Hummingbirds leaving Ohio as they begin their migration south for winter

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Ohio residents will likely spot their last hummingbirds of the year soon, as the birds stop to refuel at feeders before migrating south for the winter.

In August, hummingbirds typically begin traveling south to their winter homes in Mexico and Central America. The birds continue to depart on their journeys throughout September, with the last hummingbirds leaving the state as late as mid-October, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. 

The migration is triggered by decreased daylight, lower temperatures and dwindling food sources, such as flowers and insects, the American Bird Conservancy stated. 

People can support the tiny birds on their long journeys by maintaining feeders with hummingbird nectar throughout the fall, according to the National Audubon Society. The environmental nonprofit noted leaving out feeders will not deter the birds from migrating south. 

Anyone can create their own hummingbird nectar by adding four parts water to one part table sugar, boiling it and letting it cool. Wildlife experts advise against adding dyes or other additives to the sugar water, and recommend regularly cleaning the feeder to prevent the spread of any diseases. 

A hummingbird’s journey south from the northern United States typically takes around two to three weeks. Research has found that hummingbirds fly at an average speed of 20-30 mph, and can travel up to 500 miles at once during migration, Audubon reported.

During migration, the birds’ wings flap 15 to 80 times a second, and their heart can beat up to 1,260 times a minute, according to Hummingbird Central. To support this high level of energy exertion, the birds will typically gain 25-40% of their body weight before the trek. 

Those who regularly leave out hummingbird feeders may see some visitors from years past as they prepare for their expedition. The species can recall feeder locations years later, thanks to its excellent memory, according to the ABC.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds, which boast blue and green metallic feathers, are the most common hummingbird species in the U.S. and the one almost exclusively seen in Ohio. Male ruby-throated hummingbirds are characterized by their bright red neck feathers, while females have white or gray feathers in the same spot. 

Male hummingbirds are typically the first to begin their journey south each year, since they are not involved in raising their offspring. This gives females and young birds enough time to gain weight beforehand, and a staggered departure also ensures less competition for resources, according to the bird feeder company Perky Pet. 

Rufous hummingbirds, identifiable by their orange feathers, are rare in Ohio but have occasionally been spotted in late fall and winter, per the ODNR. 

After Ohio’s hummingbirds travel south for the winter, residents can expect to see the birds again when they return to the state in the spring, likely in mid-April or May.