Season Hummingbird Migration
Overview of Hummingbird Migration
Hummingbird season is a two-part migration that occurs in spring and fall. The timing depends on your region.
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Northbound Migration:
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Starts as early as February in the southern United States.
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Continues until late April or May in northern states and Canada.
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Fall Migration:
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Begins in late July and August.
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Last hummingbirds leave by late October or November.
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Spring Migration (North)
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Early March: Arrive on the Gulf Coast.
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March to May: Move north across the US. The Ruby-throated hummingbird reaches Pennsylvania or Illinois around late April and early May.
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Late April/Early May: Arrive at northern breeding grounds in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
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May to June: Target Canadian provinces and Alaska.
Fall Migration (South)
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Late July/August: Some start traveling south.
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August/September: Peak migration in northern areas like Kansas City.
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September/October: Gather in southern states like Florida and Texas before heading south.
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Late October: Last hummingbirds leave the Southern United States.
Season Hummingbird Migration
Regional Differences
Pacific Coast
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Anna’s Hummingbird: Resident throughout the year, breeding from December to May or June.
Eastern United States
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Ruby-throated Hummingbird: The predominant species during migration.
Southern US
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There is a mix of hummingbird movement:
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Some migrate for a few months.
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Others stay year-round.
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When to Put Out Hummingbird Feeders in Spring
Timing
It’s hummingbird time! Look out for northbound migrating hummingbirds visiting your yard. Some even start their spring flight in January. To attract them, set out hummingbird feeders early:
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Feeders should be ready: A couple of weeks in advance, just in case they arrive sooner than expected.
Attracting Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are drawn to feeders and nectar-rich flowers, especially those that are:
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Red
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Tube-shaped
Spring Highlights
From March through May, ruby-throats return to the eastern U.S. Here are some key points:
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Ruby-throats are the only regular hummingbird in the region.
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They actively drink nectar from flowers and feeders.
First Spring Hummingbird Sightings
Watch for the first ruby-throated hummingbirds in the East. Here are some experiences shared by bird-watchers:
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“My first ruby-throated hummingbird arrived early this year!” — Mindy Davis
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“I eagerly await my hummingbirds every spring!” — Sherry Thomas
Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds
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Set up feeders early: Attract first migrating hummingbirds.
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Ensure feeders are full: Always be ready for your winged friends.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the first sighting of a hummingbird can feel magical? Many bird-watchers celebrate the return of these vibrant creatures each spring.
Now you’re ready to enjoy the hummingbird migration season!
MD Imdadul Haque is the founder of BirdzFly, a research-backed resource on North American backyard birds. Drawing on years of independent study into bird identification, behavior, and migration patterns, he writes in-depth guides designed to help US birders understand the species in their own backyards — from common feeder visitors to seasonal migrants passing through.
