Ruby Throated Hummingbird Migration Path

By the start of september ruby throated hummingbird migration is well underway and we ve been seeing them regularly at the gulf coast bird observatory.

Ruby throated hummingbird migration path.

Ruby throated hummingbird spring migration. Ruby throated hummingbirds across pennsylvania and regions north of pennsylvania. 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. What happens when migrating ruby throated hummingbirds reach the gulf of mexico.

Hummingbird migration routes vary from species to species. Most rubythroats fly nonstop 500 miles or more across the water to mexico and other central american countries. The map below shows the approximate spring migration arrival dates for ruby throated hummingbirds in north america. 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.

First arrivals in the spring usually males are back in texas and louisiana in late february to mid march. The short answer probably is migration. In more northern states first arrivals are not until april or may. Each year ruby throated hummingbirds along with a few other hummingbird species take part in a long journey known as migration.

The 2020 migration is over for most species and we have ended our mapping project for the year. A male ruby throated hummingbird drinks nectar from a bee balm flower. For most people ruby throated hummingbirds are going to be what many people considered to be just a generic hummingbird. Ruby throated hummingbirds have reached their northernmost migration points.

Over land or water. These hummingbirds have a very strict routine often returning to the same area each and every year. The most famous migration is the ruby throated because this remarkable bird travels from central america and mexico crosses the gulf of mexico none stop and continues as far north as eastern canada. Ruby throated hummingbirds breed in north america during the summer months but prefer to spend their winters in much warmer climates.

Some rubythroats fly over land following the coastline to reach their wintering grounds. Ruby throated hummingbird migration route. It s time to get those feeders out.