Iowa Hummingbird Migration is Underway

The ruby-throated hummingbird is one of Iowa’s favorite bird species.   Although hummingbirds nest throughout our state, they are never more abundant than during fall migration when visitors from as far away as northern Minnesota and Ontario, Canada will pass through Iowa.   Although hummingbird numbers usually peak during the second and third weeks of September, the migration will continue at a reduced level until withering frosts finally push the last stragglers out of the state.   Most hummingbirds will migrate as far as Central America.   Some will travel even farther.

Finding adequate food supplies is a challenging task.   During fall migration, hummingbirds may consume up to half their weight in flower nectar [liquid sugar] each day — a feat that may require visiting more than 2,000 flowering plants.   Backyard wildlife enthusiasts can aid in the hummingbird’s relentless search for energy by maintaining backyard feeders.   Feeders allow birds to save time and conserve energy by providing migrants with unlimited quantities of high-octane fuel in one spot.   For traveling ruby-throats, sugar feeders are worth their weight in gold.

Hummingbirds are the world’s smallest feathered migrants.   The ability of these tiny travelers to make it all the way to the wintering grounds is beyond amazing.   The most grueling phase of the annual migration begins on America’s southern coastline.   Guided by starry constellations and powered by wings churning at upwards of 50 beats per second, hummingbirds leave the Texas mainland and head directly across the Gulf.   Exhausting stored fuel reserves and pushing physical endurance to the limit; the birds will cross the entire watery expanse in a single nonstop 500-mile, nighttime flight.   For a bird only weighing about as much as a single penny and with a wingspan of just four inches, the hummingbird’s flight is a migration marvel.