Fall is nearly here in Michigan and hummingbirds are already making their trek southward for winter.
A digital map from Hummingbird Central offers a chance to track hummingbird sightings across Michigan and North America, with fall migration season showing the birds on their way to Mexico and Central America for the winter.
Bird watchers across the Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula continue to report hummingbird sightings statewide as of mid-September, the map shows, but some of the descriptions call them “stragglers,” suggesting many are long gone.
If you missed hummingbirds this season, don’t worry, they’ll be back come spring.
Here’s what to know about hummingbird migration.
When is fall hummingbird migration season?
Hummingbirds typically migrate south in the fall from August to October in North America, EarthSky says. Hummingbird Central says male hummingbirds begin migrating south in mid-July, followed by females and later young hummingbirds.
Fall hummingbird migration is prompted by changing daylight, cooler weather and fewer flowers, nectar and insects during the season, along with the birds’ internal biological calendar, Hummingbird Central explains.
How fast do hummingbirds fly during migration?
A hummingbird’s heart beats up to 1,260 times a minute and its wings flap 15 to 80 times per second as they migrate south, Hummingbird Central says.
Hummingbirds prepare for this by gaining 25 to 40% of their body weight in the leadup to migration season, per Hummingbird Central.
Keep an eye on hummingbird activity in Michigan, US
This digital map from Hummingbird Central offers a look at hummingbird sightings nationwide, including in Michigan.
Where do hummingbirds migrate in fall?
During fall migration, hummingbirds fly south to destinations in Mexico and Central America, Hummingbird Central says.
What do hummingbirds look like?
Hummingbirds are tiny birds with long bills and small wings, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute said. Hummingbirds have various colored feathers, with male birds typically featuring brighter colors.
A common species in Michigan is the ruby-throated hummingbird, which features bright, green back, a red throat and white chest.
When will hummingbirds be back?
Hummingbirds will arrive in Michigan in late spring 2026, based on typical migration patterns, and BirdWatching recommends putting out your hummingbird feeders by early April.
How can you prepare for spring hummingbird return?
Come spring, if you want to attract hummingbirds to your yard or garden, consider setting up a hummingbird feeder.
You’ll need to set up your feeder in an ideal spot for hummingbird comfort and safety, keep it stocked with hummingbird nectar and clean the feeder regularly for best use, per experts.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Have hummingbirds left Michigan for winter? When the tiny birds migrate south
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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