Ruby Red Throated Hummingbird Migration

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.

Ruby red throated hummingbird migration.

This shows estimated arrival dates of ruby throated hummingbirds based on previous years. Most rubythroats fly nonstop 500 miles or more across the water to mexico and other central american countries. They are the most common in the united states especially in the eastern half. Hundreds of kinds of hummingbirds nest in the american tropics and more than a dozen in the western u s but east of the great plains there is only the ruby throat.

The front line of the migration has moved into alberta manitoba saskatchewan ontario quebec new brunswick prince edward island and nova scotia. Ruby throated hummingbirds winter in mexico and central america. 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.

Over land or water. For most people ruby throated hummingbirds are going to be what many people considered to be just a generic hummingbird. Ruby throated hummingbird archilochus colubris eastern united states south and central canada. To get there from their north american breeding grounds some birds embark on a marathon nonstop flight across the gulf of mexico.

What happens when migrating ruby throated hummingbirds reach the gulf of mexico. Ruby throated hummingbird migration route. The map below shows the approximate spring migration arrival dates for ruby throated hummingbirds in north america. These brilliant tiny precision flying creatures glitter like jewels in the full sun then vanish with a zip toward the next nectar source.

A flash of green and red the ruby throated hummingbird is eastern north america s sole breeding hummingbird. Some rubythroats fly over land following the coastline to reach their wintering grounds. The ruby throated hummingbird is migratory spending most of the winter in florida southern mexico and central america as far south as extreme western panama and the west indies. There it is fairly common in summer in open woods and gardens.

Ruby throated hummingbird spring migration. Hovering in front of a flower to sip nectar it beats its wings more than 50 times per second. The 2020 migration is over for most species and we have ended our mapping project for the year. There are a few species in canada and the united states.

In more northern states first arrivals are not until april or may. Feeders and flower gardens are great ways to attract these birds and some people turn their yards into buzzing clouds of hummingbirds each summer. Impressive migrants despite their small size some ruby throats may.