Hummingbirds will soon be returning to Illinois from as far as southern Texas and Central America.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds, in particular, will be arriving in mid-April.
Here’s a few things to know about the migration.
Types of hummingbirds in Illinois
The ruby-throated hummingbird is a common migrant and summer resident statewide, according to a webpage from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
The bird winters from southern Texas to Central America. Spring migrants begin arriving in Illinois in mid-April.
Illinoisans can find the bird living in woodlands, wood edges, weedy areas and gardens.
The IDNR describes the ruby-throated hummingbird as “very aggressive” as it fights its own species for space and attacks other birds that enter its territory.
How to attract hummingbirds
If you’d like to see a hummingbird in your own backyard, here are a few tips, according to the National Audubon Society.
Hummingbird feeders can also attract hummingbirds with their nectar.
Springfield event
Looking for more information, close to home?
The Springfield Audubon Society is hosting a free event about migration timing, habitats, and feeding tips on April 16.
Illinois research
Reached by The State Journal-Register, Benjamin Van Doren, who is an assistant professor at the University of Illinois in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, said the odd weather being experienced will likely affect migration patterns and cause birds to arrive sooner or later, depending where they are coming from.
Millions of birds in general are passing over places like Springfield every night this time of year, with many of them stopping in Springfield and bringing new songs and colors to local parks.
Van Doren is currently working on two research projects in Illinois. One in Chicago utilizes microphones on skyscrapers like the Willis Tower and more that listen for vocalizations of birds as they pass through the city to track patterns and make the city safer for bird migration.
Another project, based across sites in central Illinois, is looking at how migratory birds are using small patches of forest amid a largely agricultural landscape. The forested areas are vital for some species to rest, refuel, and continue on their journeys. The project looks at how long birds are staying, if they’re getting enough food, and where the birds are going, using trackers.
Tom Ackerman covers breaking news and trending news along with general news for the Springfield State Journal-Register. He can be reached at tackerman@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Hummingbirds to return to Illinois. Here’s when you might see one
Reporting by Tom Ackerman, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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