Hummingbird Migration

The long journey of the hummingbird is one that never seems to lose its amazement. For such a tiny bird to travel so many miles is both intriguing and mind-boggling! With some species migrating as much as 3,000 miles north and south, the hummingbird migration is an event that many bird watchers celebrate.

The longest documented migration was 3,500 miles. The same Rufous hummingbird has been found as far north as Anchorage, Alaska and as far south as Southern Mexico! Hummingbirds don’t follow the same path when they migrate. For example, on the western side of the US, a hummingbird may migrate south through the Rocky Mountains, but choose to travel north through California when returning for the summer. Their decided path is dependent on the availability of food when traveling, such as the wild flowers in the Rockies and feeders throughout California.

Hummingbirds prepare for migration by converting extra nectar into fat to survive their long migrations. Some species add up to 30% of their body weight in fat reserves, while others can add 100%! For those who fly the 600-mile journey over the Gulf of Mexico this is especially helpful.

Hummingbirds will travel until they are able to find a quality food source. Once found, they will replenish their fat reserves for several days and then continue on their journey.

Many birders believe that hummingbird migration is directly connected to whether or not they keep their feeders out. Contrary to this belief however, hummingbirds have an internal clock that triggers their migration. The journey begins when the number of daylight hours shrinks to a certain point that triggers the bird’s brain to begin traveling.

To learn more about the incredible hummingbird migration check out Perky Pet’s latest podcast full of facts on this amazing event. Visit youtube.com/perkypet to see this great video as well as other educational pieces on our favorite feathered friends.