Where Are the Hummingbirds? Locations, Migration, and How to Find Them

Hummingbirds are primarily found in the Americas, ranging from southern Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, with the highest concentration in tropical Central and South America. If you're wondering where are the humming birds right now, their location depends heavily on species, season, and migration patterns. For example, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds typically reside in eastern North America during spring and summer before migrating to Central America for winter, while Anna’s Hummingbirds can be seen year-round along the Pacific Coast.

Understanding Hummingbird Habitats and Geographic Range

Hummingbirds belong to the family Trochilidae and are unique to the Western Hemisphere. There are over 360 species of hummingbirds, most of which inhabit regions with warm climates and abundant flowering plants. The greatest diversity is found in countries like Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia, where cloud forests and highland valleys provide ideal conditions. However, around 14 species regularly breed in the United States and Canada, especially in the western and southeastern states.

The geographic distribution of hummingbirds is closely tied to food availability—primarily nectar from tubular flowers—and suitable nesting environments. They thrive in a variety of ecosystems including deserts, mountain meadows, rainforests, and suburban gardens. Some species have adapted well to human-altered landscapes, frequently visiting backyard feeders filled with sugar water that mimics natural nectar.

Seasonal Migration: When and Where to Find Hummingbirds

One of the most fascinating aspects of hummingbird behavior is migration. Many species travel thousands of miles annually between breeding and wintering grounds. The Rufous Hummingbird holds the record for the longest migration relative to body size, traveling up to 3,900 miles from breeding grounds in Alaska and northwestern Canada to wintering areas in Mexico.

Migration timing varies by species and region:

• Ruby-throated Hummingbirds begin arriving in the southeastern U.S. as early as February, reaching northern states like Michigan and New York by May.
• They typically start their return journey southward in late August through October.
• Black-chinned Hummingbirds appear in Texas and the Southwest in March and remain through fall.
• Calliope Hummingbirds migrate from the Pacific Northwest to Mexico between July and September.

If you're asking where are the humming birds in April, chances are they’re moving northward into the southern U.S. By June, many species are well established across their summer ranges. In contrast, where are the humming birds in December? Most North American species will be in Mexico or Central America, though some, like Anna’s Hummingbird, stay along milder coastal regions of California, Oregon, and even British Columbia.

How Climate and Environment Influence Hummingbird Locations

Climate change is affecting hummingbird migration and residency patterns. Warmer winters have allowed certain species to expand their range northward or remain in areas previously too cold for survival. Studies show Anna’s Hummingbirds are now regularly spotted in parts of Washington and southern British Columbia during winter months—a trend linked to urbanization, supplemental feeding, and rising temperatures.

Flowering plant phenology (the timing of bloom cycles) also plays a crucial role. Hummingbirds rely on synchrony between their arrival and peak flower production. Disruptions due to droughts, unseasonable frosts, or habitat loss can impact food availability and reproductive success. Gardeners planting native, nectar-rich flowers such as bee balm (Monarda), columbine (Aquilegia), and trumpet vine (Trumpet creeper) help support local populations.

Best Regions in North America to See Hummingbirds

Certain areas in the U.S. and Canada are renowned for hummingbird sightings, especially during migration seasons:

• Arizona: Home to 15+ species, including rare visitors like Lucifer and Violet-crowned Hummingbirds. Southeastern Arizona, particularly around Tucson and Sierra Vista, is a top destination during late summer “monsoon season” when irruptive species appear.
• California: Supports Anna’s, Allen’s, Costa’s, and Broad-tailed Hummingbirds. Coastal cities like San Diego and Los Angeles offer year-round viewing opportunities.
• Texas: A major migratory corridor. The Hill Country and Big Bend region attract Ruby-throated, Black-chinned, and increasingly, Buff-bellied Hummingbirds.
• Colorado and New Mexico: High-altitude meadows host Broad-tailed and Rufous Hummingbirds in summer.
• Eastern Seaboard: From Florida to Maine, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds dominate, with peak activity from May to September.

