Spring is here and Hummingbird migration in Canada has started. Now this is about late April and mid May when they start to arrive. The most common species are the Ruby-throated hummingbird. They reach in Eastern Canada by early May.
So feeders should be placed around now, but by beginning of May at the latest. It is good to have a bit of understanding about Hummingbird Migration and what it actually is.
I looked into this, mainly cause I knew there was more to it than just placing a feeder in my yard. I wanted to make sure I understood them and how to care for the feeders properly also.
Why Hummingbird Migration Matters
- They travel thousands of kilometers
- Some cross the Gulf of Mexico in one flight
- They rely on consistant food sources along the way
Helping Hummingbirds During Migration in Canada
- Be sure to keep feeders filled during peak travel times
- Proper nectar recipe-1 part sugar to 4 parts water
- Don’t remove them too early in the Fall
- Plant some good nectar-rich flowers-Cardinal Flowers, Salvia, Bee Balm, and Trumpet Honeysuckle
- Frequent cleaning-clean feeders every 3-4 days (prevent mold-using a hot water and vinegar solution)
- Multiple feeder locations-prevent territorial males from driving others away
- Have perches for the to rest
Understanding Hummingbird Migration Needs
- High Energy Needs-Hummingbirds need to gain about 25-40% of their body weight to complete their long journeys.
- Migration Timing-Hummingbirds are guided by day length. Even if you leave your feeders out it will not stop them from leaving.
- Stopover sites-Your garden is a critical “stopover” spot. They can rest and refuel, especially during the fall migration.
Description
Found this description on Hww.ca
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris is the most common and widely distributed of the hummingbirds in Canada. From the tip of its bill to the tip of its tail it measures from 7.5 cm to slightly more than 9 cm. No larger than a good-sized insect, it is often confused with hawk moths, especially at dusk, as these moths are similar in size, form, and flight.
The male Ruby-throated Hummingbird is shiny metallic green above, greyish white below, and has a forked tail. He wears a splendid gorget, or throat patch, of silky, ruby red feathers, which sometimes appear orange, or even jet black, depending on the light. The female is similar but has a greyish-white throat patch. Her tail is rounded, and some of the outer tail feathers are marked with white spots. These she often displays when posturing and in flight. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s bill is long, straight, and almost as slender as a darning needle.
Hummingbird Feeders Good to Have
- Yes, they are good to have in your yard. Beneficial, as long as you care for the hummingbird feeders-cleaning and filling hummingbird feeders every few days.
- You have to be dedicated to the care of your feeders. If not, don’t place them in your garden/yard. Cause they will get sick if the nectar has gone bad.
- When Hummingbirds show up it is fun to watch
Fun facts About Hummingbirds
- capable of flying backwards and hovering
- their wings can beat up to 80 times per second
- They also weigh less than a nickel
- Some species migrate 4,000 miles
- Unique tongue structure that can pump nectar at high speeds
- Use spider silk to build their tiny, camoflaged nests
- Males are territorial, often attacking other hummingbirds or larger birds.
- Neck feathers are called gorgets-vibrant throat colors. Not pigments, but rather reflect color once light hits them.
More Great Facts about Hummingbirds
These are the only birds that can fly backwards, upside-down and hover in place-Wow.
Fast speed; fly over 30 mph, and courtship dives exceeding 45 mph
Heart rate; Hummingbird heart beat up to 1,260 times per minute.
Tiny Size; Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the World, weighing less that a nickel or a penny.
Weak Feet; Did you know that they cannot walk with their feet, only perch. I thought this was pretty neat. But could you imagine, seeing a hummingbird walking around? Too funny.
Migration and Lifespan
Solo Travelers: they travel thousands of miles during migration, and they do it alone. So they are unlike other birds that travel together.
Long Distance Travelers: Did you know the Rufous Hummingbird has one of the longest migrations-travels about 4,000 miles from Mexico to Alaska. That sure is a long way to travel.
Lifespan: They average lifespan is about 3-5 years, but some also can live up to 10 years. Not that you would even know how old one is actually. They zoom by so fast and you can barely get close enough.
This is something that is so interesting and all it is is about Hummingbird Migration. Started with the change in the season- spring. How I do love to hear the hummingbirds fly around and now i love seeing them too. Watching them from my office window and seeing them visit my feeders under the deck.
So adorable and tiny little birds that bring so much joy in my life. They can also do that for you.
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