Hummingbird Migration: Citizen Scientists Track Hummingbird Migration with Journey North

Hummingbirds

Migration News: February 26, 2016
By Mary Hosier

Migrating hummingbirds wait for tailwinds to help them cross the Gulf of Mexico. During this time they're fueling up; often doubling their weight in body fat for surviving the trip north.

Waiting to Cross

Sightings: Rufous in CA and WA

The first Rufous hummingbird migrants have been reported in California and Washington. Meanwhile we wait for more favorable winds across the Gulf to bring Ruby-throated hummers north.

Temecula, California
"Beautiful male (Rufous) adult."
02/18/16

Trinidad, California
"First clear sighting of a rufous in my yard. I had briefly sighted what I thought was a rufous two days earlier but didn't see it for long enough to tell for certain."
02/20/16

Yacolt, Washington
"I was really surprised to see a female Rufous at my window feeder today. At first I thought it was a wintering Annas hen, but she had a lot of Rufous color."
02/23/16

Western Species Highlights

British Columbia
"We have had 2 hummers that have spent the entire winter here! We believe they're male and female Anna's. Flowering current is just opening, with forsythia, snowdrops and crocus."
Lindell Beach 02/19/16

Watch the Winds

Rufous Arrives
Kenneth Drake

Wintering in BC
Jack Moskovita

An Amazing Rubythroat Journey

Overwintering Ruby-throats begin moving north as early as January, and by the end of February they are at the northern coast of the Yucatan. Some hummers travel by land — skirting around the Gulf of Mexico and following the Texas Coast north. Others migrate over water — 500 miles across the Gulf.

By Land or By Sea? Overwintering Ruby-throats begin moving north as early as January, and by the end of February they are at the northern coast of the Yucatan. Some hummers travel by land — skirting around the Gulf of Mexico and following the Texas Coast north. Others migrate over water — 500 miles across the Gulf.

How do hummers fuel up for migration? They gorge on insects and spiders — almost doubling their weight in about a week. Layers of fat build up on the hummingbird's back, belly, and throat. A licensed bander gently blew on this hummer's feathers to see the white band of fat on its belly.

Fueling Up How do hummers fuel up for migration? They gorge on insects and spiders — almost doubling their weight in about a week. Layers of fat build up on the hummingbird's back, belly, and throat. A licensed bander gently blew on this hummer's feathers to see the white band of fat on its belly.

A hummer flaps its wings 75 times per second during flight. It can fly about 25 miles an hour — and even faster with tailwinds. Imagine the risks a tiny bird could encounter on its 500 mile trip across the Gulf of Mexico. What if fat reserves deplete before the tiny hummingbird reaches land 18-22 hours from the start?

Flight Risks A hummer flaps its wings 75 times per second during flight. It can fly about 25 miles an hour — and even faster with tailwinds. Imagine the risks a tiny bird could encounter on its 500 mile trip across the Gulf of Mexico. What if fat reserves deplete before the tiny hummingbird reaches land 18-22 hours from the start?

After doubling its weight, from about 3.25 grams to over 6 grams, a hummer may weigh only 2.5 grams when it reaches land. Finding abundant food and water sources is essential in the coastal habitats along the Gulf.

Reaching Land After doubling its weight, from about 3.25 grams to over 6 grams, a hummer may weigh only 2.5 grams when it reaches land. Finding abundant food and water sources is essential in the coastal habitats along the Gulf.

Hummers reach the coast in late February or early March. Males depart the Yucatan first, followed about 10 days later by the first females. The migration is spread over a three-month period, which prevents a catastrophic weather event from wiping out the population. Are spring habitats ready when the hummers arrive?

Arriving First Hummers reach the coast in late February or early March. Males depart the Yucatan first, followed about 10 days later by the first females. The migration is spread over a three-month period, which prevents a catastrophic weather event from wiping out the population. Are spring habitats ready when the hummers arrive?

Look at wind maps to predict which days hummers will cross the Gulf of Mexico, and then watch the Journey North map to see when and where sightings are reported from the Gulf States. Once in North America, migration proceeds at an average rate of about 20 miles per day. Hummingbirds generally follow the earliest blooming of flowers they prefer.

When Will Your Hummers Arrive? Look at wind maps to predict which days hummers will cross the Gulf of Mexico, and then watch the Journey North map to see when and where sightings are reported from the Gulf States. Once in North America, migration proceeds at an average rate of about 20 miles per day. Hummingbirds generally follow the earliest blooming of flowers they prefer.

Companion Resources

Driving Question

Where, when, and how do Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate in the spring?

Report Your Sightings


What to Report	Ruby-throated map \| animation \| sightings	Rufous map \| animation \| sightings

Other Species map \| animation \| sightings	Other Observations map \| list	Nectaring map \| list

Next Update March 4, 2016