Spring is migration time for hummingbirds travelling from their winter homes to breeding habitats in the United States and Canada. Use this map to know when to expect them in your area.
And, if you want to test your smarts, try our Hummingbird Quiz and see how much you know about these tiny birds.
Hummingbird Migration Map
Where Are the Hummingbirds Now?
This map (below) is updated as hummingbirds are sighted during the spring migration in the United States and Canada.
Click on the map (+) to zoom in on your area. Allow time for the map to load.
Next, click on any bird near your area and a pop up will list the date it was sighted.
Are they in your area or coming soon? Did you know they fly solo (not in flocks)? Amazing birds!
The map is updated daily during migration season so bookmark this page to watch their progress.
When they appear to be a week or two away, put your feeders out. The recommended feeder and sugar water recipe are listed below.
If you wish to report a sighting, the entry form is here. The map is managed by hummingbirdcentral.com.
More About Hummingbirds
Hummingbird Species
There are a few species in Canada and the United States:
- Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) | Eastern United States, South and Central Canada [wikipedia]
- Black Chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)| Southwest United States [ wikipedia]
- Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) | Western coast of United States and Canada [wikipedia]
- Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus)| Northwest United States and Northwest Canada [wikipedia]
- Calliope Hummingbird (Stellula calliope) is found in western United States and Canada * [wikipedia]
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Migration
This shows estimated arrival dates of Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds based on previous years:
Need a feeder? This is my top pick on Amazon. Keep reading for tips for keeping hummingbirds happy in your garden and how to make sugar water.
Related: Fall Hummingbird Migration
Best Hummingbird Feeding Tips
What Hummingbirds Need
- Natural habitat for nesting | Bushes, trees, shrubs.
- Insects | This is the main staple of their diet.
- Nectar plants | See 50 Flowering Plants for Hummingbirds.
- NO sprays, no pesticides, no herbicides, etc. | Do not poison their habitat or food sources or you are poisoning them.
Recommended Hummingbird Feeder
Hummingbirds may arrive in your area before they are marked on the map, so get ready about a week before arrival seems imminent and have your feeders ready.
There’s no perfect feeder but this is the best I have found.
TIP: Buy several feeders to you always have one available while the rest are being washed.
Feeder Features to Look For
- A perch for the hummingbirds so they can rest while they eat.
- If bottle-style feeder, look for a glass bottle which lasts much longer than plastic.
- Easy-to-clean all parts. A small bottle brush will help!
Related: How to Make a Hummingbird Feeder from Mason Jars
How to Make Sugar Water
This formula is recommended because it is closest to the sugar ratio in natural nectar sources.
- Tiny Batch: 1/8 cup sugar: 1/2 cup water
- Small Batch: 1/4 cup sugar: 1 cup water
- Medium Batch: 1/2 cup sugar: 2 cups water
- Large Batch: 1 cup sugar: 4 cups water
Click here for Sugar Water Instructions
How to Keep Ants Away
Ants can be a big problem on hummingbird feeders because they spoil the sugar water and the hummingbirds will stop drinking it.
But there is a simple solution. Ant moat to the rescue!
A simple ant moat will keep ants from the feeder. You can buy one or use these hummingbird feeder ant moat instructions to make one.
How do they work?
To get to your feeder, the ants have to travel along the pole or shepherd’s hook the feeder is suspended from. Normally they would climb right down into the feeder to get the sugar water. To prevent this, a moat (a cup filled with plain water) is suspended from the hook and the feeder is suspended from the bottom of the moat. The ants will still climb the pole but they stop at the moat, unwilling to cross the water to continue their journey. If they could speak you would hear: Go back, guys! We can’t do this!
Keep Your Feeders Clean
The most important tip for feeding hummingbirds and other wild birds is to keep your feeders clean.
Sugar water goes moldy quickly in hot weather. To protect the birds, only put the feeders out in moderate heat and wash your feeders daily.
If you can’t keep up with regular washing, it’s better not to feed the birds. They can find nectar without us.
Happy hummingbird season!
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
