Hummingbird Migration
Studying hummingbird migration involves observing many different types of hummingbirds. Not all the species of the bird migrate to the same areas or even have the same flying zones—which are the paths the migration takes.
Why is there Hummingbird Migration?
Despite many reports and observations, there is no set reason for hummingbird migration. Like many migratory animals, some believe that each year's declining flower and insect populace drive hummingbirds to migrate or—at the very least—the hummingbirds are drawn towards more populated areas of flowers or insects. Biological enthusiasts feel that something internal changes the hummingbirds to feel the need to migrate to another location.
What Species Fly Where?
The Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds travel along the East Coast of the United States to and from Central America. Large portions of this species fly over the Gulf of Mexico to get to their destinations. Popular stopping spots occur along the Appalachian Mountains. The distance to fly over the Gulf of Mexico to get to their summer spots is about 450 miles and sometimes, as reported by fishermen, into horrendous 20-25 mile per hour headwinds.
The Calliope Hummingbirds love British Columbia and begin their trek in March, arriving sometime in May. They stay there until August, when they begin the journey back to their winter homes.
Springtime in and around Arizona brings the Broad-Tailed Hummingbird. These same birds also live in the Northwestern states beginning in May. As the cold starts to set in, they will b4egin to migrate South in September.
The Black-Chinned Hummingbirds love to travel to and from British Columbia and the Southern United States and Mexico. March through May brings the springtime home while the winter home will be in Mexico, around November time.
Having the long fly-zone of all the hummingbirds, the Rufous Hummingbirds spend springtime in British Columbia and Alaska and then make the long trek to southern California, the Gulf Coast, Florida and various locations in Mexico. There is no one spot the Rofous Hummingbirds stay; these hummingbirds will find home in various spots along the fly-zone.
The Costa's Hummingbirds living in the Southwestern United States during the winter and move back up into Canada when springtime hits in that location. The Costa's have one of the short flying routes.
The Allen's Hummingbirds make their homes along the Southern West Coast during the winter months and then move further up the Western Coast into Oregon when it's time to migrate. The Allen's also have one of the shorter fly-zones.
Fun Facts about Migration
Before hummingbirds begin their migration, they gorge on food from flowers and feed on insects, gaining about 30% of their body weight. If you have a hummingbird feeder in your yard and notice a number of hummingbirds eating from it, it's possible they are beginning their migration.
Hummingbirds migrate alone. Some reasons for this involve safety and feeding. Since hummingbirds are tiny, their predatory enemies have a harder time seeing them, especially since they are moving so fast. If they bunched up, the birds would be easier to see and make easier prey. Hummingbirds have to feed frequently, even when they are migrating, and it's easier for one hummingbird to feed on a flower than it is 50 hummingbirds trying to eat from the same flower.
Hummingbirds typically fly low to the ground in order to find nectar and other food as they fly along.
For any of the species of hummingbird, an average migration will occur from about one to four weeks. They can fly about 25 miles per day and very rarely stay in one location for more than 14 days.
Males reached their new home first. It is believed this is so that they can secure the territory for the females.