Ladies Second! (Back to Photos) Why Do Male Hummingbirds Head North Before Females? Male ruby-throated hummingbirds tend to migrate north about a week ahead of the females. Did you guess that it was because they were bigger and stronger? Not true! Females hummingbirds are larger than males. Here is one explanation that most scientists accept: Photo: R. Hays Cummins Male ruby-throat "The most successful males are those who get the best territories," says expert birder Laura Erickson. "Males have the best chance of getting a territory when they arrive first." After all, a good territory means better food sources and a better shot at attracting females. Meanwhile, females need to conserve their energy for bearing and raising young. Says Laura, "By the time the females arrive, more flower nectar and insects are likely to be available to eat." Photo: Russ Thompson Two ruby-throats having a tussle at the feeder. This is often territorial behavior. Journal Questions What do you think are the risks of migrating earlier? What are the advantages of migrating earlier?