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	Hummingbird Migration

Learn more about Hummingbird Migration.

The only hummingbird we have in New Hampshire is the Ruby-throated hummingbird, although a rare vagrant species turns up every once in a while. The male ruby-throated has a red throat that will appear black if it is not in the sun. The female has a whitish-gray breast and both have a greenish back. The young will resemble the female during their first year.

Hummingbirds migrate south at summer's end. Most hummingbirds are gone from our area by mid-September, although a few hang on a bit longer. Leave your feeders up until you no longer see any hummingbirds using them.

In the past it was believed that hummingbirds would not begin their fall migration south as long as feeders were still available, but studies have shown this to be incorrect. By leaving your feeders up, you will not be encouraging hummers to stay longer than they should. The gradual changing of the day length tells hummers when to migrate.

When their innate urge tells them to head south, even the presence of insects and blooming flowers will not deter hummingbirds from migrating. In fact, males often begin their migrations in early August, weeks before females and immatures.

By leaving your feeders up a bit longer, you will actually be helping migrants by providing the extra energy they will need for their long southward journey.

To make your own nectar, bring to a boil a mixture of one part sugar to 4-8 parts water and allow to cool. If your feeder has some red on it, it is not necessary to put red dye in the nectar. Do not use honey in your nectar because it can grow a fungus fatal to hummingbirds. Change the nectar and clean the feeder every 3-4 days or more often in the hottest days of summer. Store excess nectar in the refrigerator.