When Do Hummingbirds Leave Kentucky? [End of August and into September]
Most Hummingbirds in Kentucky will generally leave at the end of August and into September, with some lingering into October. Those that stay may do so until the cold winter weather kicks in, which is typically around mid-November.
Four Points about Hummingbirds and Kentucky:
Hummingbirds are small, migratory birds that visit Kentucky every year in the spring, usually arriving in mid-April or early May.
They feed on nectar from native plants, nectar from feeders, and insects. Hummingbirds typically leave around the end of August and into September, with some lingering into October until the cold weather arrives in mid-November.
DID YOU KNOW
Hummingbirds typically weigh only two to six grams and travel up to 300 miles per day while migrating.
Overview of Hummingbirds in Kentucky
Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating and beloved birds found in the US. In Kentucky, there are several species of hummingbirds that call the state home. This article will provide an overview of these species and their habitats, migration patterns, and other interesting facts.
Hummingbirds Found in Kentucky
The most common hummingbird species found in Kentucky are ruby-throated hummingbirds, black-chinned hummingbirds, and rufous hummingbirds. The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most common in the state and can be seen during the summer months. It is a small, 12 cm bird with a bright red throat and white underparts. The black-chinned hummingbird is slightly larger than the ruby-throated and has a black chin, throat, and face. It is also seen in Kentucky during the summer months. The rufous hummingbird is the rarest of the three and is a migratory species that breeds in the western United States and winters in Central America.
Habitat
Hummingbirds are found in a variety of habitats in Kentucky, including deciduous and coniferous forests, meadows, gardens, and wetlands. They can also be found in urban areas, where they feed on the nectar of flowers and small insects.
Migration Patterns
The ruby-throated hummingbird and black-chinned hummingbird are migratory species, while the rufous hummingbird is not. The ruby-throated and black-chinned hummingbirds migrate to the southeastern United States in the winter months, while the rufous hummingbirds migrate to Central America.
Interesting Facts
Hummingbirds are well known for their unique ability to hover mid-air and fly backward. They can beat their wings up to 80 times a second, allowing them to achieve speeds of up to 34 miles per hour. Hummingbirds also have an impressive memory, allowing them to remember the location of food sources and return to them year after year. Finally, hummingbirds have been known to live up to 10 years in the wild, though some have been recorded living up to 12 years.
When Do Hummingbirds Leave Kentucky?
Hummingbirds typically leave Kentucky in late August or early September as they begin their southward migration.
Hummingbirds spend the summer months in Kentucky, arriving in mid-April and departing by the end of August.
Hummingbirds fly south to spend winter in Central or South America, often traveling thousands of miles. This annual migration is essential to their survival.
Along the way, they stop and rest in various locations to feed and build up strength for the next leg of their journey.
For example, a ruby-throated hummingbird may leave Kentucky in late August and migrate to Mexico, where it will rest until October before continuing its journey further south. After crossing the Gulf of Mexico, it will reach its final destination in Central or South America.
Where Do Hummingbirds Go After Leaving Kentucky?
Hummingbirds are migratory birds, meaning they travel to different regions throughout the year based on seasonal changes. In Kentucky, hummingbirds typically arrive in April and stay until October.
During this time, they can be seen flitting around gardens and yards, sipping on nectar from flowers, and feeding on small insects.
Once the temperatures start to drop in October, the hummingbirds leave Kentucky and begin their migration south.
Their primary migration routes are along the Gulf Coast and east-west through the southern states.
They will travel through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, finally ending up in Central and South America for the winter.
Once spring arrives, the hummingbirds will begin their journey back to Kentucky, retracing their steps along the same migration route. They arrive in April and begin to enjoy the warmer temperatures and ample food sources.
In this way, hummingbirds are able to survive the cold winter months and enjoy the warmer climates in the south.
Each year, they take this incredible journey between Kentucky and Central and South America, making for a truly amazing cycle of life.
What Are the Different Species of Hummingbirds Found in Kentucky?
The most common species of hummingbirds found in Kentucky are the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird, Black-chinned Hummingbird, and Broad-tailed Hummingbird.
Additionally, there have been sightings of the Calliope Hummingbird, Allen’s Hummingbird, and the White-eared Hummingbird.
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only species of hummingbird that is regularly found in Kentucky. It can be identified by its glossy green upperparts, white underparts, and red throat.
It typically resides in the eastern United States and is the only species of hummingbird found east of the Mississippi River.
The Rufous Hummingbird is a species of hummingbird identified by its orange rufous color. It migrates to Kentucky during the summer months and can be found throughout the state.
The Black-chinned Hummingbird is identified by its black chin and throat and its bright green back. It is a summer resident in Kentucky and can be found in the western and southwestern parts of the state.
