Ruby Throated Hummingbird Migration South

In fact it s the only one that breeds east of the mississippi river.

Ruby throated hummingbird migration south.

What happens when migrating ruby throated hummingbirds reach the gulf of mexico. For most people ruby throated hummingbirds are going to be what many people considered to be just a generic hummingbird. To reach these eastern breeding grounds the ruby throated hummingbird takes a perilous route of flying over 500 miles non stop over the gulf of mexico. Ruby throated hummingbird spring migration first arrivals in the spring usually males are back in texas and louisiana in late february to mid march.

These hummingbirds have a very strict routine often returning to the same area each and every year. It is true that most hummingbirds fly north in the spring and south in the winter to complete the hummingbird migration. They generally fly along the eastern coast along ruby throated hummingbirds spend the winters months anywhere from northern panama to southern mexico. During migration some birds embark on a nonstop 900 mile journey across the gulf of mexico and caribbean from panama or mexico to the eastern united states.

They are the most common in the united states especially in the eastern half. The map below shows the approximate spring migration arrival dates for ruby throated hummingbirds in north america. Some rubythroats fly over land following the coastline to reach their wintering grounds. Most rubythroats fly nonstop 500 miles or more across the water to mexico and other central american countries.

Ken in lethbridge ab. The ruby throated hummingbird is one of the most commonly found hummingbirds of the united states. In more northern states first arrivals are not until april or may. There are exceptions such as the anna s hummingbird.

I don t know how long she will stay but i saw her yesterday morning and evening 08 14 2020. By mid to late march they will begin reaching the southern tips of many gulf coast states such as texas and louisiana. Ruby throated hummingbirds will typically begin their northern migration in late february to early march. Ruby throated hummingbirds migrate northward from mexico or central america and begin showing up in the united states as early as january in the extreme southern states.

I only get hummingbirds in my backyard in lethbridge during fall migration usually in mid august. Their breeding range extends into several canadian provinces. This female ruby throated hummingbird is my first hummingbird of the year.