We were in Phoenix a week ago, spending time at the world-renowned Desert Botanical Garden. The desert plants were in bloom, giving an entirely different feeling to what is usually an austere sight. While we strolled the paths, hummingbirds soared the skies above us, occasionally swooping down to stop and have a sip of nectar from a wildflower and then zooming away. Even though I logically knew I was much further south In Phoenix than at home and that the timing of seasons is slightly different, seeing so many hummingbirds in late March surprised me.
I have been writing about hummingbirds for years. As I look back though, I realized that my articles (reasonably so, I think) focused on creating gardens that attract these wily little creatures rather than on the birds themselves. Through my reading and research, I had learned the basics but hadn’t really wondered about their lives outside of the time spent in my own garden. Turns out that there is a lot more worth learning about these tiny critters.
First of all, I didn’t realize how lucky we are, here in the central portion of the United States to even have hummingbirds. World-wide, there are over 350 species of hummingbirds (International Ornithologists Union), all of whom are located in the Western Hemisphere. Almost half of those are found within a range 10 degrees north and south of the equator, which is nowhere near most of us. Fewer than two dozen species ever even venture into the United States. The Eastern half of the country is typically the summer home to a single species,
the Ruby-throated hummer, while the western half of the U.S. welcomes 14 regular visitors and 11 additional species that tend to pop in and out of the area for the breeding season.
Like so many other insect, animal and bird species today, the hummingbird population is rapidly declining. At least 28 species of hummingbirds are considered threatened, with 7 species listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation. Here in the United States, hummingbird bird numbers are plummeting. Although the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is still the most populous hummer in the country, its numbers drastically declined from over 34 million birds spotted in 2021 to around 7 million in recent years. Other species common in the western regions of our country show similar drops in numbers. Climate change, poisoning from toxic chemicals, invasive species and disease from unsanitary feeders all contribute to their loss. Their greatest threat however is habitat loss both here in their breeding grounds and south in their overwintering homes. The map below (Thanks to the group Journey North. Please consider joining at www.journeynorth.org" ) highlights the habitat challenge the overwintering Ruby-throated birds face.
Elizabeth Howard
Surprisingly, at least to me, migration patterns of hummingbirds have not been well documented. Few birds have been banded, which means that much of the information available is based on observation and conjecture. All but one species of our hummingbirds, 
Anna’a Hummingbird, travel southward for the winter months. Each species seems to have its own migratory pattern and birds travel singly rather than in groups. Records from banded birds suggest that individual birds follow the same route year after year and even show up at the same feeder on about the same day.
Northward migration for Ruby-throated hummers can begin as early as January. Early departees reach the northern coast of the Yucatan peninsula by late February, where they spend time feasting on insects and spiders in order to build up their fat reserve. They typically double their weight in preparation for an 18- 22 hour, nighttime nonstop flight of over 500 miles crossing the Gulf. Males depart first, followed by females about 10 days later.
For many animal or insect species, large groups of animals begin migrating at about the same time. Hummingbirds act differently. Northward migration for hummingbirds takes place over a two to three-month period. Scientists think that the large window is an evolutionary trait to protect the species from being wiped out in a major hurricane or other calamitous weather event as they travel northward.
Once the birds hit North America, they travel about 20 miles a day during daylight hours. The daylight allows them to easily locate and visit flowers they prefer. In order to rest and recharge, hummers look for areas with abundant food, water and safe shelter. Banding information shows that the birds eventually return every year to the area in which they hatched.
I have to admit that I have never considered hummingbirds to be a critical part of the environment. I have mostly enjoyed watching their frantic antics at my feeders. Again, I had much to learn.
Hummingbirds are important pollinators. Like most others, they pick up grains of pollen on their beaks, heads and feathers, then they transport pollen grains from flower to flower. What is significant however, is their rate of pollination; on average, a hummingbird visits a flower 42 times per hour. Research data from the Ecological Society of America shows that butterflies, for example, may have only 29- 30 visits per hour. Hummingbirds then actually distribute more pollen than other, more well-known pollinators.
On average, hummingbirds eat between 7,000 - 9,000 insects per day, with up to 80% of those insects being spiders. In addition to spiders, they also dine on gnats, flies, mosquitoes, aphids and small beetles, clearing the garden of many pests.
Well-designed beds are likely to attract and keep more birds. While hummingbird gardens share similarities with other pollinator gardens, there are a few elements that set them apart. One unique feature of a hummingbird garden is the inclusion of a vertical element such as a trellis, a tree or even the side of an existing structure (think garden shed). Growing vining plants with trumpet shaped flowers like Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans) or
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) gives the birds easy access to nectar while they hover. Because they are reliable sources of high energy nectar, choose a majority of native plants for the garden; most experts recommend that at least 70% of the garden should be native. Nativars very often are bred for looks and are not nectar rich.
Red, tubular flowers are usually a hummer’s first choice, but orange and pink blooms are attractive to them too. Avoid flowers with strong fragrances in a hummingbird garden because their nectar does not supply the nutrients that hummingbirds need. .jpg)
Large patches of the same flower – at least three plants, though 5 is even better – helps to supply enough nectar in a small, energy saving area. Select varieties that will bloom throughout the entire season, ensuring that even late migrating birds will find adequate food as they travel. Finally, include some fuzzy plants like cinnamon fern, pussy willows or even dandelions since hummers use them to line their nests.
Adding hummingbird feeders either in the garden itself or nearby is another important element. possible, place the feeders in shady spots to reduce the likelihood of disease. It’s critical to keep feeders clean throughout the season. Dirty feeders can become incubators for bacteria and mold, leading to painful deaths for adult birds or infections passed on to babies. 
Replacing the nectar and washing the feeders every three or four days during the heat of the summer is ideal. Red feeders are attractive, but not necessary. (The expensive red colored hummingbird food many retailers sell is also not necessary; make your own nectar from 1 part granulated sugar to four parts water. No red food coloring please!)
Easy, safe access to water is another essential garden element. Besides quenching their thirst, hummingbirds need a place to bath. Garden misters and small waterfalls are great places for the birds to sit, rest and preen for a few minutes before taking off to feed again.
Finally, hummingbirds need appropriate places to sit, court one another and nest. Some type of perch should be available within 10 to 15 feet of the garden proper. Large native trees like oaks and maples are great options, but
smaller trees like Eastern Redbuds is a known bird favorite. If you opt to add manufactured perches, look for one with small seats. Remember that hummingbirds have very small feet.
The latest migration map I checked showed that hummingbirds are almost here in Mid-Missouri, so I expect my birds to be arriving soon. Perhaps this afternoon I’ll get some nectar ready and hang it out in case he’s a bit early this year. I wouldn’t want to disappoint him!
If you want to check the map yourself and see how close the birds are to you, here’s a link I use:
https://www.hummingbird-guide.com/hummingbird-migration-map-2025.html
