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
This map 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:
Are they in your area or coming soon?
The map is updated daily during migration season so bookmark this page to check again.
If you wish to report a sighting, the entry form is here.
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird Migration
This shows estimated arrival dates of Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds based on previous years:
Related: Fall Hummingbird Migration
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]
I don’t think this one is on the map but it’s a good one to watch for if you are in western, high altitude areas.
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: How to Make a Hummingbird Feeder from Mason Jars
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!
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
How to Keep Ants Away
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.
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 ♛
