Hummingbirds return to the U.S. and Ohio.
Hummingbirds are making their way back to the U.S. from their winter homes in Mexico and Central America. They expect to arrive in Ohio by early April. An interactive map shows their migration and gives updates on how close they are to Ohio.
When do hummingbirds arrive in Ohio?
Hummingbirds begin arriving in Ohio in early April. AccuWeather and other trackers say the southern part of the state usually sees the first arrivals by April 1. In the northern part, they come between April 15 and 30. In 2024, the first sighting in Ohio happened near Portsmouth on April 14. More observations in southern Ohio took place.
Tracking Hummingbird Migration
An interactive map allows bird enthusiasts to track migration progress. We encourage citizens to share their sightings. We then record these on the map, noting the date and location. Observations are also color-coded by species. By early March, hummingbirds start heading north from the Gulf Coast. Some have been spotted in the southwestern U.S. The first sighting of the year was on January 26 in Key West, Florida.
What species of hummingbirds can you see in Ohio?
Ohio is home to one primary species of hummingbird—the ruby-throated hummingbird. Other species are rare, but observers occasionally spot them.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird: The most common species in Ohio during the summer. Males have bright red throats, green backs, and white undersides. Females have green backs with white and brownish sides.
- Rufous Hummingbird: Less common, but some migrate through Ohio in the winter. Males have a reddish-orange throat. In contrast, females are greenish-brown with rusty sides.
- Mexican Violetear: This rare bird comes from Mexico. It can sometimes be spotted as far north as Ohio and Michigan.
- Black-chinned Hummingbird: Spotted only once in Ohio, near Columbus, in 2020.
- Calliope Hummingbird: This bird has been spotted in Ohio a few times. The last sighting was in Columbus in 2017.
- Allen’s Hummingbird: In Ohio, sightings during winter have been rare. There are no records from the last ten years.
- Anna’s Hummingbird is only observed in Ohio during the winter months.
How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden
If you want to attract hummingbirds to your home this spring, follow these tips:
- Provide Food: Hummingbirds feed on nectar from flowers, preferring red and tubular blooms. They also eat small insects.
- Water Sources: These birds enjoy moving water, such as small fountains or waterfalls.
- Shelter and Plants: Planting flowers and shrubs provides food and shelter to hummingbirds.
Best Flowers to Attract Hummingbirds
Tubular flowers that produce ample nectar draw hummingbirds. Some recommended plants include:
- Trumpet vine
- Lupine
- Hollyhocks
- Columbine
- Bee balm
- Salvia
What Do Hummingbirds Eat?
Hummingbirds primarily drink nectar, but they supplement their diet with small insects. These include flies, spiders, and aphids. The insects give them important protein.
How to Make Homemade Hummingbird Nectar
To make hummingbird food at home, mix one part sugar with four parts water and stir until fully dissolved. Store the mixture in the refrigerator. Refill feeders every two days and clean them frequently to prevent mold growth.
When to Put Out Hummingbird Feeders in Ohio
Experts suggest putting up hummingbird feeders by mid-April. Some birds might come even sooner. Keeping an eye on Hummingbirds in ohio migration maps can help determine the best time to prepare your feeder.
Why Do Hummingbirds Hum?
The humming comes from their fast-beating wings. They can beat up to 70 times a second, or over 4,000 times a minute. Their unique wing motion allows them to hover in place, unlike most birds.
Read More: Hummingbird Description Species & Identification
