So Why Do Hummingbirds Migrate?

It is believed that the first hummingbird species developed during the ice age. They have always been considered tropical birds, and the majority of them are still today, however, when the layers of ice withdrew from North America the hummingbirds saw an opportunity to discover a new land.

When the tropic region became overcrowded with hummers, making food and shelter supplies slim, these little explorers decided to journey north to take advantage of the abundant preserves of insects and flowering plant life. Because these types of preserves can not survive in cold temperatures, the hummingbirds must travel back to Central America during winter months in order to live.

The mass of Ruby-throated hummingbirds spend their winters between southern Mexico and northern Panama. Because hummers are solitary birds, individual birds migrate anywhere within this range.

Amazingly enough a few hummers have been known to lag behind and there have been various species reported along the east coast during winter. It is believed this is due in part to global warming. Because of these reports some folks have chosen to leave their hummingbird feeders out straight through to January!

So, keep your eye out – you might be surprised by what bird you see outside your window this season.