Do hummingbirds migrate?
While it’s true that birds migrate to different places, the hummingbird nests in the same area throughout the entire year.
Although there are some migratory species of hummingbirds, they make no long-distance treks and do not travel high.
Hummingbirds Migration Habits
The Ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common species of a hummer in North America.
However, they migrate only to the southern tip of the country.
They will not cross over into Central America or Mexico but travel straight down to warmer climes farther south.
A few hummingbirds, especially young birds that are still learning their migration routes, will “overshoot” the correct destination.
However, these birds don’t seem to suffer any ill effects from missing the mark.
Species that migrate include Rufous, Calliope, Anna’s, and Broad-tailed hummingbirds.
Their migration habits are something to look forward to.
Factors in Why Hummingbirds Migrate
However, you should remember that there are other variables to consider besides climate, such as the availability of food sources.
This should not be surprising since these birds rely on energy-rich flower nectar as their primary food source (in addition to small insects, which may or may not be readily available), and the availability of nectar will vary greatly depending on climate.
Even if a species is capable of long-distance migration, it might end up staying in one place due to a lack of food (nectar) and water.
An example of this can be seen with wintering hummingbirds in Bermuda.
In the end, knowing whether or not hummingbirds migrate is a moot point as far as most people are concerned.
There is no need to know if they do. Their owner only needs to know that their bird is currently alive and well.
While many people enjoy watching birds migrating, chances are your bird will not be traveling anywhere special in the near future.
Why would they, when life is so good where they are?
If you do want to track the migration behavior of your favorite hummingbird species, consider setting up a feeder that can be observed through a window or other form of glass, such as Plexiglas.
This way, you can see the birds without disturbing them. You may also be able to recruit friends, family members, or co-workers to help you make visual observations of your favorite hummingbird’s local migration behavior if they are available—makes it more of an entertaining and cherishable memory.
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