In Canada, British Columbia sees increasing numbers of Anna’s Hummingbirds, while southern Ontario occasionally receives stray western species during fall migration.

Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard: Practical Tips

If you want to know where are the humming birds near me, consider making your yard more inviting. Here are proven strategies:

1. Install Nectar Feeders: Use clean feeders filled with a simple solution of one part white sugar to four parts boiled water. Avoid red dye or honey, which can harm birds.
2. Plant Native Flowers: Choose red or orange tubular blooms such as salvia, penstemon, and fuchsia. These attract hummingbirds naturally.
3. Provide Shelter: Trees and shrubs offer protection from predators and harsh weather. Hummingbirds often perch between feeding bouts.
4. Maintain Cleanliness: Change nectar every 3–5 days (more often in hot weather) to prevent mold and fermentation.
5. Avoid Pesticides: These reduce insect populations—hummingbirds eat small insects and spiders for protein.

Timing matters: Set up feeders just before expected arrival dates based on your region. For instance, in Georgia, put out feeders by mid-March; in Minnesota, wait until early May.

Common Misconceptions About Hummingbird Presence

Several myths persist about where hummingbirds go and when they arrive:

• Myth: Hummingbirds migrate on the backs of geese. False. They fly solo, navigating using environmental cues and innate instincts.
• Myth: Leaving feeders up delays migration. No evidence supports this. Migration is triggered by daylight length and internal rhythms, not food availability.
• Myth: All hummingbirds leave in winter. Not true. As mentioned, Anna’s Hummingbirds are resident along the West Coast, and increasing numbers overwinter in unexpected places due to climate shifts and reliable food sources.

Another misconception is that hummingbirds are only active during midday. In reality, they feed heavily at dawn and dusk, conserving energy during the hottest hours.

Tracking Real-Time Hummingbird Movements

To find out where are the humming birds today, several citizen science tools provide real-time data:

• Hummingbirds.net Migration Map: Tracks first sightings reported by observers across North America.
• Journey North: Offers interactive maps showing weekly updates on Ruby-throated and other species’ movements.
• eBird: A Cornell Lab of Ornithology project allowing users to explore recent checklists and hotspot reports.

These platforms help researchers and enthusiasts alike understand shifting patterns and identify emerging trends, such as earlier spring arrivals or expanded winter ranges.

Regional Differences in Hummingbird Behavior and Timing

Location significantly affects what species you’ll see and when:

Region	Common Species	Arrival Time	Departure Time	Year-Round?
Southeastern U.S.	Ruby-throated	February–March	September–October	No
Southwestern U.S.	Black-chinned, Rufous, Anna’s	March–April	July–November	Anna’s: Yes
West Coast	Anna’s, Allen’s	Year-round presence	N/A	Anna’s: Yes
Rocky Mountains	Broad-tailed, Rufous	May–June	August–September	No
Canada (BC)	Anna’s	Year-round	N/A	Yes

Urban areas with heated patios or microclimates may support overwintering individuals even outside typical zones. Always verify local observations via community boards or birding groups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the humming birds in summer?

Most North American hummingbirds are in their northern breeding ranges during summer—from Canada’s southern provinces down through the U.S., depending on species.

Where are the humming birds in winter?

The majority are in Mexico and Central America. However, Anna’s Hummingbirds remain along the Pacific Coast, including parts of Oregon and British Columbia.

Do hummingbirds come back to the same place every year?

Yes, many exhibit strong site fidelity, returning to the same gardens, feeders, and territories annually, sometimes within days of the previous year’s arrival.

Why haven’t I seen any hummingbirds this year?

Possible reasons include changes in local flora, predator presence, delayed migration due to weather, or competition. Check regional sighting maps to determine if broader patterns explain the absence.

Can I keep hummingbirds in my yard all year?

In mild climates (e.g., California, Gulf Coast), yes—if you live within the range of non-migratory species like Anna’s. Elsewhere, feeders won’t prevent migration but can support stragglers in fall.