Where do hummingbirds go in winter?
How long do hummingbirds live in the wild?
Hummingbirds are well known for their incredible migration patterns.
In fact, one hummingbird was documented travelling up to 1,200 miles (1,931 kms) over a 12-day period – amounting to 100 miles (almost 161 kms) per day. That’s an astoundingly fast migration that might have been assisted by a strong tailwind.
It’s hard to imagine our tiny, delicate birds travelling such great distances, but twice every year they embark on these incredible journeys.
This male Ruby-Throated works a salvia flower in mid-summer. Providing food sources throughout the summer into late fall is critical for both our resident hummingbirds and those that stop in on our gardens for food and rest during migration.
While travelling 100 miles a day is possible, most hummingbirds average about 25 miles (40 kms) per day on their migration routes.
Many of our hummingbirds travel more than 1,500 miles (2,414kms) to more southerly regions.
In case you are wondering how far that is, imagine travelling from Toronto, Canada to Miami, Florida (1,485.7 miles). Most of us would not even think of driving that distance, let alone walk or get there any other way than by jet propulsion.
Hummingbirds do it, on their own, twice a year and many times over their lifetimes.
How far south they fly, probably depends on where they are starting their journey. Many of the hummingbirds that spend the breeding season farther north in Canada, will likely overwinter along the Florida or Atlantic coasts.
A quick calculation means that a typical migration could take up to 60 days, or a full two months, before the birds reach their final destinations. Most migrations, however, will not take that long.
More birds braving colder climates
Every year there are more and more reports on the internet of birds – including hummingbirds – overwintering in more northern states. Just a few years ago, a Toronto, Canada couple spent the winter caring for a female Baltimore oriole in their backyard during a bitterly cold winter season. (You can check out their fascinating story here.)
Along the route, the hummingbirds must feed regularly on both insects and nectar and face many dangers, including storms, droughts and predators. Storms can easily blow these tiny birds off their regular migration routes and force them to burn up additional energy to get to their locations.
Be sure to check out my earlier post on How we can help hummingbirds during migration.
Many hummingbirds face serious threats during migration. Some, obviously fall victim to these threats and don’t survive.
How long do hummingbirds live?
Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures, but have you ever wondered how long they live in the wild? The lifespan of a hummingbird can vary depending on several factors.
One of the key factors that influence the lifespan of hummingbirds is their species. Different species of hummingbirds have different lifespans. On average, most hummingbirds live for about 3 to 5 years in the wild. However, some species, such as the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, can live up to 10 years or more.
Another factor that affects the lifespan of hummingbirds is their habitat and environment. Hummingbirds that live in areas with abundant food sources and suitable nesting sites tend to have longer lifespans. Additionally, the availability of water sources for drinking and bathing is crucial for their survival.
Predators also play a significant role in determining the lifespan of hummingbirds. Birds of prey, snakes, and even domestic cats pose a threat to these tiny birds. Avoiding predators and staying vigilant is essential for their survival.
In general, the lifespan of hummingbirds in the wild can range from 3 to 5 years, with some species living longer. Factors such as species, habitat, and predators all contribute to their lifespan. Understanding these factors can help us appreciate and protect these remarkable creatures.
A female Ruby-Throated hummingbird scratches her chin while resting on a commercial perch in our garden.
According to the informative website Operation Ruby Throat, The hummingbird project: the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) breeds from Florida to Maine; westward across the Great Plains to the foothills of the Rockies; from south Texas north to southern Canada; and northwest into Alberta. They are defined as neotropical migrant insect- and nectar-eaters.
Where do Ruby-Throated hummingbirds go in winter?
According to researchers, Ruby-Throated hummingbirds mostly pass through south Florida during migration but a small number of the tiny birds are known to overwinter in Florida and on the Gulf Coast. Most, however, continue their migration to central Mexico and and even farther south to northern Panama.
There are reports of a few hummers spending winters in Cuba, Hispaniola, Bahamas, Bermuda, and southeastern U.S. coastal areas.
Although little is known about the fall migrational routes, research does show that many of the birds gather in Louisiana and/or Texas in mid September before flying across the Gulf. Others, choose not to cross the Gulf, instead taking an overland route through Mexico.
Research shows their winter distribution to be as follows:
Very common throughout areas of Mexico
Common in Nicaragua
Panama – Rare but reported in the northwestern section
Rare sightings in the United States usually along the Gulf and Atlantic coastlines.
Rare in Belize. Mostly only seen during migration
Guatemala – Uncommon
El Salvador – Uncommon
Honduras – Uncommon
Costa Rica – Uncommon
Costa Rica is at the far end of the hummingbirds wintering range, but many hummers travelling from their breeding grounds in the United States and Canada spend winters in Mexico and Nicaragua. They are less common in Guatemala and Hondouras .
Many hummingbirds from North America, make their way to Mexico and Central America.
These regions provide the perfect winter habitat for hummingbirds.
The availability of food is crucial for their survival during these months when resources are scarce in their breeding grounds.
Providing a reliable source of homemade nectar can be critical for hummingbirds’ survival as they prepare to embark on their migration. Be sure to read my tips on preparing nectar (link below).
With their tropical climates and diverse plant life, Mexico and Central America offer a constant supply of nectar-rich flowers that hummingbirds rely on for sustenance. The abundance of insect life in these warmer climates provide the much needed protein the hummingbirds count on for survival.
Many of us who feed hummingbirds with commercial feeders (link to high-quality Walmart feeder) and homemade nectar may not realize that a hummingbirds’ diet is dependent on a rich supply of insects and spiders. Fruit flies and other small insects are an important source for these tiny birds. Leaving rotting fruit out near feeders is a good way to supplement their food supply.
Be sure to check out my post on tips to Making your own homemade hummingbird nectar.
In addition to the abundance of food, these regions also offer suitable nesting sites and protection from harsh weather conditions. Hummingbirds find shelter in the lush forests and tropical landscapes, where they can rest and conserve energy for their return journey in the spring.
The migration of hummingbirds is a remarkable feat of endurance and adaptation. It showcases their ability to navigate long distances and adapt to different environments.
By understanding their migration patterns and the importance of wintering grounds, we can better appreciate and protect these fascinating creatures while they are with us over the summer months.
Providing them with natural food sources as well as homemade nectar will ensure that they have the needed energy to make the incredible journey.
