Hummingbirds are a beloved backyard bird for many people in Washington State. Their tiny size, vibrant colors, and amazing flying abilities make them a joy to watch. A common question among Washington residents is whether hummingbirds stick around in the winter or migrate elsewhere.
Quick Answer
Most hummingbird species do not stay year round in Washington. The vast majority migrate south to warmer climates for the winter. However, one hummingbird species called the Anna’s Hummingbird is a year round resident in western Washington.
Which Hummingbirds Live in Washington?
There are four main species of hummingbirds that live in Washington during the warmer months:
- Rufous Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Anna’s Hummingbird
Of these four species, only the Anna’s Hummingbird stays year round. The other three species migrate south in the fall and winter.
Why Do Some Hummingbirds Migrate?
Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and need to eat frequently to maintain their energy. They consume nectar, tree sap, and small insects as their main food sources. During the colder months in Washington, fewer flowers are in bloom and fewer insects are active. This makes it very difficult for hummingbirds to find enough food. As a result, most hummingbird species migrate south where warmer climates provide more plentiful food supplies year round.
Migration is an epic journey for such a tiny bird. The Rufous Hummingbird migrates between Washington and Mexico – a 3,000 mile round trip journey! Heading south in the fall, they fly over the Rocky Mountains and Gulf of Mexico. In the spring they return to Washington, flying north along the Pacific Coast.
Why Anna’s Hummingbirds Stay in Washington
Anna’s Hummingbirds are specially adapted to endure colder temperatures that would cause other hummingbirds to perish. Here are some key reasons they are able to stay year round:
- They are larger than other hummingbirds, with more fat reserves to burn in cold weather.
- They can reduce their metabolism up to 50% during cold nights to conserve energy.
- They have good insulation in their plumage to retain body heat.
- They feed on plant sap and tree syrup, food sources available even in winter.
Their ability to survive cold temperatures means Anna’s Hummingbirds are the only hummingbird species found year round in Washington’s Puget Sound region west of the Cascade Mountains. East of the mountains, it is usually too cold even for Anna’s Hummingbirds to overwinter.
When Do Other Hummingbirds Leave Washington?
Here is when the migrating hummingbird species typically leave Washington in the fall as they journey south:
Species | Migration Period |
---|---|
Rufous Hummingbird | Mid July to Late September |
Calliope Hummingbird | Mid July to Mid September |
Black-chinned Hummingbird | September |
As you can see, Rufous Hummingbirds begin migrating south in mid-summer. Calliope Hummingbirds follow shortly after. Black-chinned Hummingbirds leave last in September as the weather cools.
Pay attention in mid to late summer and you’ll notice the hummingbird visitors at your feeder start to decline. By October, only the Anna’s Hummingbirds will remain in western Washington.
When Do Hummingbirds Return to Washington?
Here is when the migrating hummingbird species return to Washington in the spring after spending the winter down south:
Species | Return Period |
---|---|
Rufous Hummingbird | Early to Mid April |
Calliope Hummingbird | Mid April to Early May |
Black-chinned Hummingbird | Mid May |
The return schedule matches the order they departed. Rufous Hummingbirds are the earliest spring arrivals. Calliope Hummingbirds follow soon after. Black-chinned Hummingbirds arrive last in mid-May.
So if you start spotting hummingbirds in your yard as early as late March or early April, chances are its a hardy Anna’s Hummingbird that stayed the winter. Other species don’t return until April or May.
What Should I Do to Support Hummingbirds?
Here are some tips to help hummingbirds during their time in Washington:
- Put out feeders with sugar water (1 part sugar to 4 parts water) to supplement their diet.
- Plant native flowers and shrubs that provide nectar, like fuchsias, lilies, and columbine.
- Avoid pesticides that reduce insect populations the birds rely on.
- Provide berry plants like huckleberries and flowering currants for late summer/fall food.
- Consider leaving a feeder up year round to help overwintering Anna’s.
Conclusion
Most hummingbird species migrate out of Washington every winter due to limited food availability. However, Anna’s Hummingbirds are specially adapted to tough it out year round in western Washington’s mild climate. By providing feeders, flowers, and native plants, we can support hummingbirds that grace our state with their beauty and lively activity.