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is a species of hummingbird identified by its short black bill and green body with a reddish-pink throat. It can be found in the western and southwestern parts of Kentucky during migration.
The Calliope Hummingbird is the smallest species of hummingbird and is identified by its green body with a white throat.
It is a rare visitor to Kentucky and can be found in the eastern and western parts of the state. The Allen’s Hummingbird is identified by its deep green back and orange-red
What Do Hummingbirds Eat in Kentucky?
Hummingbirds are small birds found all across Kentucky. They feed mainly on the nectar found in flowers and small insects.
In Kentucky, hummingbirds feed on nectar from a variety of species of flowers, including columbine, cardinal flower, bee balm, and honeysuckle.
In addition to nectar, hummingbirds eat small insects for extra protein and energy. Common insects eaten by hummingbirds in Kentucky include spiders, mosquitoes, aphids, flies, and moths.
Hummingbirds also eat sap from trees and sugary residue from fruits and berries. Hummingbirds need to feed constantly throughout the day in order to maintain their energy levels, so it is important to make sure there are plenty of food sources available.
To attract hummingbirds to your yard, you can plant flowers that produce a lot of nectar, such as columbine, bee balm, and honeysuckle.
You can also hang hummingbird feeders filled with sugar water. This will provide an easy food source for the birds to feed on.
Are There Any Tips for Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard?
Attracting hummingbirds to your yard can be a fun and rewarding experience. With the right food, plants, and other elements, hummingbirds can be drawn into your yard and create a beautiful, natural spectacle. Here are some tips to help you attract hummingbirds to your yard:
Provide hummingbird food:
Hummingbirds are attracted to sweet nectar, so adding a hummingbird feeder filled with nectar to your yard is a great way to draw them in. Be sure to change out the nectar every few days to keep it fresh.
Plant the right flowers:
Planting flowers that provide nectar for hummingbirds is another great way to attract them to your yard. Some popular nectar-producing flowers for hummingbirds include salvia, columbine, petunia, and foxglove.
Position the feeder correctly:
Placing hummingbird feeders in an area that is both easily visible and provides shelter is important. Feeders should also be placed near plants that hummingbirds enjoy so they will have an easier time finding the feeder.
Choose the right feeder: Hummingbird feeders come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s important to choose one that is the right size for your yard and the number of birds you want to attract.
By using these tips, you can create a hummingbird-friendly environment and draw these beautiful birds to your yard.
Are There Any Ways To Help Hummingbirds During Migration?
There are several ways to help hummingbirds during migration. These include providing them with a safe and clean habitat, offering them nectar-rich plants, setting up a safe water source, and erecting hummingbird feeders.
Provide a safe and clean habitat:
Hummingbirds are attracted to yards and gardens that have plenty of nectar-rich plants and trees. To provide a safe migration route, eliminate any potential threats such as predators, diseases, and pesticides.
Offer nectar-rich plants:
Planting a variety of flowers and shrubs that provide nectar will attract and sustain hummingbirds during their migration. Native plants are best since they are adapted to the local climate.
Set up a safe water source:
Since hummingbirds need to rehydrate during migration, setting up a water source such as a shallow birdbath and a clean birdbath will provide a safe option for them to do so.
Erect hummingbird feeders:
During their migration, hummingbirds need to refuel and replenish their energy. Setting up hummingbird feeders filled with a sugar water mixture can provide an additional energy source for hummingbirds.
By providing hummingbirds with these resources, you will be able to help them during their migration.
FAQ
When do hummingbirds usually leave Kentucky?
The usual migration time for hummingbirds in Kentucky is October to April, although many may remain further north through mid-May.
How will I know when the hummingbirds have left Kentucky?
The most reliable way to tell when the hummingbirds have left Kentucky is to monitor the food sources and nesting sites. If there is no activity in these areas, then it is likely that the hummingbirds have already migrated.
What are the signs that the hummingbirds are getting ready to leave Kentucky?
Signs that the hummingbirds are getting ready to leave Kentucky include gathering in larger flocks, becoming more vocal with their chirping, and taking longer, more frequent flights.
Do the hummingbirds usually come back to Kentucky?
Generally, yes. Hummingbirds will usually return to Kentucky in the spring.
What is the best way to attract hummingbirds to my yard in Kentucky?
The best way to attract hummingbirds to your yard in Kentucky is to provide a good food source with nutritious nectar and a safe place to build a nest.
Additionally, providing feeders with brightly colored perches can also help attract hummingbirds.
Conclusion
Most hummingbirds are in Kentucky from early spring until late fall and can be spotted from mid-April to mid-November.
Though it is difficult to predict when these tiny birds will leave, typically they migrate at the end of August and into September. Those that linger may stay until the cold weather sets in around mid-November.