Last Updated on October 31, 2021 by Guillermina
Are you getting ready for hummingbirds migration in Illinois? Do you know the exact period of hummingbird season in Illinois? Let’s get right into this.
One magnificent migration that takes place amongst our wildlife during spring in Illinois is the hummingbird’s migration. This is what every birders look forward to and they always make preparations for these hovering flying jewels.
Amongst the 300 species known all over the world, about 27 species are found generally in the United States. Then in Illinois, there are about 6 hummingbird species that have been found here. Ruby-throated species are the most common hummingbirds found in Illinois.
Hummingbird species are generally classified as native or resident, seasonal, and rare in each state. So, let’s dive in and get to know the migration of hummingbirds in Illinois.
Hummingbird Season In Illinois
If you are a hummingbird enthusiast that resides in Illinois, it’s really helpful knowing how these birds migrate in your region. This will help you in preparing and planning for their arrival so you can put things in places such as preparing feeders and others.
Generally, hummingbirds’ seasons begin as spring approaches. But the exact period when these lustrous birds arrive or leave each state differs.
When it comes to determining the specific period hummingbirds arrive in Illinois or in any other region, it takes some good research to know their precise migration. However, have in mind that we can only give you an estimate of when these lovely birds may come your way.
We can determine hummingbirds’ migration or season in Illinois by comparing the previous dates when these birds were first sighted in many areas in Illinois. You can also help know their migration pattern by marking or noting the first hummingbirds you sight in your area and comparing the next arrival in the next season.
So, let’s look at when hummingbird arrives or leave Illinois.
When Do Hummingbirds Return To Illinois?
The estimated period hummingbirds arrive in Illinois is around May. However, you may witness some early hummingbirds’ arrival as early as late April in your area.
Therefore, if you plan on putting out your feeders in Illinois in preparation for these charming birds, we encourage you to put them out starting from April.
Ideally, it’s best you put out feeders even before the estimated time hummingbirds may arrive in your zone. This way, you can catch or attract the early arriving birds.
The most common species of hummingbirds are the Ruby-throated and these are the ones that tend to arrive first. The male hummingbirds usually arrive first. They are followed by the female hummingbirds and the juvenile hummers.
When Do Hummingbirds Leave Illinois?
Once the cold season or winter approaches, hummingbirds tend to migrate or leave for their wintering ground. Their wintering grounds are usually in Mexico and Central America.
So, in Illinois, hummingbirds make their migration around September or October. However, some rare species can pass by or visit accidentally slightly beyond September or October. Therefore, we encourage you to leave your feeders up a little late around this period.
You can however take down your feeders once you’ve stopped noticing any hummingbird’s visit two or three weeks after.
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Hummingbirds Found In Illinois And Their Migration
You can basically find about 5 to 6 species of hummingbirds in Illinois. As we mentioned, hummingbird species can generally be classified into residential or native, seasonal, and rare or vagrant species.
In Illinois, there aren’t any species classified as a residence. The species found are seasonal and rare or vagrant species. Below are the species of hummingbird found in Illinois:
- Ruby-throated hummingbird (Seasonal species)
- Rufous hummingbird (Seasonal species)
- Allen’s hummingbird (Rare or accidental species)
- Anna’s hummingbird (Rare or accidental species)
- Broad-billed hummingbird (Rare or accidental species)
- Mexican violetears (Rare or accidental species)
Here is more information about the species of hummingbirds found in Illinois:
1. Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The Ruby-throated of hummingbirds is seasonal to Illinois. They are mostly seen in Illinois around summer. They generally begin to arrive in spring from April. But they tend to arrive more mostly in May. Males will arrive first followed by the female and juvenile hummers.
Around fall, they tend to depart or migrate between September and October. However, a few Ruby-throated can hang around as late as December before they journey to their wintering ground.
2. Rufous Hummingbird
The Rufous hummingbird species aren’t so common in Illinois. But they are referred to as seasonal hummingbird species to Illinois. A couple of these species can wander this far North during winter. So, this is one good reason to leave your feeders up even around winter.
The Rufous hummingbird species are often sighted in Chicago.
3. Allen’s Hummingbird
Allen’s hummingbirds are rare or accidental to Illinois. They have only been seen a couple of times in Illinois. However, in the last ten years, there haven’t been any recordings of Allen’s hummingbird in Illinois.
4. Anna’s Hummingbird
Another accidental or rare species to Illinois is the Anna’s hummingbird. There have only been a few records of Anna’s hummingbird in the state in winter near Chicago.
5. Broad-billed Hummingbird
Broad-billed hummingbirds are accidental or rare species of the hummingbird to Illinois. There have only been a few records of Broad-billed hummingbirds here in the state near Chicago, Peoria, and Springfield.
6. Mexican Violetears
Mexican violetears are rare or accidental to Illinois. A couple of non-breeding Mexican violetears hummingbirds may fly into the United State more often to Texas. However, there have been some sightings as far north as Michigan and Illinois and this is usually very rare.
Recordings of Mexican violetears have been 10 years ago. So they are very rare.
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Hummingbird In Illinois Migration: Conclusion
Basically, there are about 5 or 6 species of hummingbirds known to Illinois. The Ruby-throated hummingbird is one of the most commonly sighted species.
The migration of hummingbirds in Illinois is usually around spring and it ranges from May up until September. However, some hummingbird species can arrive as early as April. They can also depart Illinois as late as October or even December.
Eunice is a passionate lover of hummingbirds and all things nature. She loves to observe and study the tiny birds, learning about their unique behaviors and unique features. She has written a number of articles about hummingbirds and their habitats, which have been featured in a variety of publications. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting hummingbird sanctuaries and going on bird–watching trips in her local area. She also volunteers with local wildlife rescue organizations, helping to rehabilitate injured birds. When she’s not outdoors, Eunice can be found writing articles, creating bird–inspired art, and playing the flute.