummingbirds, may hang around all winter in places such as Arizona and the Pacific Northwest.
Here’s what else to know about why and when these tiny dynamos migrate:
Why Do Hummingbirds Migrate?
It’s all about the food! “The shortening days in northern latitudes cue them to make a move before all the food disappears,” says Grieg.
Before they head south, they stock up on as much nourishment as they can before migrating. That’s why it’s helpful to keep your hummingbird feeder up until a few weeks after you see the last hummers in your garden.
When Do Hummingbirds Migrate?
You’ll start to see them move south from northern latitudes sometime in late summer to early fall, says Grieg.
But don’t worry: hummers won't get confused if you keep your feeder up throughout the fall. Keeping food available doesn’t interfere with migration.
It actually gives them a nice boost of energy as they begin or continue their trips south. “Your feeders will not keep them from migrating,” says Grieg.
If you live somewhere that sees hummers all winter, such as south Texas or Florida, it’s fine to leave your feeders up all year to enjoy their antics.
Do Hummingbirds Migrate Together?
Actually, hummingbirds travel solo, as they live much of their lives. “Hummingbirds aren’t particularly social birds,” says Grieg. “The males tend to leave first. Because they don’t help with rearing young, they can hit the road before females do.”
And no matter what social media myths you’ve read, they do not hitch a ride on the backs of geese! They’re on their own for the long journey south.
Do Hummingbirds Come Back to the Same Place Every Year?
“Some do, yes!” says Grieg. “From research on banded birds, we have found that some hummingbirds come back to the same yards year after year.”
So, keep your feeders full and plant plenty of hummingbird-attracting flowers so you can be ready for them to return to your garden next spring!
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