About Humming Bird Migration

Humming birds are migratory birds. This means that they depart for warmer climates when temperatures drop in the fall and winter. While it's difficult to predict when humming bird migration is actually going to occur, you can count on the fact that these birds come to warm climates in spring and summer months and leave for tropical destinations when things cool down.

There are many different species of humming birds. For example, there are humming birds with names like Magnificent, Xantus, Buff-bellied, Broad-billed, Calliope, White-eared, and Violet-crowned, to name a few. However, the most recognizable species of humming bird has to be the Ruby-throated variety.

The ruby-throated hummingbird is easily distinguished by its emerald back plumage and, in the case of the males, the bright ruby coloring at the throat. This ruby red coloring distinguishes the males from the females and assists the males in their mating quest. These types of humming birds are commonly found in the eastern portion of North America in the spring, summer, and early fall. Ruby-throated males always arrive in their spring homes a few weeks before the females. There are a few theories as to why.

One reason could be that the males want to stake out their territories before the females migrate. Also, the females may choose to wait until the nectar-bearing flowers they feed on are in full bloom before migrating. The males not only arrive in their spring homes sooner than the females, they leave sooner as well. This might be so that the humming bird chicks will have more food to consume since the males are gone.

There are some myths regarding humming bird migration. One is that these little birds hitch a ride on the backs of larger birds like geese. This is simply a myth, and not based in fact. Humming birds fly the distance from their winter abodes to their warm weather ones under their own power.

Many people think that if they keep their feeders up throughout the entire fall season, the humming birds will stay around. However, this is not the case. Humming bird migration is a natural occurrence and will happen whether there is food available or not. It is a good idea to leave your feeders up for a few weeks after spotting your last bird, to provide sustenance for birds that are passing through during their migration period.

Copyright 2006 Frances Coleman - All Rights Reserved

2007 Ruby-throated Hummingbird

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